of_o age_n of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o knowledge_n and_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o your_o legal_a unworthiness_n have_v all_o a_o present_a remedy_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n even_o for_o all_o the_o world_n so_o that_o no_o sin_n except_o the_o except_a sin_n be_v so_o great_a but_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v for_o and_o though_o you_o be_v unworthy_a yet_o christ_n be_v worthy_a and_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v only_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o strict_a and_o legal_a sense_n 4._o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o god_n unwillingness_n to_o show_v you_o mercy_n and_o to_o give_v you_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o misapprehension_n of_o christ_n unwillingness_n to_o be_v you_o or_o at_o least_o from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o willingness_n these_o have_v all_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n in_o the_o general_a extent_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n can_v you_o doubt_v whether_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v you_o christ_n and_o life_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o already_o even_o by_o a_o deed_n of_o gift_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o by_o a_o law_n of_o grace_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o pardon_v nor_o possess_v of_o christ_n and_o so_o save_v answ_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o so_o that_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v it_o well_o god_n have_v in_o these_o four_o mean_n before_o mention_v give_v even_o to_o the_o graceless_a so_o much_o ground_n of_o comfort_n that_o nothing_o but_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o have_v christ_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v their_o terror_n for_o though_o sin_n be_v not_o actual_o remit_v to_o they_o yet_o be_v it_o conditional_o remit_v viz._n if_o they_o will_v but_o accept_v of_o christ_n offer_v they_o will_v you_o remember_v this_o when_o your_o doubt_n be_v great_a and_o you_o conclude_v that_o certain_o christ_n be_v not_o you_o because_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n suppose_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o still_o know_v that_o christ_n may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v and_o when_o you_o will_n this_o comfort_n you_o may_v have_v when_o you_o can_v find_v no_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o yourself_o so_o much_o for_o that_o direction_n direction_n viii_o 8._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o you_o have_v to_o do_v for_o build_v up_o a_o stable_a comfort_n and_o settle_v your_o conscience_n in_o a_o solid_a peace_n be_v this_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v and_o keep_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_v faith_n as_o you_o must_v have_v right_a thought_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n of_o which_o before_o the_o want_n whereof_o do_v puzzle_v and_o confound_v very_o many_o christian_n so_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v right_a thought_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o indeed_o that_o grace_n which_o cause_v you_o to_o perform_v this_o condition_n be_v your_o first_o special_a save_a grace_n which_o you_o may_v take_v as_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o your_o justification_n and_o this_o condition_n be_v the_o very_a link_n which_o conjoyn_v all_o the_o general_n forego_v grace_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o follow_v special_a grace_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a and_o plain_a in_o assure_v pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o true_a believer_n that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o be_v a_o believer_n you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o your_o salvation_n see_v therefore_o that_o all_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o you_o have_v true_a faith_n whether_o you_o do_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o all_o other_o doubt_v god_n have_v give_v you_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o resolve_v as_o be_v say_v how_o much_o then_o do_v it_o concern_v you_o to_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o that_o you_o may_v have_v let_v i_o tell_v you_o brief_o what_o it_o be_v man_n soul_n have_v two_o faculty_n understanding_n and_o will_n according_o the_o object_n of_o man_n soul_n all_o being_n which_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v have_v two_o modification_n truth_n and_o goodness_n as_o those_o to_o be_v avoid_v be_v evil._n according_o god_n be_v word_n or_o gospel_n have_v two_o part_n the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o some_o good_n this_o offer_v good_a be_v principal_o and_o immediate_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v join_v to_o we_o by_o covenant_n as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n the_o secondary_a consequential_a good_a be_v pardon_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n further_a sanctification_n and_o glorification_n which_o be_v all_o offer_v with_o christ_n by_o this_o you_o may_v see_v what_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v first_o a_o