Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n according_a heart_n word_n 1,814 5 3.8480 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A20752 The Christian warfare wherein is first generally shewed the malice, power and politike stratagems of the spirituall ennemies of our saluation, Sathan and his assistants the world and the flesh, with the meanes also whereby the Christian may vvithstand and defeate them : and afterwards more speciallie their particvlar temptatiions, against the seuerall causes and meanes of our saluation, whereby on the one side they allure vs to security and presumption, and on the other side, draw vs to doubting and desperation, are expressed and answered : written especially for their sakes who are exercised in the spirituall conflict of temptations, and are afflicted in conscience in the sight and sense of their sinnes / by I. Dovvname ... Downame, John, d. 1652. 1604 (1604) STC 7133; ESTC S1536 575,484 731

There are 34 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

matth._n 6._o our_o prayer_n be_v odious_a and_o pharisaical_a matth._n 6._o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n but_o if_o with_o the_o pharisee_n we_o give_v thanks_n rather_o to_o boast_v of_o our_o gift_n then_o to_o show_v true_a thankfulness_n to_o the_o giver_n 18._o luk._n 18._o we_o shall_v not_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n give_v of_o alm_n be_v a_o work_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n wherewith_o he_o be_v well_o please_v 13.16_o heb._n 13.16_o heb._n 13.16_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o give_v in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n but_o in_o hypocrisy_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n it_o shall_v have_v the_o hypocrite_n reward_n matth._n 6._o in_o a_o word_n 6._o matth._n 6._o this_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v it_o be_v not_o regard_v for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 24._o joh._n 4_o 24._o and_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n joh._n 4.24_o according_a to_o that_o josh_n 24.14_o fear_v the_o lord_n 24.14_o josh_n 24.14_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o uprightness_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o if_o we_o perform_v our_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o perform_v in_o great_a weakness_n and_o mingle_v with_o many_o imperfection_n otherwise_o though_o we_o offer_v thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o whole_a river_n of_o oil_n that_o be_v omit_v no_o outward_a cost_n and_o labour_n in_o god_n worship_n 6.7.8_o mich._n 6.7.8_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v abominable_a in_o his_o eye_n mich._n 6.7.8_o let_v we_o therefore_o with_o our_o saviour_n pray_v unto_o god_n 17.17_o joh._n 17.17_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v with_o his_o truth_n that_o not_o only_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v ground_v on_o god_n truth_n but_o that_o woe_n may_v do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o gospel_n of_o peace_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o armour_n be_v the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o good_a conscience_n true_a sanctification_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o also_o we_o be_v to_o put_v on_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o grand_a captain_n christ_n esa_n 59.17_o he_o put_v on_o righteousness_n as_o a_o habergeon_n 59.17_o esa_n 59.17_o and_o a_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n upon_o his_o head_n righteousness_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o then_o shall_v not_o satan_n dart_n pierce_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o godly_a and_o innocent_a life_n yea_o as_o long_a as_o our_o breast_n and_o heart_n be_v arm_v with_o righteousness_n though_o our_o other_o member_n fall_v into_o sin_n our_o wound_n shall_v not_o be_v mortal_a for_o as_o the_o breastplate_n do_v defend_v the_o breast_n and_o vital_a part_n of_o a_o soldier_n so_o the_o study_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a sanctification_n do_v so_o arm_v his_o mind_n that_o satan_n can_v deadly_o wound_v the_o heart_n with_o any_o of_o his_o temptation_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o saint_n do_v receive_v wound_n and_o foil_n when_o as_o satan_n have_v draw_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n but_o they_o be_v not_o wound_v at_o the_o heart_n because_o they_o do_v not_o sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n for_o they_o allow_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v neither_o do_v they_o what_o they_o will_v but_o what_o they_o hate_v and_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o inner_a man_n 7.15.22_o rom._n 7.15.22_o when_o the_o flesh_n lead_v they_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v he_o do_v not_o transgress_v god_n law_n 6.8_o rom._n 7.17_o 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_z vers_n 6.8_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o he_o rom._n 7.17_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n sin_v not_o and_o that_o whosoever_o sin_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n vers_fw-la 6.8_o not_o that_o god_n child_n be_v exempt_v from_o all_o sin_n but_o because_o they_o sin_v not_o with_o the_o full_a consent_n and_o swinge_v of_o their_o will_n and_o when_o they_o do_v fall_v their_o heart_n be_v defend_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v with_o a_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o desire_n of_o serve_v god_n david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n may_v be_v a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o for_o even_o after_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v this_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n he_o notwithstanding_o fall_v grievous_o many_o time_n and_o be_v wound_v often_o with_o satan_n dart_n but_o his_o wound_n be_v not_o mortal_a neither_o do_v they_o pierce_v the_o heart_n because_o he_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o keep_v god_n law_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o his_o mouth_n 119._o psal_n 119._o he_o meditate_a therein_o and_o seek_v after_o it_o continual_o as_o appear_v psal_n 119._o will_v we_o therefore_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o deadly_a wound_n of_o satan_n dart_n of_o temptation_n then_o let_v we_o study_v and_o labour_n after_o true_a holiness_n let_v we_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o howsoever_o we_o fall_v often_o through_o infirmity_n yet_o let_v the_o heart_n always_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o so_o shall_v satan_n never_o mortal_o wound_v us._n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n pernicious_a that_o the_o lack_n of_o this_o armour_n be_v most_o pernicious_a if_o we_o once_o lie_v aside_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n not_o so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o embrace_v sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n we_o shall_v lay_v our_o breast_n open_a and_o naked_a to_o all_o satan_n thrust_n yea_o and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v sword_n in_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o may_v wound_v and_o murder_v we_o for_o until_o we_o disarm_v ourselves_o and_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n by_o our_o sin_n he_o can_v hurt_v we_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o righteousness_n and_o integrity_n satan_n can_v not_o offer_v they_o any_o violence_n by_o assault_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o he_o allure_v they_o to_o entertain_v a_o treacherous_a parley_n wherein_o have_v entice_v they_o to_o disarm_v themselves_o of_o this_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n by_o wilful_a transgress_a god_n commandment_n he_o inflict_v on_o they_o deadly_a wound_n pierce_v they_o through_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o so_o like_o joab_n while_o he_o seem_v love_o to_o embrace_v they_o he_o do_v most_o treacherous_o stab_v they_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v we_o repel_v most_o careful_o all_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o entice_v we_o to_o sin_n but_o especial_o let_v we_o never_o be_v allure_v to_o put_v off_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o then_o though_o satan_n wound_v our_o soul_n with_o sin_n yet_o his_o wound_n will_v not_o be_v mortal_a so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n but_o through_o infirmity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n loathe_v the_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v and_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n for_o though_o we_o fall_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v raise_v we_o up_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n so_o that_o though_o sin_n dwell_v in_o we_o yet_o shall_v it_o never_o reign_v in_o us._n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o three_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a armour_n be_v be_v what_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v that_o we_o have_v our_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n where_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o soldier_n in_o former_a time_n who_o go_v into_o the_o field_n strong_o arm_v their_o leg_n and_o foot_n with_o legge-harnesse_n wargreave_n or_o buskin_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o weather_n the_o pierce_a of_o brier_n thorn_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o may_v hurt_v they_o in_o their_o way_n as_o they_o march_v and_o from_o the_o violence_n also_o of_o their_o enemy_n blow_n when_o they_o be_v encounter_v for_o all_o which_o
respect_n than_o god_n spirit_n who_o whole_o and_o only_o know_v all_o his_o secret_a counsel_n in_o respect_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v most_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o in_o regard_n hereof_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o and_o therefore_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o knowledge_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o can_v deceive_v in_o respect_n of_o faithfulness_n he_o be_v most_o faithful_a and_o just_a in_o all_o his_o way_n psal_n 145.17_o 1._o cor._n 1.9_o especial_o in_o his_o word_n 145.17_o psal_n 145.17_o for_o his_o testimony_n be_v sure_a as_o it_o be_v psal_n 19.7_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v lie_v 19.7_o 1._o cor._n 1.9_o psal_n 19.7_o neither_o will_v he_o conceal_v the_o truth_n for_o any_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o consequent_o whatsoever_o this_o alknowing_a true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v we_o be_v undoubted_o to_o believe_v as_o be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a if_o a_o angel_n send_v from_o heaven_n shall_v assure_v we_o from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v even_o the_o papist_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v thereof_o by_o such_o a_o revelation_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o without_o exception_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n better_a know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n than_o angel_n as_o it_o excel_v they_o in_o truth_n and_o faith_n as_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v more_o firm_a than_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o ear_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v forget_v and_o therefore_o if_o by_o their_o doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o a_o angel_n then_o much_o more_o certain_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v hereof_o by_o the_o ordinary_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o witness_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o sect._n 2_o the_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a god_n that_o god_n spirit_n testify_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o prove_v the_o assumption_n which_o contain_v two_o branch_n first_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o second_o do_v full_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v most_o undoubted_a true_a both_o which_o be_v manifest_a by_o god_n word_n first_o that_o god_n spirit_n give_v this_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a 8.15.16_o rom._n 8.15.16_o it_o be_v evident_a rom._n 8.15.16_o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_v again_o but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 4.6_o gal._n 4.6_o so_o gal._n 4.6_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n which_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n which_o place_n do_v so_o evident_o prove_v this_o point_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o reason_n or_o allegation_n for_o first_o he_o exclude_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o like_o the_o papist_n faith_n cause_v we_o to_o fear_v and_o doubt_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o second_o because_o we_o be_v exceed_o weak_a and_o the_o grace_n in_o we_o shadow_v with_o imperfection_n and_o our_o faith_n mix_v with_o doubt_v because_o we_o be_v save_v as_o yet_o but_o by_o hope_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.24_o and_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5.7_o and_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v continual_o shake_v with_o manifold_a temptation_n therefore_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n adoption_n and_o salvation_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o seal_v and_o further_o to_o confirm_v this_o assurance_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o earnest_n and_o a_o sure_a pledge_n unto_o we_o whereby_o he_o may_v secure_v we_o concern_v the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o us._n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o cor._n 1.22_o 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o ephes_n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o you_o have_v trust_v 1.13_o eph._n 1.13_o after_o that_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n wherein_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n 14._o which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o possession_n purchase_v unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o ephes_n 4.30_o 4.30_o eph._n 4.30_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o not_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o 2._o cor._n 5.5_o 5.5_o 2._o cor._n 5.5_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o word_n do_v minister_v unto_o every_o faithful_a man_n no_o small_a consolation_n if_o they_o be_v right_o weigh_v for_o first_o we_o use_v to_o seal_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v have_v most_o certain_a and_o out_o of_o all_o controversy_n as_o when_o a_o man_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n or_o covenant_n with_o another_o for_o his_o better_a security_n he_o do_v commit_v it_o to_o writing_n and_o lest_o yet_o there_o shall_v any_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n rest_n in_o his_o mind_n he_o do_v confirm_v it_o by_o add_v his_o seal_n to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v to_o the_o write_a covenant_n of_o his_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n adoption_n and_o salvation_n the_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o inward_a seal_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o have_v ratify_v it_o not_o in_o itself_o but_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o so_o all_o cause_n of_o doubt_v be_v take_v away_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o promise_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o we_o not_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o particular_o even_o as_o this_o assurance_n be_v particular_o seal_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n rom._n 4.11_o 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o the_o end_n therefore_o why_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o salvation_n by_o god_n spirit_n be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n full_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o for_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o metaphor_n here_o use_v of_o seal_v as_o may_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ordinary_a custom_n among_o we_o but_o also_o by_o the_o use_n thereof_o in_o former_a time_n so_o when_o ahashuerosh_n will_v have_v letter_n write_v in_o the_o king_n name_n which_o no_o man_n may_v revoke_v he_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v seal_v with_o the_o king_n ring_n 6.27_o hest_n 8.8_o joh._n 6.27_o hest_n 8.8_o and_o joh._n 6.27_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o be_v confirm_v he_o in_o his_o office_n of_o mediation_n by_o give_v evident_a testimony_n and_o manifest_a sign_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o anoint_v matth._n 3._o 17._o and_o 17.5_o and_o joh._n 1.32_o so_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n this_o minister_v unto_o every_o true_a believer_n no_o small_a consolation_n nor_o doubtful_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o we_o know_v that_o a_o earnest_n be_v give_v among_o man_n to_o ratify_v and_o bind_v a_o bargain_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v from_o their_o agreement_n after_o earnest_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v the_o word_n arrhabo_fw-la which_o be_v here_o translate_a earnest_n have_v also_o other_o signification_n which_o minister_v unto_o god_n faithful_a the_o same_o assurance_n and_o the_o like_a true_a comfort_n 38.17.18_o gen._n 38.17.18_o genes_n 38.17.18_o this_o word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o pledge_n or_o pawn_v
reason_n invent_v by_o man_n wit_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n experience_n god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n by_o our_o own_o feel_n and_o experience_n for_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n do_v also_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n sensible_o feel_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o wise_a god_n for_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v which_o before_o be_v blind_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n that_o their_o will_n be_v incline_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n which_o before_o be_v stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a that_o their_o heart_n be_v become_v soft_a and_o tender_a so_o as_o like_v the_o heart_n of_o josias_n it_o melt_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o before_o be_v obdurate_a and_o more_o hard_a than_o the_o adamant_n that_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o sear_v be_v now_o ready_a to_o check_v &_o control_v they_o when_o they_o commit_v any_o sin_n and_o to_o allow_v and_o approve_v all_o good_a action_n that_o their_o affection_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o new_a mould_n so_o that_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n now_o their_o love_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o whereas_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a in_o former_a time_n then_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n nothing_o more_o please_v then_o fin_n and_o the_o delight_n thereof_o now_o contrariwise_o nothing_o be_v more_o loathsome_a than_o sin_n nothing_o more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a than_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o when_o they_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o they_o only_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n preach_v they_o need_v no_o further_a persuasion_n nor_o other_o instructor_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a for_o their_o creation_n and_o generation_n and_o now_o only_o of_o power_n sufficient_a for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n 9_o joh._n 9_o as_o therefore_o the_o blind_a man_n reason_v with_o the_o pharisy_n john_n 9_o not_o with_o any_o far_o fetch_v reason_n but_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n as_o the_o pharisy_n accuse_v he_o but_o some_o great_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o so_o may_v we_o reason_n with_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n or_o man_n use_v this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o own_o experience_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvelous_a thing_n that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n be_v see_v they_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n which_o be_v blind_a from_o my_o birth_n incline_v my_o will_n to_o obedience_n which_o before_o be_v rebellious_a soften_v my_o heart_n and_o sanctify_a and_o quite_o change_v my_o affection_n so_o that_o i_o now_o love_v that_o good_a which_o before_o i_o hate_v and_o hate_v that_o evil_n which_o before_o i_o love_v and_o be_o delight_v with_o those_o holy_a exercise_n which_o heretofore_o do_v most_o displease_v i_o and_o be_o displease_v with_o those_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o filthy_a sin_n which_o in_o time_n past_a do_v most_o delight_v i_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o can_v have_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o inspied_a and_o indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v effectual_a by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v wrought_v in_o i_o such_o strange_a alteration_n chap._n xxii_o satan_n temptation_n suggest_v against_o the_o translation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o answer_v satan_n second_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n translate_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v that_o so_o they_o may_v never_o be_v effectual_o call_v now_o three_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n thereof_o than_o he_o will_v take_v exception_n against_o the_o translation_n suggest_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a language_n by_o man_n inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v unlearned_a the_o scripture_n may_v be_v corrupt_o translate_v alter_v from_o their_o first_o original_n and_o thing_n add_v and_o detract_v at_o the_o translator_n pleasure_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o not_o only_a professor_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o pagan_n infidel_n epicure_n and_o atheist_n who_o be_v even_o the_o very_a limb_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v skilful_a and_o learned_a in_o these_o language_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o translation_n be_v not_o near_o the_o original_n who_o can_v stop_v their_o mouth_n from_o inveigh_v against_o such_o falsehood_n who_o can_v restrain_v they_o from_o declaim_v against_o such_o corruption_n see_v they_o so_o hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o truth_n as_o that_o they_o wish_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n thereof_o and_o with_o extreme_a malice_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o persecute_v and_o murder_v to_o their_o uttermost_a power_n whosoever_o embrace_n and_o profess_v it_o moreover_o we_o know_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o more_o malicious_o malign_a christian_n and_o christianity_n than_o the_o turk_n and_o pagan_n do_v notwithstanding_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o can_v take_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o new_a three_o there_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n come_v many_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o opinion_n have_v but_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v some_o few_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o still_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o some_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n who_o have_v confute_v they_o and_o clear_v the_o text_n how_o therefore_o in_o such_o division_n and_o vehement_a discord_n shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v conceal_v how_o shall_v any_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o any_o principal_a place_n see_v there_o be_v such_o controversy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n about_o every_o letter_n and_o syllable_n last_o this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o martyr_n who_o have_v be_v excellent_o learn_v in_o the_o original_a tongue_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintain_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v they_o translate_v if_o they_o think_v they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v in_o the_o translation_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o translation_n exceed_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o translation_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o translation_n and_o therefore_o some_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o who_o will_v ground_v his_o faith_n upon_o any_o until_o he_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v diverse_a translation_n and_o one_o better_a than_o another_o yet_o even_o that_o which_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o imperfect_a be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o be_v there_o among_o they_o all_o many_o error_n which_o concern_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o come_v near_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v for_o all_o the_o translatour_n have_v labour_v to_o conform_v their_o translation_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o in_o all_o place_n deliver_v the_o proper_a sense_n yet_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o have_v fail_v it_o be_v rather_o in_o circumstance_n than_o in_o
substance_n in_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a truth_n than_o in_o the_o common_a and_o general_a and_o though_o in_o one_o place_n they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_a the_o truth_n as_o they_o shall_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o in_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v want_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o translation_n for_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v even_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o conform_v and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v their_o business_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o cloud_n the_o sun_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o that_o light_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o so_o glorious_o bright_a as_o when_o it_o shine_v in_o his_o full_a clearness_n so_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v see_v they_o shine_v in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o original_a language_n for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o painter_n express_v in_o his_o table_n with_o artificial_a colour_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o any_o man_n live_v can_v express_v that_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o divine_a glory_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o natural_a phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o translation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o glorious_a shine_a sun_n of_o god_n word_n though_o the_o brightness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_a and_o somewhat_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o another_o language_n for_o notwithstanding_o through_o it_o they_o shine_v and_o afford_v we_o such_o light_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o in_o the_o end_n to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n chap._n xxiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o objection_n which_o satan_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o also_o that_o satan_n by_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n seek_v to_o disgrace_v their_o ministry_n also_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v man_n neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v than_o he_o leave_v to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o seek_v by_o discredit_v the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o use_v all_o his_o skill_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o some_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o teach_v unto_o other_o show_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o desire_n of_o their_o neighbour_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o some_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o slander_n of_o all_o and_o a_o notable_a foundation_n whereupon_o he_o may_v build_v a_o most_o pernicious_a temptation_n be_v thou_o so_o foolish_a will_n he_o say_v as_o to_o think_v all_o gospel_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v that_o all_o truth_n come_v from_o their_o mouth_n &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n then_o that_o which_o they_o show_v unto_o thou_o why_o do_v but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o thoushalt_v find_v their_o life_n far_o dissonant_n from_o their_o word_n that_o while_o they_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stricktnes_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n while_o they_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n affect_v honour_n set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o riches_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v as_o voluptuous_a ambitious_a and_o covetous_a as_o any_o other_o and_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sin_n to_o appear_v unto_o thou_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o therefore_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o think_v as_o they_o speak_v or_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o the_o way_n so_o troublesome_a and_o hard_a to_o find_v as_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v thou_o see_v themselves_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o hear_n who_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v this_o truth_n which_o in_o their_o word_n they_o profess_v for_o what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v that_o it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o thou_o see_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v it_o in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v thou_o to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o persuade_v §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o so_o be_v weaken_v and_o hunger-starve_v for_o want_n of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n he_o may_v vanquish_v they_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o hoodwink_v with_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o ignorance_n he_o may_v lead_v they_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o to_o arm_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n first_o therefore_o imperfection_n minister_n subject_n to_o all_o human_a imperfection_n whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v because_o they_o do_v not_o as_o the_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o know_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o other_o man_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n angel_n in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o bring_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o perfection_n but_o as_o they_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n subject_a to_o all_o humane_a frailty_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o defile_v with_o original_a corruption_n so_o be_v they_o as_o prone_a as_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o actual_a transgression_n if_o the_o lord_n restrain_v they_o not_o neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n do_v endue_v man_n with_o sanctification_n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o than_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o study_n labour_n and_o industry_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n free_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o who_o he_o will_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o most_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v also_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n whereas_o our_o own_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o world_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o all_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o licentiousness_n what_o then_o do_v these_o man_n teach_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o for_o faith_n come_v not_o by_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v it_o tie_v to_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v as_o well_o yea_o and_o as_o often_o also_o upon_o the_o simple_a fisherman_n as_o upon_o the_o learned_a pharisee_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v such_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v as_o hard_o heart_a and_o full_a of_o infidelity_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sottish_a in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o infidelity_n move_v we_o to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o question_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o god_n forbid_v nay_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n though_o not_o persuade_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o though_o not_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n
