sand_n and_o the_o fall_n be_v great_a how_o needful_a therefore_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o be_v full_o settle_v and_o root_v in_o our_o ground_n of_o religion_n quest._n how_o shall_v i_o know_v i_o be_o thus_o root_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n answ._n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v which_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n 3._o and_o supply_n even_o to_o simple_a one_o a_o sharp_a insight_n and_o clearness_n of_o judgement_n through_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o needful_a matter_n of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n bring_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o eye-salue_n still_o clear_n the_o sight_n more_o and_o more_o 2._o by_o build_v our_o heart_n on_o this_o foundation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o believe_v it_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n not_o in_o itself_o only_o but_o unto_o we_o when_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v couple_v and_o knit_v unto_o it_o 3._o by_o grow_v up_o on_o that_o foundation_n and_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o it_o this_o note_n our_o saviour_n give_v math._n 7.24_o he_o that_o hear_v these_o word_n and_o do_v the_o same_o be_v a_o wise_a builder_n that_o lay_v his_o house_n on_o a_o rock_n etc._n etc._n second_o where_o look_v well_o to_o thy_o root_n in_o the_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o faith_n content_v not_o thyself_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v call_v unfeigned_a 1._o tim._n 1.5_o and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_n tit._n 1.2_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v hab._n 2.4_o quest._n what_o be_v the_o root_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v answ._n it_o be_v a_o sound_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o the_o heart_n attain_v a_o true_a assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o believer_n but_o new_o bear_v a_o sound_a work_n for_o true_a faith_n be_v no_o empty_a or_o windy_a thing_n but_o a_o subsistence_n and_o ground_n 〈◊〉_d without_o hollowness_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o the_o special_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v a_o true_a assurance_n and_o persuasion_n because_o many_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o temporary_a faith_n by_o blind_a hope_n of_o mercy_n at_o the_o last_o by_o colour_n either_o of_o civil_a honesty_n or_o religious_a performance_n be_v mislead_v with_o the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o they_o admire_v for_o wisdom_n place_n or_o power_n and_o mistake_v a_o conceit_n for_o faith_n that_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ill_a as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v they_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o need_v be_v but_o this_o man_n out_o of_o good_a ground_n rise_v to_o good_a assurance_n quest._n how_o may_v i_o know_v myself_o sound_o root_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n answ._n by_o five_o notable_a effect_n of_o it_o 5._o 1._o sound_v affection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n prize_v he_o above_o all_o the_o world_n and_o count_v all_o but_o dung_n in_o comparison_n in_o so_o much_o as_o our_o life_n be_v not_o dear_a unto_o we_o but_o as_o paul_n we_o dare_v die_v for_o he_o and_o this_o affection_n be_v always_o join_v with_o affiance_n in_o christ_n or_o hold_v fast_o our_o assurance_n by_o he_o for_o as_o god_n will_v still_o own_o his_o people_n even_o in_o the_o furnace_n in_o the_o deep_a trouble_n so_o must_v they_o own_v he_o zech._n 13._o ult._n yea_o when_o christ_n may_v seem_v to_o withdraw_v and_o neglect_v they_o as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n abraham_n rest_v in_o the_o naked_a promise_n and_o believe_v above_o hope_n rom._n 4._o so_o must_v we_o not_o haste_v to_o evil_a mean_n in_o the_o want_n of_o good_a esa._n 28.16_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n 2._o if_o it_o purge_v and_o renew_v the_o heart_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n especial_o secret_a and_o inward_a till_o faith_n come_v the_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o reign_a guile_n and_o deceitfulness_n and_o hollowness_n can_v hold_v out_o 9_o but_o faith_n purify_v and_o garnish_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o temple_n so_o faith_n and_o inward_a purity_n grow_v together_o 3._o if_o it_o keep_v the_o heart_n humble_a and_o hunger_a for_o it_o be_v a_o light_n in_o the_o bowel_n cause_v a_o man_n daily_o to_o see_v his_o sin_n more_o clear_o and_o to_o seek_v pardon_n for_o it_o in_o christ_n cast_v it_o out_o daily_o by_o confession_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o still_o it_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n insatiable_o 4._o if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o good_a conscience_n these_o two_o go_v undivided_a now_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n first_o excuse_v the_o man_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o then_o in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n have_v respect_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n 6_o and_o endeavour_v obedience_n to_o all_o also_o it_o hate_v fear_v and_o avoid_v all_o sin_n because_o it_o offend_v god_n 5._o if_o it_o be_v a_o shield_n enable_v thou_o to_o withstand_v the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o such_o as_o run_v with_o thy_o own_o natural_a inclination_n now_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v that_o faith_n which_o shall_v stout_o withstand_v all_o sin_n in_o time_n of_o prosperity_n shall_v prevail_v mighty_o against_o all_o trouble_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n but_o if_o thy_o faith_n give_v thou_o up_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o to_o vanity_n or_o any_o ordinary_a prevail_a sin_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n suspect_v it_o trust_v it_o not_o for_o time_n of_o trial_n such_o as_o fall_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n when_o time_n of_o change_n come_v be_v lead_v away_o either_o by_o the_o seduction_n of_o deceiver_n or_o persecution_n of_o tyrant_n be_v such_o as_o shall_v find_v by_o examination_n that_o the_o faith_n they_o pretend_v be_v never_o of_o power_n against_o some_o know_a sin_n and_o so_o be_v never_o strong_o root_v in_o christ._n this_o faith_n thus_o qualify_v be_v strong_o root_v cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n it_o will_v come_v forth_o pure_a than_o gold_n 1._o pet._n 1.7_o and_o when_o the_o best_a faith_n of_o hypocrite_n forsake_v of_o carnal_a help_n on_o which_o it_o stay_v itself_o shall_v prove_v dross_n and_o be_v consume_v this_o faith_n shall_v set_v the_o christian_a on_o a_o rock_n safe_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o storm_n and_o wave_n