unity_n than_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o for_o he_o have_v not_o judgement_n enough_o to_o guide_v he_o the_o right_a way_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o keep_v his_o error_n to_o himself_o 3._o and_o all_o these_o distemper_n that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n in_o the_o weak_a christian_a be_v predominant_a in_o the_o hypocrite_n the_o church_n shall_v have_v no_o concord_n or_o peace_n if_o he_o can_v hinder_v it_o but_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o carnal_a interest_n his_o honour_n or_o wealth_n or_o dignity_n in_o the_o world_n the_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n which_o rule_n himself_o he_o will_v have_v to_o make_v the_o term_n of_o concord_n and_o to_o rule_v all_o other_o it_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o discord_n and_o division_n have_v selfish_a spirit_n principle_n and_o end_n and_o have_v always_o a_o work_n of_o their_o own_o to_o do_v which_o suit_v not_o well_o with_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o christ_n work_n must_v be_v subject_v to_o it_o and_o order_v and_o overrule_v by_o it_o and_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o scripture_n or_o to_o council_n or_o father_n for_o their_o reason_n indeed_o they_o go_v first_o for_o they_o to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o then_o will_v fain_o hire_v or_o press_v the_o scripture_n church_n or_o father_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o come_v in_o as_o witness_n on_o their_o side_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n be_v betray_v by_o the_o covetous_a judas_n of_o his_o own_o family_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o devil_n that_o take_v up_o the_o livery_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o christian_n do_v more_o effectual_o hinder_v the_o concord_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n than_o any_o open_a enemy_n do_v and_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o no_o christian_n do_v cause_n christianity_n to_o be_v reproach_v even_o as_o spy_n and_o traitor_n that_o be_v hire_v by_o the_o enemy_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n in_o the_o army_n which_o they_o fight_v against_o that_o they_o may_v betray_v it_o by_o their_o fraud_n and_o do_v more_o harm_n to_o it_o by_o raise_v mutiny_n and_o by_o false_a conduct_n than_o a_o multitude_n of_o profess_a enemy_n can_v have_v do_v it_o be_v proud_a and_o worldly_a carnal_a hypocrite_n that_o hinder_v most_o the_o concord_n of_o believer_n liv._o 1._o a_o confirm_a christian_n be_v of_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n he_o be_v not_o masterly_a domineer_a turbulent_a hurtful_a cruel_a seditious_a factious_a or_o contentious_a he_o be_v like_o ripen_a fruit_n that_o be_v mellow_a and_o sweet_a when_o the_o young_a green_a fruit_n be_v sour_a and_o harsh_a he_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n rom._n 12.16_o and_o therefore_o not_o over_o urgent_a in_o obtrude_a his_o conceit_n on_o other_o nor_o quarrelsome_a with_o all_o that_o can_v entertain_v they_o nor_o will_v he_o easy_o lie_v man_n salvation_n or_o damnation_n no_o nor_o the_o church_n peace_n upon_o they_o he_o be_v kind_o affection_a to_o other_o with_o brotherly_a love_n yea_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o rom._n 12.10_o &_o 13_o 9_o 10._o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o and_o use_v they_o as_o he_o will_v be_v use_v by_o they_o and_o then_o how_o far_o they_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v by_o he_o you_o may_v easy_o judge_v for_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n rom._n 13.10_o he_o be_v above_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o worldling_n and_o a_o contemner_n of_o that_o vanity_n which_o carnal_a man_n account_v their_o felicity_n and_o therefore_o he_o prefer_v love_n and_o quietness_n before_o it_o and_o can_v lose_v his_o right_a when_o the_o interest_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n require_v it_o he_o be_v become_v as_o a_o little_a child_n in_o his_o conversion_n matth._n 18.3_o and_o be_v low_a and_o little_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o therefore_o contend_v not_o for_o superiority_n or_o pre-eminence_n either_o in_o place_n or_o power_n or_o reputation_n of_o his_o learning_n wisdom_n or_o piety_n but_o in_o honour_n prefer_v other_o before_o himself_o rom._n 12.10_o he_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o man_n of_o low_a estate_n rom._n 12.16_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o estimation_n or_o precedency_n nor_o scramble_v to_o he_o high_a though_o he_o rise_v by_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o he_o he_o will_v live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12.18_o for_o he_o be_v not_o one_o that_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n will_v avenge_v himself_o but_o when_o the_o wrath_n of_o other_o be_v up_o like_o a_o bluster_a storm_n he_o give_v place_n to_o it_o he_o bow_v before_o it_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n rom._n 12.19_o if_o his_o enemy_n hunger_n he_o feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v he_o give_v he_o drink_v when_o oppressor_n will_v deprive_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n but_o the_o righteous_a of_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o thus_o he_o melt_v his_o harden_a enemy_n by_o heap_v kindness_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v wrathful_a and_o proud_a and_o contentious_a and_o do_v he_o wrong_v or_o use_v provoke_a word_n against_o he_o he_o be_v not_o overcome_v of_o their_o evil_n to_o imitate_v they_o but_o he_o overcome_v their_o evil_n with_o his_o good_a rom._n 12.20_o 21._o if_o god_n have_v give_v he_o more_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n than_o other_o he_o do_v not_o present_o set_v up_o himself_o to_o be_v admire_v for_o it_o nor_o speak_v disdainful_o and_o contemptuous_o of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n but_o he_o show_v the_o eminency_n of_o his_o wisdom_n with_o meekness_n by_o the_o work_n of_o a_o good_a conversation_n and_o by_o do_v better_o than_o the_o unwiser_n do_v james_z 3._o from_o verse_n 1._o to_o 13._o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o wisdom_n from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n or_o waver_v in_o persecution_n as_o dr._n hammond_n render_v it_o and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o thus_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_v in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n jam._n 3.17_o 18._o as_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o love_v his_o brother_n 1_o thes._n 4.9_o so_o that_o same_o teach_n with_o experience_n of_o the_o effect_n assure_v he_o that_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a than_o other_o when_o they_o have_v bitter_a envious_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o vain_o glory_n and_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n james_z 3.14_o 15_o 16._o read_v but_o the_o story_n of_o the_o jewish_a zealot_n in_o josephus_n and_o the_o heretical_a zealot_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o you_o will_v perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o when_o such_o quarrelsome_a spirit_n be_v fill_v the_o church_n with_o contention_n or_o vexation_n about_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o day_n etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a indeed_o understand_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n therefore_o he_o follow_v after_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o will_v not_o for_o meat_n etc._n etc._n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n rom._n 14.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o he_o stay_v not_o till_o peace_n be_v offer_v he_o or_o bring_v home_o to_o he_o but_o he_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n heb._n 12.14_o if_o it_o fly_v from_o he_o he_o pursue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v deny_v he_o he_o seek_v it_o and_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o stoop_v to_o the_o poor_a for_o it_o and_o to_o beg_v it_o of_o his_o inferior_n if_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n rather_o than_o be_v deny_v it_o and_o live_v a_o unpeaceable_a disquiet_a life_n psal._n 34.14_o for_o he_o believe_v that_o bless_v be_v the_o peacemaker_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n matth._n 5.9_o 2._o and_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n be_v most_o