believe_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a and_o then_o a_o accept_n of_o christ_n therein_o offer_v to_o we_o with_o his_o benefit_n or_o a_o consent_n that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o be_v his_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o true_a willingness_n to_o have_v a_o offer_v christ_n remember_v this_o well_o that_o you_o may_v make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o you_o be_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n thousand_o of_o poor_a soul_n have_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o unable_a to_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o know_v what_o save_a faith_n be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v that_o divine_n who_o shall_v have_v teach_v they_o better_o have_v be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o error_n not_o well_o and_o clear_o understand_v this_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a confession_n but_o the_o world_n know_v it_o already_o the_o papist_n place_n almost_o all_o in_o the_o mere_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n our_o great_a reformer_n make_v it_o to_o be_v either_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o pardon_n exclude_v doubt_v or_o the_o moderate_v a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o particular_a pardon_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o doubt_v the_o antinomian_o strike_v in_o with_o they_o and_o say_v the_o same_o hence_o even_o the_o great_a of_o our_o divine_n chamier_n polanus_fw-la twisse_n etc._n etc._n conclude_v that_o justification_n and_o remission_n go_v before_o faith_n a_o desperate_a error_n because_o the_o act_n do_v always_o suppose_v its_o object_n for_o they_o think_v that_o remission_n already_o past_a be_v the_o object_n of_o justify_v faith_n suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o belief_n that_o we_o be_v pardon_v yea_o ordinary_o it_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o write_n of_o our_o great_a refuter_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o this_o belief_n be_v proper_o a_o divine_a faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o be_v the_o believe_v of_o any_o proposition_n write_v in_o the_o scriture_n a_o foul_a error_n which_o i_o have_v confute_v in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part._n 3._o chap._n 7._o most_o of_o late_o have_v come_v near_o the_o truth_n and_o affirm_v justify_v faith_n to_o consist_v in_o affiance_n or_o recumbency_n or_o rest_a on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n no_o doubt_v this_o be_v one_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n but_o not_o that_o which_o a_o poor_a trouble_a soul_n shall_v first_o search_v after_o and_o try_v itself_o by_o except_o by_o affiance_n any_o shall_v mean_v as_o amesius_n do_v election_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o same_o act_n which_o i_o be_o assert_v but_o very_o unfit_o express_v for_o 1._o affiance_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a act_n nor_o that_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n of_o justify_v faith_n do_v consist_v but_o only_o a_o imperate_a follow_a act_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o vital_a act_n which_o be_v consent_n or_o will_v or_o accept_n christ_n offer_v for_o it_o lie_v main_o in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o sensitive_a part_n or_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o it_o be_v therefore_o less_o constant_a and_o so_o unfit_a to_o try_v by_o for_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o know_v itself_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n yet_o feel_v not_o a_o rest_a on_o he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o can_v believe_v and_o think_v they_o have_v no_o faith_n for_o recumbency_n affiance_n or_o rest_a on_o christ_n imply_v that_o ease_n of_o themselves_o or_o cast_v off_o their_o fear_n or_o doubt_n or_o care_n which_o true_a believer_n do_v not_o always_o find_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n complain_v o_o i_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n i_o can_v trust_v he_o who_o yet_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o
we_o doubt_n we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o doubt_n i_o know_v you_o may_v easy_o tell_v a_o long_a and_o a_o sad_a story_n of_o your_o sin_n how_o you_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o and_o that_o and_o many_o a_o distemper_n and_o weak_a and_o want_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o have_v commit_v many_o sin_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n learn_v therefore_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o every_o sin_n but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n for_o every_o sin_n direction_n xxx_o 30._o whatsoever_o new_a doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o your_o soul_n see_v that_o you_o careful_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o general_n grace_n or_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o especial_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o when_o you_o want_v or_o lose_v your_o certainty_n of_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n you_o have_v present_o recourse_n to_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o lose_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o or_o