of_o adversity_n faith_n three_o look_v to_o thy_o root_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o hold_v forth_o of_o thy_o faith_n for_o faith_n well_o root_v will_v break_v forth_o in_o confession_n profession_n and_o defence_n of_o god_n truth_n 2._o cor._n 4.13_o i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o speak_v and_o act._n 4.20_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o speak_v say_v the_o apostle_n quest._n how_o may_v i_o know_v i_o be_o sound_o root_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n mark_v answ._n 1._o if_o policy_n or_o fear_n hinder_v thou_o not_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o day_n many_o cast_v themselves_o into_o the_o night_n with_o nicodemus_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o profess_v the_o light_n common_a faith_n hold_v it_o no_o wisdom_n to_o be_v so_o forward_o pull_v in_o the_o tender_a horn_n if_o any_o scorn_n loss_n or_o opposition_n be_v abroad_o carnal_a reason_n sway_v against_o it_o master_n pity_v thyself_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o unto_o thou_o carnal_a friend_n easy_o persuade_v a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v too_o busy_a the_o fear_n of_o a_o chain_n or_o the_o wrath_n of_o superior_n quite_o blast_v it_o 2._o if_o by_o these_o cold_a and_o pinch_a time_n thou_o abate_v not_o thy_o affection_n or_o love_n to_o god_n his_o word_n and_o his_o child_n 3._o if_o thou_o get_v courage_n yea_o and_o advantage_n by_o opposition_n as_o a_o strong_a tree_n be_v strongly_a root_v for_o shake_a wind_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o example_n jerem._n 36.32_o when_o the_o profane_a king_n have_v burn_v the_o book_n jeremiah_n cause_v the_o same_o to_o be_v write_v again_o with_o many_o more_o word_n the_o more_o evil_a man_n oppose_v holy_a doctrine_n concern_v holy_a life_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o matter_n manner_n time_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o godly_a man_n will_v justify_v and_o maintain_v it_o this_o confession_n be_v a_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o honourable_a and_o christ_n look_v for_o it_o math._n 9.28_o say_v to_o the_o two_o blind_a man_n do_v you_o believe_v that_o i_o can_v do_v it_o not_o that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o faith_n but_o for_o they_o that_o be_v present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o confess_v he_o plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n but_o confession_n
shall_v be_v great_a use_v 1_o see_v hereby_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o persecution_n it_o try_v who_o be_v sound_a and_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o as_o peaceable_a and_o calm_a estate_n can_v distinguish_v in_o a_o fair_a and_o calm_a day_n apple_n and_o pear_n on_o a_o tree_n seem_v all_o sound_n and_o good_a but_o a_o bluster_a storm_n or_o tempest_n make_v difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o such_o as_o for_o want_v of_o moisture_n fall_v off_o just_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o storm_n of_o the_o church_n persecution_n be_v like_o a_o mighty_a wind_n which_o discern_v between_o wheat_n and_o chaff_n that_o before_o lay_v quiet_a together_o in_o the_o same_o floor_n it_o shake_v not_o the_o wheat_n but_o blow_v away_o the_o chaff_n and_o as_o the_o furnace_n consume_v the_o dross_n but_o refine_v the_o gold_n so_o do_v the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n we_o be_v now_o all_o shuffle_v together_o the_o hypocrite_n with_o the_o sincere-hearted_n christian_n but_o to_o end_v this_o point_n with_o our_o saviour_n instance_n as_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o summer_n discover_v barren_a dry_a and_o stony_a soil_n from_o good_a ground_n so_o the_o scorch_a beam_n of_o persecution_n shall_v discover_v barren_a husky_a and_o empty_a hypocrite_n from_o good_a and_o fruitful_a hearer_n and_o thou_o be_v that_o indeed_o thou_o be_v in_o trial_n a_o man_n in_o peace_n may_v personate_v and_o disguise_v himself_o 14.2_o as_o jeeroboam_n wife_n go_v to_o the_o prophet_n &_o seem_v another_o but_o affliction_n for_o the_o word_n will_v uncase_v he_o peter_n be_v not_o the_o man_n in_o trial_n he_o vaunt_v to_o be_v when_o he_o will_v die_v with_o christ._n and_o the_o winter-weather_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v discover_v who_o be_v the_o swallow_n that_o will_v take_v their_o summer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o winter_n of_o it_o take_v they_o to_o their_o wing_n use_v 2._o let_v we_o not_o take_v offence_n when_o we_o see_v forward_a professor_n offend_v at_o christ_n and_o shrink_v in_o trial_n but_o make_v account_n that_o some_o such_o must_v forsake_v us._n for_o all_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n some_o be_v tie_v only_o by_o a_o thread_n of_o external_a profession_n to_o the_o member_n that_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n by_o the_o band_n of_o faith_n these_o must_v fall_v off_o and_o wither_v let_v hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n two_o great_a light_n fall_v away_o &_o lose_v their_o shine_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n abide_v sure_a 2.19_o and_o if_o we_o see_v some_o shrink_v before_o the_o wet_n and_o in_o day_n of_o peace_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o gospel_n white-livered_a and_o ready_a to_o deny_v their_o profession_n at_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o silly_a damsel_n that_o the_o frown_n of_o a_o superior_a a_o word_n of_o reproach_n a_o fear_n of_o change_n shake_v off_o their_o leafy_a profession_n let_v we_o not_o marvel_n if_o many_o of_o they_o will_v deny_v christ_n in_o trial_n rather_o than_o die_v with_o he_o use_v 3_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o 1._o our_o nature_n be_v prone_a to_o defection_n or_o backslide_v 2._o never_o be_v there_o more_o defection_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n then_o at_o this_o day_n 3._o when_o we_o see_v other_o slide_v back_o we_o be_v too_o soon_o move_v and_o offend_v so_o as_o the_o best_a need_n continual_a exhortation_n and_o admonition_n to_o beware_v they_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n else_o will_v not_o our_o lord_n have_v still_o beat_v on_o this_o point_n with_o his_o disciple_n who_o for_o all_o his_o warning_n of_o they_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v now_o the_o mean_n to_o uphold_v we_o in_o trial_n from_o fall_v be_v these_o 1._o meditate_v much_o and_o often_o of_o such_o scripture_n as_o foretell_v persecution_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n trial_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o have_v valiant_o endure_v the_o loss_n of_o temporal_n and_o joyful_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n the_o forego_v of_o liberty_n and_o life_n for_o christ_n etc._n etc._n especial_o read_v diligent_o the_o whole_a 