they_o against_o heresy_n which_o indeed_o be_v all_o but_o novelty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o and_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v he_o next_o require_v they_o to_o abound_v therein_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n that_o they_o expect_v by_o christ_n so_o they_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n or_o duty_n but_o especial_o the_o duty_n of_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v a_o evangelical_n and_o celestial_a duty_n and_o so_o admirable_o beseem_v a_o people_n that_o have_v partake_v of_o such_o admirable_a salvation_n and_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o mercy_n and_o our_o condition_n and_o god_n just_a expectation_n as_o it_o be_v love_n and_o grace_n who_o eternal_a praise_n be_v design_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v magnify_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o redeemer_n great_a and_o bless_a work_n so_o it_o be_v return_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o joy_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o abound_a or_o overflow_a part_n of_o all_o our_o christian_a affection_n and_o performance_n after_o this_o explication_n you_o may_v see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n lie_v plain_a in_o this_o proposition_n doct._n those_o that_o have_v save_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o rest_v here_o as_o if_o all_o be_v do_v that_o they_o must_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o day_n in_o walk_v in_o he_o be_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v it_o and_o abound_v in_o it_o especial_o with_o joyful_a praise_n to_o our_o redeemer_n and_o because_o that_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o direct_v young_a christian_n how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o christ_n i_o shall_v therefore_o pass_v over_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o full_a handle_n of_o this_o text_n require_v and_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o 1._o a_o short_a intimation_n here_o what_o this_o confirmation_n and_o stability_n be_v which_o shall_v be_v fullyer_n open_v to_o you_o in_o the_o direction_n 2._o and_o show_v you_o the_o need_n of_o seek_v it_o and_o 3._o how_o you_o may_v attain_v it_o 1._o this_o confirmation_n be_v the_o habitual_a strength_n of_o grace_n distinct_a from_o present_a actual_a confirmation_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n for_o though_o god_n may_v in_o a_o instant_n confirm_v a_o weak_a person_n against_o some_o particular_a temptation_n by_o his_o free_a assistance_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o it_o which_o we_o have_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o but_o habitual_a confirmation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o ordinary_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n cooperate_a assist_a grace_n shall_v bear_v some_o proportion_n with_o our_o habitual_a grace_n even_o as_o in_o nature_n he_o concur_v with_o the_o strong_a man_n to_o do_v great_a work_n than_o he_o cause_v the_o weak_a to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o foolish_a do_v i_o say_v but_o that_o ordinary_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o confirm_a christian_a as_o contrary_a to_o a_o weak_a one_o 1._o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o his_o freedom_n from_o all_o scruple_n doubt_n or_o fear_n 2._o nor_o by_o his_o eminency_n in_o man_n esteem_n or_o observation_n 3._o nor_o by_o his_o strength_n of_o memory_n 4._o or_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n in_o pray_v preach_a or_o discourse_n 5._o or_o by_o his_o seemly_a deportment_n and_o courtesy_n towards_o other_o 6._o nor_o by_o his_o sedate_n calm_a and_o lovely_a temper_n and_o freedom_n from_o some_o haste_n and_o heat_n which_o other_o temper_n be_v more_o prone_a to_o 7._o nor_o by_o a_o man-pleasing_a or_o dissemble_a faculty_n to_o bridle_v the_o tongue_n when_o it_o will_v open_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o suppress_v all_o word_n which_o will_v make_v other_o know_v how_o bad_a the_o heart_n be_v there_o be_v many_o endowment_n laudable_a and_o desirable_a which_o will_v not_o show_v so_o much_o as_o sincerity_n in_o grace_n and_o much_o less_o a_o state_n of_o confirmation_n and_o stability_n but_o confirmation_n lie_v in_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o constitute_v a_o christian._n and_o the_o great_a degree_n appear_v in_o the_o operation_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o when_o holiness_n be_v as_o a_o new-nature_n in_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o promptitude_n to_o holy_a action_n and_o make_v we_o free_a and_o ready_a to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o easy_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o whereas_o the_o weak_a go_v heavy_o and_o can_v scarce_o drive_v on_o and_o force_v their_o mind_n 2._o when_o there_o be_v a_o constancy_n or_o frequency_n of_o holy_a action_n which_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o stability_n of_o holy_a inclination_n 3._o when_o they_o be_v powerful_a to_o bear_v down_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n and_o can_v get_v over_o the_o great_a impediment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o make_v a_o advantage_n of_o all_o resistance_n and_o despise_v the_o most_o splendid_a bait_n of_o sin_n 4._o when_o it_o be_v still_o get_v ground_n and_o draw_v the_o soul_n upward_o and_o near_o to_o god_n its_o rest_n and_o end_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n grow_v more_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a and_o stranger_n to_o earth_n and_o earthly_a thing_n 5._o and_o when_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delectable_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v seek_v and_o use_v with_o more_o love_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o do_v show_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n be_v vigorous_a and_o strong_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o habit_n be_v so_o also_o and_o this_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v find_v 1._o in_o the_o understanding_n 2._o in_o the_o will._n 3._o in_o the_o affection_n 4._o in_o the_o life_n 1._o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v a_o large_a comprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o order_n and_o method_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o every_o truth_n and_o a_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o matter_n express_v in_o they_o when_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n come_v near_o unto_o sight_n or_o intention_n and_o we_o have_v the_o full_a the_o true_a and_o the_o firm_a and_o most_o certain_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n reveal_v and_o unseen_a when_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o end_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o