and_o that_o to_o they_o alone_o this_o speech_n be_v direct_v the_o apostle_n plain_o take_v away_o this_o cavil_n for_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n he_o will_v every_o one_o indefinite_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o this_o cup_n 11.28_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o 1._o corinth_n 11.28_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n we_o shall_v find_v most_o clear_a &_o manifest_a place_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o confutation_n of_o all_o sect_n error_n and_o heresy_n but_o what_o if_o this_o mean_n be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o of_o read_v &_o study_v the_o scripture_n either_o because_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o a_o unknown_a language_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n or_o because_o we_o can_v read_v and_o have_v no_o body_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o if_o both_o read_n and_o study_v they_o we_o find_v many_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o diverse_a place_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v diverse_a and_o opposite_a opinion_n and_o religion_n how_o the_o must_v we_o quit_v ourselves_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o doubtfulness_n see_v it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o either_o faction_n i_o answer_v that_o in_o these_o day_n the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o so_o scant_o but_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v they_o that_o labour_n for_o they_o for_o either_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n where_o they_o dwell_v or_o else_o in_o some_o other_o place_n by_o remove_v their_o habitation_n &_o though_o they_o can_v read_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o learn_v to_o those_o who_o will_v use_v pain_n and_o diligence_n or_o at_o least_o to_o get_v the_o help_n of_o other_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o defect_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o these_o mean_n or_o that_o use_v they_o there_o be_v some_o doubt_n remain_v of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v resolve_v be_v we_o therefore_o destitute_a of_o help_n and_o forsake_v of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n no_o sure_o for_o if_o when_o allother_n mean_v fail_v we_o we_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o god_n by_o earnest_n &_o effectual_a prayer_n instant_o crave_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o we_o have_v a_o merciful_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v our_o request_n and_o grant_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v luke_n 11.13_o 11.13_o luke_n 11.13_o and_o that_o thereby_o he_o will_v illuminate_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n inlighten_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o all_o prejudice_n of_o opinion_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o god_n true_a religion_n from_o error_n and_o lie_n sect_n and_o heresy_n 16.13_o john_n 16.13_o for_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v joh._n 16.13_o he_o search_v all_o thing_n 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o receive_v he_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o he_o be_v that_o precious_a eye-salue_n wherewith_o be_v anoint_v we_o see_v 3.18_o revel_v 3.18_o who_o before_o be_v blind_a revel_v 3.18_o and_o if_o once_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o anoint_v we_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v we_o 2.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o for_o this_o anoint_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o joh._n 2.27_o though_o therefore_o we_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o other_o mean_n yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v all_o religion_n because_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a for_o if_o we_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o with_o good_a cornelius_n continual_o implore_v the_o assstance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v it_o and_o he_o will_v undoubted_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n chap._n xxv_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o unfitnesse_n to_o hear_v answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n word_n that_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o hear_v god_n word_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o the_o minister_n to_o discredit_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o hear_v thereof_o but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v he_o will_v leave_v the_o minister_n and_o come_v to_o the_o party_n themselves_o suggest_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o innumerable_a number_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o excellent_a and_o that_o their_o corruption_n be_v so_o great_a their_o understanding_n so_o blind_a their_o memory_n so_o slippery_a their_o will_n so_o perverse_a their_o heart_n and_o affection_n so_o wicked_a and_o profane_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v in_o regard_n of_o this_o their_o unfitness_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n will_v become_v unto_o they_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n to_o their_o more_o deep_a condemnation_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v first_o that_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v we_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o shall_v rather_o serve_v as_o forcible_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o more_o attentive_o and_o diligent_o to_o hear_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o pull_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sin_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a sanctification_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o the_o son_n of_o wrath_n the_o child_n of_o god_n moreover_o though_o we_o want_v faith_n and_o all_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n not_o only_o to_o increase_v grace_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v but_o also_o to_o beget_v and_o begin_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v because_o we_o be_v fit_a but_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a who_o before_o be_v unfit_a neither_o be_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n go_v before_o hear_v but_o follow_v after_o as_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o 10.14.17_o rom._n 10.14.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v rom._n 10.14_o but_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o verse_n 17._o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o then_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n without_o hear_v nor_o no_o grace_n without_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o before_o we_o hear_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n &_o all_o save_a grace_n and_o that_o by_o hear_v they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o god_n prevent_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o call_v we_o unto_o himself_o not_o only_a when_o we_o have_v no_o desert_n to_o merit_v his_o mercy_n but_o also_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o grace_n to_o desire_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 1.9_o that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n 1.9_o 2._o tim._n 1.9_o but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n be_v the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v in_o all_o the_o example_n of_o god_n saint_n who_o before_o their_o call_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v any_o grace_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o rather_o they_o deserve_v confusion_n &_o utter_a destruction_n for_o example_n what_o worthiness_n be_v in_o abraham_n before_o his_o conversion_n who_o live_v in_o gross_a idolatry_n what_o worthiness_n in_o rahab_n the_o harlot_n in_o manasses_n a_o cruel_a tyrant_n a_o wicked_a sorcerer_n a_o horrible_a idolater_n what_o worthiness_n in_o marie_n magdalene_n possess_v by_o
conversion_n in_o singular_a fruit_n thereof_o for_o he_o make_v a_o notable_a confession_n of_o his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n even_o when_o all_o his_o disciple_n for_o fear_n forsake_v he_o he_o justifi_v christ_n when_o all_o man_n condemn_v he_o and_o even_o his_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o he_o he_o pray_v fervent_o unto_o he_o when_o the_o multitude_n mock_v and_o revile_v he_o he_o humble_o confess_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o love_o admonish_v his_o fellow_n of_o his_o wickedness_n desire_v earnest_o that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v fellow_n and_o copartner_n in_o sin_n so_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n in_o pardon_n and_o in_o the_o benefitte_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n whereas_o most_o common_o their_o repentance_n be_v force_v and_o dissemble_v for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n rather_o than_o for_o hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o love_n of_o god_n as_o they_o usual_o make_v it_o manifest_a if_o they_o recover_v of_o their_o sickness_n and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v such_o great_a dissimilitude_n and_o difference_n in_o their_o purpose_n life_n and_o course_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v ever_o be_v like_a in_o their_o conversion_n death_n and_o salvation_n chap._n xxxi_o satan_n tentation_n move_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o a_o counterfeit_a repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o tentation_n whereby_o satan_n labour_v to_o make_v we_o delay_v and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentserious_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o repentserious_o with_o which_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v both_o because_o we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n unto_o salvation_n and_o also_o plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o former_a reason_n that_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a than_o he_o will_v labour_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o repentance_n or_o rather_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o counterfeit_a worke-repentance_n which_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o never_o pierce_v the_o heart_n make_v we_o believe_v that_o if_o when_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n have_v our_o conscience_n convince_v out_o of_o god_n word_n we_o do_v in_o some_o general_a term_n confess_v that_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o desire_v god_n after_o a_o formal_a manner_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v sometime_o strain_v from_o we_o a_o break_a sigh_n and_o be_v content_a to_o leave_v some_o of_o our_o least_o please_a sin_n our_o repentance_n will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o with_o this_o tentation_n satan_n delude_v and_o destroy_v innumerable_a man_n in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o this_o encounter_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n dot●_n not_o belong_v unto_o those_o who_o thus_o slubber_v over_o their_o repentance_n neither_o do_v christ_n jesus_n call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o slight_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o think_v the_o burden_n of_o they_o light_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o such_o as_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a load_v as_o appear_v matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a load_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o in_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n plain_o show_v who_o he_o call_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o what_o measure_n of_o repentance_n he_o require_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v such_o as_o labour_v until_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v such_o as_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o a_o burden_n unsupportable_a and_o therefore_o be_v grievous_o press_v therewith_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o be_v case_n of_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o which_o this_o word_n be_v derive_v proper_o signify_v the_o burden_n of_o a_o ship_n and_o be_v take_v metaphorical_o for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o grievous_a so_o that_o by_o join_v these_o two_o together_o our_o saviour_n evident_o declare_v who_o he_o call_v and_o invit_v unto_o he_o namely_o those_o only_o who_o know_v acknowledge_v and_o feel_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v a_o intolerable_a heavy_a burden_n and_o be_v exceed_o vex_v with_o they_o most_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o release_v of_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n flee_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n find_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v otherwise_o be_v ease_v and_o relieve_v §_o sect._n 2_o if_o than_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o christ_n call_v and_o invit_v unto_o he_o we_o must_v have_v first_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n repent_v what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o true_o repent_v and_o a_o true_a and_o feel_a knowledge_n of_o our_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n in_o which_o we_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o they_o second_o we_o must_v be_v weary_a in_o bear_v this_o heavy_a burden_n as_o be_v most_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a unto_o we_o three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o it_o last_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v ease_v and_o release_v us._n sin_n 1._o knowledge_n and_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n before_o we_o can_v true_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v sorrow_n for_o they_o until_o we_o see_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o we_o see_v and_o know_v that_o we_o be_v grievous_a and_o heinous_a sinner_n unless_o we_o also_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n press_v we_o down_o and_o vex_v and_o grieve_v we_o even_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o wicked_a and_o profane_a man_n may_v see_v their_o sin_n for_o what_o can_v hide_v they_o from_o their_o eye_n be_v so_o innumerable_a in_o multitude_n and_o so_o grievous_a and_o heinous_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o quantity_n and_o quality_n but_o yet_o they_o feel_v not_o their_o weight_n neither_o be_v trouble_v with_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o pastime_n to_o a_o fool_n to_o do_v wicked_o as_o it_o be_v prou._n 10.23_o and_o the_o abominable_a filthy_a sinner_n drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n as_o it_o be_v job._n 15.16_o and_o there_o be_v some_o so_o delight_v with_o ungodliness_n and_o all_o lewd_a prophanesse_n that_o they_o even_o draw_v unto_o they_o iniquity_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o with_o cart-rope_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v esa_n 5.18_o and_o though_o they_o be_v lade_v with_o their_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n yet_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o neither_o be_v they_o any_o thing_n vex_v with_o their_o weight_n and_o though_o the_o iniquity_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o heavy_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v it_o but_o reel_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o be_v remoove_v like_o a_o tent_n as_o it_o be_v esay_n 24.20_o though_o it_o make_v all_o the_o creature_n groan_v and_o travail_v in_o pain_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 8.22_o yea_o though_o it_o even_o weari_v god_n himself_o in_o suffer_v and_o bear_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 43.24_o yet_o do_v they_o walk_v bolt_n upright_o and_o with_o stretch_a out_o neck_n never_o so_o much_o as_o stoop_v under_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o heavy_a that_o it_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o press_v they_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n the_o reason_n here_o of_o be_v because_o they_o be_v whole_o plunge_v yea_o drown_a and_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o those_o who_o be_v dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o some_o deep_a water_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o which_o be_v above_o they_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o water_n they_o will_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o one_o ton_n so_o those_o who_o be_v deep_o plunge_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n but_o if_o once_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n the_o weight_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o will_v press_v they_o down_o unto_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n
overrule_v we_o and_o after_o also_o bear_v some_o sway_n in_o we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v regenerate_v till_o with_o all_o our_o other_o corruption_n we_o lay_v this_o aside_o also_o by_o death_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n who_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o create_v in_o he_o a_o clean_a hart_n &_o to_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o 51.10_o psal_n 51.10_o psal_n 51.10_o in_o which_o word_n he_o impli_v that_o his_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o so_o abominable_a that_o it_o be_v even_o past_o mend_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o purge_v and_o reform_v his_o old_a hart_n 11.19_o ezech._n 11.19_o but_o to_o create_v a_o new_a one_o and_o to_o take_v quite_o away_o his_o stony_a hart_n &_o to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o a_o hart_n of_o flesh_n as_o though_o his_o hart_n be_v like_o a_o building_n exceed_v ruinous_a which_o can_v no_o long_o be_v repair_v unless_o it_o be_v raze_v down_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n and_o all_o new_a build_v up_o again_o so_o whereas_o he_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o renew_v his_o spirit_n in_o he_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o hart_n abba_n father_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o he_o such_o a_o intermission_n &_o surcease_v of_o the_o action_n &_o fruit_n thereof_o that_o it_o seem_v utter_o quench_v and_o depart_v from_o he_o so_o else_o where_o he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o quicken_v he_o according_a to_o his_o love_a kindness_n 119.88_o psal_n 119.88_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o mouth_n whereby_o he_o intimate_v his_o drowsiness_n and_o deadness_n in_o god_n service_n the_o prophet_n esay_n likewise_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n complain_v thus_o esay_n 63.17_o 63.17_o esay_n 63.17_o o_o lord_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v we_o to_o err_v from_o thy_o way_n and_o harden_v our_o hart_n from_o thy_o fear_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o even_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n do_v oftentimes_o see_v and_o feel_v to_o their_o great_a grief_n their_o hardness_n of_o hart_n which_o be_v join_v with_o exceed_a dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n in_o god_n service_n yea_o in_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v incident_a unto_o they_o alone_o for_o while_o man_n be_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a though_o their_o heart_n be_v most_o hard_a and_o obdurate_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v it_o neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n displease_v with_o their_o estate_n but_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v in_o exceed_v good_a case_n and_o very_o devout_a in_o god_n service_n which_o indeed_o as_o they_o perform_v it_o be_v mere_o formal_a customable_a rather_o then_o conscionable_a in_o show_n and_o external_a but_o not_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v pull_v of_o the_o thick_a skin_n of_o carnal_a security_n from_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o seal_n of_o ignorance_n to_o fall_v from_o their_o eye_n then_o and_o not_o before_o do_v they_o plain_o discern_v and_o sensible_o feel_v that_o huge_a mass_n of_o inbred_a corruption_n their_o dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n in_o god_n service_n their_o hardness_n of_o hart_n and_o impaenitencie_n and_o now_o they_o be_v much_o vex_v and_o grieve_v with_o they_o which_o in_o former_a time_n never_o trouble_v they_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o such_o be_v dismay_v nor_o debar_v their_o soul_n of_o that_o consolation_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o their_o corruption_n hardness_n of_o hart_n dulness_n and_o deadness_n in_o god_n service_n but_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v begin_v already_o to_o work_v in_o they_o show_v they_o their_o corruption_n and_o move_v they_o to_o a_o unfeigned_a dislike_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o they_o will_v also_o bring_v it_o in_o his_o good_a time_n to_o perfection_n only_o as_o the_o psalmist_n exhort_v let_v they_o tarry_v the_o lord_n leisure_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o wait_v upon_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v comfort_v their_o heart_n §_o sect._n 2_o now_o this_o sensible_a or_o discern_a hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v also_o of_o two_o sort_n soften_v 2._o sort_n of_o sensible_a hardness_n of_o hart_n the_o first_o join_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v soften_v the_o first_o be_v of_o they_o who_o careful_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n and_o endeavour_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o better_v their_o estate_n which_o they_o see_v to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o to_o mollify_v their_o hard_a heart_n and_o to_o attain_v unto_o hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o who_o so_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o earnest_o to_o desire_v repentance_n and_o careful_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v thereunto_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o our_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o labour_n that_o it_o may_v be_v mollify_v to_o be_v sorry_a that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sorry_a and_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o ourselves_o because_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v displease_v with_o our_o sin_n be_v very_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o see_v but_o a_o little_a progress_n in_o godliness_n and_o but_o a_o small_a increase_n of_o repentance_n which_o we_o desire_v in_o great_a measure_n for_o the_o lord_n esteem_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o the_o affection_n for_o the_o action_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o if_o on_o our_o part_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o our_o godly_a desire_n of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o very_o often_o befall_v the_o dear_a of_o god_n child_n we_o have_v many_o example_n 77.2_o example_n of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n psal_n 77.2_o the_o prophet_n david_n thus_o complain_v psal_n 77.2_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n 3._o i_o do_v think_v upon_o god_n and_o as_o trouble_v i_o pray_v and_o my_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n 4._o thou_o keep_v my_o eye_n wake_v i_o be_v astonish_v and_o can_v not_o speak_v so_o the_o church_n complain_v thus_o cant._n 3.1_o 5.6_o cant_n 3.1_o and_o 5.6_o in_o my_o bed_n i_o seek_v he_o by_o night_n who_o my_o soul_n love_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o find_v he_o not_o and_o chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 6._o i_o open_v to_o my_o well-beloved_a but_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v go_v and_o pass_v my_o heart_n be_v go_v when_o he_o do_v speak_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o can_v not_o find_v he_o i_o call_v he_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o even_o the_o dear_a saint_n of_o god_n be_v often_o time_n destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n and_o void_a of_o all_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o drowsy_a dulness_n of_o spirit_n in_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o god_n child_n do_v grieous_o afflict_v their_o soul_n because_o they_o see_v these_o their_o corruption_n and_o imperfection_n and_o hereby_o often_o time_n be_v move_v to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o all_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n because_o though_o they_o use_v the_o mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v perceive_v any_o fruit_n that_o come_v thereby_o nor_o feel_v in_o their_o soul_n any_o true_a comfort_n or_o joy_n in_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o example_n some_o complain_n that_o though_o they_o continual_o hear_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o feel_v no_o increase_n of_o any_o grace_n no_o more_o knowledge_n no_o more_o faith_n no_o more_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n no_o more_o mortification_n of_o their_o old_a corruption_n
and_o be_v ready_a again_o to_o give_v they_o the_o foil_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o captive_a into_o the_o same_o sin_n if_o the_o lord_n uphold_v they_o not_o so_o that_o inrespect_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o may_v fall_v again_o as_o in_o former_a time_n second_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o remain_v which_o may_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v namely_o that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o humble_v and_o more_o serious_o bewail_v their_o corruption_n that_o they_o may_v more_o earnest_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o he_o more_o manifest_a it_o in_o pardon_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n three_o howsoever_o this_o be_v not_o usual_a with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v diverse_a time_n into_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v great_a and_o grievous_a yet_o every_o one_o find_v in_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o he_o often_o commit_v such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o so_o heinous_a through_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n as_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n negligent_o and_o careless_o to_o be_v distract_v with_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n to_o fall_v into_o unjust_a anger_n to_o lie_v and_o use_v idle_a communication_n and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o notwithstanding_o repent_v he_o be_v receive_v unto_o mercy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o often_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o exclude_v we_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n child_n or_o debar_v we_o of_o pardon_n so_o that_o we_o often_o repent_v lay_v hold_v upon_o christ_n with_o a_o lively_a faith_n neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n limit_v and_o restrain_v god_n mereie_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n merit_n to_o the_o pardon_v and_o take_v away_o of_o diverse_a sin_n once_o commit_v but_o extend_v they_o also_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n commit_v diverse_a time_n yea_o to_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o of_o which_o we_o true_o repent_v chap._n xi_o satan_n temptation_n persuade_v the_o christian_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n draw_v from_o these_o sin_n which_o the_o weak_a christian_n have_v fall_v into_o ghost_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v than_o he_o will_v false_o accuse_v they_o of_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o never_o commit_v and_o especial_o of_o that_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n that_o so_o he_o may_v plunge_v they_o into_o desperation_n and_o utter_o discourage_v they_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n the_o which_o his_o temptation_n be_v so_o usual_a and_o common_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n if_o they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n out_o of_o their_o ignorance_n who_o he_o do_v not_o encounter_v with_o this_o weapon_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o ignorance_n be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o this_o temptation_n therefore_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v ourselves_o against_o it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o this_o sin_n be_v which_o if_o we_o once_o understand_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v foil_v in_o this_o assault_n be_v what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o general_a denial_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v persuade_v and_o convict_v proceed_v from_o a_o obstinate_a will_n and_o purpose_a malice_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o which_o sin_n be_v commit_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n first_o of_o those_o who_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o afterward_o become_v apostate_n not_o from_o some_o part_n only_o but_o from_o all_o religion_n condemn_v blaspheme_a and_o persecute_v as_o heretical_a and_o impious_a that_o truth_n which_o before_o they_o profess_v and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o thus_o do_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n sin_n 1.20_o 1._o tim._n 1.20_o of_o who_o paul_n speak_v 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o of_o those_o who_o be_v never_o professor_n thereof_o martyr_n matth._n 12.24.31_o steven_n gardner_n see_v his_o story_n in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n who_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o be_v convict_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v oppugn_v a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n matth._n 12.24.31_o and_o in_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a papist_n in_o these_o day_n who_o malicious_o deny_v and_o persecute_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o know_v and_o be_v convict_v of_o §_o sect._n 2_o hereby_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o not_o every_o grievous_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sin_n how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o other_o sin_n for_o thus_o david_n offend_v who_o be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n nor_o every_o deny_v of_o the_o know_a truth_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o fear_n and_o infirmity_n and_o not_o from_o malice_n and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n for_o thus_o peter_n sin_v in_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o all_o kind_n of_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v of_o the_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n but_o upon_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o thus_o paul_n offend_v before_o his_o conversion_n 1.13_o 1._o tim._n 1.13_o as_o appear_v 1._o tim._n 1.13_o and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n testify_v 3.17_o act._n 3.17_o act._n 3.17_o nor_o all_o malicious_a oppose_v against_o every_o know_a truth_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a and_o all_o true_a religion_n for_o this_o sin_n be_v a_o universal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o not_o only_o a_o defection_n from_o some_o particular_a point_n thereof_o so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n through_o infirmity_n and_o not_o of_o malice_n though_o he_o deny_v the_o truth_n through_o fear_n and_o weakness_n though_o he_o persecute_v it_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n though_o he_o witting_o oppose_v against_o and_o willing_o persecute_v some_o particular_a point_n thereof_o and_o yet_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o general_a howsoever_o he_o have_v most_o heinous_o offend_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o commit_v this_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o repentance_n nor_o upon_o his_o repentance_n from_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n whereby_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o these_o poor_a christian_n which_o labour_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n be_v mere_o delude_v by_o satan_n false_a suggestion_n and_o gross_o abuse_v through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n when_o as_o he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o let_v such_o know_v to_o their_o comfort_n that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o will_v not_o commit_v this_o sin_n or_o fear_v lest_o they_o have_v already_o fall_v into_o it_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o most_o free_a from_o it_o see_v it_o be_v not_o do_v of_o infirmity_n or_o at_o unaware_o but_o upon_o a_o malicious_a will_n clear_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a resolution_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o poor_a christian_n be_v ready_a to_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v continual_o trouble_v with_o impious_a thought_n suggestion_n of_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a suggestion_n and_o horrible_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o fear_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o see_v these_o thought_n be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o he_o and_o see_v he_o fear_v to_o commit_v this_o sin_n thereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o be_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o as_o appeareth_z by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v second_o he_o be_v to_o know_v that_o his_o state_n be_v common_a with_o god_n faithful_a child_n who_o be_v thus_o vex_v especial_o in_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n and_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v entire_o to_o love_v he_o again_o neither_o need_v this_o to_o seem_v strange_a unto_o any_o who_o consider_v of_o that_o mass_n of_o natural_a corruption_n which_o remain_v in_o we_o even_o after_o regeneration_n which_o continual_o boil_v and_o foam_v up_o the_o filthy_a scumine_fw-la of_o wicked_a thought_n and_o blasphemous_a imagination_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n satan_n who_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o tempt_v we_o by_o his_o suggestion_n to_o the_o