11._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 2._o cast_v the_o cost_n of_o thy_o profession_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o hear_v and_o receive_v immediate_o and_o rejoice_v yea_o and_o believe_v and_o grow_v but_o know_v thou_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v 1.29_o but_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n the_o seed_n that_o be_v immediate_o receive_v must_v endure_v a_o hard_a and_o sharp_a winter_n before_o it_o can_v come_v up_o kind_o he_o that_o forecast_v only_o the_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o sorrow_n loss_n and_o cross_n of_o it_o be_v like_o the_o foolish_a builder_n that_o think_v he_o can_v finish_v a_o build_n with_o so_o little_a charge_n as_o will_v scarce_o serve_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n paul_n know_v and_o make_v account_n that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n abide_v he_o every_o where_o and_o so_o must_v thou_o 3._o labour_n for_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n and_o sincerity_n in_o affection_n in_o receive_v the_o gospel_n a_o sound_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v firm_o and_o distinct_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n must_v go_v before_o undaunted_a confession_n 2._o cor._n 4.13_o i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o speak_v rom._n 10.10_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o the_o heart_n unto_o righteousness_n before_o we_o can_v confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o root_n and_o stablish_v in_o faith_n which_o shall_v abide_v then_o for_o the_o second_o sincere_a affection_n be_v only_o bless_v with_o continuance_n when_o we_o bestow_v the_o chief_a affection_n of_o our_o heart_n upon_o it_o even_o our_o principal_a love_n and_o our_o chief_a joy_n and_o delight_n for_o this_o be_v a_o cause_n why_o this_o bad_a ground_n fail_v not_o so_o much_o the_o dislike_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o like_n of_o other_o thing_n better_a and_o the_o not_o receive_v of_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 11._o be_v a_o cause_n why_o many_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n 4._o purge_v thy_o heart_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n weed_n out_o sinful_a desire_n labour_n in_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n get_v further_a power_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n get_v out_o of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o it_o resolve_v against_o self-love_n that_o in_o case_n of_o confession_n thy_o life_n may_v not_o be_v dear_a unto_o thou_o else_o shall_v not_o all_o thy_o wisdom_n or_o civility_n or_o learning_n keep_v thou_o from_o backslide_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o profess_v they_o have_v leave_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n yet_o shrink_v in_o trial_n how_o shall_v they_o stand_v that_o come_v with_o heart_n thrust_v full_a of_o the_o world_n and_o earthly_a desire_n 5._o labour_v to_o find_v full_a contentment_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v it_o full_a happiness_n to_o enjoy_v naked_a christ._n esteem_v peace_n of_o conscience_n above_o all_o worldly_a peace_n account_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sweet_a hope_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o the_o treasure_n of_o a_o better_a world_n worth_a all_o thou_o can_v give_v in_o exchange_n and_o above_o all_o that_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o they_o this_o will_v make_v thou_o with_o the_o wise_a merchant_n fall_v out_o thyself_o and_o forgo_v all_o for_o the_o pearl_n and_o go_v away_o rejoice_v 6._o examine_v thy_o heart_n how_o it_o stand_v affect_v in_o lesser_a trial_n now_o in_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o it_o shrink_v in_o small_a trial_n i_o must_v not_o look_v to_o trust_v it_o in_o great_a if_o now_o it_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o threat_n of_o a_o superior_a the_o fear_n of_o loss_n the_o dread_a of_o disfavour_n if_o it_o now_o shrink_v from_o good_a man_n because_o of_o their_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v their_o crown_n if_o thou_o can_v join_v with_o the_o time_n in_o disgrace_v man_n fear_v god_n assure_v thyself_o if_o great_a trial_n come_v thou_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o great_a delusion_n and_o apostasy_n 7._o because_o to_o stand_v in_o persecution_n be_v a_o work_n above_o natural_a strength_n and_o ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o establish_v man_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o strengthen_v they_o to_o all_o patience_n with_o joyfulness_n col._n 1.10_o we_o must_v pray_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o tentation_n but_o preserve_v
christ_n be_v sanctify_v and_o season_v in_o the_o shame_n of_o christ_n for_o thou_o 6._o he_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o low_a abasement_n christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n and_o beside_o thou_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o in_o his_o abasement_n dare_v thou_o now_o in_o his_o glory_n and_o advancement_n 4._o meditate_v much_o and_o often_o on_o the_o comfort_n of_o another_o life_n and_o that_o christ_n make_v it_o a_o sign_n of_o blessedness_n when_o we_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o well-doing_n and_o math._n 5.12_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n even_o so_o great_a as_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v 5._o accustom_v thyself_o to_o conquer_v thy_o lust_n as_o 1._o ignorance_n which_o hinder_v from_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o pride_n lest_o the_o disgrace_n of_o religion_n cast_v thou_o off_o as_o we_o see_v in_o man_n unmortify_v 3._o passion_n and_o headstrength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n which_o make_v man_n impotent_a and_o impatient_a see_v heb._n 12.1_o 4._o earthly_a and_o covetous_a desire_n that_o thou_o may_v still_o be_v easy_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n the_o desire_n and_o use_v of_o it_o 6._o labour_n for_o the_o help_n of_o patience_n as_o 1._o sound_a judgement_n in_o the_o truth_n allow_v it_o a_o deep_a root_n 2._o sound_a faith_n which_o minister_v boldness_n psalm_n 116._o i_o believe_v therefore_o i_o speak_v 3._o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n to_o endure_v any_o sorrow_n rather_o than_o sin_n and_o admit_v the_o great_a sorrow_n rather_o than_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o continuance_n the_o blessing_n of_o the_o fruitful_a christian_a be_v because_o he_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n he_o shall_v persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n or_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v bless_v with_o continuance_n wherein_o this_o good_a ground_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o three_o