most_o clear_o orderly_o decent_o constant_o and_o powerful_o print_v on_o the_o mind_n then_o be_v that_o mind_n in_o a_o confirm_a state_n 2._o when_o the_o will_n be_v guide_v by_o such_o a_o confirm_a understanding_n and_o be_v not_o bruitish_o resolve_v he_o know_v not_o for_o what_o or_o why_o when_o light_n have_v fix_v it_o in_o such_o resolution_n as_o be_v past_o all_o notable_a doubt_n deliberation_n waver_n or_o unwilling_a backwardness_n and_o a_o man_n be_v in_o seek_v god_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o avoid_v know_v sin_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v about_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o shall_v preserve_v his_o life_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o and_o whether_o he_o shall_v poison_v or_o famish_v or_o torment_v himself_o when_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n to_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o holiness_n be_v like_a to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n to_o good_a as_o good_a and_o to_o its_o own_o felicity_n and_o its_o action_n be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o have_v lest_o indetermination_n and_o to_o be_v like_a to_o natural_a necessary_a act_n as_o those_o be_v of_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n when_o the_o least_o intimation_n from_o god_n prevail_v and_o the_o will_n do_v answer_v he_o with_o readiness_n and_o delight_n and_o when_o it_o take_v pleasure_n to_o trample_v upon_o all_o opposition_n and_o when_o all_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o sin_n and_o loosen_v it_o from_o god_n prevail_v but_o as_o so_o much_o filth_n and_o dung_n will_v do_v phil._n 3.7_o 8_o 9_o this_o be_v a_o confirm_a state_n of_o will._n 3._o when_o the_o affection_n do_v proceed_v from_o such_o a_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v excite_v and_o serve_v it_o and_o to_o carry_v we_o on_o in_o necessary_a duty_n when_o the_o low_a affection_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n do_v cleanse_v and_o restrain_v and_o prepare_v the_o way_n and_o the_o high_a affection_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n adhere_v to_o god_n and_o desire_n and_o hope_n do_v make_v out_o after_o he_o and_o set_v the_o soul_n on_o just_a endeavour_n when_o fear_v and_o grief_n have_v less_o to_o do_v and_o be_v deliver_v up_o the_o heart_n still_o more_o and_o more_o
wax_n when_o yet_o the_o image_n on_o the_o seal_n be_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o the_o world_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o censure_n god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o word_n to_o be_v imperfect_a because_o that_o you_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v do_v it_o and_o their_o temptation_n be_v great_a o_o sir_n how_o will_v your_o prince_n take_v it_o of_o you_o or_o how_o will_v your_o poor_a friend_n take_v it_o of_o you_o if_o you_o shall_v hang_v forth_o a_o deform_a picture_n of_o they_o to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v pass_v by_o and_o shall_v represent_v they_o as_o blind_v or_o leprous_a or_o lame_a want_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o a_o eye_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o you_o unworthy_o expose_v they_o to_o scorn_v so_o if_o you_o will_v take_v on_o you_o to_o be_v the_o live_a image_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o will_v be_v blind_a and_o worldly_a and_o passionate_a and_o proud_a and_o untrue_o and_o obstinate_a or_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a and_o little_o differ_v from_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o devil_n what_o do_v you_o but_o proclaim_v that_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n do_v little_o differ_v and_o that_o god_n be_v thus_o unrighteous_a and_o unholy_a as_o you_o be_v 10._o last_o consider_v that_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n be_v few_o and_o therefore_o if_o those_o few_o dishonour_n he_o and_o prove_v not_o fast_o to_o he_o what_o do_v you_o but_o provoke_v he_o to_o forsake_v all_o the_o world_n and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n to_o who_o he_o will_v give_v the_o kingdom_n luke_n 12.32_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o from_o who_o god_n expect_v any_o great_a matter_n and_o shall_v those_o few_o prove_v deceitful_a to_o he_o it_o must_v be_v you_o or_o none_o that_o must_v honour_v the_o gospel_n you_o or_o none_o that_o must_v be_v exemplary_a to_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o shall_v all_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n abuse_v he_o shall_v he_o have_v no_o honour_n from_o any_o inferior_a creature_n how_o can_v you_o then_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v preserve_v the_o world_n for_o will_v he_o be_v at_o so_o much_o care_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o world_n to_o dishonour_n and_o abuse_v he_o if_o the_o turn_n of_o man_n heart_n prevent_v it_o not_o he_o will_v come_v and_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o a_o curse_n mal._n 4.6_o for_o the_o land_n that_o bear_v thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v heb._n 6.7_o 8._o if_o therefore_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n sin_n hos._n 4.15_o if_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n prepare_v to_o destruction_n will_v be_v blind_a and_o sensual_a and_o filthy_a still_o yet_o let_v pollution_n be_v far_o from_o the_o sanctify_a such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v you_o be_v sanctify_v you_o be_v justify_v 1_o cor._n 6.11_o o_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v in_o his_o saint_n blot_v not_o out_o his_o image_n receive_v not_o his_o impression_n defective_o and_o by_o the_o half_n let_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a one_o be_v write_v in_o your_o very_a forehead_n o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shine_v forth_o so_o bright_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v who_o servant_n you_o be_v and_o know_v the_o image_n &_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o your_o conversation_n that_o as_o clear_o as_o light_n be_v see_v in_o and_o from_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o scripture_n so_o may_v the_o same_o shine_n forth_o in_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a 1_o pet._n 1.16_o and_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a matth._n 5.48_o that_o they_o that_o will_v know_v god_n may_v see_v he_o in_o his_o saint_n where_o his_o image_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v so_o lively_a and_o discernible_a and_o they_o that_o can_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o disposing-providence_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a representation_n of_o your_o life_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v after_o image_n of_o the_o godhead_n because_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o far_o from_o god_n o_o you_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o bear_v his_o image_n see_v that_o you_o so_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o not_o to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o take_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v so_o desirable_a for_o god_n and_o for_o the_o church_n and_o for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o happiness_n that_o christian_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripeness_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v root_v build_v up_o confirm_v and_o abound_v according_a to_o my_o text_n that_o it_o have_v draw_v out_o from_o i_o all_o these_o word_n of_o exhortation_n thereunto_o though_o one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o