the_o devil_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v all_o they_o which_o for_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n 2.14_o 15._o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a prince_n of_o this_o worldly_a canaan_n 10.24.25_o josh_n 10.24.25_o but_o our_o good_a joshua_n have_v subdue_v he_o and_o have_v leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v who_o be_v his_o soldier_n and_o follower_n but_o to_o tread_v in_o his_o neck_n in_o token_n of_o victory_n but_o we_o alas_o be_v fainthearted_a like_a unto_o jether_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o gedeon_n judg._n 8.20_o 21._o for_o though_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v conquer_v these_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o have_v put_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o spirit_n into_o our_o hand_n wherewith_o we_o may_v also_o vanquish_v they_o yet_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o draw_v the_o sword_n because_o we_o be_v but_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n and_o white_a liver_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o encourage_v ourselves_o not_o only_o by_o look_v on_o the_o victory_n of_o our_o chief_a captain_n but_o also_o on_o the_o conquest_n of_o our_o fellow_n soldier_n who_o be_v weak_a and_o frail_a like_o ourselves_o so_o likewise_o christ_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o will_v we_o to_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n see_v we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n with_o he_o in_o his_o triumph_n if_o we_o will_v join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o fight_n joh._n 16.33_o 16.33_o joh._n 16.33_o and_o though_o our_o flesh_n be_v a_o treacherous_a enemy_n and_o strong_a to_o we_o then_o the_o spirit_n yet_o so_o we_o will_v fight_v against_o the_o lust_n thereof_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o victory_n for_o he_o will_v assist_v we_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therewith_o enable_v we_o more_o and_o more_o to_o mortify_v this_o old_a man_n and_o body_n of_o sin_n well_o may_v we_o take_v a_o foil_n in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v raise_v we_o up_o again_o for_o though_o we_o fall_v yet_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v cast_v off_o because_o the_o lord_n put_v under_o his_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v psal_n 37.24_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o our_o power_n but_o will_v give_v the_o issue_n with_o the_o tentation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 10.13_o and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n though_o therefore_o satan_n encounter_v we_o with_o all_o fury_n let_v we_o not_o be_v fainthearted_a but_o courageous_o endure_v his_o assault_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n the_o victory_n will_v be_v we_o for_o if_o we_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v fly_v from_o we_o jam._n 4.7_o if_o we_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n valiant_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v tread_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n short_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 16.20_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n make_v by_o the_o lord_n gen._n 3.15_o do_v belong_v not_o only_o to_o jesus_n christ_n our_o head_n but_o also_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n §_o sect._n 6_o let_v we_o not_o therefore_o fear_v to_o fight_v against_o beat_a and_o conquer_a enemy_n slothful_o pretend_v our_o weakness_n to_o withstand_v these_o son_n of_o anakim_n for_o as_o one_o say_v nemo_fw-la hic_fw-la non_fw-la vincet_fw-la nisi_fw-la qui_fw-la vincere_fw-la noluit_fw-la christ_n erasm_n in_o enchir_n milit_fw-la christ_n every_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o conqueror_n who_o desire_v the_o conquest_n for_o if_o we_o will_v be_v the_o lord_n soldier_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o much_o disgrace_v as_o to_o let_v we_o be_v overcome_v by_o his_o mortal_a enemy_n he_o have_v arm_v we_o himself_o with_o his_o own_o armour_n and_o send_v we_o out_o to_o fight_v his_o battle_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o vanquish_v be_v fortify_v with_o his_o strength_n for_o so_o shall_v himself_o be_v overcome_v in_o we_o and_o his_o weapon_n will_v be_v esteem_v weak_a and_o insufficient_a yea_o he_o have_v ingraft_v we_o into_o his_o own_o body_n and_o we_o be_v lively_a member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o never_o think_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v we_o for_o what_o head_n can_v with_o patience_n suffer_v his_o sound_a member_n to_o be_v pull_v from_o his_o body_n if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v they_o chap._n four_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n satan_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o reason_n which_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o combat_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n itself_o wherein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o war_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o our_o preparation_n to_o the_o conflict_n and_o the_o conflict_n itself_o in_o our_o preparation_n we_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o state_n quality_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o of_o our_o mean_n how_o we_o may_v withstand_v and_o overcome_v they_o concern_v the_o first_o in_o a_o enemy_n who_o proclaim_v war_n against_o we_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o of_o his_o will_n and_o second_o of_o his_o power_n for_o if_o he_o have_v will_n to_o hurt_v we_o and_o no_o power_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v great_o regard_v if_o power_n and_o no_o malicious_a and_o unreconcilable_a will_n he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o his_o power_n be_v great_a and_o puissant_a and_o his_o will_n malicious_a then_o be_v it_o time_n to_o look_v about_o we_o and_o to_o muster_v all_o our_o force_n that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o endure_v the_o encounter_n first_o therefore_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o our_o grand_a and_o arch_a enemy_n satan_n if_o we_o consider_v thereof_o aright_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v most_o malicious_o bend_v against_o we_o malicious_a satan_n will_n most_o malicious_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o truce_n or_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o though_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o cowardly_a heart_n to_o labour_n and_o sue_v for_o a_o dishonourable_a peace_n with_o god_n and_o our_o enemy_n for_o his_o malice_n be_v not_o new_o conceive_v but_o inveterate_a even_o as_o ancient_a within_o a_o few_o day_n as_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o much_o more_o durable_a for_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n but_o satan_n malice_n to_o mankind_n be_v endless_a because_o the_o cause_n thereof_o namely_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o faithful_a who_o estate_n he_o do_v envy_n and_o malign_v himself_o be_v eternal_o reprobate_v shall_v be_v endless_a and_o eternal_a and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o be_v no_o soon_o place_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n and_o possess_v of_o paradise_n but_o satan_n be_v almost_o burst_v with_o envy_n to_o see_v their_o happy_a estate_n never_o rest_v till_o he_o have_v disgorge_v his_o malice_n and_o dispossess_v they_o of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o enjoy_v neither_o do_v he_o less_o malign_a and_o hate_v those_o who_o be_v fall_v in_o adam_n be_v raise_v up_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o fee_n simple_a of_o everlasting_a glory_n purchase_v by_o christ_n merit_n assure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n know_v satan_n malice_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o that_o whether_o he_o fawn_v or_o frown_v he_o always_o seek_v their_o destruction_n have_v proclaim_v open_a war_n between_o we_o 3.15_o gen._n 3.15_o gen._n 3.15_o that_o we_o may_v always_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o not_o be_v surprise_v at_o unaware_o that_o also_o we_o may_v not_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o peace_n though_o satan_n offer_v it_o on_o whatsoever_o condition_n for_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o belial_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n see_v god_n himself_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v put_v enmity_n between_o they_o §_o sect._n 2_o but_o as_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n be_v inveterate_a violence_n satan_n malice_n join_v with_o violence_n so_o also_o it_o be_v mortal_a and_o deadly_a not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o offer_v a_o small_a injury_n by_o take_v away_o our_o good_n and_o good_a name_n or_o afflict_v we_o with_o sickness_n no_o not_o by_o take_v away_o our_o life_n for_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v he_o but_o our_o final_a destruction_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o his_o malice_n be_v lively_o decipher_v
straggle_a soldier_n who_o depart_v from_o the_o army_n and_o range_v abroad_o to_o forage_v or_o get_v some_o booty_n be_v easy_o vanquish_v by_o their_o enemy_n so_o those_o who_o depart_v and_o make_v a_o apostasy_n from_o god_n church_n to_o gain_v or_o retain_v their_o pleasure_n and_o worldly_a preferment_n be_v easy_o overthrow_v fall_v into_o satan_n ambushment_n and_o second_o every_o one_o be_v to_o contain_v himself_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o special_a vocation_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o peculiar_a stand_v appoint_v he_o by_o god_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pernicious_a to_o a_o army_n than_o disorder_n when_o as_o some_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o other_o place_n as_o when_o the_o common_a soldier_n will_v be_v a_o officer_n the_o lieutenant_n captain_n and_o the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o army_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n militant_a than_o when_o disorderly_a one_o usurp_v another_o place_n and_o office_n as_o when_o the_o minister_n will_v be_v magistrate_n and_o the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o when_o the_o common_a people_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o they_o both_o second_o when_o as_o he_o bid_v we_o stand_v in_o our_o place_n he_o restrain_v we_o from_o two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o combat_n of_o temptation_n before_o we_o be_v assault_v and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v run_v out_o of_o our_o stand_n to_o seek_v a_o enemy_n and_o second_o that_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v we_o do_v not_o flee_v away_o but_o stand_v to_o it_o valiant_o and_o endure_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o assailant_n last_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o painful_a diligence_n for_o we_o must_v not_o drowsy_o and_o secure_o lay_v we_o down_o and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v nor_o yet_o sit_v idle_o as_o though_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o we_o be_v to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o watch_v continual_o that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n otherwise_o if_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n they_o will_v sudden_o set_v upon_o we_o and_o surprise_v we_o at_o unaware_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n and_o first_o of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n have_v take_v away_o all_o reckless_a security_n and_o foole-hardines_n and_o also_o strengthen_v we_o with_o true_a valour_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n verity_n of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o describe_v the_o armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v to_o buckle_v unto_o us._n where_o first_o we_o be_v general_o to_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o curious_o and_o scrupulous_o to_o search_v out_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n be_v liken_v to_o these_o or_o those_o piece_n of_o armour_n as_o for_o example_n why_o he_o call_v truth_n a_o girdle_n righteousness_n a_o breastplate_n faith_n a_o shield_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n purpose_v so_o exact_o to_o fit_v the_o similitude_n as_o may_v appear_v 1._o thess_n 5.8_o where_o he_o indifferent_o ascribe_v the_o name_n of_o breastplate_n both_o to_o faith_n and_o charity_n by_o which_o here_o he_o understand_v righteousness_n but_o only_o brief_o and_o general_o to_o show_v what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a wherewith_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o resist_v his_o spiritual_a enemy_n continue_v his_o former_a allegory_n take_v from_o war_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o armour_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n the_o word_n here_o use_v signify_v a_o broad_a stud_a belt_n use_v in_o war_n in_o ancient_a time_n wherewith_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o breastplate_n and_o that_o armour_n which_o defend_v the_o belly_n loin_n and_o thigh_n be_v cover_v and_o by_o this_o truth_n be_v resemble_v whereby_o some_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v other_o understand_v hereby_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n whereby_o we_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o religion_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n in_o simplicity_n without_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n but_o because_o both_o be_v notable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a armour_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o take_v it_o in_o both_o sense_n verity_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n see_v the_o apostle_n do_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o under_o these_o metaphorical_a word_n the_o chief_a virtue_n and_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n first_o therefore_o here_o be_v require_v truth_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o second_o that_o we_o profess_v it_o true_o that_o be_v with_o upright_o &_o simple_a heart_n §_o sect._n 2_o for_o the_o first_o truth_n that_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o god_n truth_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o all_o other_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v to_o be_v build_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o god_n truth_n but_o devise_v by_o man_n brain_n they_o be_v but_o humane_a dotage_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o accept_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o earnest_a and_o forward_a in_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v true_a and_o consonant_a to_o god_n word_n for_o as_o the_o fast_o that_o those_o travail_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o further_o they_o be_v from_o their_o journey_n end_n so_o the_o more_o earnest_a and_o forward_a that_o we_o be_v in_o travail_v the_o by-path_n of_o error_n the_o further_o we_o be_v from_o god_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o satan_n care_v not_o great_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n or_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n whether_o we_o worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o or_o a_o false_a god_n or_o at_o least_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n whether_o we_o perform_v no_o duty_n unto_o god_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o god_n truth_n be_v abominable_a unto_o he_o first_o then_o we_o must_v contain_v all_o our_o action_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n word_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v and_o practice_v it_o must_v have_v his_o ground_n and_o warrant_v from_o this_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v true_a member_n of_o god_n militant_a church_n 3.15_o 1._o tim_n 3.15_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.15_o because_o contemn_v all_o error_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n it_o faithful_o keep_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o as_o soldier_n be_v gird_v about_o with_o that_o strong_a and_o broad_a stud_a belt_n wherewith_o their_o loin_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o enable_v to_o sustain_v the_o fight_n without_o weariness_n so_o we_o be_v to_o compass_v ourselves_o about_o with_o truth_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v when_o as_o we_o know_v that_o we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a quarrel_n neither_o shall_v we_o easy_o be_v deceive_v with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o false_a suggestion_n if_o we_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n and_o hereby_o appear_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o armour_n for_o see_v satan_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o truth_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n thereof_o may_v discover_v and_o disperse_v all_o the_o foggy_a mist_n of_o satan_n error_n and_o lie_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o profess_v the_o truth_n heart_n that_o we_o must_v profess_v the_o truth_n in_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n without_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n for_o how_o glorious_a soever_o our_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v before_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o a_o upright_o heart_n but_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a whatsoever_o duty_n and_o good_a work_n we_o perform_v though_o never_o so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o join_v with_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o example_n prayer_n be_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o with_o feign_a and_o deceitful_a lip_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n 6._o
from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o first_o of_o these_o virtue_n be_v signify_v hereby_o in_o that_o he_o call_v faith_n a_o shield_n which_o repell_v satan_n temptation_n as_o the_o shield_n do_v the_o dart_n that_o be_v cast_v against_o it_o the_o second_o by_o the_o word_n quench_v namely_o that_o as_o water_n quench_v the_o fire_n so_o faith_n quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n temptation_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a one_o why_o satan_n be_v call_v the_o wicked_a one_o last_o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o he_o call_v satan_n the_o wicked_a one_o to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n and_o author_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n both_o by_o sin_v himself_o and_o provoke_v other_o to_o sin_n by_o his_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o wicked_a or_o evil_a one_o both_o here_o and_o matth._n 6.13_o but_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o evil_a one_o 8.44_o matth._n 6.13_o and_o 13.38_o joh._n 8.44_o so_o matth._n 13.38_o the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o as_o also_o joh._n 8.44_o chap._n xiiii_o of_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n the_o five_o piece_n of_o our_o christian_a armour_n be_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o call_v by_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o effect_n because_o it_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o that_o wear_v it_o 5.8_o esa_n 59.17_o rom._n 8.24_o 1._o thess_n 5.8_o for_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.24_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n as_o appear_v 1._o thess_n 5.8_o where_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o put_v on_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o a_o helmet_n salvation_n hope_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n as_o therefore_o soldier_n when_o they_o go_v into_o the_o field_n put_v on_o their_o helmet_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v defend_v their_o head_n which_o be_v their_o chief_a part_n from_o the_o cruel_a blow_n of_o the_o enemy_n so_o we_o be_v to_o fight_v the_o spiritual_a battle_n must_v put_v on_o hope_n both_o of_o victory_n and_o the_o glorious_a crown_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o never_o turn_v our_o back_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v see_v by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n we_o do_v assure_o hope_v for_o victory_n and_o through_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n do_v expect_v after_o our_o combat_n be_v finish_v the_o garland_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n promise_v to_o all_o that_o overcome_v for_o though_o satan_n assault_v we_o on_o the_o one_o side_n by_o offer_v unto_o we_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v entice_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o so_o yield_v ourselves_o his_o captive_n he_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o be_v arm_v with_o this_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n will_v sell_v his_o certain_a interest_n unto_o a_o goodly_a inheritance_n for_o a_o bright_a shine_a counter_n so_o much_o less_o will_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o stark_o mad_a sell_v his_o assure_a hope_n of_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n by_o yield_v himself_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o purchase_v for_o the_o present_a the_o world_n counterfeit_v shine_a excellency_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n but_o mutable_a or_o at_o least_o momentanie_n vanity_n and_o though_o he_o assault_v we_o on_o the_o other_o side_n with_o affliction_n 28.20_o act._n 28.20_o cross_n and_o persecution_n as_o he_o do_v paul_n yet_o we_o will_v with_o he_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o israel_n be_v content_a to_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o heavy_a cross_n will_v seem_v tolerable_a yea_o a_o easy_a yoke_n and_o a_o light_a burden_n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o to_o those_o who_o do_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o a_o far_o most_o excellent_a and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n neither_o can_v the_o straight_a way_n and_o the_o narrow_a gate_n discourage_v those_o that_o in_o the_o end_n of_o their_o journey_n assure_o expect_v a_o palace_n of_o pleasure_n and_o never_o fade_a felicity_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o do_v not_o put_v on_o this_o helmet_n we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n for_o as_o those_o who_o be_v encourage_v with_o hope_n of_o victory_n and_o the_o spoil_n ensue_v do_v fight_v valiant_o so_o those_o who_o be_v quite_o forsake_v of_o hope_n do_v forsake_v also_o the_o field_n and_o cast_v down_o their_o armour_n and_o weapon_n do_v either_o run_v away_o or_o cowardly_o yield_v unto_o the_o enemy_n chap._n xv._o of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n §_o sect._n 1_o spirit_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o defensive_a armour_n which_o we_o must_v put_v on_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a fit_a to_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o repel_v and_o foil_v the_o enemy_n the_o first_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o not_o a_o carnal_a weapon_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v as_o it_o be_v temper_v make_v sharpen_a and_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n to_o repel_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n whensoever_o they_o assault_v us._n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v defend_v ourselves_o and_o drive_v back_o satan_n we_o must_v not_o only_o buckle_v unto_o we_o the_o defensive_a armour_n before_o speak_v of_o for_o he_o that_o stand_v altogether_o upon_o defence_n stand_v upon_o no_o defence_n but_o we_o must_v take_v unto_o we_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o may_v repel_v and_o deadly_a wound_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o chief_a captain_n jesus_n christ_n who_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o have_v confute_v satan_n by_o other_o argument_n or_o to_o have_v confound_v he_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o his_o deity_n 4._o matth._n 4._o yet_o as_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o so_o he_o use_v also_o the_o same_o weapon_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o to_o use_v in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o handle_v they_o have_v his_o example_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o also_o may_v conceive_v assure_v hope_n of_o victory_n consider_v that_o our_o captain_n subdue_v satan_n with_o the_o selfsame_o weapon_n §_o sect._n 2_o whensoever_o therefore_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o satan_n let_v we_o draw_v out_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n temptation_n that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a weapon_n to_o repel_v satan_n temptation_n that_o we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o and_o give_v he_o the_o foil_n as_o be_v the_o most_o fit_a weapon_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o if_o satan_n seek_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o ignorance_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v lead_v we_o as_o it_o be_v hoodwink_v into_o sin_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n to_o discover_v satan_n dark_a illusion_n and_o secret_a ambushment_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n if_o he_o seek_v to_o deceive_v we_o with_o his_o lie_n and_o to_o seduce_v we_o into_o error_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o we_o discern_v the_o pure_a golden_a verity_n from_o the_o drossy_a conceit_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o the_o subtle_a delusion_n of_o satan_n probable_a falsehood_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o god_n infallible_a truth_n if_o he_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n god_n word_n do_v pull_v off_o his_o vizard_n and_o make_v he_o appear_v in_o his_o own_o likeness_n if_o he_o come_v upon_o we_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n to_o devour_v we_o it_o protect_v we_o from_o danger_n and_o make_v we_o strong_a enough_o to_o withstand_v his_o violence_n see_v therefore_o this_o weapon_n be_v so_o excellent_a let_v we_o most_o high_o esteem_v it_o and_o manful_o use_v it_o whensoever_o satan_n do_v assault_v we_o and_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n temptation_n how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n for_o example_n when_o he_o entice_v we_o to_o commit_v sin_n do_v extenuate_v and_o mince_v it_o as_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o may-game_n and_o a_o trick_n of_o youth_n which_o god_n regard_v not_o let_v we_o draw_v out_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n say_v it_o be_v write_v that_o all_o they_o be_v accurse_v who_o continue_v
careful_a in_o withstand_v this_o dangerous_a assault_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o temptation_n wherewith_o satan_n prevail_v more_o than_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o civil_a kind_n of_o honesty_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o civil_a honesty_n sever_v from_o true_a piety_n be_v but_o glorious_a iniquity_n for_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n thereof_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v in_o this_o age_n of_o corruption_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a in_o diverse_a duty_n of_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o have_v excel_v in_o these_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n and_o consequent_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o best_a we_o shall_v be_v but_o honest_a infidel_n and_o good_a nature_a worldling_n if_o we_o do_v not_o join_v thereunto_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o how_o goodly_a a_o show_n soever_o our_o work_n make_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n and_o commandment_n but_o in_o ignorance_n and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o invention_n and_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o our_o blind_a understanding_n if_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o acceptable_a obedience_n but_o from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o do_v in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n for_o what_o soever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n be_v sin_n 11.6_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 14.23_o and_o therefore_o can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o historical_a faith_n whereby_o we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o those_o work_n we_o do_v be_v command_v in_o god_n word_n but_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n which_o do_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o god_n merciful_a promise_n make_v in_o he_o for_o that_o our_o work_n may_v be_v acceptable_a before_o god_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o our_o person_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n we_o do_v please_v he_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n in_o which_o state_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v in_o christ_n our_o mediator_n as_o appear_v rom._n 5.10_o 1.20_o rom._n 5.10_o col._n 1.20_o now_o unless_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n nor_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o consequent_o we_o remain_v god_n enemy_n who_o can_v do_v nothing_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n second_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o can_v abide_v the_o examination_n of_o god_n exact_a justice_n till_o their_o imperfection_n be_v cover_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o their_o corruption_n wash_v away_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n now_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n can_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n last_o if_o all_o our_o work_n and_o honest_a deal_n be_v not_o do_v in_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n &_o refer_v to_o this_o end_n that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v magnify_v they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a before_o god_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o will_v have_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n be_v that_o he_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v be_v glorify_v 3.16_o matth._n 3.16_o as_o it_o be_v matth_n 5._o 16._o and_o the_o main_a and_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o we_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o our_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 2.12_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n deceive_v we_o in_o persuade_v we_o to_o rest_v in_o civil_a honesty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v sever_v from_o true_a piety_n from_o save_v knowledge_n from_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n justify_v faith_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n it_o will_v not_o be_v acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n namely_o to_o obtain_v praise_n or_o profit_n thereby_o §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o civil_a worldling_n but_o if_o those_o which_o he_o incounter_v be_v professor_n of_o religion_n religion_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o professor_n of_o religion_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o outward_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o public_a and_o private_a call_n upon_o god_n name_n the_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o they_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v tip_v their_o tongue_n with_o godliness_n then_o they_o may_v live_v how_o they_o listen_v among_o their_o brethren_n neglect_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o they_o outward_o observe_v the_o first_o for_o though_o they_o be_v barren_a of_o good_a work_n destitute_a of_o charity_n fill_v with_o pride_n addict_v to_o covetousness_n oppression_n and_o all_o deceitful_a deal_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n for_o their_o outward_a profession_n sake_n but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n to_o our_o destruction_n inseparable_a that_o piety_n and_o honesty_n be_v inseparable_a which_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v and_o avoid_v let_v they_o consider_v that_o piety_n and_o charitable_a honesty_n be_v two_o such_o twin_n as_o be_v bear_v live_v and_o die_v both_o together_o that_o they_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v sever_v that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o the_o good_a tree_n to_o bring_v forth_o bad_a fruit_n for_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v without_o heat_n and_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o be_v void_a of_o good_a work_n true_a profession_n to_o be_v sever_v from_o holy_a practice_n and_o justification_n before_o god_n from_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n before_o man_n that_o whosoever_o brag_v of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o love_v not_o his_o brethren_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o that_o though_o they_o profess_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o love_v their_o brethren_n they_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.13_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o rom._n 2.13_o as_o appear_v 1._o joh._n 3.10_o that_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o be_v justify_v rom._n 2.13_o that_o not_o every_o one_o who_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 7.21_o matth._n 7.21_o but_o they_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 7.21_o that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n 1.22_o jam._n 1.22_o if_o they_o practise_v not_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v jam._n 1.22_o for_o in_o stead_n thereof_o they_o shall_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o deep_a condemnation_n for_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12.47_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 11.21_o mat._n 11.21_o who_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n preach_v among_o they_o nor_o see_v christ_n miracle_n than_o for_o corazin_n and_o bethsaida_n which_o enjoy_v both_o matth._n 11.21_o for_o there_o as_o he_o give_v great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n there_o he_o expect_v great_a fruit_n in_o practice_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v in_o all_o so_o especial_o in_o those_o that_o come_v nigh_o unto_o he_o as_o it_o be_v levit._n 10.3_o last_o 10.3_o leu._n 10.3_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v according_a to_o our_o word_n and_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n and_o the_o holy_a practice_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o