former_a who_o best_a fruit_n at_o last_o come_v to_o nothing_o esa._n 40.31_o they_o that_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n as_o the_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a psalm_n 112.6_o the_o righteous_a shall_v never_o be_v move_v hence_o the_o scripture_n compare_v the_o faithful_a to_o tree_n plant_v by_o river_n of_o water_n who_o moisture_n be_v indeficient_a 1.3_o their_o leaf_n fall_v not_o off_o which_o live_v water_n be_v christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n of_o which_o whosoever_o once_o drink_v he_o never_o thirst_v more_o because_o there_o be_v in_o he_o a_o fountain_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 4.41_o this_o doctrine_n be_v both_o of_o old_a and_o of_o late_o oppose_v we_o must_v 1._o open_a the_o nature_n of_o perseverance_n which_o the_o adversary_n at_o this_o day_n will_v obscure_v and_o 2._o confirm_v and_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n which_o they_o will_v elude_v the_o former_a by_o a_o short_a description_n of_o it_o perseverance_n be_v a_o singular_a or_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n be_v by_o which_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o preserve_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n as_o that_o he_o neither_o whole_o nor_o final_o fall_v from_o it_o but_o abide_v unchangeable_a in_o that_o estate_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n ephes._n 3.14_o 16._o explain_v i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n phil._n 1.6_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n heb._n 12.2_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n where_o note_v the_o error_n of_o arminian_n who_o deny_v perseverance_n to_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o the_o sole_a action_n of_o man_n and_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o so_o they_o write_v voluntas_fw-la proxima_fw-la &_o sola_fw-la est_fw-la perseverationis_fw-la causa_fw-la physica_fw-la as_o if_o the_o will_n do_v not_o therefore_o persevere_v because_o god_n make_v it_o so_o to_o do_v who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 1._o pet._n 5.10_o and_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2.13_o preservation_n by_o which_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o christ_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n where_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o the_o object_n save_v grace_n 2._o the_o subject_n a_o true_a believer_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n preservation_n of_o grace_n 1._o the_o object_n of_o perseverance_n be_v the_o save_a grace_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o seem_a grace_n or_o common_a grace_n as_o illumination_n external_a reformation_n temporary_a faith_n and_o the_o like_a but_o of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n love_n holiness_n fruit_n of_o election_n and_o of_o effectual_a vocation_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n not_o restrain_v but_o renew_v arminian_n deny_v that_o god_n election_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o foundation_n of_o perseverance_n yea_o or_o of_o call_v to_o salvation_n they_o deny_v any_o such_o principle_n of_o heavenly_a life_n by_o effectual_a vocation_n they_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o substantial_a difference_n between_o the_o faith_n holiness_n righteousness_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o temporary_a which_o damn_a apostate_n have_v but_o only_a induration_n and_o continuance_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o of_o seman_n manens_fw-la 1._o joh._n 3.8_o 9_o seed_n remain_v in_o we_o of_o a_o ingraff_v word_n jam._n 1.21_o of_o a_o ointment_n which_o abide_v 1._o joh._n 2.21_o of_o a_o immortal_a seed_n 1._o pet._n 1.23_o and_o a_o fountain_n of_o water_n spring_v to_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 4.14_o 2._o the_o subject_n of_o perseverance_n be_v the_o true_a believer_n one_o true_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v for_o look_v what_o grace_n soever_o a_o hypocrite_n have_v he_o may_v and_o shall_v lose_v it_o total_o and_o final_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrite_n may_v fall_v from_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o afterward_o persecute_v it_o as_o julian_n but_o the_o question_n be_v of_o true_a believer_n and_o all_o the_o example_n of_o hypocrite_n fall_v away_o touch_v not_o the_o question_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n be_v that_o save_v grace_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o itself_o as_o in_o adam_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o elect_n be_v subject_a to_o change_v and_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v quite_o shake_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o creation_n out_o of_o adam_n but_o this_o save_a grace_n be_v preserve_v not_o by_o the_o believer_n himself_o by_o his_o own_o watch_n and_o care_n though_o not_o without_o it_o but_o partly_o by_o the_o privilege_n of_o spiritual_a life_n flow_v from_o christ_n who_o be_v rise_v from_o death_n and_o die_v no_o more_o partly_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o whole_a covenant_n jerem._n 32.40_o partly_o by_o the_o protection_n aid_n and_o custody_n of_o god_n who_o power_n preserve_v he_o to_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o partly_o by_o christ_n intercession_n and_o prayer_n and_o partly_o by_o mean_n appoint_v to_o preserve_v that_o spark_n of_o heavenly_a life_n the_o word_n ministry_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o be_v certain_a rule_n 1._o that_o neither_o the_o promise_n of_o perseverance_n on_o god_n part_n nor_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o on_o man_n do_v hinder_v the_o mean_n or_o make_v exhortation_n and_o prayer_n unfruitful_a as_o arminian_n teach_v we_o but_o rather_o imply_v and_o include_v they_o luk._n 22.46_o christ_n have_v tell_v peter_n he_o have_v pray_v his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v but_o yet_o exhort_v he_o withal_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v who_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v idle_a though_o peter_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o perseverance_n mark_v the_o same_o argumentation_n in_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o 28._o 2._o condition_n hinder_v not_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v uphold_v they_o to_o all_o condition_n requisite_a he_o that_o make_v they_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n make_v they_o persevere_v in_o the_o mean_n 3._o condition_n hinder_v not_o the_o absolute_a both_o promise_n and_o performance_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v both_o absolute_o promise_v because_o it_o shall_v certain_o be_v accomplish_v and_o with_o