if_o you_o shall_v lose_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o probability_n of_o special_a grace_n yet_o see_v that_o you_o have_v recourse_n at_o the_o utmost_a to_o general_n grace_n and_o never_o let_v go_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o rule_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a necessity_n and_o use_n for_o your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n here_o be_v three_o several_a degree_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n it_o be_v exceed_a weakness_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o of_o these_o hold_v therefore_o to_o let_v go_v the_o other_o too_o and_o because_o he_o can_v have_v the_o high_a degree_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o complain_n still_o remember_v the_o two_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o 1._o all_o doubt_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o have_v the_o same_o cure_n let_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v upon_o every_o doubt_n be_v this_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vnbelieving_a or_o low_a apprehension_n of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o from_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fit_a remedy_n for_o one_o of_o these_o will_v do_v little_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o your_o doubt_v be_v only_o whether_o you_o be_v sincere_a in_o believe_v love_a hope_v repent_v and_o obey_v then_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v this_o doubt_n though_o you_o discern_v never_o so_o much_o of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o christ_n gracious_a office_n or_o the_o universal_a sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n for_o i_o profess_v considerate_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o all_o the_o body_n of_o popery_n concern_v merit_n justification_n humane_a satisfaction_n assurance_n or_o any_o other_o point_n about_o grace_n for_o which_o we_o unchurch_n they_o that_o they_o err_v half_a so_o dangerous_o as_o saltmarsh_n and_o such_o antinomian_o do_v in_o this_o one_o point_n when_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o meaning_n it_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o must_v no_o more_o question_v our_o own_o faith_n than_o we_o must_v question_v christ_n the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o save_a plea_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o say_v though_o i_o repent_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o yet_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a or_o christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v for_o i_o or_o god_n make_v i_o a_o free_a promise_n and_o gift_n of_o salvation_n if_o i_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v what_o comfort_n will_v such_o a_o answer_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v now_o to_o quiet_a any_o know_a christian_a against_o those_o doubt_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o particular_a evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n though_o in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereto_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o any_o defect_n in_o your_o apprehension_n of_o general_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o your_o look_v after_o mark_v in_o yourself_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o resolve_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n lie_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o square_a foundation_n which_o will_v bear_v up_o all_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n first_o god_n merciful_a and_o unconceivable_o good_a and_o gracious_a nature_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n second_o the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n and_o man_n with_o his_o most_o gracious_a undertake_v office_n of_o save_v and_o reconcile_n three_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v accept_v he_o and_o his_o grace_n i_o put_v it_o in_o term_n beyond_o dispute_n because_o i_o will_v not_o build_v up_o believer_n comfort_n on_o point_n which_o godly_a divine_n do_v contradict_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o doubt_n myself_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o all_o and_o that_o no_o man_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n but_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v it_o or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o yield_v to_o recover_v grace_n the_o four_o be_v the_o universal_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o right_o to_o salvation_n on_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n or_o overlook_v of_o any_o of_o these_o to_o these_o must_v you_o have_v recourse_n for_o your_o cure_n where_o note_n that_o all_o those_o doubt_n which_o come_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n as_o such_o that_o you_o think_v will_v not_o therefore_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o come_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o a_o legal_a sense_n or_o want_v of_o merit_n in_o yourself_o and_o all_o your_o doubt_n whether_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v and_o forgive_v you_o though_o you_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o any_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v by_o christ_n for_o your_o sin_n