undoubted_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n delude_v we_o 25._o matth._n 25._o by_o persuade_v swade_v we_o that_o piety_n without_o honesty_n profession_n without_o practice_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a professor_n christian_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o sincere_a professor_n and_o first_o with_o the_o weak_a christian_n than_o he_o observe_v whether_o they_o be_v babe_n or_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o find_v they_o babe_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o abuse_v their_o simplicity_n by_o draw_v they_o either_o into_o error_n and_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o into_o blind_a zeal_n and_o superstition_n if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n do_v discover_v his_o error_n and_o lie_n give_v light_n to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n whereby_o their_o foot_n be_v guide_v into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n by_o aggravate_v the_o odiousnes_n of_o their_o rebellion_n and_o huge_a multitude_n of_o their_o outrageous_a transgression_n by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o his_o infinite_a and_o exact_a justice_n which_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o damn_a but_o if_o he_o can_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n which_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o make_v of_o they_o such_o a_o huge_a mountain_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o he_o add_v unto_o they_o his_o own_o sin_n by_o cast_v into_o their_o mind_n outrageous_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o such_o horrible_a suggestion_n of_o impiety_n as_o it_o will_v make_v their_o hair_n to_o stand_v on_o end_n when_o they_o do_v but_o think_v of_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o thought_n and_o therefore_o horrible_a sin_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o his_o suggestion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v repel_v and_o reject_v they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o tempter_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o fault_n if_o a_o thief_n entice_v we_o to_o steal_v so_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v his_o motion_n but_o show_v our_o detestation_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v if_o we_o present_o do_v repel_v the_o suggestion_n and_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o not_o free_a from_o satan_n suggestion_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o diffidence_n to_o tempt_a god_n yea_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o resist_v satan_n suggestion_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n who_o example_n if_o we_o imitate_v satan_n blasphemous_a temptation_n shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n although_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o god_n grace_n to_o resist_v they_o but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 7_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o can_v overthrow_v their_o faith_n &_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_n ignorance_n how_o satan_n entice_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n than_o he_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o simplicity_n by_o entice_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o example_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a nay_o expedient_a to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o tempt_v they_o to_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v more_o easy_o deceive_v they_o he_o will_v set_v a_o fair_a gloss_n upon_o foul_a sin_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v they_o by_o god_n word_n apparel_v vice_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o most_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v tempt_v to_o covetousness_n under_o show_n of_o frugality_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o provide_v not_o for_o their_o family_n be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n and_o to_o prodigality_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberality_n allege_v that_o they_o who_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o he_o will_v allure_v they_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o neglect_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v grant_v they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mean_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o careful_a providence_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o propound_v this_o end_n of_o their_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o they_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o or_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v which_o temptation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v labour_v after_o true_a save_a knowledge_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n truth_n and_o error_n that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o unlawful_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o lawful_a to_o this_o end_n use_v diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n which_o tend_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o the_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n be_v dispel_v with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n we_o may_v discover_v satan_n delusion_n and_o deceit_n otherwise_o if_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o may_v easy_o seduce_v we_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o weak_a christian_a but_o if_o he_o find_v those_o who_o he_o assault_v strong_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o can_v take_v any_o advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n christian_a how_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o strong_a christian_a nor_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wound_v their_o conscience_n by_o commit_v sin_n of_o presumption_n against_o their_o knowledge_n use_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mislead_v their_o judgement_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o temptation_n david_n well_o discern_v by_o his_o own_o woeful_a experience_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o and_o thus_o have_v satan_n prevail_v with_o so_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n that_o he_o dare_v therewith_o assault_v our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o by_o offer_v he_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o his_o affection_n tickle_v with_o ambition_n may_v move_v he_o to_o commit_v this_o sin_n for_o the_o satisfy_a his_o desire_n but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v 11.14_o 2._o cor._n 11.14_o he_o will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o less_o good_a that_o they_o may_v neglect_v a_o great_a or_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o command_v in_o his_o due_a time_n &_o place_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o unreasonable_o when_o as_o other_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a occasion_n be_v more_o necessary_a and_o so_o use_v one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n to_o shoulder_v another_o &_o thrust_v it_o disorderly_o out_o of_o it_o own_o place_n and_o stand_v for_o example_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n meditation_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v distract_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v without_o profit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o recall_v to_o their_o memory_n some_o profitable_a instruction_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o sermon_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v disturb_v they_o in_o that_o holy_a exercise_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n whole_o unto_o god_n moreover_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n he_o will_v allege_v scripture_n but_o then_o either_o he_o deprave_v the_o place_n by_o add_v or_o distract_n as_o when_o he_o allege_v scripture_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 4_o 6._o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o leave_v out_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o place_n he_o quote_v psal_n
etc._n etc._n verse_n 17._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n cap._n 3.5_o to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o overcome_v and_o sit_v with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n as_o it_o be_v vers_n 21._o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o enter_v the_o list_n and_o sustain_v the_o first_o and_o second_o encounter_n if_o afterward_o we_o shameful_o forsake_v the_o standard_n of_o christ_n and_o cowardly_a run_v away_o or_o else_o traitorous_o yield_v unto_o sin_n and_o satan_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n promise_n we_o must_v overcome_v that_o be_v obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n over_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v none_o triumph_v for_o make_v his_o enemy_n once_o or_o twice_o to_o retire_v or_o for_o get_v the_o better_a in_o some_o skirmish_n because_o they_o may_v gather_v their_o disperse_a force_n and_o join_v with_o they_o new_a supply_n and_o so_o give_v a_o fresh_a assault_n obtain_v victory_n but_o those_o only_a triumph_n who_o obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n neither_o shall_v any_o triumph_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n who_o resist_v satan_n in_o one_o temptation_n only_o or_o bridle_v one_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o who_o subdue_v they_o final_o and_o whole_o not_o once_o alone_o but_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o worldly_a war_n oftentime_o the_o enemy_n do_v retire_v back_o and_o counterfeit_v a_o flight_n to_o the_o end_n the_o other_o may_v pursue_v he_o secure_o and_o disorderly_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o victory_n and_o then_o he_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o reunite_a all_o his_o force_n do_v overcome_v his_o reckless_a enemy_n so_o oftentimes_o satan_n feign_v himself_o to_o be_v put_v to_o flight_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v conceive_v a_o opinion_n of_o his_o great_a weakness_n and_o our_o own_o invincible_a strength_n and_o so_o be_v bring_v to_o negligence_n and_o security_n and_o then_o he_o knit_v together_o all_o his_o force_n and_o overthrow_v we_o when_o we_o be_v retchless_n secure_v fear_v no_o danger_n yea_o sometime_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n foil_v but_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o he_o will_v surcease_v his_o fight_n for_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v one_o way_n he_o will_v try_v another_o so_o long_o as_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o earthly_a weak_a tabernacle_n give_v he_o any_o hope_n of_o overcome_v or_o foyl_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o stand_n continual_o watch_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o fresh_a assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n if_o job_n have_v be_v secure_a after_o he_o have_v resist_v satan_n first_o temptation_n in_o take_v away_o his_o ox_n ass_n and_o sheep_n sure_o those_o which_o follow_v will_v have_v make_v he_o blaspheme_v god_n as_o satan_n imagine_v but_o like_o a_o good_a soldier_n after_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v one_o blow_n he_o do_v not_o cast_v away_o his_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o further_a need_n of_o it_o but_o still_o hold_v it_o up_o expect_v more_o till_o the_o combat_n be_v end_v who_o example_n we_o must_v imitate_v if_o we_o will_v obtain_v victory_n and_o enjoy_v the_o crown_n of_o victory_n everlasting_a happiness_n in_o god_n kingdom_n otherwise_o if_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n after_o we_o have_v give_v satan_n one_o overthrow_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v assault_v and_o surprise_v before_o we_o be_v aware_a for_o as_o one_o say_v christ_n joan._n riu._n atthend_n de_fw-mi luct_v christ_n diabolus_fw-la victus_fw-la quoque_fw-la vincit_fw-la even_o while_o the_o devil_n be_v vanquish_v he_o obtain_v victory_n and_o therefore_o non_fw-la victor_n magis_fw-la quàm_fw-la victus_fw-la est_fw-la extimescendus_fw-la nam_fw-la saepo_fw-la se_fw-la prostratum_fw-la afflictumque_fw-la simulat_fw-la ut_fw-la acriùs_fw-la insurgat_fw-la fugit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o insidias_fw-la pertrahat_fw-la &_o incautos_fw-la adoriatur_fw-la palam_fw-la cedit_fw-la ut_fw-la clam_fw-la uincat_fw-la he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v when_o he_o overcom_v than_o when_o he_o be_v overcome_v for_o oftentimes_o he_o feign_v himself_o to_o be_v foil_v that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o fearce_o renew_v the_o assault_n he_o fly_v that_o he_o may_v draw_v we_o into_o his_o ambushment_n and_o assail_v we_o at_o unaware_o he_o retire_v open_o that_o he_o may_v secret_o overcome_v §_o sect._n 5_o seaventhly_a 8.44_o the_o seven_o mean_v not_o to_o believe_v satan_n suggestion_n joh._n 8.44_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v circumvent_v by_o satan_n we_o must_v not_o give_v any_o credit_n unto_o he_o whether_o he_o lie_v or_o speak_v true_a whether_o he_o accuse_v or_o flatter_v whether_o he_o indeavore_v to_o puff_n we_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n or_o whether_o he_o labour_v by_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n to_o plunge_v we_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hellish_a despair_n for_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 8.44_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o credit_v when_o he_o lie_v nam_fw-la verum_fw-la dicit_fw-la ut_fw-la fallat_fw-la blanditur_fw-la ut_fw-la noceat_fw-la bona_fw-la promittit_fw-la ut_fw-la malum_fw-la tribuat_fw-la vitam_fw-la pollicetur_fw-la ut_fw-la perimat_fw-la he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v he_o flatter_v that_o he_o may_v hurt_v we_o he_o promise_v good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v give_v we_o evil_n he_o promise_v life_n that_o he_o may_v kill_v us._n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n itself_o because_o he_o speak_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n nor_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o mouth_n as_o his_o assertion_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n guide_v and_o inspire_v with_o his_o spirit_n for_o either_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o gain_v credit_n unto_o his_o lie_n or_o propound_v true_a promise_n that_o he_o may_v sophistical_o gather_v out_o of_o they_o false_a conclusion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v reject_v his_o testimony_n though_o true_a and_o enjoin_v he_o silence_n when_o he_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n mark_n 1.24.25_o 1.24.25_o mark_n 1.24.25_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o divine_a maid_n to_o give_v they_o her_o approbation_n though_o she_o speak_v truth_n 16.17.18_o act._n 16.17.18_o in_o confess_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o do_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n act._n 16.17.18_o because_o satan_n do_v it_o either_o to_o this_o end_n that_o by_o his_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n he_o may_v cause_v they_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o repute_v impostor_n and_o deceiver_n who_o do_v their_o miracle_n by_o tell_v this_o truth_n be_v the_o rather_o credit_v when_o he_o do_v bely_v and_o slander_v they_o §_o sect._n 6_o eight_o they_o the_o eight_o mean_n neither_o to_o despise_v satan_n temptation_n nor_o too_o deep_o to_o apprehend_v they_o if_o we_o will_v withstand_v all_o satan_n temptation_n we_o must_v avoid_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o to_o despise_v they_o the_o other_o too_o deep_o to_o apprehend_v and_o too_o great_o to_o fear_v they_o for_o if_o we_o secure_o contemn_v satan_n temptation_n we_o will_v never_o arm_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o so_o he_o will_v overcome_v we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a if_o we_o take_v they_o too_o much_o to_o hart_n continual_o meditate_v upon_o their_o strength_n and_o violence_n and_o upon_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n they_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o plunge_v we_o into_o despair_n if_o we_o despise_v the_o temptation_n satan_n will_v easy_o subdue_v we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o enemy_n so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a which_o will_v not_o prevail_v against_o those_o who_o secure_o contemn_v they_o though_o exceed_v mighty_a because_o they_o neglect_v all_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o never_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o will_v satan_n prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o regard_v not_o his_o temptation_n he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a and_o we_o feeble_a and_o weak_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o so_o fear_v his_o temptation_n as_o that_o we_o
not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n for_o god_n election_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n merit_n which_o be_v in_o time_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o come_v after_o can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n neither_o can_v the_o effect_n produce_v the_o cause_n but_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n moreover_o we_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v choose_v for_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n eph._n 1.4_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o god_n eternal_a love_n be_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v we_o by_o his_o death_n and_o not_o that_o his_o death_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o love_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o election_n the_o material_a cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o purpose_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n himself_o whereby_o he_o determine_v to_o elect_v us._n the_o formal_a cause_n be_v the_o sever_n and_o set_v apart_o of_o certain_a man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v §_o sect._n 2_o select_v from_o the_o rest_n who_o be_v reject_v the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v twofold_a the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o by_o manifest_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o express_v rom._n 9.23_o namely_o that_o the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o eph._n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n and_o predestinate_v we_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o second_o end_n which_o be_v inferior_a and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o this_o also_o be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 9.23_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o elect_v be_v prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o act._n 13.48_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n thereby_o imply_v that_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n and_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n the_o effect_n which_o inseparable_o follow-hereupon_a be_v christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o our_o adoption_n effectual_a calling_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n and_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o election_n which_o be_v as_o well_o contain_v in_o god_n decree_n as_o our_o salvation_n itself_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o we_o be_v elect_v be_v christ_n jesus_n our_o mediator_n and_o head_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o deity_n alone_o for_o so_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n nor_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humanity_n alone_o but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o we_o be_v therefore_o elect_v in_o he_o both_o because_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o glorious_a dignity_n as_o also_o because_o he_o alone_o be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n in_o who_o we_o shall_v be_v elect_v see_v with_o our_o election_n there_o be_v a_o union_n &_o conjunction_n of_o we_o with_o god_n who_o have_v elect_v us._n the_o object_n of_o god_n election_n be_v all_o those_o who_o be_v preordain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v eternal_o save_v which_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v a_o great_a number_n but_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n but_o a_o small_a and_o little_a flock_n for_o though_o many_o be_v call_v yet_o few_o be_v choose_v as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v matth._n 22.14_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o definition_n be_v certain_a property_n attribute_v to_o god_n election_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a free_a and_o immutable_a that_o this_o decree_n be_v eternal_a it_o appear_v eph._n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o rom._n 9.11_o second_o that_o it_o be_v free_a and_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n it_o be_v manifest_a rom._n 9.18_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v so_o eph._n 1.11_o in_o who_o we_o be_v choose_v when_o we_o be_v predestinate_a according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o which_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n last_o that_o it_o be_v immutable_a and_o most_o firm_a and_o certain_a it_o plain_o appear_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n remain_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o immutabilitie_n and_o certainty_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o we_o or_o our_o perseverance_n but_o upon_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o foreknowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n in_o itself_o firm_a and_o stable_a and_o have_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o worthiness_n or_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n but_o of_o god_n foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o chap._n v._o satan_n temptation_n concern_v god_n election_n answer_v and_o first_o those_o wherewith_o he_o assault_v carnal_a worldling_n §_o sect._n 1_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v worldling_n that_o all_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v answer_v now_o concern_v this_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o satan_n temptation_n the_o first_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a worldling_n to_o nourish_v in_o they_o fond_a presumption_n and_o carnal_a security_n the_o other_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n whereby_o he_o move_v they_o to_o doubt_v &_o despair_v of_o their_o election_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o worldly_a man_n he_o assault_v with_o two_o principal_a temptation_n first_o he_o persuade_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o election_n at_o all_o or_o reprobation_n but_o that_o all_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o he_o may_v make_v more_o plausible_a and_o probable_a he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o general_a promise_n and_o consolation_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2.4_o ezech._n 13._o and_o 18._o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o will_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v in_o both_o place_n cunning_o dissemble_v that_o which_o follow_v for_o to_o the_o first_o place_n be_v add_v but_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o in_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v also_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o temptation_n be_v so_o palpable_o absurd_a that_o it_o become_v not_o satan_n policy_n to_o use_v it_o to_o any_o but_o those_o only_a who_o heart_n be_v harden_v their_o eye_n blind_v their_o conscience_n sear_v and_o who_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v strong_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o answer_v this_o temptation_n only_o let_v such_o man_n as_o be_v seduce_v with_o satan_n lie_n know_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n mercy_n be_v a_o just_a mercy_n as_o his_o justice_n be_v a_o merciful_a justice_n that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o both_o and_o no_o less_o glorify_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o let_v they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o general_a which_o be_v not_o limit_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o merciful_a but_o also_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v his_o will_n as_o well_o concern_v the_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a he_o have_v say_v 7.13_o matth._n 22.14_o and_o 7.13_o that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o straight_o that_o there_o be_v few_o who_o find_v it_o that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n go_v your_o way_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 23._o 23._o that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o one_o come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v you_o the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n 25.34.41_o mat._n 25.34.41_o
and_o shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n nor_o indeavor_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n then_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a fantasy_n and_o a_o secure_a and_o carnal_a imagination_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n nor_o give_v any_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v save_v which_o god_n word_n pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n when_o therefore_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o seal_v we_o in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o that_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o ephesian_n 1.13_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1.13_o eph._n 1.13_o that_o after_o the_o faithful_a have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o believe_v therein_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nor_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o persuasion_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o a_o vain_a opinion_n arise_v from_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o spirit_n another_o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v hereby_o be_v know_v first_o in_o that_o it_o thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n second_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o persuade_v they_o three_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o persuasion_n for_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v this_o bare_a testimony_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v adopt_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o also_o do_v full_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o as_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o without_o question_n so_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o eph._n 1._o 17_o 18._o god_n spirit_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1.17.18_o eph._n 1.17.18_o which_o do_v inlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o hope_n be_v of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n particular_o towards_o we_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n so_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v 3.24_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o we_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v god_n spirit_n &_o thereby_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o 4.13_o and_o 4.13_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o steadfast_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o it_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a that_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v whereas_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n spirit_n may_v well_o have_v a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n love_n and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n through_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n but_o they_o be_v never_o thorough_o persuade_v hereof_o for_o when_o any_o affliction_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n be_v inflict_v on_o they_o their_o vain_a persuasion_n vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o in_o the_o end_n bring_v they_o to_o utter_v desperation_n but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourage_v the_o weak_a christian_a and_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o god_n spirit_n see_v he_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o himself_o this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n feeling_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o always_o discern_v in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v thorough_o persuade_v although_o not_o at_o all_o time_n neither_o in_o our_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o immediate_o after_o our_o conversion_n when_o we_o be_v new_o regenerate_v and_o like_o new_a bear_v babe_n in_o christ_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o weak_a in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o skilful_a in_o understand_v this_o heavenly_a language_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a but_o the_o spirit_n wax_v strong_a in_o we_o and_o we_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n in_o christ_n do_v cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o testify_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o we_o then_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o this_o heavenly_a speech_n do_v well_o understand_v and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v thereby_o and_o second_o when_o the_o poor_a christian_a who_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n the_o hideous_a noise_n of_o satan_n temptation_n which_o like_a canonshot_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o tumultuous_a outcry_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n do_v so_o disturb_v and_o whole_o possess_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n till_o the_o skirmish_n be_v past_a and_o the_o noise_n of_o temptation_n cease_v and_o then_o again_o as_o in_o former_a time_n he_o hear_v to_o his_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n persuade_v he_o of_o god_n love_n and_o hereby_o he_o be_v again_o assure_v thereof_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o have_v of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o christian_a infancy_n and_o spiritual_a nonage_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o our_o present_a sense_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o perfect_a age_n and_o when_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n be_v cease_v second_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o election_n be_v know_v by_o the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o persuade_v we_o namely_o it_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o with_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n and_o draw_v not_o from_o any_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o underserued_a mercy_n and_o from_o the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n whereas_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n never_o use_v such_o reason_n but_o either_o move_v we_o to_o a_o bare_a and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o but_o self-love_n which_o make_v man_n easy_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o desire_v or_o else_o with_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o some_o outward_a common_a benefit_n bestow_v indifferent_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o last_o from_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n and_o false_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o worthiness_n and_o desert_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o thereof_o the_o 3._o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n namely_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o for_o after_o that_o it_o have_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n we_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o trust_v whole_o in_o god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o our_o gracious_a father_n from_o which_o love_n proceed_v a_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v dishonour_v &_o displease_v with_o we_o and_o a_o
unrepentancie_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n last_o presumption_n no_o long_o persuade_v man_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n than_o they_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a benefit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n lay_v upon_o they_o any_o grievous_a affliction_n either_o outward_o in_o body_n and_o state_n or_o inward_o in_o mind_n then_o this_o persuasion_n vanish_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o common_o end_v in_o utter_a despair_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o howsoever_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o violent_a noise_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o at_o some_o time_n yet_o afterward_o again_o it_o cry_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o see_v we_o have_v it_o not_o natural_o in_o ourselves_o how_o may_v we_o attain_v unto_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n 11.13_o jam._n 1.17_o matth._n 7.7_o luk._n 11.13_o from_o who_o descend_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n have_v our_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n namely_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o more_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11.13_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manife_v his_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o believe_v and_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o whereby_o also_o he_o ordinary_o beget_v this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o all_o his_o child_n for_o howsoever_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n alone_o give_v the_o increase_n yet_o god_n blessing_n ordinary_o accompany_v his_o own_o ordinance_n make_v it_o effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o and_o though_o the_o word_n may_v long_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n before_o it_o pierce_v the_o heart_n or_o beget_v any_o save_a grace_n in_o we_o unless_o the_o lord_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n fruitful_a yet_o those_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o may_v become_v profitable_a to_o their_o salvation_n may_v constant_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o they_o careful_o use_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n whereas_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v god_n word_n have_v no_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o beget_v faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n in_o us._n though_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o after_o long_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n feel_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o give_v it_o over_o but_o expect_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o wait_v his_o leisure_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v make_v this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n effectual_a for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o three_o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o frequent_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v the_o in_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v add_v these_o seal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o thorough_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o conscionable_o frequent_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o lord_n will_v bless_v also_o this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n moreover_o they_o who_o worthy_o receive_v these_o holy_a mystery_n do_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o they_o more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v for_o he_o that_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o 6.56_o joh._n 6.56_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.56_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom_n 8.1_o 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n 2._o the_o four_o mean_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n zanch._n the_o attrib_n l._n 5._o c._n 2._o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n predestination_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sign_n thereof_o for_o the_o effect_n argue_v the_o cause_n as_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o natural_a thing_n but_o also_o in_o those_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o as_o certain_o as_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v fire_n because_o it_o cast_v forth_o heat_n and_o the_o son_n by_o his_o cast_v forth_o of_o bright_a ray_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v lighten_v and_o that_o a_o tree_n be_v good_a by_o the_o good_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o also_o may_v we_o as_o certain_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v these_o effect_n bare_a sign_n only_o of_o our_o election_n but_o also_o manifest_a seal_n which_o by_o their_o plain_a impression_n do_v evident_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o know_v god_n election_n predestination_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o god_n himself_o elect_v predestinate_v and_o decree_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v apparent_a seal_n and_o impression_n hereof_o in_o ourselves_o lively_o resemble_v that_o which_o be_v secret_a in_o god_n hide_a council_n and_o as_o we_o not_o see_v the_o seal_n which_o make_v the_o impression_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o form_n fashion_n and_o quantity_n thereof_o by_o the_o print_n which_o it_o have_v make_v so_o we_o not_o see_v god_n secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n may_v notwithstanding_o attain_v to_o the_o evedent_a knowledge_n thereof_o by_o that_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v in_o us._n this_o also_o may_v further_o be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n namely_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o bright_a beam_n do_v imprint_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o be_v reflect_v back_o again_o to_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v before_o all_o eternity_n be_v secret_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v not_o understand_v it_o direct_o but_o yet_o while_o god_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o elect_a he_o do_v express_v the_o image_n and_o form_n of_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v whereby_o we_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v he_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v elect_v we_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o our_o god_n and_o father_n we_o also_o know_v his_o foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o first_o god_n know_v we_o and_o then_o by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o knowledge_n communicate_v unto_o we_o he_o inlightn_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o