of_o solomon_n prou._n 1.1_o or_o proverbial_a sentence_n of_o solomon_n 2._o some_o dark_a or_o obscure_a speech_n when_o a_o truth_n be_v wrap_v up_o either_o in_o some_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n or_o in_o some_o hard_a and_o obscure_a word_n john_n 16.29_o now_o speak_v thou_o in_o plain_a word_n and_o no_o parable_n ezek._n 24.3_o therefore_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o the_o rebellious_a house_n and_o say_v prepare_v a_o pot_n and_o pour_v water_n into_o it_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o obscure_a type_n be_v large_o declare_v both_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o city_n jerusalem_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v take_v here_o for_o a_o obscure_a manner_n of_o propound_v the_o truth_n under_o a_o continue_a similitude_n or_o allegory_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n parable_n take_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d assimilare_fw-la and_o most_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o luke_n 21.29_o and_o he_o say_v a_o parable_n behold_v the_o figtree_n and_o all_o tree_n that_o be_v he_o propound_v to_o they_o a_o similitude_n and_o a_o number_n of_o parable_n begin_v in_o these_o word_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o treasure_n leaven_n a_o merchant_n man_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 13.24_o 31_o 33_o 44_o 45_o 47._o quest._n reason_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v in_o parable_n and_o dark_a comparison_n it_o seem_v neither_o so_o fit_v for_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o hearer_n nor_o to_o his_o own_o office_n and_o function_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n to_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n answ._n 1._o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n for_o christ_n do_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o foretell_v esa._n 6.9_o matth._n 13.13_o 14_o 34._o therefore_o do_v i_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n for_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o esaias_n who_o say_v by_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v which_o be_v once_o understand_v do_v delight_v the_o understanding_n help_v the_o memory_n move_v and_o strike_v the_o will_n by_o collate_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o sensible_a and_o wind_n themselves_o secret_o into_o the_o heart_n to_o convince_v modest_o but_o strong_o and_o to_o draw_v confession_n from_o evill-dooer_n against_o themselves_o as_o david_n be_v convince_v by_o nathan_n in_o that_o parable_n 2._o sam._n 12._o and_o matth._n 21.40_o our_o saviour_n ask_v what_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n will_v do_v to_o the_o ungracious_a husbandman_n they_o say_v he_o will_v cruel_o destroy_v they_o and_o let_v out_o the_o vineyard_n to_o other_o than_o he_o infer_v in_o the_o 43._o verse_n therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o 140._o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o elect_n 1._o to_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o humility_n for_o they_o see_v how_o parable_n contain_v many_o difficulty_n above_o their_o understanding_n be_v force_v to_o conceive_v lowly_a and_o submiss_o of_o themselves_o 2._o to_o work_v in_o they_o diligence_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o profit_v and_o to_o go_v both_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o other_o who_o god_n have_v make_v more_o skilful_a than_o themselves_o to_o get_v the_o understanding_n of_o it_o for_o the_o kernel_n be_v in_o the_o reddition_n of_o a_o parable_n which_o lie_v hide_v till_o it_o be_v explain_v therefore_o the_o disciple_n ever_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o question_v and_o ask_v he_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o parable_n as_o verse_n 9_o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o demand_v what_o parable_n that_o be_v 3._o to_o work_v in_o they_o care_n of_o keep_v that_o which_o by_o so_o much_o study_v and_o labour_n they_o have_v attain_v hardly_o come_v by_o high_o set_v by_o 4._o in_o respect_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o the_o pearl_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o be_v cast_v to_o swine_n nor_o the_o child_n bread_n to_o dog_n for_o they_o must_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o chief_a prerogative_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o be_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n matth._n 13.10_o when_o christ_n have_v utter_v this_o parable_n the_o disciple_n ask_v master_n why_o speak_v thou_o in_o parable_n and_o our_o lord_n give_v this_o answer_n because_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o why_o to_o they_o not_o to_o other_o answ._n to_o they_o out_o of_o divine_a grace_n and_o love_n especial_o who_o be_v dispose_v by_o that_o grace_n to_o give_v assent_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o truth_n yea_o with_o hunger_a soul_n and_o thirsty_a desire_n drink_v in_o those_o holy_a and_o mystical_a doctrine_n not_o to_o other_o not_o because_o god_n do_v not_o true_o offer_v the_o same_o grace_n but_o because_o of_o their_o own_o incredulity_n and_o indisposition_n who_o resist_v and_o oppose_v the_o grace_n offer_v and_o wilful_o put_v from_o themselves_o and_o leave_v to_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n use_v 1_o note_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o a_o godly_a man_n and_o the_o ungodly_a the_o former_a will_v search_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o will_v profit_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o teach_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o he_o be_v be_v heroic_a obscurity_n and_o darkness_n in_o some_o point_n tire_v he_o not_o but_o only_o awake_v drowsiness_n and_o whet_v diligence_n something_o he_o will_v get_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a kind_n of_o teach_v the_o latter_a bewray_v their_o negligence_n will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n in_o beat_v out_o holy_a mystery_n that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v they_o make_v without_o all_o excuse_n in_o that_o they_o may_v see_v as_o other_o do_v but_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o will_v not_o and_o by_o contemn_v this_o kind_n of_o teach_v make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o any_o other_o 2._o note_v what_o a_o price_n god_n set_v on_o his_o word_n he_o think_v it_o too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o understand_v or_o know_v for_o will_v god_n give_v such_o a_o pearl_n to_o he_o that_o want_v desire_n of_o it_o endeavour_n after_o it_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v it_o and_o a_o care_n of_o increase_n yea_o or_o of_o keep_v it_o who_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n will_v only_o extinguish_v the_o spark_n and_o never_o blow_v it_o up_o to_o be_v comfort_v or_o direct_v by_o it_o be_v it_o fit_a