i_o say_v all_o these_o come_v from_o your_o ignorance_n or_o unbelief_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o four_o general_a ground_n here_o mention_v and_o from_o they_o must_v be_v cure_v note_v also_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o four_o general_a ground_n and_o your_o particular_a evidence_n in_o point_n of_o certainty_n for_o these_o four_o corner-stone_n be_v fast_o found_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o removal_n so_o that_o they_o be_v always_o of_o as_o undoubted_a certainty_n as_o that_o the_o heaven_n be_v over_o your_o head_n and_o they_o be_v immutable_a still_o the_o same_o these_o you_o be_v command_v strict_o to_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v the_o clear_o reveal_v truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o yet_o they_o remain_v firm_a and_o true_a and_o your_o unbelief_n shall_v not_o make_v void_a the_o universal_a promise_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o your_o own_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a so_o clear_a or_o so_o immutable_a nor_o be_v you_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o but_o to_o search_v after_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v they_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o any_o word_n of_o god_n strict_o to_o believe_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v or_o repent_v but_o to_o try_v and_o discern_v it_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o direction_n that_o you_o always_o discover_v whether_o your_o trouble_n arise_v from_o low_a unbelieving_a or_o ignorant_a thought_n of_o god_n mercifulness_n christ_n gracious_a nature_n and_o office_n general_n satisfaction_n or_o the_o universal_a promise_n or_o whether_o they_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o yourself_o and_o according_o in_o your_o thought_n apply_v the_o remedy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o hold_v fast_a probability_n of_o special_a grace_n when_o you_o lose_v your_o certainty_n and_o that_o you_o hold_v fast_o your_o general_n ground_n when_o you_o lose_v both_o the_o former_a never_o forget_v this_o in_o any_o of_o your_o doubt_n you_o say_v your_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v such_o breach_n and_o sad_a defect_n in_o they_o that_o you_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v sincere_a suppose_v it_o be_v so_o do_v you_o see_v
saviour_n and_o can_v easy_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o willingness_n 3._o beside_o affiance_n be_v not_o the_o adequate_a act_n of_o faith_n suit_v to_o the_o object_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o it_o must_v be_v receive_v but_o willingness_n or_o acceptance_n be_v christ_n be_v rest_v on_o only_o for_o ourselves_o as_o our_o deliverer_n but_o he_o be_v accept_v also_o for_o himself_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o full_a proof_n of_o these_o i_o have_v perform_v in_o other_o write_n and_o oft_o in_o your_o hear_n in_o public_a and_o therefore_o omit_v they_o now_o be_v sure_a then_o to_o fix_v this_o truth_n deep_a in_o your_o mind_n that_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o a_o assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n no_o nor_o a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v or_o pardon_v or_o that_o christ_n die_v more_o for_o we_o then_o for_o other_o nor_o yet_o be_v affiance_n or_o rest_a on_o christ_n the_o vital_a principal_a certain_a constant_a full_a act_n but_o it_o be_v the_o understanding_n belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o will_v his_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n offer_v to_o we_o therein_o which_o acceptance_n be_v but_o the_o hearty_a consent_n or_o willingness_n that_o he_o be_v you_o and_o you_o he_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o must_v justify_v and_o save_v you_o object_n but_o 1._o may_v not_o wicked_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v christ_n 2._o and_o do_v not_o you_o oft_o tell_v we_o that_o justify_v faith_n comprehend_v love_n to_o christ_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n to_o be_v obey_v as_o well_o as_o a_o deliverer_n and_o that_o repentance_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n answ_n i_o will_v give_v as_o brief_a a_o touch_n now_o on_o these_o as_o may_v be_v because_o i_o have_v handle_v they_o in_o sitter_n place_n 1._o wicked_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v remission_n justification_n and_o freedom_n from_o hell_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v unpardoned_a or_o to_o be_v damn_v but_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n himself_o in_o that_o nature_n and_o office_n which_o he_o must_v be_v accept_v that_o be_v as_o a_o holy_a head_n and_o husband_n to_o save_v they_o both_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o power_n and_o all_o defilement_n and_o abode_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o may_v be_v perfect_o please_a and_o amiable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o enjoy_v he_o forever_o thus_o be_v christ_n offer_v and_o thus_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o no_o wicked_a man_n will_v accept_v he_o but_o when_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a 2._o to_o cut_v all_o the_o rest_n short_a in_o a_o word_n i_o say_v that_o in_o this_o fore-described_n