to_o send_v his_o ambassador_n not_o only_o to_o offer_v peace_n but_o also_o to_o beseech_v we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2._o cor._n 5.20_o 5.20_o 2._o cor._n 5.20_o and_o upon_o this_o reconciliation_n he_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o therefore_o receive_v and_o believe_v this_o ambassage_n will_v not_o love_v the_o ambassador_n that_o bring_v these_o bless_a tiding_n unto_o they_o who_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o yet_o show_v no_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n towards_o they_o who_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o ministry_n the_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n ministry_n a_o sign_n that_o few_o prosit_fw-la by_o their_o ministry_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v note_v how_o few_o the_o number_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o receive_v the_o lord_n ambassage_n to_o their_o spiritual_a comfort_n how_o few_o they_o be_v to_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n in_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n how_o few_o hereby_o come_v to_o the_o true_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n see_v the_o number_n be_v so_o exceed_v small_a who_o love_n and_o respect_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o ambassage_n nay_o rather_o the_o most_o even_o for_o their_o ministry_n sake_n do_v contemn_v those_o who_o otherwise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o learning_n wisdom_n and_o other_o excellent_a gift_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n they_o will_v respect_v and_o high_o esteem_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o ministry_n so_o that_o their_o honourable_a call_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v commend_v they_o do_v above_o all_o thing_n make_v they_o base_a &_o contemptible_a and_o no_o marvel_n see_v the_o most_o be_v flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n the_o child_n of_o mammon_n and_o not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o savour_v only_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o not_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o preacher_n of_o they_o fool_n and_o man_n of_o shallow_a conceit_n but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a 1.27.28_o 1._o cor._n 1.27.28_o and_o weak_a thing_n to_o confound_v mighty_a thing_n &_o vile_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 1.27.28_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o their_o contempt_n or_o at_o least_o small_a regard_n of_o god_n ambassador_n be_v a_o most_o manifest_a sign_n that_o they_o never_o receive_v good_a by_o their_o ambassage_n for_o have_v they_o receive_v from_o they_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o will_v never_o grudge_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o their_o worldly_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o true_a christian_n estimation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o they_o and_o much_o less_o will_v they_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n defraud_v they_o of_o their_o own_o right_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whereas_o all_o man_n be_v industrious_a and_o frugal_a may_v live_v plentiful_o even_o of_o their_o mean_a trade_n only_o the_o lord_n ambassador_n though_o never_o so_o painful_a in_o their_o calling_n live_v in_o want_n and_o misery_n §_o sect._n 11_o the_o last_o sign_n of_o god_n child_n elect_v to_o salvation_n which_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o 6.10_o the_o ten_o sign_n a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n revel_v 22.20_o matth._n 6.10_o be_v their_o earnest_a desire_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n whence_o proceed_v that_o pathetical_a prayer_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o revel_v 22.20_o and_o that_o prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o pray_v daily_o let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v matth._n 6.10_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n it_o appear_v plain_o 2._o tim_n 4.8_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o all_o those_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v 8.23_o 2._o tim._n 4.8_o rom._n 8.23_o and_o rom._n 8.23_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v even_o sigh_v in_o themselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n even_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o body_n when_o as_o their_o corruption_n shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o the_o mortal_a body_n immortality_n as_o he_o speak_v 1._o cor._n 15.53_o 15.53_o 1._o cor._n 15.53_o so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o faithful_a child_n shall_v at_o his_o come_n look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n 21.28_o luk._n 21.28_o because_o their_o redemption_n draw_v near_o luk._n 21.28_o and_o on_o the_o otherside_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v mourn_v and_o that_o the_o profane_a worldling_n and_o reprobate_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n 6.16_o matth._n 24.30_o revel_v 6.16_o fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n revel_v 6.16_o so_o that_o by_o these_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o we_o love_v the_o appear_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n endue_v with_o his_o spirit_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n for_o natural_o we_o abhor_v to_o think_v of_o this_o fearful_a day_n and_o tremble_v with_o fear_n when_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o judge_n because_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v deserve_v everlasting_a damnation_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v beget_v faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o merit_n by_o who_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v friend_n who_o before_o be_v enemy_n and_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o before_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n then_o do_v we_o earnest_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o judge_n shall_v be_v our_o saviour_n then_o can_v we_o go_v bold_o to_o his_o judgement_n seat_n without_o fear_n of_o condemnation_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o belove_a spouse_n of_o christ_n than_o we_o long_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o bridegroom_n when_o we_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o by_o god_n spirit_n we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v become_v lively_a member_n of_o his_o body_n then_o do_v we_o hearty_o wish_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n our_o head_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n where_o together_o with_o he_o we_o shall_v receive_v and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o such_o incomparable_a joy_n 2.9_o 1._o cor._n 2.9_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v chap._n xi_o the_o objection_n allege_v against_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n allege_v answer_n unto_o testimony_n allege_v now_o i_o will_v answer_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v bring_v against_o this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n and_o second_o reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v diverse_a 11.20_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o pro._n 28.14_o rom._n 11.20_o first_o they_o object_v such_o place_n as_o these_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v pro._n 28.14_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o rom._n 11.20_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n phil._n 2.12_o make_v a_o end_n of_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 1.17_o phil._n 2.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.17_o 1._o pet._n 1.17_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o dwell_n here_o in_o fear_n to_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a place_n we_o may_v answer_v general_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o hereby_o take_v away_o our_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o carnal_a security_n he_o will_v not_o deprive_v
charity_n judge_v the_o best_a when_o they_o see_v not_o evident_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o hypocrite_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o according_a to_o their_o vain_a boast_n and_o so_o those_o that_o be_v in_o show_n or_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n redeem_v by_o christ_n death_n may_v be_v reprobate_n and_o condemn_v but_o not_o any_o who_o be_v redeem_v in_o truth_n second_o those_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v redeem_v in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v number_v for_o a_o time_n among_o the_o faithful_a till_o they_o bewray_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n which_o they_o have_v outward_o with_o the_o saint_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n redeem_v unless_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n §_o sect._n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n even_o so_o in_o christ_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a 15.22_o that_o all_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o christ_n who_o perish_v in_o adam_n 1._o cor._n 15.22_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 15.22_o but_o all_o die_v in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v make_v alive_a in_o christ_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o understand_v all_o the_o faithful_a of_o who_o resurrection_n he_o here_o dispute_v and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v as_o all_o the_o faithful_a die_v in_o adam_n so_o all_o shall_v be_v make_v alive_a in_o christ_n or_o though_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o that_o they_o die_v in_o adam_n yet_o it_o proove_v not_o that_o all_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n for_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v thus_o much_o as_o adam_z derive_v death_n unto_o all_o his_o by_o natural_a propagation_n so_o christ_n have_v derive_v life_n to_o all_o his_o by_o grace_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v where_o he_o say_v that_o first_o christ_n rise_v and_o afterward_o they_o that_o be_v of_o christ_n shall_v rise_v at_o his_o come_n now_o they_o only_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v not_o their_o part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n whereby_o be_v sanctify_v they_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n shall_v not_o have_v their_o part_n of_o the_o second_o resurrection_n whereby_o they_o rise_v to_o inherit_v those_o joy_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o urge_v that_o if_o all_o do_v not_o live_v in_o christ_n who_o die_v in_o adam_n adam_n sin_n shall_v be_v of_o more_o force_n than_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o adam_n shall_v be_v more_o strong_a to_o destroy_v than_o christ_n to_o save_v i_o answer_v that_o their_o power_n and_o strength_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v destroy_v and_o save_v but_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n whereby_o they_o be_v destroy_v and_o save_v or_o according_a to_o the_o virtue_n and_o force_n require_v to_o save_v and_o destroy_v for_o it_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a to_o hurt_v many_o than_o to_o help_v a_o few_o to_o kill_v a_o multitude_n than_o to_o restore_v one_o to_o life_n for_o even_o bruit_n beast_n can_v kill_v and_o destroy_v but_o neither_o man_n angel_n nor_o other_o creature_n can_v give_v life_n save_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o adam_n to_o plunge_v all_o mankind_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o save_v and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o this_o wretched_a estate_n neither_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v perform_v save_o christ_n alone_o and_o therefore_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v free_v and_o restore_v to_o life_n but_o only_o one_o and_o adam_n by_o his_o sin_n destroy_v all_o yet_o christ_n death_n be_v strong_a and_o of_o more_o virtue_n in_o save_v than_o adam_n sin_n in_o destroy_v second_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n death_n be_v as_o sufficient_a for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o adam_n sin_n for_o their_o condemnation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o infinite_a value_n and_o price_n thereof_o if_o as_o adam_n sin_n be_v derive_v unto_o all_o by_o natural_a propagation_n so_o christ_n death_n and_o merit_n be_v apply_v unto_o they_o by_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o precious_a salve_n to_o heal_v but_o the_o cause_n why_o it_o heal_v not_o be_v because_o it_o be_v reject_v and_o cast_v away_o through_o incredulity_n three_o christ_n death_n be_v of_o far_o more_o virtue_n and_o force_n than_o adam_n sin_n in_o that_o it_o bring_v unto_o we_o far_o better_a thing_n than_o we_o lose_v in_o adam_n for_o we_o lose_v by_o adam_n but_o earthly_a benefit_n but_o we_o have_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n heavenly_a glory_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n adam_n cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n but_o christ_n give_v we_o possession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n adam_n make_v we_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n but_o christ_n make_v we_o of_o the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n chap._n xv._o that_o all_o who_o be_v redeem_v be_v also_o sanctify_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v take_v away_o the_o ground_n of_o satan_n first_o temptation_n licentiousness_n satan_n temptation_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n whereby_o he_o move_v carnal_a man_n secure_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o christ_n have_v redeem_v and_o will_v save_v the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o godly_a by_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v redeem_v the_o faithful_a only_o the_o second_o temptation_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o thus_o frame_v christ_n have_v redeem_v all_o at_o lest_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v their_o sin_n never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n of_o thy_o own_o flesh_n only_o believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n require_v no_o other_o condition_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o end_n of_o christ_n come_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o suffer_a take_v away_o thy_o sin_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v thou_o vex_v and_o torment_v thyself_o in_o embrace_v bitter_a mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o in_o shun_v thy_o sweet_a and_o please_a sin_n see_v christ_n redeem_v the_o great_a sinner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o least_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o innumerable_a in_o multitude_n and_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n and_o nature_n which_o will_v exclude_v we_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n so_o we_o apply_v his_o death_n and_o merit_n unto_o we_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o any_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o none_o have_v part_n in_o this_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o only_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n which_o be_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n but_o this_o assurance_n will_v make_v they_o to_o love_n god_n again_o and_o this_o love_n will_v work_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o care_n to_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o their_o godly_a life_n to_o shine_v before_o man_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o true_o believe_v that_o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o high_o esteem_v and_o be_v exceed_o thankful_a to_o christ_n for_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o none_o can_v do_v who_o tread_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o voluntary_o cast_v themselves_o into_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v redeem_v with_o so_o precious_a a_o price_n and_o so_o scorn_v this_o benefit_n and_o despite_n our_o saviour_n who_o have_v bestow_v it_o it_o can_v be_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sell_v their_o soul_n unto_o sin_n for_o every_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o trifle_a commodity_n if_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n redeem_v they_o with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o world_n
have_v their_o beginning_n for_o the_o most_o part_n long_o since_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n as_o their_o own_o history_n manifest_o declare_v neither_o do_v any_o other_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o that_o which_o one_o receive_v another_o reject_v that_o which_o one_o confirm_v another_o change_v and_o time_n have_v wear_v they_o all_o out_o leave_v scarce_o any_o small_a remnant_n or_o relic_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a and_o this_o only_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o scripture_n 2._o reason_n take_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n second_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o they_o manifest_v unto_o we_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o propound_v he_o alone_o unto_o we_o to_o be_v worship_v express_v also_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o service_n from_o which_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a but_o all_o other_o religion_n teach_v we_o either_o to_o worship_v many_o god_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o diverse_a of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n well_o discern_v or_o to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n but_o according_a to_o their_o false_a imagination_n &_o erroneous_a superstition_n now_o nature_n reason_n and_o experience_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a king_n but_o will_v set_v down_o rule_v and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v and_o obey_v and_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o fantasy_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v god_n less_o wise_a than_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o people_n but_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o blind_a conceit_n and_o ignorant_a superstition_n §_o sect._n 4_o scripture_n 3._o reason_n take_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o arrogate_a any_o praise_n unto_o themselves_o but_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n unto_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o write_n seek_v themselves_o or_o aim_v at_o any_o worldly_a benefit_n nay_o rather_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v contemptible_a subject_a to_o scoff_n and_o taunt_n yea_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n and_o deprivation_n of_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v and_o whereas_o diverse_a of_o they_o may_v have_v live_v in_o all_o pomp_n if_o they_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o time_n wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o ruler_n and_o suppress_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n yea_o death_n itself_o than_o they_o will_v keep_v back_o any_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o esay_n jeremie_n ezechiel_n michaeas_n zacharias_n a●nos_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o do_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n abstain_v only_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o praise_n but_o also_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o their_o discredit_n to_o the_o end_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o their_o infirmity_n the_o truth_n confess_v and_o preserve_v and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n benefit_v when_o by_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o most_o strong_a they_o be_v keep_v from_o presume_v on_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o from_o despair_v in_o god_n mercy_n and_o thus_o moses_n conceal_v not_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o grand_a parent_n the_o drunkenness_n of_o noah_n the_o incest_n of_o lot_n the_o lie_n of_o isaac_n the_o whoredom_n of_o judas_n nay_o which_v more_o near_o concern_v he_o he_o plain_o reveal_v the_o horrible_a and_o bloody_a sin_n of_o his_o grandfather_n levy_n 49.5.6_o gen._n 49.5.6_o and_o simeon_n in_o murder_v the_o sichemite_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o their_o father_n jacob_n pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o this_o their_o outrage_n genes_n 49.5.6_o which_o can_v not_o in_o humane_a reason_n but_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o his_o stock_n &_o progeny_n and_o offensive_a to_o all_o who_o be_v of_o that_o tribe_n furthermore_o he_o display_v the_o corruption_n imperfection_n and_o often_o rebellion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o salvation_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o spare_v not_o to_o set_v down_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o own_o brothur_n aaron_n nor_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o sister_n miriam_n in_o murmur_v against_o he_o nor_o of_o aaron_n son_n in_o offer_v with_o strange_a fire_n nay_o he_o leave_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n of_o impatiency_n and_o unbelief_n for_o which_o he_o be_v debar_v from_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n unto_o all_o posterity_n as_o a_o perpetual_a note_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n neither_o seek_v he_o at_o all_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o posterity_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v hereby_o appear_v in_o that_o when_o the_o government_n be_v establish_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o do_v not_o make_v his_o own_o son_n his_o successor_n but_o josua_n his_o servant_n because_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o jeremie_n who_o have_v in_o his_o prophecy_n leave_v record_n of_o his_o murmur_a and_o impatiency_n 20._o jerem._n 20._o jere._n 20_o of_o jonas_n who_o have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o rebellion_n punishment_n and_o repine_v against_o god_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o have_v not_o spare_v to_o call_v himself_o a_o cruel_a persecuter_n and_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n now_o we_o know_v that_o natural_o we_o desire_v to_o conceal_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o kindred_n and_o we_o count_v he_o a_o evil_a bird_n that_o defile_v his_o own_o nest_n natural_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o praise_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o child_n and_o can_v brook_v ●othing_v less_o than_o that_o our_o fault_n shall_v be_v diwlge_v and_o become_v table_n talk_v and_o therefore_o this_o detection_n of_o their_o own_o and_o their_o friend_n fall_v and_o fault_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o nature_n or_o any_o worldly_a policy_n but_o from_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o overrule_v their_o affection_n and_o take_v away_o all_o partiality_n §_o sect._n 5_o scripture_n the_o four_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diverse_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n four_o the_o wonderful_a consent_n which_o be_v among_o the_o diverse_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o other_o man_n quot_fw-la homines_fw-la tot_fw-la sententiae_fw-la look_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v and_o so_o many_o mind_n there_o be_v whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o writer_n almost_o vari_v from_o another_o gainsay_v and_o confute_v that_o which_o another_o have_v deliver_v that_o so_o out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n they_o may_v build_v a_o monument_n of_o their_o own_o fame_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o successive_o write_v one_o after_o another_o the_o space_n of_o diverse_a thousand_o year_n do_v notwithstanding_o consent_v together_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n the_o late_a ratify_n and_o confirm_v that_o which_o the_o former_a have_v deliver_v without_o any_o alteration_n opposition_n or_o emulation_n as_o though_o they_o be_v diverse_a hand_n set_v on_o work_n by_o the_o same_o soul_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o come_v to_o pass_v unless_o they_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n spirit_n §_o sect._n 6_o opposition_n the_o sift_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o opposition_n five_o the_o mighty_a opposition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o all_o in_o vain_a do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n and_o truth_n the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n whereof_o he_o have_v himself_o
undertake_v above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o power_n for_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n in_o former_a time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o still_o at_o this_o day_n oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o his_o curse_a instrument_n ungodly_a man_n the_o more_o they_o exceed_v in_o wickedness_n the_o more_o bend_v their_o whole_a power_n malicious_o to_o oppugn_v this_o truth_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o that_o they_o be_v professor_n and_o practizer_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o whence_o proceed_v this_o malicious_a opposition_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n himself_o so_o also_o against_o his_o word_n and_o because_o they_o know_v that_o by_o this_o light_a their_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v discover_v therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o put_v it_o clean_o out_o that_o their_o wickedness_n may_v not_o be_v descry_v because_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a they_o can_v endure_v it_o they_o themselves_o be_v corrupt_a and_o wicked_a because_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n which_o show_v the_o crookedness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v able_a burn_v it_o or_o cut_v it_o in_o piece_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o they_o loathe_v as_o much_o to_o hear_v it_o as_o the_o prisoner_n do_v abhor_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o just_a judge_n and_o hence_o proceed_v their_o opposition_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o might_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o more_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n rage_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o more_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n support_v it_o the_o glory_n thereof_o appear_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o keep_v it_o down_o the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o as_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n do_v but_o make_v it_o to_o swell_v the_o high_a and_o overflow_v all_o the_o country_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o bank_n so_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n do_v seek_v to_o stay_v this_o heavenly_a stream_n which_o flow_v from_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o labour_n may_v and_o main_a to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n &_o propagation_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o more_o it_o spread_v itself_o maugre_o their_o malice_n and_o overflow_v the_o whole_a earth_n and_o whence_o can_v the_o defeat_n and_o frustrate_v of_o this_o powerful_a violence_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o great_a power_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v combine_v themselves_o together_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v satan_n rage_n or_o protect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o utter_a ruin_n only_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a can_v thus_o uphold_v it_o and_o make_v it_o prevail_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n unto_o this_o day_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n so_o also_o by_o punish_v even_o in_o this_o life_n with_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n all_o those_o who_o have_v most_o violent_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o the_o profession_n hereof_o as_o may_v appear_v notable_o in_o the_o example_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n herod_n nero_n domitian_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la and_o many_o other_o who_o by_o their_o shameful_a and_o horrible_a death_n testify_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v oppugn_v and_o persecute_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n §_o sect._n 7_o six_o the_o lord_n have_v approve_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v his_o truth_n by_o wonderful_a miracle_n miracle_n the_o sixth_o reason_n take_v from_o miracle_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imitate_v as_o by_o give_v the_o blind_a their_o sight_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n turn_v back_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n divide_v the_o sea_n in_o two_o part_n and_o such_o like_a which_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o wicked_a convince_a but_o against_o this_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o in_o hug_a mugger_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n otherwise_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v have_v labour_v in_o vain_a to_o have_v persuade_v man_n to_o have_v embrace_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n especial_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o affection_n if_o they_o have_v only_o themselves_o report_v or_o bring_v some_o few_o witness_n of_o their_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o not_o public_o show_v they_o to_o all_o the_o people_n moreover_o see_v this_o doctrine_n have_v have_v so_o many_o enemy_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v exclame_v and_o write_v against_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v publish_v for_o write_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o do_v but_o among_o all_o those_o who_o have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o impudent_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v do_v of_o which_o so_o many_o be_v eye-witness_n nay_o contrariwise_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o neither_o know_v god_n nor_o his_o true_a religion_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o this_o day_n withstand_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n do_v notwithstanding_o confess_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v they_o able_a to_o gainsay_v they_o see_v they_o have_v receive_v this_o truth_n by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n though_o not_o the_o promise_a messiah_n §_o sect._n 8_o seventhly_a the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n who_o have_v seal_v this_o truth_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n martyr_n the_o seven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o martyr_n be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o will_v so_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o certain_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o support_v they_o in_o suffer_v these_o torment_n above_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o strength_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v suffer_v also_o for_o their_o sect_n opinion_n and_o heresy_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a differece_n between_o they_o first_o because_o the_o number_n have_v be_v few_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o heresy_n but_o the_o martyr_n almost_o innumerable_a who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n second_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n constancy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n have_v not_o be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o error_n which_o have_v always_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n saint_n and_o last_o these_o heretic_n have_v always_o be_v confute_v and_o convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o heresy_n before_o their_o suffering_n whereas_o god_n saint_n direct_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n word_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v resist_v and_o through_o violent_a rage_n be_v unconuict_v have_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n chap._n xx._n other_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o §_o sect._n 1_o the_o eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n handle_v the_o eight_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o argument_n which_o