christ_n shall_v speak_v otherwise_o to_o scribe_n pharisee_n sadducee_n who_o come_v only_o to_o carp_v 3._o note_v who_o it_o be_v that_o only_o can_v open_v the_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n the_o disciple_n ever_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o only_a master_n and_o chief_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n matth._n 23.8_o he_o be_v that_o true_a light_n that_o lighten_v every_o man_n john_n 1.9_o reu._n 5.5_o 6._o no_o man_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o open_v and_o read_v the_o book_n save_v only_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n therefore_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o two_o blind_a man_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n we_o desire_v our_o eye_n may_v be_v open_v come_v to_o the_o word_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d teach_v of_o the_o lord_n esa._n 54.13_o never_o rest_v in_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n come_v not_o without_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v open_v thy_o eye_n 4._o note_v a_o brand_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o that_o man_n who_o hear_v plain_a doctrine_n as_o parable_n if_o our_o gospel_n be_v now_o hide_v say_v paul_n it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v 2._o cor._n 4.3_o if_o in_o such_o a_o light_a a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o religion_n if_o old_a man_n be_v as_o yet_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n their_o case_n be_v lamentable_a a_o more_o fearful_a sentence_n can_v be_v utter_v in_o this_o life_n against_o a_o man_n then_o to_o be_v say_v as_o christ_n say_v of_o some_o omnia_fw-la ipsis_fw-la in_o parabolis_fw-la fieri_fw-la all_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n he_o that_o see_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v be_v a_o blind_a man_n and_o so_o be_v he_o who_o see_v not_o the_o shine_a brightness_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o glorious_a mean_n see_v more_o full_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o man_n who_o sit_v as_o a_o sot_n under_o the_o word_n 1._o he_o reject_v and_o despise_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o mean_n of_o salvation_n thing_n he_o be_v a_o unhappy_a condemn_a man_n that_o
first_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o multiply_v so_o now_o create_v he_o again_o in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o beget_v they_o that_o they_o may_v go_v forth_o and_o bring_v fruit_n and_o glorify_v he_o 3._o because_o the_o believer_n be_v now_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v not_o barren_a or_o idle_a in_o he_o 8.14_o but_o fruitful_a in_o all_o variety_n of_o fruit_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v gal._n 5.22_o 23._o a_o tree_n must_v live_v before_o it_o bear_v fruit_n now_o we_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o same_o spirit_n plant_v we_o in_o god_n house_n and_o add_v his_o blessing_n to_o that_o plantation_n psal._n 92.14_o the_o same_o spirit_n water_n we_o with_o the_o water_n from_o under_o the_o sanctuary_n ezek._n 47.12_o and_o so_o make_v we_o fruitful_a by_o a_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n the_o same_o spirit_n purge_v we_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o part_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o whole_a field_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v a_o fruitful_a ground_n cant._n chap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 13._o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o goodly_a garden_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o store_v with_o the_o most_o precious_a plant_n under_o heaven_n most_o delectable_a fruit_n and_o the_o chief_a spice_n shadow_v by_o pomegranate_n camphire_n spikenard_n calamus_fw-la saffron_n cinnamon_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o a_o waste_n a_o heath_n a_o wilderness_n but_o a_o new_a paradise_n of_o god_n plant_v by_o his_o hand_n a_o garden_n of_o great_a pleasure_n and_o god_n take_v pleasure_n no_o where_o else_o a_o garden_n in_o which_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n that_o be_v christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o be_v taste_v and_o feed_v on_o to_o eternal_a life_n a_o garden_n in_o which_o a_o river_n run_v four_o way_n from_o the_o same_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n run_v free_o stream_v from_o the_o four_o evangelist_n a_o garden_n in_o which_o man_n be_v place_v to_o till_o and_o dress_v it_o so_o in_o the_o church_n man_n be_v gather_v to_o exercise_v duty_n of_o piety_n and_o love_n a_o garden_n furnish_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o tree_n for_o fruit_n or_o delight_n cant._n 7.14_o a_o vineyard_n in_o which_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o sweet_a fruit_n old_a and_o new_a whence_o every_o member_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a must_v also_o abound_v and_o flourish_v in_o all_o holy_a virtue_n and_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n use_v 1_o let_v we_o try_v as_o man_n do_v the_o goodness_n of_o our_o ground_n by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o crop_n it_o yield_v if_o it_o be_v good_a ground_n it_o bring_v fruit_n answerable_a to_o the_o seed_n the_o rule_n of_o trial_n be_v these_o 1._o if_o barrenness_n be_v a_o sign_n rule_n and_o a_o true_a informer_n against_o bad_a ground_n how_o many_o that_o have_v long_o profess_v christ_n and_o be_v long_a hearer_n be_v convince_v to_o be_v bad_a and_o curse_a earth_n because_o of_o their_o barrenness_n and_o fruitlessness_n number_n of_o carnal_a gospeller_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n like_o the_o curse_a figtree_n they_o have_v leaf_n but_o no_o fruit_n under_o the_o mean_n they_o live_v void_a of_o faith_n void_a of_o god_n fear_n void_a of_o love_n to_o the_o word_n void_a of_o obedience_n scorn_v to_o reform_v any_o thing_n be_v as_o loose_v and_o disorder_v as_o at_o first_o as_o hateful_a and_o scornful_a of_o the_o mean_n as_o ever_o be_v these_o good_a ground_n no_o no_o their_o fruit_n bewray_v they_o what_o they_o be_v let_v they_o beware_v in_o time_n at_o their_o own_o peril_n this_o barrenness_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v accurse_v with_o cut_v down_o and_o with_o everlasting_a fire_n math._n 25.41_o 2._o rule_n if_o good_a ground_n bring_v timely_a fruit_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o seed_n fall_v on_o it_o be_v they_o good_a ground_n that_o be_v so_o slow_a and_o heavy_a to_o any_o good_a fruit_n as_o sometime_o they_o be_v resolve_v seven_o and_o seven_o year_n to_o give_v up_o some_o unwarrantable_a lust_n or_o undertake_v some_o commendable_a duty_n nay_o some_o never_o resolve_v to_o do_v good_a till_o they_o die_v but_o then_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o be_v better_o etc._n etc._n