man_n of_o such_o holy_a principle_n and_o experience_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o needs_o but_o if_o all_o will_v but_o serve_v to_o awaken_v the_o weak_a to_o a_o diligent_a progress_n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a and_o have_v my_o end_n the_o great_a matter_n that_o i_o intend_v when_o i_o begin_v this_o discourse_n be_v yet_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o giving_z you_o such_o direction_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o your_o confirmation_n and_o perseverance_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o but_o i_o entreat_v every_o reader_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v resolve_v to_o put_v these_o direction_n in_o practice_n and_o turn_v they_o not_o off_o with_o a_o bare_a perusal_n or_o approbation_n let_v i_o reap_v but_o thus_o much_o fruit_n of_o all_o my_o forego_v exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v my_o labour_n lose_v xx._n direction_n for_o confirmation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n direct_v i._o be_v sure_a that_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v both_o in_o your_o head_n and_o heart_n or_o else_o you_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o confirmation_n nor_o be_v save_o build_v up_o to_o this_o end_n you_o must_v know_v what_o the_o foundation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v sound_o lay_v the_o foundation_n have_v two_o part_n or_o respect_n according_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o must_v be_v lay_v the_o first_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n and_o the_o second_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o as_o true_a the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o our_o understanding_n as_o good_a it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o will._n concern_v both_o these_o we_o must_v therefore_o first_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o then_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o that_o must_v be_v receive_v or_o lay_v and_o the_o foundation_n be_v that_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o love_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a save_v faith_n hope_n and_o love_n this_o have_v be_v always_o contain_v in_o our_o baptism_n because_o baptise_v we_o be_v make_v we_o visible_a christian_n or_o the_o solemn_a entrance_n into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n as_o therefore_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o the_o do_v of_o this_o unfeigned_o without_o equivocation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o right_n lay_v of_o the_o foundation_n so_o that_o the_o foundation-principal_a or_o fundamental_a matter_n be_v god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o secondary_a foundation_n or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n be_v those_o scripture_n proposition_n that_o express_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o name_v the_o three_o person_n as_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o express_v name_n of_o relation_n which_o contain_v both_o the_o person_n nature_n and_o office_n or_o undertake_v work_n without_o either_o of_o which_o god_n be_v not_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n so_o we_o must_v
consider_v of_o this_o weighty_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o will_v serve_v your_o turn_n without_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o hear_n or_o understand_v of_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o reason_n or_o proof_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n unless_o you_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o solid_a apprehension_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o reason_n a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o best_a argument_n may_v forsake_v the_o truth_n because_o he_o have_v not_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o those_o argument_n as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v kill_v for_o want_v of_o strength_n &_o skill_n to_o use_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o know_v every_o truth_n in_o the_o bible_n you_o may_v grow_v much_o in_o knowledge_n of_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n which_o you_o know_v 3._o moreover_o a_o young_a ungrounded_a christian_a when_o he_o see_v all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o see_v good_a evidence_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o perhaps_o may_v be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o right_a order_n and_o place_n of_o every_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o have_v young_a professor_n to_o understand_v the_o necessary_a truth_n methodical_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a defect_n for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o particular_a truth_n consist_v in_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o this_o therefore_o will_v be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o your_o confirmation_n &_o growth_n in_o your_o understanding_n to_o see_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o view_n as_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o perfect_a frame_n and_o to_o know_v what_o aspect_n one_o point_n have_v upon_o another_o and_o which_o be_v their_o due_a place_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o clock_n or_o watch_n as_o they_o be_v disjoint_v and_o scatter_v about_o and_o the_o see_v of_o they_o conjoin_v and_o in_o use_n and_o motion_n to_o see_v here_o a_o pin_n and_o there_o a_o wheel_n and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o set_v they_o all_o together_o nor_o ever_o see_v they_o in_o their_o due_a place_n will_v give_v but_o little_a satisfaction_n it_o be_v the_o frame_n and_o design_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o must_v be_v know_v and_o every_o part_n shall_v be_v discern_v as_o it_o have_v its_o particular_a use_n to_o that_o design_n and_o as_o it_o be_v connect_v with_o the_o other_o part_n by_o this_o mean_n only_o can_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o theology_n together_o with_o the_o harmony_n and_o perfection_n of_o truth_n be_v clear_o understand_v and_o every_o single_a truth_n also_o will_v be_v much_o better_o perceive_v by_o he_o that_o see_v its_o place_n and_o order_n than_o by_o any_o other_o for_o one_o truth_n exceed_o illustrate_v and_o lead_v in_o another_o into_o our_o understanding_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n will_v not_o be_v well_o order_v if_o the_o method_n or_o order_n of_o the_o truth_n receive_v shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a instrument_n of_o your_o sanctification_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o effect_n upon_o your_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o they_o be_v set_v home_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n truth_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o your_o soul_n be_v the_o wax_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o impression_n make_v if_o you_o receive_v but_o some_o truth_n you_o will_v have_v but_o some_o part_n of_o the_o due_a impression_n nay_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o coherent_a and_o make_v up_o the_o sense_n by_o their_o necessary_a conjunction_n that_o you_o can_v receive_v any_o one_o of_o they_o sincere_o without_o receive_v every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o if_o you_o receive_v they_o disorderly_o the_o image_n of_o they_o on_o your_o soul_n will_v be_v as_o disorderly_a as_o if_o your_o bodily_a member_n be_v monstrous_o misplace_v study_v therefore_o to_o grow_v in_o the_o more_o methodical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o theology_n in_o due_a method_n