be_v say_v i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a writer_n who_o in_o their_o several_a time_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o most_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o we_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o a_o candle_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n which_o more_o sufficient_o show_v itself_o by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o infidel_n to_o confirm_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o infidelity_n and_o that_o noble_a learned_a and_o religious_a gentleman_n philip_n mornay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_fw-fr of_o christian_a religion_n have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o labour_n from_o who_o never_o waste_v candle_n i_o have_v borrow_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o my_o light_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o question_n chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v only_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n whereby_o all_o gainesaier_n may_v be_v convince_v who_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infallible_a truth_n but_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o opposer_n and_o for_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o atheist_n epicure_n and_o mere_a natural_n yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o all_o these_o be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o or_o to_o persuade_v he_o with_o full_a assurance_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v adjoin_v unto_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o do_v not_o only_o convince_v but_o also_o thorough_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o alone_a in_o itself_o be_v al-sufficient_a though_o we_o never_o hear_v any_o other_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n for_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o this_o truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a without_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n unsufficient_a that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v without_o this_o unsufficient_a hereby_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a in_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a nor_o many_o learned_a in_o the_o world_n do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o whereas_o if_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n or_o natural_a reason_n 11.25_o matth._n 11.25_o they_o who_o best_o conceive_v they_o will_v most_o easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o be_v reveal_v unto_o babe_n not_o by_o mean_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n neither_o can_v the_o natural_a man_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v enlighten_v with_o god_n spirit_n yet_o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o be_v never_o anoint_v with_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o glorious_a light_n appear_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o sunshine_n to_o those_o who_o want_v their_o sight_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o grope_v at_o noon_n day_n and_o as_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o who_o seneca_n speak_v be_v sudden_o in_o the_o night_n strike_v with_o blindness_n desire_v the_o next_o day_n to_o undraw_v the_o curtain_n and_o open_a the_o window_n that_o she_o may_v see_v whereas_o the_o cause_n of_o she_o not_o see_v be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n but_o want_v of_o eye_n so_o these_o man_n who_o be_v strike_v with_o natural_a blindness_n complain_v that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o clear_v by_o take_v away_o the_o cloud_n of_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o shadow_v it_o and_o by_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o this_o glorious_a light_n which_o always_o shine_v but_o in_o their_o blindness_n who_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n self_n love_n and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o every_o one_o have_v of_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o they_o will_v soon_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n want_v light_a than_o they_o eye_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o §_o sect._n 2_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v persuade_v other_o argument_n convince_v but_o not_o persuade_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n and_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o to_o a_o doubtful_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o deed_n they_o may_v with_o the_o two_o disciple_n which_o travail_v to_o emaus_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v have_v their_o heart_n burn_v and_o throb_v within_o they_o imagine_v that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o his_o eye_n be_v a_o little_a illuminate_v by_o our_o saviour_n discern_v man_n not_o as_o man_n but_o as_o move_a tree_n so_o they_o may_v in_o some_o confuse_a manner_n know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o christ_n have_v full_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v dispel_v their_o natural_a blindness_n they_o will_v never_o certain_o be_v persuade_v nor_o assure_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o any_o neither_o be_v it_o ground_v upon_o any_o natural_a reason_n or_o persuasion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o it_o deliver_v as_o appear_v ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o 1.11_o ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o and_o when_o we_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v certain_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 2.15_o god_n spirit_n full_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 2.15_o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n so_o 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o receive_v of_o he_o 2.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o verse_n 20._o 20._o verse_n 20._o but_o you_o have_v a_o ointment_n he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o you_o have_v know_v all_o thing_n where_o by_o he_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v a_o comforter_n unto_o we_o 7.13_o joh._n 16_o 7.13_o as_o it_o be_v john_n 16.7.13_o and_o in_o deed_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v indict_v and_o inspire_v or_o who_o can_v better_v judge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o witness_n nor_o any_o
may_v whole_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n who_o call_v and_o justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o save_v who_o he_o will_v and_o not_o unto_o humane_a learning_n or_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o man_n industry_n and_o labour_n it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o these_o who_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_v the_o clean_a contrary_n corruption_n §._o sect._n 3._o that_o not_o learning_n but_o god_n spirit_n free_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v that_o be_v know_v and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v but_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v incident_a as_o well_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o as_o unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v it_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v as_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v for_o before_o we_o attain_v unto_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n our_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o free_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n of_o nature_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n yea_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v one_o day_n either_o justify_v or_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o join_v with_o this_o knowledge_n the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o effecttuall_a for_o our_o sanctification_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n of_o we_o from_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o fall_v into_o all_o sin_n be_v entice_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o most_o sottish_o ignorant_a a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n who_o though_o he_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n incredulity_n that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v incredulity_n as_o never_o mere_a man_n attain_v unto_o the_o like_a yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o a_o excellent_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o lord_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o fall_v most_o grievous_o into_o all_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o solomon_n do_v not_o write_v as_o he_o think_v and_o not_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o corruption_n to_o commit_v that_o sin_n which_o his_o conscience_n condemn_v and_o to_o neglect_v obedience_n to_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n so_o david_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o notable_a knowledge_n and_o no_o less_o grace_n fall_v notwithstanding_o most_o fearful_o into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o these_o be_v horrible_a sin_n or_o that_o when_o he_o commend_v mercy_n innocence_n and_o chastity_n he_o speak_v not_o as_o he_o think_v and_o peter_n likewise_o deny_v and_o forswear_v his_o master_n who_o before_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v we_o hence_o conclude_v that_o peter_n dissemble_v when_o he_o make_v that_o notable_a confession_n because_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o david_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o peter_n overcome_v with_o fear_n and_o frailty_n and_o both_o draw_v through_o their_o corruption_n to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o their_o conscience_n condemen_v but_o leave_v such_o far_o fetch_v instance_n let_v every_o man_n yea_o even_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n enter_v into_o a_o strict_a and_o due_a consideration_n with_o himself_o and_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n before_o god_n tribunal_n seat_n and_o then_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o perform_v obedience_n to_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o just_o complain_v that_o our_o corruption_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n commandment_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v not_o nay_o which_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o also_o be_v delight_v therewith_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o rebell_v atainst_a the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n 7.8.15.23_o rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n david_n peter_n and_o of_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctification_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o neglect_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o seem_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v true_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o own_o life_n for_o many_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v notwithstanding_o destitute_a of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o whole_o carry_v away_o into_o all_o licentious_a wickedness_n and_o many_o also_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v not_o whole_o purge_v from_o their_o natural_a corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v their_o frailty_n and_o infirmty_n to_o all_o the_o world_n though_o they_o know_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o from_o their_o heart_n embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o profess_v but_o if_o satan_n can_v thus_o prevail_v nor_o cause_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n truth_n answer_v §._o sect._n 4._o the_o second_o temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o minister_n answer_v because_o the_o minister_n live_v not_o according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v such_o who_o life_n be_v scandalous_a as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o take_v the_o word_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o unable_a to_o convert_v or_o amend_v other_o see_v the_o word_n be_v not_o powerful_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o the_o convert_n and_o refourm_v of_o their_o own_o life_n which_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a unto_o many_o for_o what_o great_a discouragement_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o sick_a patient_n than_o to_o take_v physic_n of_o such_o a_o physician_n who_o can_v not_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o disease_n or_o who_o will_v willing_o eat_v of_o that_o food_n which_o he_o who_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o taste_v of_o it_o or_o who_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v he_o discourse_n of_o mercy_n chastity_n and_o liberality_n who_o he_o know_v whole_o possess_v of_o cruelty_n lust_n and_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o god_n minister_n shall_v be_v physician_n to_o themselves_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o cure_n of_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stand_v like_o image_n by_o the_o high_a way_n side_n direct_v other_o in_o their_o journey_n themselves_o never_o move_v foot_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v like_v guide_n go_v before_o they_o and_o instruct_v they_o not_o only_o by_o their_o word_n but_o also_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v their_o instruction_n by_o their_o example_n but_o yet_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o satan_n do_v not_o take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o neglect_v we_o &_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v hear_v that_o the_o minister_n wickedness_n or_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v hear_v nourish_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o because_o the_o minister_n who_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o it_o himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o worthiness_n of_o he_o who_o deliver_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o make_v void_a and_o uneffectual_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n but_o it_o have_v it_o virtue_n force_n and_o power_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o illuminate_v their_o understanding_n beget_v faith_n in_o they_o
this_o must_v not_o make_v we_o to_o neglect_v all_o till_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a agreement_n for_o as_o well_o may_v be_v reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n with_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n grace_n &_o natural_a corruption_n truth_n and_o error_n as_o the_o true_a religion_n with_o those_o which_o be_v false_a or_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o other_o those_o who_o have_v important_a business_n abroad_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o refuse_v to_o travail_v because_o some_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o every_o turn_n in_o their_o journey_n because_o they_o will_v not_o err_v with_o other_o those_o that_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o live_v do_v not_o refuse_v all_o meat_n because_o some_o surfeit_n &_o die_v by_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v unwholesome_a but_o rather_o hereby_o they_o be_v make_v more_o wary_a in_o make_v good_a choice_n of_o such_o diet_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o health_n those_o also_o who_o be_v sick_a do_v not_o neglect_v all_o physic_n because_o there_o be_v many_o cozen_a impostor_n and_o unlearned_a empiric_n who_o kill_v in_o stead_n of_o cure_v but_o this_o make_v they_o with_o more_o circumspection_n to_o find_v out_o a_o skilful_a and_o learned_a physician_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o like_a practice_n in_o these_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o direct_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o heaven_n and_o many_o byway_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n let_v not_o this_o keep_v we_o from_o travayl_v this_o heavenly_a journey_n but_o rather_o move_v we_o with_o more_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n see_v also_o there_o be_v many_o which_o offer_v we_o poison_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o wholesome_a food_n and_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o learn_v with_o more_o care_n to_o make_v choice_n and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o but_o there_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v how_o those_o who_o be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a can_v judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n false_a §._o sect._n 2._o how_o the_o unlearned_a may_v discern_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a who_o teach_v the_o truth_n and_o who_o falsehood_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o one_o must_v labour_v to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n by_o study_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n this_o must_v be_v his_o light_n to_o guide_v he_o his_o counsellor_n to_o inform_v he_o his_o touchstone_n whereby_o he_o may_v discern_v the_o stubble_n and_o straw_n of_o man_n invention_n from_o the_o pure_a gold_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o with_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n 17._o i._o joh._n 4.1_o act._n 17._o to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o according_o either_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o be_v consonant_n with_o god_n word_n or_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o be_v dissonant_n thereunto_o yea_o will_n some_o say_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a course_n if_o those_o only_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v scripture_n to_o allege_v but_o see_v every_o heretic_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o quote_v scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v and_o defend_v of_o his_o heresy_n as_o the_o professor_n of_o god_n truth_n for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o all_o the_o question_n be_v who_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o good_a and_o who_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a and_o somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v wrest_v unto_o a_o wrong_a sense_n yet_o be_v there_o other_o clear_a end_n evident_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o all_o sect_n heresy_n and_o error_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v expound_v those_o place_n which_o be_v dark_a and_o ambiguous_a by_o those_o which_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o manifest_a for_o exmaple_n if_o we_o will_v know_v whether_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o no_o we_o must_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o god_n word_n not_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o place_n which_o seem_v any_o way_n hard_a and_o doubtful_a but_o of_o those_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n truth_n as_o light_v to_o darkness_n for_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v the_o clean_a contrary_n 2.10_o i_o be_o 3.2_o and_o 2.10_o namely_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o i_o be_o 3.2_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o i_o be_o 2.10_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o sin_v not_o 8.46_o 1._o king_n 8.46_o 1._o king_n 8.46_o that_o in_o god_n sight_n none_o that_o live_v can_v be_v justify_v 10._o psal_n 143.2_o luk._n 17_o 10._o psalm_n 143.2_o that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o merit_v nothing_o luk._n 17.10_o so_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n because_o they_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o apostle_n flat_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o this_o office_n but_o christ_n alone_o 2.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n where_o as_o they_o teach_v that_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a for_o some_o man_n at_o all_o time_n and_o some_o meat_n unlawful_a for_o all_o man_n at_o some_o time_n the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o this_o be_v erroneous_a and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 4.1.3.4_o 1._o tim._n 4.1.3.4_o and_o that_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1._o tim._n 4.1.3.4_o and_o that_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a for_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a 13.4_o heb._n 13.4_o heb._n 13.4_o that_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n every_o man_n must_v have_v his_o wife_n and_o every_o woman_n her_o own_o husband_n 1._o cor._n 7.2_o and_o that_o better_o it_o be_v to_o marry_v then_o to_o burn_v v._o 9_o 7.2_o 1._o cor._n 7.2_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v carnal_o and_o corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o earth_n matth._n 28.6_o 28.6_o matth._n 28.6_o that_o when_o he_o be_v take_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o 1.11_o act._n 1.11_o act._n 1.11_o that_o the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v he_o until_o the_o time_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v restore_v 3.21_o act_n 3.21_o act._n 3.21_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v make_v and_o worship_n image_n both_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n speak_v five_o word_n with_o his_o understanding_n that_o he_o may_v also_o instruct_v other_o 14.19_o 1._o cor._n 14.19_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o flat_o injoin_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o speak_v strange_a lauguage_n where_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n 1._o cor._n 14.19.27.28_o whereas_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v withhold_v from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o give_v only_o to_o the_o priest_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o institution_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v his_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n plain_o thereby_o infer_v that_o this_o sign_n and_o sacrament_n of_o his_o blood_n belong_v to_o as_o many_o as_o be_v redeem_v by_o it_o 26.28_o matth_n 26.28_o matth._n 26.28_o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o here_o the_o disciple_n be_v only_o
yield_v a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n §_o sect._n 5_o and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n now_o after_o we_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o have_v present_v ourselves_o into_o god_n holy_a assembly_n presence_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o hear_v it_o to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n there_o be_v also_o other_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o end_n that_o satan_n may_v not_o distract_v our_o mind_n and_o so_o make_v the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v fruitless_a first_o we_o be_v to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o we_o &_o behold_v all_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o action_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o good_a cornelius_n act._n 10.33_o here_o say_v he_o we_o be_v all_o present_a before_o god_n to_o hear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v thou_o of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o careless_o and_o negligent_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o in_o his_o presence_n before_o who_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n move_v and_o shake_v as_o it_o be_v psal_n 18.7_o second_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n god_n 2._o we_o must_v hear_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thes_n 2.13_o when_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o you_o hear_v of_o we_o you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o his_o own_o spokesman_n but_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o message_n which_o he_o bring_v but_o the_o lord_n embassage_n &_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n prefix_v before_o their_o writing_n these_o &_o such_o like_a speech_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n profess_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o god_n true_a minister_n that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n who_o in_o christ_n stead_n beseech_v their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5.20_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o look_v upon_o the_o man_n but_o on_o god_n who_o send_v he_o nor_o on_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n but_o on_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o it_o bring_v nor_o on_o the_o simpleness_n of_o the_o casket_n but_o on_o the_o precious_a pearl_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o nor_o upon_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o ambassador_n but_o upon_o the_o glorious_a royalty_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o send_v he_o and_o on_o his_o ambassage_n which_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o life_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o then_o his_o foot_n will_v seem_v beautiful_a and_o none_o shall_v be_v better_a welcome_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v their_o ministry_n but_o receive_v joyful_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o remember_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o §_o sect._n 6_o three_o let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o reverend_a attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_v 3._o we_o must_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o meditation_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o hear_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lively_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n that_o spiritual_a physic_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a meditation_n come_v to_o our_o remembrance_n they_o will_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o from_o our_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n fasten_v our_o eye_n on_o god_n minister_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n hearer_n luke_n 4.20_o and_o even_o hang_v upon_o they_o like_o the_o child_n on_o the_o mother_n breast_n to_o suck_v our_o soul_n nourishment_n as_o the_o people_n hang_v on_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 19.48_o four_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n as_o if_o we_o be_v nevermore_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v whither_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o next_o sabbath_n or_o though_o he_o do_v yet_o how_o know_v he_o whether_o he_o shall_v have_v his_o sense_n understanding_n and_o memory_n see_v he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o good_a or_o though_o he_o have_v yet_o may_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o such_o a_o famine_n be_v of_o this_o heavenly_a food_n that_o he_o may_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n 8.11_o am._n 8.11_o and_o from_o north_n to_o east_n seek_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o we_o today_o let_v we_o harken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v we_o to_o morrow_n that_o we_o shall_v hear_v it_o whilst_o we_o enjoy_v this_o heavenly_a light_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v short_o set_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o unto_o we_o and_o then_o what_o will_v follow_v but_o eternal_a darkness_n last_o let_v we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n judgment_n which_o he_o inflict_v on_o the_o contemner_n and_o neglectour_n of_o his_o word_n which_o he_o may_v just_o every_o minute_n pour_v upon_o we_o whilst_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o wandringe_n not_o regard_v that_o which_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o he_o may_v sudden_o strike_v we_o with_o frenzy_n and_o madness_n or_o with_o death_n itself_o and_o then_o how_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a be_v our_o state_n if_o such_o a_o judgement_n shall_v seize_v upon_o us._n 20._o act_n 20._o let_v we_o remember_v what_o happen_v to_o drowsy_a eutichus_n and_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o that_o which_o befall_v unto_o one_o may_v happen_v unto_o another_o §_o sect._n 7_o and_o thus_o be_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o effectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n and_o call_n unto_o god_n word_n how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o when_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o we_o must_v not_o here_o rest_n for_o if_o our_o enemy_n sathan_n can_v no_o hinder_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n from_o fall_v into_o our_o heart_n then_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o steal_v it_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v that_o it_o may_v never_o take_v root_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n as_o appear_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o approbation_n and_o be_v somewhat_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o yet_o soon_o after_o it_o vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o whenc_n do_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o when_o he_o find_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n not_o thorough_o enter_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therein_o cover_v like_o a_o ravenous_a bird_n devour_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v a_o little_a root_n yet_o he_o choke_v it_o with_o the_o thorny_a care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o it_o never_o spring_v up_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o into_o a_o blade_n of_o profession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o far_o grow_v up_o yet_o he_o indeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o from_o ever_o thrive_v further_o by_o cause_v the_o hot_a sun_n of_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o heat_n thereof_o to_o make_v it_o wither_v
which_o the_o lord_n wilimprint_v in_o they_o and_o we_o be_v move_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o rest_n and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n but_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o sickness_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n when_o as_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n can_v never_o work_v they_o in_o us._n it_o may_v be_v indeed_o that_o god_n hand_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o fear_v worse_o judgement_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o may_v be_v move_v hereby_o to_o make_v a_o goodly_a show_n and_o to_o vow_v great_a reformation_n if_o we_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o our_o health_n it_o may_v be_v that_o with_o pharaoh_n we_o may_v make_v a_o feign_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o promise_v to_o amend_v if_o this_o judgement_n may_v be_v remove_v or_o that_o we_o may_v with_o achab_n outward_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v escape_v those_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v in_o his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o if_o we_o then_o true_o repent_v who_o have_v live_v our_o whole_a time_n in_o impenitency_n or_o then_o turn_v unto_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o before_o that_o time_n effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v for_o as_o we_o live_v so_o we_o common_o die_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o have_v lead_v our_o life_n like_o wicked_a balaam_n we_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o have_v always_o hitherto_o be_v thorn_n and_o thistle_n we_o shall_v now_o bring_v forth_o sweet_a fig_n and_o pleasant_a grape_n when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n that_o have_v all_o our_o life_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o wickedness_n we_o shall_v at_o our_o death_n reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v let_v we_o not_o be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a as_o it_o be_v gal._n 6.7.8_o let_v we_o now_o turn_v unto_o god_n while_o he_o call_v we_o and_o grant_v we_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n now_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o will_v now_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v while_o we_o may_v continue_v in_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o repentance_n be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a and_o not_o press_v out_o of_o we_o with_o sense_n of_o present_a pain_n nor_o force_v with_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n and_o that_o turn_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o grace_n and_o mercy_n see_v we_o then_o offer_v to_o serve_v he_o when_o we_o may_v have_v serve_v satan_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n chap._n xxx_o two_o let_n which_o hinder_v worldling_n from_o speedy_a repentance_n remoove_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v these_o motive_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n promisee_fw-mi the_o first_o let_v be_v the_o misaply_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o gracious_a promisee_fw-mi all_o which_o the_o worldly_a secure_a man_n ward_v and_o bear_v of_o with_o a_o double_a fence_n so_o as_o they_o can_v never_o beat_v he_o down_o with_o true_a humility_n nor_o pierce_v his_o heart_n with_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o one_o be_v by_o allege_v god_n mercy_n manifest_o declare_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o by_o object_v the_o example_n of_o the_o convert_a thief_n who_o though_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o the_o first_o 11.28_o ezech._n 13.32_o &_o 33.11_o math._n 9.13_o math._n 11.28_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n will_v they_o say_v protest_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o do_v he_o not_o invite_v such_o unto_o he_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o and_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v we_o 2.4_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o that_o god_n will_v be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n see_v therefore_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n why_o shall_v we_o fear_v to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n &_o follow_v our_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n for_o a_o time_n see_v the_o lord_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n whensoever_o we_o turn_v unto_o he_o remove_v the_o first_o let_v remove_v i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v certain_a true_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unthankful_a part_n and_o horrible_a ingratitude_n against_o our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o more_o to_o offend_v he_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v second_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o god_n have_v show_v his_o mercy_n in_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o also_o he_o have_v as_o plain_o declare_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o severe_a threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o he_o be_v as_o true_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o question_n be_v who_o shall_v taste_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o who_o of_o his_o justice_n see_v that_o be_v promise_v to_o some_o and_o this_o threaten_a against_o other_o or_o rather_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v plain_o show_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o that_o he_o will_v declare_v his_o justice_n in_o pour_v out_o his_o just_a judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a who_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o upon_o those_o who_o take_v occasion_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o unrepentancie_n despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o bountifulness_n his_o patience_n &_o long_o suffer_v for_o hereby_o they_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 2.4.5_o though_o then_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o sweet_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o but_o to_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n denounce_v in_o the_o law_n yet_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n need_v not_o to_o fear_v they_o see_v they_o be_v threaten_v only_o against_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o impaenitencie_n though_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a mercy_n let_v not_o the_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n presume_v see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n neither_o let_v he_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a despair_n because_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a justice_n see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o unrepentancie_n let_v not_o he_o who_o be_v turn_v unto_o god_n from_o his_o wicked_a way_n fear_v god_n justice_n for_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v never_o attach_v he_o neither_o let_v he_o who_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o repentance_n hope_v in_o god_n mercy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o he_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o general_a yet_o be_v they_o always_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v which_o worldly_a man_n so_o much_o abuse_v to_o nourish_v in_o they_o carnal_a