but_o what_o dare_v thou_o live_v so_o near_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n as_o that_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o rain_n often_o fall_v heb._n 6.8_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o see_v on_o thou_o do_v thou_o mark_v in_o the_o thief_n convert_v what_o a_o number_n of_o excellent_a fruit_n present_o appear_v see_v thou_o not_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 1.6_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v fruitful_a among_o they_o from_o the_o first_o day_n they_o hear_v it_o and_o true_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o thou_o never_o true_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o abide_v unfruitful_a &_o take_v day_n with_o god_n consider_v thou_o not_o what_o a_o singular_a praise_n yea_o and_o mercy_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o word_n work_v speedy_o and_o to_o hasten_v our_o fruit_n be_v it_o possible_a from_o the_o day_n that_o we_o hear_v it_o how_o many_o sin_n shall_v then_o be_v cut_v off_o how_o many_o good_a duty_n undertake_v and_o the_o reckon_n further_v oh_o hear_v at_o length_n christ_n knock_v &_o resolve_v present_o to_o open_v if_o thou_o hear_v his_o voice_n this_o day_n harden_v thy_o heart_n no_o more_o how_o long_o shall_v he_o be_v with_o thou_o how_o long_o shall_v he_o suffer_v thou_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o sentence_n pro._n 1.24_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o will_v not_o answer_v behold_v it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o you_o shall_v call_v and_o not_o be_v hear_v yea_o i_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n etc._n etc._n 3._o rule_n good_a ground_n bring_v fruit_n in_o kind_a answerable_a to_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n be_v a_o godly_a conversation_n beseem_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.27_o it_o bring_v not_o weed_n not_o thistle_n not_o bramble_n but_o how_o come_v it_o that_o the_o seed_n be_v so_o pure_a holy_a yield_a the_o fruit_n be_v so_o contrary_a do_v not_o the_o master_n allow_v &_o the_o servant_n cast_v in_o good_a seed_n 13.27_o whence_o then_o be_v these_o tare_n of_o general_a profaneness_n ignorance_n swear_v lie_a sabbath-breaking_a in_o most_o unconscionable_a manner_n contempt_n of_o magistracy_n &_o of_o ministry_n injustice_n usury_n slander_v scoff_v at_o goodness_n drunkenness_n game_n hatred_n of_o the_o light_n &_o bringer_n of_o it_o repine_v at_o their_o prosperity_n and_o the_o like_a whence_o i_o say_v be_v they_o be_v these_o fruit_n beseem_v good_a ground_n or_o be_v they_o any_o way_n like_o the_o seed_n i_o dare_v say_v a_o man_n may_v find_v as_o good_a fruit_n as_o these_o among_o the_o turk_n and_o barbarous_a heathen_n where_o the_o seed_n never_o come_v nay_o in_o hell_n itself_o where_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o such_o as_o this_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o such_o rot_a fruit_n argue_v rot_a heart_n god_n will_v reap_v no_o such_o harvest_n he_o will_v own_v no_o such_o ground_n 4._o rule_n if_o good_a ground_n bring_v ripe_a fruit_n with_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n even_o in_o their_o age_n psal._n 92.14_o what_o goodness_n be_v in_o that_o ground_n that_o have_v give_v over_o his_o fruit_n that_o have_v have_v leaf_n and_o show_v of_o profession_n and_o some_o goodness_n have_v even_o cast_v away_o the_o leaf_n far_o worse_o than_o the_o curse_a figtree_n which_o have_v leaf_n yet_o escape_v not_o the_o curse_n 21.19_o these_o be_v never_o plant_v into_o christ_n for_o have_v they_o be_v so_o the_o father_n have_v purge_v they_o to_o have_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n never_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 15.2_o have_v they_o be_v of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o never_o good_a in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n 2.19_o for_o a_o good_a man_n leaf_n shall_v not_o fall_v psalm_n 1.3_o and_o if_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o his_o fruit_n jer._n 17.10_o these_o man_n shall_v one_o day_n know_v &_o feed_v upon_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o their_o decline_a &_o apostasy_n when_o they_o shall_v believe_v or_o feel_v what_o they_o will_v not_o now_o believe_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n 21_o then_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n use_v 2._o labour_v to_o be_v fruitful_a christian_n content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o leaf_n and_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n show_v forth_o your_o grape_n and_o fig_n
it_o but_o exhortation_n be_v such_o mean_n while_o 1._o they_o admonish_v we_o of_o our_o imbecility_n in_o ourselves_o 2._o drive_v we_o to_o our_o hold_n to_o get_v strength_n from_o god_n and_o implore_v his_o aid_n and_o help_v 3._o daily_a to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o dulness_n and_o security_n 4._o to_o uphold_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v and_o grow_v weary_a by_o cherish_v faith_n and_o other_o grace_n 5._o not_o to_o bring_v in_o doubt_v but_o keep_v we_o in_o good_a assurance_n while_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v still_o look_v at_o the_o promise_n and_o for_o threaten_n and_o commination_n against_o apostate_n and_o backsliders_a as_o joh._n 15.6_o every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o i_o take_v away_o and_o cast_v out_o and_o heb._n 10.26_o if_o we_o sin_v willing_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o vengeance_n 1._o these_o and_o the_o like_a threat_n be_v proper_o mean_v of_o seem_a branch_n that_o bring_v leaf_n but_o otherwise_o be_v barren_a and_o fruitless_a as_o a_o true_a branch_n in_o christ_n can_v be_v vers_n 5_o 2._o all_o these_o commination_n be_v conditional_a if_o a_o branch_n bear_v not_o fruit_n which_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o a_o true_a branch_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o to_o stir_v up_o their_o care_n and_o watch_v and_o further_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o 3._o many_o such_o place_n as_o heb._n 10.26_o be_v of_o such_o as_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o themselves_o say_v be_v not_o incident_a unto_o a_o true_a elect_a person_n 2._o conclusion_n no_o prayer_n or_o petition_n in_o scripture_n either_o for_o not_o lose_v the_o spirit_n or_o for_o restore_v the_o spirit_n conclude_v against_o the_o elect_v perseverance_n in_o grace_n but_o for_o it_o because_o first_o prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n argue_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v deny_v second_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o pray_v 12._o take_v not_o away_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n psal._n 51.11_o for_o he_o be_v sometime_o take_v from_o they_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o