yet_o see_v so_o much_o as_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o place_n of_o every_o part_n as_o in_o anatomy_n its_o hard_a for_o the_o wise_a physician_n to_o discern_v the_o course_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o vein_n and_o artery_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v easy_o discern_v the_o place_n and_o order_n of_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o great_a vessel_n so_o it_o be_v in_o divinity_n where_o no_o man_n have_v a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n with_o god_n but_o every_o true_a christian_a have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o may_v know_v the_o order_n and_o place_n of_o they_o all_o 4._o another_o part_n of_o your_o confirmation_n &_o growth_n in_o understanding_n be_v in_o discern_v the_o same_o truth_n more_o practical_o than_o you_o do_v before_o and_o perceive_v the_o usefulness_n of_o every_o truth_n for_o the_o do_v of_o its_o work_n on_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o be_v never_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o bare_a speculation_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o revelation_n or_o of_o our_o belief_n divinity_n be_v a_o affective_a practical_a science_n therefore_o must_v truth_n be_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o good_a may_v be_v receive_v and_o a_o holy_a change_n may_v be_v make_v by_o they_o on_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n itself_o be_v practical_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o easy_o discern_v to_o be_v practical_a there_o be_v not_o one_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o have_v a_o special_a work_n to_o do_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o a_o special_a fitness_n for_o that_o work_n now_o the_o understanding_n of_o young_a christian_n do_v discern_v many_o truth_n when_o they_o see_v but_o little_a of_o the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o special_a usefulness_n of_o those_o truth_n to_o those_o work_n this_o therefore_o must_v be_v your_o daily_a enquiry_n and_o in_o this_o you_o must_v grow_v as_o if_o you_o come_v into_o a_o workman_n shop_n and_o see_v a_o hundred_o tool_n about_o you_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o discern_v the_o shape_n and_o fashion_n of_o they_o and_o what_o mettle_n they_o be_v make_v of_o but_o you_o will_v further_o ask_v what_o be_v this_o tool_n to_o do_v and_o what_o be_v that_o to_o do_v if_o ever_o you_o will_v learn_v the_o trade_n you_o must_v know_v the_o use_n of_o every_o tool_n so_o must_v you_o if_o you_o will_v be_v skilful_a christian_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o know_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o do_v this_o work_n and_o that_o truth_n to_o do_v that_o work_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n a_o husbandman_n may_v know_v as_o many_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o fruit_n as_o a_o physician_n and_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v they_o all_o by_o name_n and_o say_v this_o be_v such_o a_o herb_n and_o that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o to_o perceive_v the_o shape_n and_o beauty_n of_o they_o but_o he_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v good_a for_o unless_o to_o feed_v his_o cattle_n whereas_o the_o physician_n can_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o herb_n be_v good_a against_o this_o disease_n and_o that_o herb_n against_o another_o disease_n and_o can_v make_v use_n of_o those_o same_o herb_n to_o save_v man_n life_n which_o other_o man_n tread_v under_o foot_n as_o useless_a a_o country_n man_n may_v see_v the_o name_n that_o be_v write_v on_o the_o apothecary_n box_n but_o it_o be_v the_o physician_n that_o know_v the_o medicinal_a use_n of_o the_o drug_n so_o many_o man_n that_o be_v unsanctified_a may_v know_v the_o outside_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o little_o know_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o weak_a christian_a know_v less_o of_o this_o than_o the_o grow_v confirm_a christian_a do_v learn_v therefore_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o to_o know_v what_o every_o truth_n be_v good_a for_o that_o this_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n and_o strengthen_n of_o such_o a_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v good_a against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o disease_n of_o the_o soul._n every_o leaf_n in_o the_o bible_n have_v a_o heal_a virtue_n in_o it_o they_o be_v the_o leaf_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n
christian_n though_o their_o worship_n have_v error_n and_o fault_n repugnant_a to_o the_o right_a order_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n so_o be_v it_o you_o join_v not_o in_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v substantial_o evil_a and_o such_o as_o god_n do_v utter_o disow_v or_o that_o you_o commit_v no_o actual_a sin_n yourselves_o or_o that_o you_o approve_v not_o of_o the_o error_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o justify_v not_o their_o small_a evil_n or_o that_o you_o prefer_v not_o defective_a faulty_a worship_n before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o while_o all_o the_o worshipper_n be_v faulty_a and_o imperfect_a all_o their_o worship_n will_v be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o your_o actual_a sin_n when_o you_o pray_v or_o preach_v defective_o yourselves_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o you_o approve_v your_o faultiness_n much_o less_o will_v your_o presence_n prove_v that_o you_o allow_v of_o the_o faultiness_n of_o other_o the_o business_n that_o you_o come_v upon_o be_v to_o join_v with_o a_o christian_a congregation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v suppose_v that_o the_o minister_n and_o worshipper_n will_v all_o be_v sinful_o defective_a in_o method_n order_n word_n or_o circumstance_n and_o to_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o and_o not_o to_o refuse_v that_o which_o be_v god_n for_o the_o adherent_a fault_n of_o man_n no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v refuse_v every_o dish_n of_o meat_n which_o be_v unhansom_o cook_v as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o it_o and_o you_o prefer_v it_o not_o before_o better_a 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 3.1_o 2_o 3._o with_o 11.17_o 18_o 21._o rom._n 15.1_o 2._o direct_v fourteen_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a government_n over_o your_o thought_n and_o tongue_n especial_o against_o those_o particular_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v strongly_a tempt_v to_o and_o which_o you_o see_v other_o christian_n most_o overtake_v with_o keep_v your_o thought_n employ_v upon_o something_o that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a either_o about_o some_o useful_a truth_n or_o about_o some_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n of_o your_o general_n or_o particular_a call_v yea_o about_o all_o these_o in_o their_o several_a season_n learn_v how_o to_o watch_v your_o thought_n and_o stop_v they_o at_o their_o first_o excursion_n and_o how_o to_o quicken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o every_o grace_n and_o every_o duty_n you_o can_v never_o improve_v your_o solitary_a hour_n if_o you_o have_v not_o the_o government_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o as_o the_o thought_n must_v be_v govern_v because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o and_o intimate_a act_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o the_o tongue_n must_v be_v govern_v as_o the_o first_o expresser_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o first_o instrument_n of_o good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o