the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v unto_o thou_o though_o thou_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n that_o ever_o live_v for_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v unpardonable_a we_o be_v to_o know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n as_o that_o because_o it_o be_v always_o sever_v and_o disjoin_v from_o faith_n and_o repentance_n god_n deny_v these_o his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o desperate_a malice_n have_v make_v a_o general_a apostasy_n and_o have_v persecute_v the_o know_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v possible_a also_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a exclude_v none_o let_v not_o any_o man_n who_o be_v lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n exclude_v himself_o through_o his_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o infidelity_n for_o though_o their_o other_o sin_n be_v grievous_a yet_o this_o be_v more_o heinous_a and_o damnable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o mercy_n unto_o all_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o if_o we_o reply_v no_o he_o will_v not_o extend_v it_o unto_o i_o because_o i_o be_o a_o grievous_a sinner_n what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o contradict_v the_o lord_n and_o give_v truth_n itself_o the_o lie_n not_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o extenuate_v and_o derogate_v from_o god_n infallible_a truth_n chap._n xxxv_o of_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n father_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o person_n god_n the_o father_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n there_o may_v also_o other_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o every_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n first_o god_n the_o father_n have_v create_v we_o of_o nothing_o even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n and_o when_o we_o have_v deface_v this_o his_o image_n in_o we_o and_o make_v ourselves_o slave_n to_o satan_n he_o so_o tender_o love_v we_o his_o poor_a miserable_a creature_n that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o dear_o belove_a &_o only_o beget_v son_n but_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o therein_o he_o may_v suffer_v all_o misery_n and_o affliction_n and_o last_o the_o curse_a and_o bitter_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o justice_n for_o our_o sin_n &_o perfect_a the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o this_o the_o evangelist_n witness_v john_n 3.16_o all_o which_o love_v the_o lord_n show_v unto_o we_o even_o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n when_o we_o neither_o deserve_v it_o nor_o yet_o desire_v it_o for_o we_o be_v bondslave_n unto_o satan_n and_o well_o content_v to_o live_v in_o his_o bondage_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n yea_o we_o be_v enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o merciful_a god_n so_o love_v we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o love_n with_o our_o sin_n at_o league_n with_o his_o enemy_n satan_n &_o at_o enmity_n with_o he_o that_o he_o send_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o by_o his_o death_n and_o bloodshed_n he_o may_v redeem_v and_o save_v we_o out_o of_o this_o miserable_a estate_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o now_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v our_o sin_n if_o we_o seek_v and_o sue_v for_o grace_n if_o he_o love_v we_o so_o dear_o when_o we_o hate_v he_o and_o seek_v all_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n when_o we_o be_v profess_v enemy_n against_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n when_o as_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v reconcile_v if_o he_o so_o love_v we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o remit_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v satisfy_v when_o as_o with_o hearty_a sorrow_n we_o do_v bewail_v they_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n to_o mankind_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v save_v and_o redeem_v repentant_a sinner_n why_o shall_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n if_o they_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o chief_a jewel_n hiw_v only_o beget_v and_o best_a belove_a son_n and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n what_o will_v he_o deny_v we_o when_o in_o christ_n we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o become_v his_o friend_n and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n reason_v rom._n 5.8_o god_n say_v he_o set_v out_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o us._n 9_o much_o more_o than_o be_v now_o justify_v by_o his_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o wrath_n through_o he_o 10._o for_o if_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n much_o more_o be_v reconcile_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o life_n §_o sect._n 2_o second_o we_o may_v draw_v most_o firm_a argument_n to_o strengthen_v our_o assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n son_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o 2._o person_n god_n the_o son_n for_o first_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n sinner_n 1._o because_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o therefore_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v save_v and_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n sin_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o father_n justice_n obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o he_o though_o then_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o and_o grievous_a this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o firm_a assurance_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n nay_o rather_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o forceible_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o seek_v his_o help_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o desperate_a case_n destitute_a of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v such_o as_o be_v lose_v in_o themselves_o and_o enthral_v in_o the_o miserable_a bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n profess_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o luke_n 19.10_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 1._o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o true_a say_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n the_o apostle_n also_o affirm_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n &_o trespass_n eph._n 2.1.5_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 11.28_o do_v not_o only_o call_v unto_o he_o small_a sinner_n but_o those_o who_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o a_o intolerable_a weight_n or_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o see_v therefore_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v and_o redeem_v grievous_a and_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o to_o give_v life_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v even_o stark_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n see_v also_o he_o call_v and_o invit_v such_o unto_o he_o as_o be_v heavy_o lade_v with_o a_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o wickedness_n and_o promise_v to_o ease_v they_o let_v we_o not_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o come_v because_o our_o sin_n be_v heinous_a and_o grievous_a but_o therefore_o let_v we_o the_o rather_o go_v unto_o christ_n because_o we_o have_v need_v of_o his_o help_n if_o a_o man_n be_v load_v with_o a_o weighty_a burden_n shall_v refuse_v the_o help_n of_o a_o friend_n both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o ease_v he_o because_o his_o burden_n be_v very_o heavy_a
nor_o any_o reformation_n at_o all_o of_o their_o former_a sinful_a life_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o any_o profit_n nay_o that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v it_o the_o more_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a they_o be_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v much_o better_o not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n at_o all_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o in_o crease_n their_o condemnation_n for_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v not_o such_o poor_a mourn_a soul_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o word_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v of_o their_o imperfection_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v they_o know_v first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n of_o those_o child_n of_o god_n which_o profit_n most_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v therein_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o in_o complain_v that_o they_o profit_v not_o they_o show_v they_o profitt_a for_o whereas_o man_n natural_o blind_v with_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n never_o discern_v any_o such_o want_n and_o corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o profit_v nothing_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o never_o trouble_v they_o nay_o they_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o present_v their_o body_n into_o god_n assembly_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n though_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o nor_o retain_v it_o in_o memory_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o these_o humble_a soul_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v free_v from_o this_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n and_o have_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v so_o as_o they_o see_v their_o fault_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v their_o hard_a heart_n soften_v so_o as_o they_o be_v grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o they_o &_o their_o will_n also_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n sanctify_v so_o that_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o their_o corruption_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o more_o profit_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v so_o much_o as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v perfect_v that_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o this_o desire_n of_o profit_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v also_o accomplish_v it_o &_o so_o open_v their_o dull_a ear_n and_o soften_v their_o hard_a heart_n that_o they_o shall_v profit_v and_o reap_v manifold_a fruit_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o furrow_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n feed_v they_o for_o a_o time_n with_o a_o spare_a hand_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v true_o humble_v they_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o that_o he_o may_v hereby_o so_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o hunger_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n feed_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n of_o his_o word_n but_o as_o this_o shall_v increase_v their_o diligence_n so_o it_o shall_v not_o decrease_v their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n for_o most_o assure_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o while_n whet_v their_o stomach_n and_o by_o pull_v back_o his_o hand_n move_v they_o more_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o more_o high_o to_o esteem_v this_o precious_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o will_v full_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_a desire_n nourish_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o make_v they_o who_o be_v but_o babe_n strong_a man_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o not_o faint_a but_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v sure_o comfort_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 27.16_o §_o sect._n 4_o second_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o want_n of_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o howsoever_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o rest_v content_v in_o this_o estate_n but_o be_v to_o labour_n more_o and_o more_o not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o also_o to_o discern_v a_o increase_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o a_o progress_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n for_o otherwise_o though_o they_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o for_o a_o time_n live_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o nor_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o there_o own_o conscience_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v despair_v or_o be_v utter_o discourage_v for_o though_o they_o find_v no_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n yet_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n they_o will_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n continue_v still_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n they_o shall_v undoubted_o in_o the_o end_n attain_v unto_o their_o desire_n and_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o godliness_n we_o know_v that_o the_o seed_n do_v not_o present_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n but_o first_o it_o seem_v to_o rot_v and_o perish_v and_o then_o it_o sprout_v up_o in_o a_o green_a blade_n and_o then_o it_o bear_v a_o ear_n and_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o much_o fruit_n and_o so_o it_o fare_v oftentimes_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v quite_o lose_v and_o perish_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o ground_n and_o yet_o afterwards_o it_o bring_v forth_o not_o only_o a_o fair_a green_a blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n so_o also_o the_o sick_a patient_a take_v sovereign_a physic_n be_v not_o present_o cure_v nay_o in_o stead_n of_o feel_v any_o ease_n thereby_o he_o be_v make_v much_o more_o sick_a in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o yet_o after_o the_o physic_n have_v a_o while_n wrought_v with_o he_o and_o purge_v he_o of_o some_o superfluous_a and_o hurtful_a humour_n he_o find_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o by_o little_a and_o little_o he_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o former_a health_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o spiritual_a sick_a patient_n he_o do_v not_o always_o present_o find_v ease_n and_o quiet_a peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o many_o time_n he_o be_v torment_v and_o vex_v after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spiritual_a physic_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o in_o former_a time_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o this_o physic_n have_v effectual_o wrought_v with_o he_o it_o purge_v he_o from_o his_o filthy_a corruption_n and_o strengthen_v he_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o feel_v present_o no_o profitable_a fruit_n of_o hear_v let_v not_o this_o discourage_v we_o from_o hear_v nay_o rather_o let_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o sharp_a spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o to_o more_o diligence_n and_o let_v we_o join_v therewith_o hearty_a prayer_n desire_v the_o lord_n to_o water_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n sow_v in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o undoubted_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o end_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o to_o our_o exceed_a comfort_n show_v unto_o we_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n §_o sect._n 5_o three_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n sin_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o more_o they_o abound_v in_o sin_n in_o this_o they_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o more_o sinful_a but_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o live_v in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v so_o as_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v manifold_a and_o grievous_a now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o
at_o sometime_o they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n yet_o shall_v they_o never_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v have_v assurance_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v dwell_v in_o we_o by_o this_o work_n thereof_o effectual_a prayer_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o have_v not_o forsake_v we_o 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o but_o will_v again_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o whereas_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o spirit_n itself_o will_v make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v §_o sect._n 2_o second_o form_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o any_o good_a form_n whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o any_o good_a form_n but_o oftentimes_o fill_v god_n ear_n with_o impatient_a cry_n &_o uncomfortable_a roar_n in_o stead_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v often_o incident_a unto_o the_o child_n of_o god_n especial_o when_o his_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o they_o either_o in_o some_o outward_a affliction_n of_o body_n or_o some_o inward_a anguish_n of_o mind_n for_o example_n the_o prophet_n david_n confess_v that_o when_o god_n hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o day_n and_o night_n his_o prayer_n be_v but_o roar_n psal_n 32.3_o 32.3_o psal_n 32.3_o so_o ezechias_n faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v pray_v he_o chatter_v like_o a_o crane_n or_o a_o swallow_n &_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n esa_n 38.14_o 38.14_o esa_n 38.14_o and_o the_o poor_a publican_n oppress_v with_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o long_a &_o eloquent_a speech_n utter_v these_o few_o word_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n christ_n testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v home_o justify_v 18.13.14_o luke_n 18.13.14_o luk._n 18.13.14_o neither_o in_o truth_n do_v the_o lord_n regard_v the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o earnestness_n of_o the_o hart_n he_o respect_v not_o our_o well_o couch_a word_n and_o smooth_a utter_v stile_n but_o the_o fervency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o humble_a and_o hearty_a desire_n which_o be_v acceptable_o hear_v of_o he_o though_o our_o tongue_n be_v silent_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o eloquent_a word_n but_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n a_o contrite_a and_o break_a heart_n will_v not_o the_o lord_n despise_v 51.17_o psal_n 51.17_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 51.17_o the_o prayer_n indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n which_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o in_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v us._n rom._n 8.26_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n if_o we_o can_v sigh_v and_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v those_o thing_n we_o want_v according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n though_o we_o can_v express_v our_o mind_n in_o any_o good_a order_n or_o in_o a_o continue_a form_n of_o speech_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v from_o our_o heart_n roar_v with_o david_n chatter_v with_o ezechias_n and_o utter_v this_o abrupt_a speech_n with_o the_o poor_a publican_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o that_o as_o speedy_o as_o though_o we_o can_v pray_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o eloquence_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o to_o what_o end_n principal_o serve_v word_n but_o that_o we_o may_v by_o they_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o man_n who_o otherwise_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n understand_v our_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26.27_o and_o he_o know_v our_o thought_n long_o before_o we_o think_v they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 139.2_o 139.2_o psal_n 139.2_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n yea_o a_o allseeing_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n unto_o he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n neither_o do_v our_o word_n serve_v to_o persuade_v he_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o own_o dull_a spirit_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o disorderly_a wander_a thought_n 14.15_o exod._n 14.15_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v with_o moses_n lift_v up_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o earnest_a desire_n this_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a cry_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o can_v unfeigned_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o lord_n i_o pour_v my_o whole_a desire_n before_o thou_o and_o my_o sigh_v be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v he_o will_v hear_v we_o and_o grant_v our_o request_n for_o he_o hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o prepare_v their_o hart_n and_o bend_v his_o ear_n unto_o they_o 10.17_o psal_n 10.17_o as_o it_o be_v psal_a 10.17_o yea_o he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n incline_v to_o their_o request_n but_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o save_v they_o as_o the_o same_o prophet_n speak_v psal_n 145.19_o 145.19_o psal_n 145.19_o we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a love_a father_n if_o he_o see_v his_o son_n exceed_v sick_a will_v be_v very_o careful_a and_o tender_a over_o he_o to_o provide_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o he_o which_o may_v do_v he_o good_a and_o though_o with_o a_o falter_v tongue_n and_o unperfect_a speech_n he_o ask_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v profitable_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v yet_o how_o ready_o will_v he_o harken_v unto_o he_o and_o grant_v his_o desire_n yea_o if_o his_o sickness_n so_o increase_v that_o he_o become_v speechless_a utter_v nothing_o but_o deep_a groan_n even_o this_o language_n move_v he_o to_o no_o less_o care_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n which_o may_v do_v he_o good_a shall_v then_o we_o daily_o observe_v such_o fruit_n of_o love_n in_o sinful_a man_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o find_v less_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n far_o be_v it_o from_o us._n nay_o let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v sick_a in_o sin_n and_o exceed_o dull_a and_o beat_v down_o with_o some_o grievous_a tentation_n we_o can_v utter_v any_o thing_n but_o unperfect_a speech_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v through_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o greatness_n of_o our_o corruption_n strike_v dumb_a and_o can_v utter_v nothing_o but_o groan_n and_o sigh_n yet_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v out_o of_o this_o wretched_a case_n and_o to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o lord_n who_o search_v the_o hart_n and_o understand_v our_o secret_a thought_n will_v harken_v unto_o we_o and_o grant_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o hart_n at_o least_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o our_o everlasting_a good_a §_o sect._n 3_o three_o whereas_o other_o complain_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o their_o spirit_n so_o dull_a prayer_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o coldness_n and_o dulness_n in_o prayer_n that_o they_o can_v utter_v unto_o god_n a_o prayer_n with_o any_o earnestness_n or_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n but_o exceed_v cold_o and_o very_o weak_o and_o therefore_o they_o fear_v that_o god_n will_v never_o hear_v they_o they_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o lord_n hear_v we_o not_o nor_o grant_v our_o request_n for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n who_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o who_o name_n we_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o prayer_n be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n and_o utter_v with_o much_o weakness_n yet_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o saviour_n name_n he_o will_v sure_o hear_v we_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o do_v not_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n immediate_o unto_o god_n the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v our_o prayer_n into_o the_o golden_a vial_n which_o be_v full_a of_o the_o precious_a odour_n of_o his_o merit_n thereby_o perfume_v they_o and_o make_v they_o a_o offering_n of_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n unto_o god_n 5.8_o apoc._n 5.8_o &_o by_o wash_v they_o in_o his_o
that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o purge_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n unto_o god_n justice_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o repentance_n be_v but_o in_o small_a measure_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a it_o be_v a_o certain_a fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o that_o some_o reprobate_n have_v show_v more_o outward_a sign_n of_o sorrow_n than_o we_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o satan_n will_v object_v that_o many_o who_o have_v more_o bitter_o sorrow_v than_o we_o &_o have_v show_v more_o notable_a sign_n of_o exceed_a repentance_n have_v notwithstanding_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o have_v show_v more_o sorrow_n yet_o they_o have_v have_v no_o true_a repentance_n in_o that_o their_o sorrow_n have_v be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o not_o so_o much_o for_o any_o hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o love_n of_o god_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o displease_v he_o as_o for_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o desperate_a fear_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o therefore_o though_o notwithstanding_o such_o sorrow_n they_o have_v be_v condemn_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n whereby_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o look_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v grieve_v for_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n behold_v god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a countenance_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o make_v to_o those_o who_o afflict_v themselves_o with_o a_o desperate_a sorrow_n without_o any_o hope_n or_o desire_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o be_v join_v with_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n chap._n xlii_o how_o we_o may_v prove_v against_o satan_n tentation_n that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n of_o satan_n faith_n how_o satan_n tempt_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a and_o insufficient_a repentance_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o we_o now_o we_o be_v to_o produce_v and_o answer_v such_o tentation_n as_o he_o allege_v and_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v effectual_o call_v against_o their_o faith_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n the_o second_o that_o their_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o weak_a so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o mix_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o insufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n for_o the_o first_o he_o will_v thus_o frame_v his_o tentation_n though_o thou_o boast_v much_o of_o thy_o faith_n and_o thereby_o presume_v that_o thou_o shall_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n herein_o thou_o may_v much_o deceive_v thyself_o &_o altogether_o fail_v of_o thy_o purpose_n for_o there_o may_v be_v in_o many_o show_v and_o shadow_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o nothing_o in_o they_o but_o infidelity_n there_o be_v also_o many_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v a_o general_a or_o historical_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n which_o judas_n have_v as_o well_o as_o peter_n there_o be_v a_o temporaric_a or_o hypocritical_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n there_o be_v also_o carnal_a presumption_n wherewith_o many_o who_o have_v make_v goodly_a show_n have_v be_v bewitch_v and_o deceive_v to_o their_o perdition_n see_v then_o there_o be_v many_o false_a faith_n for_o one_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a number_n and_o consequent_o no_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v thyself_o in_o thy_o fond_a presumption_n by_o apply_v unto_o thyself_o the_o sweet_a promise_n and_o gracious_a consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o appertain_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n of_o which_o thou_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o satan_n indeavore_v to_o persuade_v the_o christian_a exercise_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o tentation_n that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v it_o 8.44_o satan_n testimony_n no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n joh._n 8.44_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a bring_v it_o indeed_o to_o nothing_o to_o which_o tentation_n we_o may_v first_o answer_v thus_o general_o that_o satan_n testimony_n be_v no_o sound_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o to_o be_v believe_v of_o we_o see_v he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o malicious_a murderer_n who_o continual_o seek_v our_o destruction_n but_o also_o a_o false_a liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n who_o have_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v lie_v man_n only_o but_o even_o god_n himself_o accuse_v he_o of_o untruth_n envy_n and_o want_v of_o power_n in_o that_o tentation_n wherewith_o he_o assail_v and_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v so_o audatious_o impudent_a as_o that_o he_o dare_v be_v lie_n god_n himself_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o be_v lie_v us._n see_v then_o satan_n be_v a_o malicious_a liar_n who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o our_o destruction_n let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o faith_n because_o of_o his_o testimony_n nay_o rather_o because_o he_o say_v we_o want_v faith_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v therewith_o for_o that_o he_o may_v work_v our_o final_a overthrow_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a custom_n to_o tell_v the_o true_a believe_a christian_n that_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o unbelieve_a worldling_n that_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o secure_a presumption_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o suffice_v we_o that_o we_o know_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o try_v and_o examine_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n for_o on_o these_o our_o faith_n depend_v and_o not_o on_o satan_n testimony_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v we_o after_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n arm_v ourselves_o against_o this_o tentation_n thereof_o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n by_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o degree_n thereof_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o behoove_v we_o first_o that_o we_o prove_v against_o satan_n false_a suggestion_n that_o we_o have_v faith_n and_o second_o that_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n with_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n seek_v daily_o more_o strength_n and_o increase_n thereof_o until_o at_o last_o we_o attain_v unto_o that_o fullness_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v fill_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o also_o beat_v back_o all_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n subtle_a and_o fierce_a tentation_n for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a justify_n faith_n by_o diverse_a argument_n as_o first_o by_o the_o degree_n thereof_o from_o which_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whosoever_o can_v true_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o i_o may_n every_o christian_n man_n say_v do_v true_o howsoever_o in_o weak_a measure_n find_v these_o degree_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o be_o endue_v therewith_o mind_n the_o 1._o degree_n of_o true_a faith_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o first_o degree_n unto_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o our_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o with_o the_o main_a principle_n thereof_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o outward_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v infourm_v and_o of_o this_o the_o