existence_n but_o of_o his_o powerful_a work_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o save_a gift_n but_o of_o the_o measure_n degree_n and_o operation_n of_o it_o as_o he_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o wicked_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o regeneration_n which_o they_o never_o have_v but_o of_o some_o common_a gift_n either_o natural_a or_o civil_a for_o office_n or_o the_o like_a as_o in_o saul_n 1._o sam._n 15.16_o three_o it_o be_v as_o ordinary_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o return_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o create_v a_o new_a spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o quite_o go_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n but_o this_o conclude_v nothing_o that_o because_o they_o feel_v he_o not_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o there_o no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n may_v conclude_v he_o have_v no_o life_n or_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n not_o to_o live_v because_o it_o understand_v not_o the_o life_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o thus_o to_o pray_v though_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o because_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n 2._o a_o testimony_n that_o we_o depend_v on_o his_o strength_n and_o promise_n for_o perseverance_n 3._o that_o we_o shall_v attain_v this_o gift_n in_o god_n own_o mean_n which_o be_v prayer_n 3._o conclusion_n no_o phrase_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v against_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o elect_n though_o in_o some_o phrase_n they_o pick_v many_o quarrel_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o some_o of_o most_o seem_a contrariety_n for_o this_o in_o the_o text_n that_o some_o believe_v only_o for_o a_o time_n we_o have_v former_o show_v that_o this_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v faith_n of_o which_o our_o question_n be_v but_o be_v mean_v of_o temporary_a faith_n which_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o perseverance_n as_o this_o have_v but_o how_o weak_a be_v the_o conclusion_n some_o fall_n from_o temporary_a faith_n therefore_o other_o may_v fall_v from_o justify_v faith_n gal._n 3.3_o some_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n answ._n 1._o the_o apostle_n write_v not_o to_o particular_a believer_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v but_o to_o foolish_a apostate_n that_o never_o true_o believe_v 2._o by_o spirit_n be_v not_o there_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n but_o they_o begin_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v spirit_n and_o life_n joh._n 6.63_o and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o cor._n 3.8_o 3._o by_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a but_o the_o fleshly_a doctrine_n of_o false_a apostle_n savour_v whole_o of_o fleshly_a and_o carnal_a wisdom_n so_o as_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o not_o with_o fall_v from_o true_a regeneration_n which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v but_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v now_o how_o inconsequent_a be_v this_o many_o fall_n from_o profess_v the_o truth_n therefore_o the_o elect_a fall_n from_o grace_n exod._n 32.32_o some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n not_o wicked_a only_o psal._n 69.28_o but_o the_o elect_n as_o moses_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v answ._n 1._o symbolical_a or_o figurative_a argument_n prove_v nothing_o as_o this_o be_v for_o god_n need_v no_o book_n 2._o moses_n wish_v not_o simple_o but_o conditional_o if_o it_o may_v be_v if_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o people_n good_a may_v thereby_o be_v prefer_v esse_fw-la supposition_n be_v no_o position_n 3._o the_o lord_n himself_o deny_v that_o moses_n or_o any_o elect_n can_v be_v blot_v out_o say_v not_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o that_o be_v le_fw-fr we_o sin_v reign_v in_o he_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a book_n a_o twofold_a writing_n and_o a_o twofold_a blot_n first_o there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o god_n eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n in_o which_o book_n of_o life_n who_o ever_o be_v write_v they_o be_v never_o blot_v out_o for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n abide_v sure_a and_o have_v his_o seal_n 2._o tim._n 2.19_o this_o book_n be_v seal_v and_o if_o a_o man_n say_v quod_fw-la scripsi_fw-la scripsi_fw-la what_o i_o have_v write_v 69._o i_o have_v write_v joh._n 19.22_o num_fw-la deus_fw-la quenquam_fw-la scribit_fw-la &_o delet_fw-la say_v augustine_n do_v god_n write_v any_o man_n in_o his_o book_n and_o blot_v he_o out_o again_o second_o there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o decree_n which_o lie_v in_o earth_n as_o that_o in_o heaven_n the_o church-book_n wherein_o man_n be_v actual_o enroll_v into_o the_o company_n of_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v into_o god_n covenant_n &_o family_n by_o profess_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n now_o such_o as_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n not_o of_o certainty_n true_a member_n be_v indeed_o write_v the_o hypocrite_n only_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o twofold_a writing_n one_o true_a the_o other_o imaginary_a augustine_n on_o psalm_n 69._o express_v it_o excellent_o thus_o dicuntur_fw-la scripti_fw-la quia_fw-la sic_fw-la putant_fw-la &_o putantur_fw-la nec_fw-la sic_fw-la accipere_fw-la debemus_fw-la etc._n etc._n sed_fw-la hoc_fw-la dictum_fw-la est_fw-la secundum_fw-la spem_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la qui_fw-la ibi_fw-la se_fw-la scriptos_fw-la putabant_fw-la so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a blot_n 1._o out_o of_o the_o church_n when_o their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v and_o they_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a among_o who_o they_o be_v write_v and_o number_v august_n 2._o out_o of_o the_o other_o book_n in_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v declare_v and_o manifest_v never_o to_o have_v be_v write_v there_o now_o the_o argument_n be_v weak_a because_o some_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o some_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o because_o some_o be_v declare_v never_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n therefore_o those_o that_o be_v indeed_o write_v there_o may_v fall_v away_o rom._n 14.15_o we_o read_v of_o some_o destroy_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v therefore_o member_n of_o christ_n may_v fall_v away_o and_o perish_v answ._n 1._o by_o destroy_v be_v mean_v not_o a_o cast_n off_o the_o foundation_n but_o a_o scandalize_a of_o our_o brother_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n there_o