especial_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o the_o faultiness_n of_o most_o professor_n of_o religion_n do_v warn_v you_o to_o avoid_v 1._o a_o ordinary_a course_n of_o vain_a jest_n and_o unprofitable_a talk_n 2._o provoke_v passionate_a inconsiderate_a word_n that_o tend_v to_o kindle_v wrath_n in_o other_o 3._o backbiting_a censure_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o without_o any_o just_a call_n when_o it_o be_v either_o upon_o uncertain_a report_n or_o uncharitable_a suspicion_n or_o tend_v more_o to_o hurt_v than_o good_a 4._o a_o forward_o vent_v of_o our_o own_o conceit_n and_o a_o confident_a plead_n for_o our_o uncertain_a unproved_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o a_o contentious_a wrangle_n for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n lay_v in_o they_o and_o a_o forwardness_n in_o all_o company_n to_o be_v the_o speaker_n rather_o than_o the_o hearer_n and_o to_o talk_v in_o a_o magisterial_a teach_v way_n as_o if_o we_o take_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o other_o to_o have_v need_n to_o learn_v of_o we_o but_o especial_o take_v heed_n of_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o that_o have_v wrong_v you_o or_o of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o in_o some_o tolerable_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o hate_v that_o devilish_a uncharitable_a vice_n which_o make_v many_o ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o say_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o false_a of_o those_o that_o be_v against_o their_o sect_n yea_o of_o whole_a party_n of_o man_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o party_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o ever_o can_v prove_v the_o thing_n by_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o bold_a uncharitable_a report_n the_o devil_n have_v unspeakable_o gain_v against_o christ_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o malice_n have_v win_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o love_n and_o most_o christian_n be_v easy_a know_v to_o be_v factious_a by_o hate_v or_o slander_v one_o another_o than_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n by_o love_v one_o another_o and_o while_o every_o sect_n without_o remorse_n do_v speak_v reproachful_o and_o hateful_o of_o the_o rest_n they_o learn_v hereby_o to_o hate_v one_o another_o and_o harden_v the_o infidel_n and_o ungodly_a world_n in_o hate_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o a_o turk_n or_o heathen_a need_n no_o other_o witness_n of_o the_o odiousness_n of_o all_o christian_n than_o the_o venomous_a word_n which_o they_o speak_v against_o each_o other_o and_o as_o foul_a word_n in_o quarrel_n prepare_v for_o blow_n so_o these_o malicious_a invective_n upon_o difference_n in_o religion_n prepare_v for_o the_o cruel_a persecution_n from_o my_o own_o observation_n which_o with_o a_o grieve_a soul_n i_o have_v make_v in_o this_o generation_n i_o hereby_o give_v warning_n to_o this_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n they_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o believe_v any_o factious_a partial_a historian_n or_o divine_a in_o any_o evil_n that_o he_o say_v of_o the_o party_n which_o he_o be_v against_o for_o though_o there_o be_v good_a and_o credible_a person_n of_o most_o party_n yet_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o passion_n and_o partiality_n prevail_v against_o conscience_n truth_n and_o charity_n in_o most_o that_o be_v sick_a of_o this_o disease_n and_o that_o the_o envious_a zeal_n which_o be_v describe_v jam._n 3_o do_v make_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n service_n first_o in_o believe_v false_a report_n and_o then_o in_o vert_v they_o against_o those_o that_o their_o zeal_n or_o laction_n do_v call_v the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v little_a credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o their_o reproach_n far_o than_o some_o better_a evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o thing_n nay_o it_o will_v astonish_v a_o man_n to_o read_v the_o impudent_a lie_n which_o i_o have_v often_o read_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o such_o confidence_n that_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v sure_o all_o this_o can_v be_v false_a yea_o about_o public_a word_n or_o action_n where_o you_o will_v think_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o witness_n will_v deter_v they_o from_o speak_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a and_o yet_o all_o as_o false_a as_o tongue_n can_v speak_v therefore_o believe_v not_o pride_n or_o faction_n or_o malice_n in_o any_o evil_n that_o it_o say_v unless_o you_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n most_o christian_n be_v that_o advice_n of_o dr._n h._n more_n that_o all_o party_n of_o christian_n will_v mark_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o other_o party_n and_o be_v more_o forward_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o than_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v promote_v the_o work_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o overlooking_a of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o aggravate_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o false_o seign_v more_o than_o be_v true_a be_v the_o work_n of_o great_a service_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o great_a enmity_n to_o christianity_n and_o love_n that_o i_o know_v common_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n keep_v your_o tongue_n from_o all_o such_o hellish_a work_n as_o this_o direct_v xv._n let_v every_o state_n of_o life_n and_o relation_n that_o you_o be_v in_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o god_n and_o conscionable_o use_v and_o to_o that_o end_n understand_v the_o advantage_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o condition_n and_o relation_n and_o the_o sin_n and_o hindrance_n and_o danger_n which_o you_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o relation_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n as_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o flock_n parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o
i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o the_o lapse_v christian_a as_o such_o nor_o with_o those_o giant_n in_o holiness_n of_o extraordinary_a strength_n nor_o with_o the_o perfect_a bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n who_o have_v attain_v that_o confirmation_n in_o grace_n and_o compose_v quiet_a fruitful_a state_n which_o we_o may_v ordinary_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v industrious_a who_o image_n or_o character_n i_o shall_v now_o present_v you_o with_o i_o call_v he_o ofttimes_o a_o christian_a indeed_o in_o allusion_n to_o christ_n description_n of_o nathaniel_n joh._n 1.47_o and_o as_o we_o common_o use_v that_o word_n for_o one_o that_o answer_v his_o own_o profession_n without_o any_o notable_a dishonour_n or_o defect_n as_o we_o say_v such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o scholar_n indeed_o and_o not_o as_o signify_v his_o mere_a sincerity_n i_o mean_v one_o who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o conform_v to_o the_o principle_n the_o rule_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o christianity_n that_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v discernible_a in_o his_o conversation_n mat._n 5.16_o in_o who_o a_o impartial_a infidel_n may_v perceive_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o godliness_n if_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o such_o live_a image_n of_o christ_n who_o like_o true_a regenerate_v child_n represent_v their_o heavenly_a father_n christianity_n will_v