be_v not_o utter_o to_o be_v discourage_v nor_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o sink_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o state_n ought_v to_o humble_v they_o under_o god_n hand_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o a_o serious_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n so_o they_o must_v take_v comfort_n unto_o themselves_o and_o prop_v up_o their_o decline_a faith_n by_o call_v to_o mind_n former_a time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v his_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a countenance_n unto_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o in_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n have_v glorify_v god_n by_o their_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 77._o who_o be_v grievous_o afflict_v can_v not_o receive_v in_o his_o soul_n any_o true_a comfort_n 77._o psal_n 77._o for_o howsoever_o he_o do_v think_v upon_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o be_v still_o trouble_v and_o though_o he_o pray_v unto_o he_o yet_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n what_o help●_n do_v he_o then_o find_v in_o this_o his_o present_a distress_n he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n then_o say_v he_o i_o consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o the_o year_n of_o ancient_a time_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n namely_o his_o song_n of_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o he_o have_v praise_v god_n for_o his_o great_a benefit_n and_o vers_fw-la 11._o i_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n certain_o i_o remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a 31._o job._n 31._o so_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n apprehend_v and_o conceyve_v of_o god_n as_o of_o his_o enemy_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o be_v move_v by_o his_o friend_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o a_o hypocrite_n comfort_v himself_o and_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o grievous_a tentation_n by_o call_v to_o his_o remembrance_n his_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o have_v discern_v in_o himself_o in_o former_a time_n as_o appear_v chap._n 31._o who_o example_n if_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o like_a distress_n will_v follow_v how_o miserable_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n yet_o they_o may_v receive_v unto_o themselves_o comfort_n because_o god_n gift_n and_o call_n be_v without_o repentance_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o here_o satan_n will_v further_o object_n that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o without_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o faith_n feeling_n that_o true_a faith_n rest_v not_o in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n but_o also_o that_o we_o do_v sensible_o feel_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o plain_o discern_v his_o frown_a and_o angry_a countenance_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o those_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n may_v have_v some_o faith_n in_o they_o although_o it_o do_v not_o always_o so_o sensible_o appear_v yet_o it_o be_v impossible_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o spark_n thereof_o see_v we_o have_v not_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n nay_o do_v sensible_o perceive_v the_o clean_a contrary_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_n that_o faith_n do_v not_o rely_v itself_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n not_o present_o enjoy_v but_o which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o sensible_o discern_v but_o which_o be_v not_o see_v 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o heb._n 11._o i_o and_o we_o believe_v that_o such_o joy_n be_v prepare_v for_o we_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.9_o and_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n to_o believe_v only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v subject_a unto_o our_o sense_n and_o understanding_n 2.9_o 1._o cor._n 2.9_o and_o therefore_o when_o thomas_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v before_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o his_o sense_n he_o be_v reprove_v for_o infidelity_n be_v not_o say_v he_o faithless_a but_o faithful_a so_o that_o when_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n cease_v their_o faith_n begin_v his_o chief_a work_n &_o the_o most_o excellent_a faith_n show_v itself_o most_o clear_o when_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o when_o we_o discern_v and_o feel_v the_o plain_a contrary_n for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n when_o god_n show_v himself_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a but_o when_o he_o appear_v unto_o we_o like_o a_o angry_a judge_n when_o as_o his_o wrath_n flame_v out_o against_o we_o then_o to_o behold_v his_o love_n through_o the_o vizard_n of_o anger_n to_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o we_o when_o our_o sense_n apprehend_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n 13.15_o job._n 13.15_o to_o grow_v to_o job_n resolution_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o bitter_a agony_n and_o grievous_a affliction_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v many_o repulse_n and_o bitter_a snub_n yet_o with_o the_o cananitish_a woman_n to_o continue_v our_o suit_n 15._o mat._n 15._o argue_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v hardly_o find_v no_o not_o in_o israel_n our_o want_n of_o sense_n therefore_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n do_v not_o argue_v want_n of_o faith_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n but_o upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n immutable_a goodness_n and_o infallible_a truth_n and_o if_o ever_o we_o have_v taste_v of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n whatsoever_o we_o apprehend_v in_o our_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n faith_n conclude_v that_o we_o be_v still_o in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o he_o be_v without_o change_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v jam._n 1.17_o and_o who_o he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n he_o love_v they_o 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v us._n joh._n 13.1_o 13.1_o joh._n 13.1_o though_o then_o our_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n fail_v yet_o may_v our_o faith_n continue_v strong_a as_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o job_n who_o though_o he_o conceive_v of_o god_n in_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o he_o have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o &_o take_v he_o for_o his_o enemy_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n yet_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o still_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o protest_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v slay_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o as_o appear_v job._n 13.15_o 13.15_o job_n 13.15_o yea_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o can_v not_o sin_n through_o infidelity_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n complain_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o §_o sect._n 3_o feeling_n that_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o believe_v god_n word_n then_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n if_o therefore_o satan_n go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v without_o faith_n because_o we_o present_o apprehend_v not_o god_n love_n nor_o feel_v the_o sweet_a taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n we_o be_v to_o answer_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o build_v our_o assurance_n upon_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n but_o upon_o god_n unchangeable_a goodness_n and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n tell_v we_o one_o thing_n namely_o that_o god_n have_v withdraw_v his_o love_n from_o we_o and_o will_v never_o again_o look_v gracious_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o of_o another_o thing_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n will_v never_o forsake_v we_o but_o continue_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o unto_o the_o end_n we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v credit_n unto_o our_o own_o feel_n but_o unto_o god_n word_n for_o otherwise_o what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o prefer_v our_o oft_o deceyvinge_v sense_n before_o god_n infallible_a truth_n and_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v better_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o our_o estate_n then_o god_n himself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n sorrow_v for_o our_o sin_n past_a hate_v our_o present_a corruption_n and_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o
the_o father_n sanctifi_v we_o by_o give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o send_v his_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o work_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o tit._n 3.5_o eph._n 2.4.5_o god_n the_o son_n sanctifi_v we_o by_o mortify_v our_o sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n raise_v we_o also_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o last_o by_o his_o death_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o god_n spirit_n and_o rise_v again_o have_v send_v he_o unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o therefore_o he_o also_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sanctify_v we_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sanctify_v we_o in_o he_o 2.11_o eph._n 5.26_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o eph._n 5.26_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o sanctifi_v we_o by_o apply_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n unto_o we_o and_o so_o immediate_o begin_v continue_v 3.5_o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o act._n 11.16_o tit._n 3.5_o and_o perfect_v this_o work_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o most_o usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o work_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o act._n 11.16_o tit._n 3.5_o and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o only_a efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n upon_o which_o point_n i_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o work_n rest_n upon_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o many_o discouragement_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o small_a measure_n and_o slow_a progress_n in_o our_o sanctification_n as_o also_o upon_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o manifold_a discouragement_n which_o both_o stay_v we_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o hinder_v our_o full_a growth_n in_o true_a godliness_n all_o which_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o power_n prove_v this_o work_n not_o only_o hard_a but_o even_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v but_o rather_o that_o we_o rely_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o lord_n infinite_a power_n and_o gracious_a promise_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v notwithstanding_o our_o own_o exceed_a weakness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o also_o finish_v and_o perfect_v this_o good_a work_n in_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n mercy_n the_o motive_n cause_n god_n sole_a mercy_n the_o motive_n cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o sanctify_v we_o be_v his_o own_o mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n the_o first_o be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o pet._n 1.3_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 1.3_o 1._o pet._n 1.3_o that_o god_n according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o etc._n etc._n the_o other_o be_v imply_v by_o paul_n eph._n 2.5_o where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v quicken_v we_o in_o christ_n 2.5_o ephes_n 2.5_o who_o by_o his_o death_n merit_v not_o only_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o we_o but_o also_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v sanctify_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o good_a inclination_n unto_o holiness_n in_o we_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o we_o excel_v other_o which_o move_v god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o 2.1.3_o eph._n 2.1.3_o for_o we_o be_v all_o alike_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o only_o his_o own_o boundless_a mercy_n and_o the_o alsufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o raise_v from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o arrogate_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o sanctification_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n unto_o ourselves_o but_o ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n and_o finisher_n of_o it_o §_o sect._n 4_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n 1.23_o of_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n joh._n 15.3_o and_o 17.17_o jam._n 1.18_o 1._o pet._n 1.23_o be_v either_o external_a or_o internal_a the_o external_a be_v first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v joh._n 15.3_o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o and_o cap._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n so_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n affirm_v that_o we_o be_v bear_v anew_o not_o of_o mortal_a seed_n but_o of_o immortal_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n in_o which_o respect_n also_o the_o minister_n by_o who_o ministry_n we_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v be_v say_v to_o be_v our_o spiritual_a father_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o unto_o god_n 10._o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o philem_n v._o 10._o as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 4.15_o and_o philem_n vers_fw-la 10._o in_o both_o which_o place_n paul_n challenge_v this_o title_n unto_o himself_o another_o external_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v the_o sacrament_n especial_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n whereof_o it_o be_v that_o ananias_n say_v unto_o paul_n act._n 22.16_o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v &_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n 5.26_o act._n 22.16_o eph._n 5.26_o so_o eph._n 5.26_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n through_o the_o word_n the_o which_o place_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o the_o wash_n of_o justification_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n so_o also_o of_o the_o wash_n of_o sanctification_n whereby_o we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n themselves_o the_o internal_a instrument_n of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v a_o lively_a faith_n without_o which_o the_o other_o outward_a instrument_n be_v uneffectual_a in_o those_o who_o be_v of_o year_n neither_o must_v we_o think_v that_o the_o bare_a action_n of_o hear_v or_o the_o outward_a wash_n take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n unless_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n for_o the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v profit_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o 4.2_o heb._n 4.2_o heb._n 4.2_o and_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o faith_n believe_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n 8.37_o act._n 8.37_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v baptize_v act._n 8.37_o and_o therefore_o unto_o the_o other_o we_o must_v join_v this_o instrument_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v unto_o true_a sanctification_n for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o be_v fruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o love_n 5.6_o act._n 15.9_o gal._n 5.6_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n wrought_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o our_o sanctification_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o us._n for_o the_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n principal_o by_o god_n spirit_n and_o instrumental_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o so_o make_v member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n do_v participate_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o not_o only_o our_o justification_n but_o also_o our_o sanctification_n be_v derive_v unto_o us._n for_o first_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n our_o sin_n be_v mortify_v and_o our_o corruption_n crucify_v together_o with_o he_o as_o appear_v rom._n 6.6_o know_v this_o 6.6_o rom._n 6.6_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n second_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o burial_n this_o death_n of_o sin_n be_v as_o it_o be_v further_o continue_v and_o thereby_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v more_o and_o more_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o that_o they_o can_v rise_v and_o rebel_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 6.3_o where_o he_o say_v 6.3_o rom._n 6.3_o that_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n into_o his_o death_n three_o by_o virtue_n of_o
daily_o commit_v after_o that_o they_o have_v long_o be_v therein_o three_o the_o lord_n inoyn_v we_o that_o we_o forgive_v our_o brother_n seventie_o time_n seven_o time_n if_o so_o often_o he_o offend_v we_o and_o repent_v of_o his_o fault_n and_o therefore_o himself_o much_o more_o who_o mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o more_o exceed_v we_o than_o the_o whole_a sea_n a_o little_a drop_n will_v pardon_v we_o if_o as_o we_o often_o sin_n so_o also_o we_o often_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n this_o also_o manifest_o appear_v by_o example_n for_o do_v not_o the_o prophet_n david_n after_o his_o true_a conversion_n fall_v grievous_o by_o commit_v murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o apostle_n peter_n by_o deny_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n noah_n by_o drunkenness_n lot_n by_o incest_n and_o yet_o afterward_o they_o true_o repent_v again_o and_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n so_o that_o this_o point_n be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n after_o his_o true_a conversion_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n may_v fall_v into_o grievous_a sin_n and_o yet_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o may_v have_v they_o remit_v and_o be_v receive_v again_o into_o god_n wont_a love_n and_o favour_n §_o sect._n 2_o 6._o a_o objection_n answer_v heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v once_o enlighten_v etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o shall_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n see_v by_o so_o sin_v they_o crucify_v again_o to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o sin_v after_o his_o true_a conversion_n can_v neither_o repent_v nor_o receive_v mercy_n to_o which_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o every_o fall_n into_o to_o sin_n for_o so_o he_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o scripture_n before_o allege_v but_o of_o a_o general_a fall_v away_o by_o apostasy_n and_o of_o a_o malicious_a persecute_v of_o the_o know_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o which_o be_v join_v with_o continual_a impenitency_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v pardon_v and_o this_o appear_v manifest_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o say_v if_o he_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o fall_v away_o namely_o by_o a_o general_a and_o malicious_a apostasy_n and_o again_o he_o show_v of_o what_o manner_n of_o fall_v he_o mean_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v whereas_o he_o say_v that_o such_o as_o thus_o fall_v away_o crucify_v unto_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o now_o they_o be_v say_v to_o crucify_v christ_n again_o who_o with_o a_o unplacable_a hatred_n do_v scorn_n and_o deride_v christ_n crucify_v renounce_v all_o part_n and_o hope_n in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n as_o do_v some_o of_o the_o malicious_a jew_n and_o as_o some_o apostate_n do_v in_o these_o day_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n make_v nothing_o against_o the_o repentance_n and_o receive_n to_o mercy_n of_o such_o as_o fall_v through_o infirmity_n into_o some_o particular_a sin_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a §_o sect._n 3_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n draw_v from_o our_o sin_n commit_v after_o repentance_n presumptuous_a that_o all_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o presumptuous_a the_o second_o sort_n be_v take_v from_o sin_n commit_v voluntary_o against_o our_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n which_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v into_o he_o present_o sugge_v that_o we_o have_v sin_v presumptuous_o against_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n child_n nor_o conceive_v any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o answer_n unto_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o all_o sin_n commit_v against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n be_v not_o presumptuous_a second_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o presumptuous_a sin_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v neither_o debar_v of_o true_a repentance_n nor_o of_o god_n mercy_n for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o not_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v make_v it_o to_o be_v presumptuous_a but_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o offender_n for_o howsoever_o peter_n fall_v grievous_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o he_o fall_v presumptuous_o presumptuous_o what_o it_o be_v to_o sin_n presumptuous_o because_o he_o sin_v through_o infirmity_n and_o fear_n of_o danger_n whereas_o to_o sin_n presumptuous_o be_v to_o sin_n of_o a_o stubborn_a wilfulness_n either_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o judgement_n or_o through_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o benefit_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n they_o offend_v who_o have_v diverse_a time_n themselves_o sin_v and_o yet_o escape_v punishment_n or_o have_v see_v other_o in_o the_o like_a case_n do_v take_v occasion_n hereby_o to_o sin_n again_o hope_v to_o escape_v as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o of_o such_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v eccles_n 8.11_o because_o sentence_n against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o 8.11_o eccles_n 8.11_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o other_o respect_n such_o offend_v as_o take_v occasion_n upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o long_o suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o sin_n presume_v before_o they_o commit_v it_o that_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n will_v in_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n forgive_v they_o and_o thus_o they_o abuse_v god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o make_v they_o more_o desperate_o to_o run_v into_o all_o wickedness_n 2.4_o rom._n 2.4_o so_o that_o to_o sin_n presumptuous_o be_v not_o to_o sin_n upon_o knowledge_n and_o against_o a_o man_n conscience_n only_o unless_o there_o be_v join_v therewith_o a_o presumptuous_a hope_n to_o escape_v punishment_n or_o that_o not_o withstand_v the_o sin_n commit_v he_o shall_v receive_v pardon_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n now_o many_o of_o god_n child_n may_v fall_v against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o yet_o not_o presume_v either_o to_o escape_v god_n judgement_n or_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o namely_o those_o who_o be_v carry_v headlong_o into_o a_o sin_n without_o any_o time_n of_o deliberation_n through_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o corruption_n or_o overcome_v by_o fear_n of_o some_o present_a danger_n or_o some_o other_o unruly_a passion_n §_o sect._n 4_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v pardonable_a that_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n be_v pardonable_a that_o though_o these_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n be_v not_o presumptuous_a yet_o they_o be_v unpardonable_a see_v the_o committer_n of_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o consequent_o can_v hope_v for_o no_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o this_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 10.26_o heb._n 10.26_o hebr._n 10.26_o for_o if_o we_o sin_v willing_o after_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o nemain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o not_o only_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n be_v pardonable_a upon_o true_a repentance_n but_o even_o horrible_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n yea_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o save_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n matth._n 12.31_o 32._o second_o 32._o mat._n 12.31_o 32._o we_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o both_o david_n and_o peter_n fall_v grievous_o against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n witting_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n willing_o and_o yet_o they_o both_o repent_v and_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o all_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a fall_n but_o first_o of_o sin_n commit_v with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o commit_v by_o god_n child_n after_o their_o true_a conversion_n for_o as_o they_o be_v in_o part_n carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a so_o be_v they_o in_o part_n spiritual_a and_o regenerate_v which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o understanding_n part_n but_o also_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n so_o far_o forth_o therefore_o as_o their_o will_n be_v
more_o sure_a to_o persevere_v in_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n than_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o he_o stand_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n which_o though_o it_o be_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v finite_a but_o we_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n he_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n which_o be_v mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o alteration_n but_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v immutable_a admit_v of_o no_o change_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v we_o come_v more_o special_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o main_a controversy_n between_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n the_o state_n whereof_o stand_v thus_o controversy_n the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n whether_o he_o that_o be_v elect_v in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n and_o be_v effectual_o call_v that_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o world_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o ingraft_v into_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n justify_v sanctify_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o sanctify_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v after_o all_o this_o fall_n away_o lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o and_o become_v as_o profane_v and_o wicked_a as_o ever_o he_o be_v before_o his_o conversion_n lose_v also_o his_o justification_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o final_o become_v a_o reprobate_n this_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n affirm_v but_o we_o deny_v as_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a not_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n constancy_n or_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n will_v and_o power_n who_o uphold_v we_o christ_n intercession_n who_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o god_n holy_a spirit_n always_o dwell_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v so_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o us._n §_o sect._n 4_o this_o our_o assertion_n we_o will_v first_o confirm_v by_o unfallible_a reason_n election_n the_o first_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n will_n consider_v in_o his_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o afterward_o answer_v the_o contrary_a objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v for_o this_o purpose_n be_v many_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v take_v from_o god_n own_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o exercise_v in_o his_o work_n towards_o us._n as_o first_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o perseverance_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n will_n which_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o election_n or_o in_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n from_o the_o first_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whosoever_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n have_v elect_v to_o everlasting_a life_n they_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v save_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o which_o be_v no_o less_o contain_v in_o god_n decree_n than_o our_o salvation_n itself_o but_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n have_v elect_v all_o the_o faithful_a unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o salvation_n nor_o yet_o their_o perseverance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a for_o not_o to_o effect_v that_o which_o one_o have_v decree_v and_o purpose_v argue_v either_o impotency_n and_o want_n of_o power_n or_o unconstancy_n neither_o of_o which_o without_o blasphemy_n can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n 115.3_o jere._n 32.17_o psalm_n 115.3_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o hard_a unto_o he_o jere._n 32.17_o but_o he_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v psal_n 115.3_o 2._o matth._n 19.26_o job._n 42_o 2._o yea_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o unto_o man_n be_v impossible_a be_v possible_a unto_o he_o mat._n 19.26_o for_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n job_n 42.2_o neither_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n mutable_a for_o this_o argue_v a_o want_n of_o wisdom_n 145.5_o psal_n 145.5_o whereas_o his_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o know_v no_o end_n psal_n 145.5_o and_o he_o perfect_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o one_o view_n 4.13_o heb._n 4.13_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v heb._n 4.13_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o his_o election_n remain_v sure_a 9.11_o rom._n 9.11_o rom._n 9.11_o and_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o unchangeable_a decree_n continue_v firm_a 2.19_o 1._o tim._n 2.19_o and_o have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o 2._o tim._n 2.19_o whosoever_o then_o be_v elect_v they_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v save_v neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o as_o our_o saviour_n impli_v matth._n 24.24_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v show_v such_o great_a sign_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a note_v hereby_o that_o this_o be_v altogether_o a_o thing_n impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v and_o seduce_v with_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n namely_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v elect_v be_v also_o of_o most_o undoubted_a truth_n for_o whosoever_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n they_o be_v justify_v whosoever_o be_v justify_v be_v also_o effectual_o call_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v glorify_v what_o say_v i_o shall_v be_v nay_o be_v already_o glorify_v as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o to_o note_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n rom._n 8.30_o moreover_o the_o apostle_n make_v faith_n a_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o our_o election_n and_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o elect_a 13.48_o tit._n 1.1_o act._n 13.48_o call_v it_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v tit._n 1.1_o and_o act._n 13.48_o it_o be_v say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n believe_v where_o he_o make_v god_n election_n the_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o contrariwise_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o believe_v not_o 10.26_o joh._n 10.26_o who_o be_v not_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v be_v elect_v and_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v shall_v be_v save_v §_o sect._n 5_o the_o second_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n for_o whatsoever_o god_n thus_o will_v that_o shall_v most_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v 6.39.40_o the_o second_o reason_n ground_v on_o his_o will_n reveal_v joh_n 6.39.40_o but_o god_n will_v that_o all_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n who_o he_o have_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o which_o number_n be_v all_o those_o who_o be_v effectual_o call_v as_o our_o saviour_n testify_v joh._n 6.39_o and_o this_o be_v the_o father_n will_n which_o have_v send_v i_o that_o of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o but_o shall_v raise_v it_o up_o again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o he_o will_v likewise_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v vers_n 40._o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n can_v possible_o perish_v but_o shall_v most_o certain_o have_v eternal_a life_n §_o sect._n 6_o the_o three_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutabilitie_n of_o god_n both_o in_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o love_n the_o three_o reason_n take_v from_o god_n immutabilitie_n in_o his_o love_n and_o also_o in_o his_o gift_n in_o the_o former_a respect_n we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whosoever_o the_o lord_n love_v with_o a_o constant_a and_o immutable_a love_n those_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v save_v see_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o love_n to_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o the_o party_n belove_v and_o to_o seek_v his_o welfare_n as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v but_o the_o lord_n love_v his_o faithful_a one_o with_o a_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a love_n as_o himself_o testify_v jere._n 31.3_o 31.3_o jere._n 31.3_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n therefore_o with_o mercy_n have_v i_o draw_v thou_o so_o joh._n 13.1_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o love_v his_o own_o which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 13.1_o joh._n 13.1_o unto_o the_o end_n he_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o be_v once_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n they_o may_v with_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v