not_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o prejudice_n nor_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o will_v so_o many_o million_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o heathenism_n and_o infidelity_n by_o fly_v from_o christian_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o be_v common_a and_o unclean_a among_o christian_n there_o be_v babe_n that_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n that_o be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n 1_o joh._n 2.2.12_o 13_o 14._o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o novice_n who_o be_v unsettle_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o a_o overthrow_n 1_o tim._n 3.6_o joh._n 15.3_o 5_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n be_v little_o more_o apparent_a than_o reason_n in_o a_o little_a child_n and_o there_o be_v strong_a confirm_a christian_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n heb._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o who_o show_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n of_o who_o god_n himself_o may_v say_v to_o satan_n and_o their_o malicious_a enemy_n as_o once_o of_o job_n have_v thou_o not_o see_v my_o servant_n job_n etc._n etc._n this_o christian_a indeed_o i_o shall_v now_o describe_v to_o you_o both_o to_o confute_v the_o infidel_n slander_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o unteach_v man_n those_o false_a description_n which_o have_v cause_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o erroneous_a sectary_n and_o to_o tell_v you_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v that_o god_n be_v honour_v by_o and_o what_o you_o must_v be_v if_o you_o will_v well_o understand_v your_o own_o religion_n be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o you_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n indeed_o of_o christianity_n and_o will_v find_v that_o its_o fruit_n and_o joy_n be_v not_o dream_n and_o shadow_n and_o imagination_n if_o you_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o a_o imagination_n dream_n and_o shadow_n of_o christianity_n or_o with_o some_o cloud_a spark_n or_o bury_v seed_n the_o character_n i._o a_o christian_a indeed_o by_o which_o i_o still_o mean_v a_o sound_n confirm_v christian_n be_v one_o that_o content_v not_o himself_o to_o have_v a_o seed_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o the_o sensualist_n live_v by_o sight_n or_o sense_n not_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n nor_o live_v as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o body_n nor_o live_v not_o in_o a_o world_n of_o sensible_a object_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a information_n of_o his_o reason_n about_o those_o high_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o must_v take_v he_o up_o above_o thing_n sensible_a he_o have_v so_o firm_a a_o belief_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o procure_v by_o christ_n and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o his_o bodily_a sight_n do_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o body_n i_o say_v not_o that_o he_o be_v assault_v with_o no_o temptation_n nor_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v perfect_a in_o degree_n nor_o that_o believe_a move_v he_o as_o passionate_o as_o sight_n or_o sense_n will_v do_v but_o it_o do_v effectual_o move_v he_o through_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o he_o will_v do_v if_o he_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o shun_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o damnation_n which_o he_o will_v shun_v if_o he_o see_v the_o flame_n of_o hell_n whether_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o fervent_o or_o not_o his_o belief_n be_v powerful_a effectual_a and_o victorious_a let_v sight_n and_o sense_n invite_v he_o to_o their_o object_n and_o entice_v he_o to_o sin_n and_o forsake_v his_o god_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n shall_v prevail_v against_o they_o in_o the_o bent_n of_o a_o even_o a_o constant_a and_o resolve_a life_n it_o be_v thing_n unseen_a which_o he_o take_v for_o his_o treasure_n and_o which_o have_v his_o heart_n and_o hope_n and_o chief_a labour_n all_o thing_n else_o which_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o faith_n and_o heavenly_a interest_n as_o his_o sensitive_a faculty_n be_v rule_v by_o his_o reason_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o his_o opinion_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o choose_v what_o church_n or_o party_n he_o will_v be_v of_o but_o it_o be_v his_o intellectual_a light_n by_o which_o he_o live_v and_o in_o the_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n of_o which_o he_o die_v 2_o cor._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n we_o groan_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o heavenly_a house_n wherefore_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o heb._n 10.3_o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n heb._n 11.1_o now_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v most_o of_o the_o example_n in_o heb._n 11._o do_v show_v you_o this_o truth_n that_o true_a christian_n live_v and_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n when_o this_o be_v end_v v_o 7._o by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v as_o yet_o move_v with_o fear_n prepare_v a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n by_o which_o he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n v._o 10._o abraham_n look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n moses_n fear_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n for_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a v_o 27._o so_o the_o three_o witness_n dan._n 3._o and_o daniel_n himself_o ch_z 6._o and_o all_o believer_n have_v live_v this_o life_n as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v who_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o rom._n 4.20_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v true_o divine_a and_o he_o know_v that_o god_n truth_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o sight_n itself_o can_v be_v however_o sight_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o passion_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v judge_v but_o what_o a_o rational_a man_n will_v be_v if_o he_o see_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o all_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o believe_v than_o you_o may_v conjecture_v what_o a_o confirm_a christian_n be_v though_o sense_n do_v cause_n more_o sensible_a apprehension_n 2._o the_o weak_a christian_a also_o have_v a_o faith_n that_o be_v divine_a as_o cause_v by_o god_n and_o rest_v on_o his_o word_n and_o truth_n and_o he_o so_o far_o live_v by_o this_o faith_n as_o that_o it_o command_v and_o guide_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o he_o believe_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o stagger_v and_o unbelief_n and_o therefore_o his_o hope_n be_v interrupt_v by_o his_o troublesome_a doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o the_o dimness_n
ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o when_o they_o can_v raise_v their_o soul_n to_o any_o high_a and_o passionate_a joy_n they_o yet_o walk_v in_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o soul_n and_o in_o such_o competent_a comfort_n as_o make_v their_o life_n to_o be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a be_v well_o please_v and_o content_v with_o the_o happy_a condition_n that_o christ_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o and_o thankful_a that_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o in_o those_o foolish_a vain_a pernicious_a pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o endless_a sorrow_n 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_n seek_v and_o take_v up_o his_o chief_a contentment_n in_o some_o carnal_a thing_n if_o he_o be_v so_o poor_a and_o miserable_a as_o to_o have_v nothing_o in_o possession_n that_o can_v much_o delight_v he_o he_o will_v hope_v for_o better_a day_n hereafter_o and_o that_o hope_n shall_v be_v his_o chief_a delight_n or_o if_o he_o have_v no_o such_o hope_n he_o will_v be_v without_o delight_n and_o show_v his_o love_n to_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n by_o mourn_v for_o that_o which_o he_o can_v have_v as_o other_o do_v in_o rejoice_v in_o what_o they_o do_v possess_v and_o he_o will_v in_o such_o a_o desperate_a case_n of_o misery_n be_v such_o to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v a_o mourning_n and_o desire_v love_n when_o he_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o enjoy_n and_o delight_v love_n his_o carnal_a mind_n most_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o in_o they_o he_o find_v or_o seek_v his_o chief_a delight_n though_o yet_o he_o may_v have_v also_o a_o delight_n in_o his_o superficial_a kind_n of_o religion_n his_o hear_n and_o read_v &_o pray_v &_o in_o his_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a but_o all_o this_o be_v but_o subordinate_a to_o his_o chief_a earthly_a pleasure_n isai._n 58.2_o yet_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v my_o way_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v righteousness_n and_o forsake_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n they_o ask_v of_o i_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n they_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v subject_v to_o a_o covetous_a oppress_a mind_n mat._n 13.20_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o love_n to_o the_o word_n be_v subject_v to_o his_o love_n to_o the_o world_n obj._n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o fleshly_a delight_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n viz._n the_o quaker_n and_o behmenist_n that_o live_v in_o great_a austerity_n and_o some_o of_o the_o religious_a order_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o afflict_v their_o flesh_n answ._n some_o of_o they_o undergo_v their_o fasting_n and_o penance_n for_o a_o day_n that_o they_o may_v sin_v the_o more_o quiet_o all_o the_o week_n after_o and_o some_o of_o they_o proud_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o be_v and_o appear_v more_o excellent_a in_o austerity_n than_o other_o and_o all_o these_o take_v up_o with_o a_o carnal_a sort_n of_o pleasure_n as_o proud_a person_n be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o or_o other_o conceit_n of_o their_o beauty_n or_o wit_n or_o worldly_a greatness_n so_o proud_a person_n be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o and_o other_o conceit_n of_o their_o holiness_n and_o very_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n mat._n 6.2_o but_o those_o of_o they_o that_o place_n their_o chief_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a fruition_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o seek_v this_o sincere_o according_a to_o their_o help_n and_o power_n though_o they_o be_v mislead_v into_o some_o superstitious_a error_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v number_v with_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a for_o all_o their_o error_n and_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o they_o xxiv_o 1._o a_o confirm_a christian_n do_v ordinary_o discern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o consequent_o have_v some_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o live_v a_o peaceable_a and_o joyful_a life_n for_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o small_a as_o to_o be_v undiscernible_a nor_o be_v it_o as_o a_o sleepy_a bury_v seed_n or_o principle_n but_o it_o be_v almost_o in_o continual_a act_n and_o they_o that_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o also_o keep_v it_o in_o lively_a exercise_n do_v seldom_o doubt_v of_o it_o beside_o that_o they_o blot_v not_o their_o evidence_n by_o so_o many_o infirmity_n and_o fall_n they_o be_v more_o in_o the_o light_n and_o have_v more_o acquaintance_n with_o themselves_o and_o more_o sense_n of_o the_o abundant_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o exceed_a mercy_n than_o weak_a christian_n have_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o assurance_n they_o have_v boldness_n of_o access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n without_o unreverent_a contempt_n eph._n 3.12_o &_o 2.18_o they_o have_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o therefore_o more_o childlike_a confidence_n in_o god_n and_o can_v call_v he_o father_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o comfort_n than_o any_o other_o can_v rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o eph._n 1.6_o 1_o joh._n 5.19_o 20._o an_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o much_o corruption_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o little_a in_o act_n and_o his_o sin_n so_o much_o that_o he_o seldom_o if_o ever_o attain_v to_o any_o well-grounded_n assurance_n till_o he_o attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n he_o differ_v so_o little_a from_o the_o seem_a christian_a that_o neither_o himself_n nor_o other_o do_v certain_o discern_v the_o difference_n when_o he_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n he_o find_v so_o much_o unbelief_n and_o averseness_n from_o god_n and_o earthly_a mindedness_n that_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a which_o of_o they_o be_v predominant_a and_o whether_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n or_o that_o to_o come_v do_v bear_v the_o sway_n so_o that_o he_o be_v often_o in_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n and_o more_o often_o in_o a_o dull_a uncertainty_n and_o if_o he_o seem_v at_o any_o time_n to_o have_v assurance_n it_o be_v usual_o but_o a_o ill-grounded_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o he_o apprehend_v when_o he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v upon_o unfound_a reason_n that_o he_o judge_v so_o or_o else_o upon_o sound_a reason_n weak_o and_o uncertain_o discern_v so_o that_o there_o be_v common_o much_o of_o security_n presumption_n fancy_n or_o mistake_v in_o his_o great_a comfort_n he_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o condition_n fit_a for_o full_a assurance_n till_o his_o love_n and_o obedience_n be_v more_o full_a 3._o but_o the_o seem_a christian_a can_v possible_o in_o that_o estate_n have_v either_o certainty_n or_o good_a probability_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v not_o true_a his_o seem_a certainty_n be_v mere_o self-deceit_n and_o his_o great_a confidence_n be_v but_o presumption_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o within_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v certain_o none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o xxv_o 1._o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o confirm_a christian_n do_v increase_v his_o alacrity_n and_o diligence_n in_o duty_n and_o be_v always_o see_v in_o his_o more_o obedient_a holy_a fruitful_a life_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o rain_n upon_o the_o tender_a grass_n he_o be_v never_o so_o fruitful_a so_o thankful_a so_o heavenly_a as_o when_o he_o have_v the_o great_a certainty_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v then_o shed_v abroad_o upon_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o make_v he_o abound_v in_o love_n to_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o he_o be_v the_o more_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o his_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o 2._o but_o the_o weak_a christian_a be_v unfit_a