willingness_n or_o acceptance_n repentance_n love_n thankfulness_n resolution_n to_o obey_v be_v all_o contain_v or_o near_o employ_v as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o manifest_v so_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v this_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n or_o willingness_n to_o have_v he_o to_o justify_v sanctify_v guide_n and_o govern_v you_o find_v but_o this_o willingness_n and_o you_o find_v all_o the_o rest_n whether_o you_o express_o see_v they_o or_o not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o direction_n direction_n ix_o 9_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o discover_v and_o improve_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o then_o in_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o give_v you_o right_o to_o the_o special_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n follow_v it_o your_o next_o work_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o actual_a believe_v your_o soul_n stand_v in_o extreme_a need_n of_o a_o saviour_n god_n offer_v you_o a_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n what_o then_o have_v you_o next_o to_o do_v but_o accept_v he_o believe_v that_o this_o offer_n be_v general_a and_o therefore_o to_o you_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v to_o sale_n nor_o do_v god_n require_v you_o to_o bring_v a_o price_n in_o your_o hand_n but_o only_o hearty_o and_o thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o what_o he_o free_o give_v you_o this_o must_v be_v do_v before_o you_o fall_v on_o try_v your_o grace_n to_o get_v assurance_n for_o you_o must_v have_v grace_n before_o you_o can_v discover_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o proper_a special_a save_a grace_n as_o it_o comprise_v that_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n which_o necessary_o go_v before_o it_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o method_n for_o those_o that_o yet_o never_o believe_v but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n believe_v again_o that_o you_o may_v know_v you_o do_v believe_v or_o at_o least_o may_v possess_v a_o accept_v saviour_n when_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n bid_v you_o take_v jesus_n christ_n and_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o what_o will_v you_o say_v to_o he_o if_o your_o heart_n answer_n lord_n i_o be_o willing_a i_o will_v accept_v of_o christ_n and_o be_v thankful_a why_o then_o the_o match_n be_v make_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o and_o the_o marriage_n covenant_n be_v true_o enter_v which_o none_o can_v dissolve_v if_o christ_n be_v not_o first_o willing_a he_o will_v not_o be_v the_o suitor_n and_o make_v the_o motion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o you_o be_v willing_a what_o can_v break_v the_o match_n if_o you_o will_v say_v i_o can_v believe_v if_o you_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v either_o you_o mean_v that_o you_o can_v believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v true_a or_o else_o that_o you_o can_v be_v willing_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v you_o if_o it_o be_v the_o former_a and_o you_o speak_v true_o than_o you_o be_v a_o flat_a infidel_n yet_o many_o temptation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n a_o true_a believer_n may_v have_v yea_o and_o actual_a doubt_n but_o his_o faith_n prevail_v and_o be_v victorious_a over_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o doubt_v whether_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a use_n god_n mean_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o its_o truth_n read_v what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n i_o will_v undertake_v now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o i_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n by_o plain_a full_a undeniable_a force_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v none_o of_o your_o case_n if_o therefore_o when_o you_o say_v that_o you_o can_v believe_v you_o mean_v that_o you_o can_v accept_v a_o offer_a christ_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v he_o then_o i_o demand_v 1._o what_o be_v your_o reason_n the_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a there_o be_v something_o that_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v unwilling_a this_o reason_n must_v be_v from_o something_o real_a or_o else_o upon_o a_o mistake_n upon_o supposal_n of_o something_o that_o be_v not_o in_o be_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o mistake_n either_o it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o christ_n willingness_n to_o be_v you_o and_o if_o you_o think_v he_o do_v consent_n you_o will_v consent_v willing_o if_o this_o be_v it_o you_o do_v true_o believe_v while_o you_o think_v you_o do_v not_o for_o you_o do_v consent_n and_o that_o be_v all_o on_o your_o part_n to_o make_v the_o match_n and_o christ_n do_v certain_o consent_v though_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o concern_v you_o to_o understand_v better_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o then_o you_o will_v be_v past_a doubt_n of_o the_o willingness_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v that_o wherever_o the_o match_n break_v it_o be_v only_o for_o want_v of_o consent_n in_o man_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o suitor_n and_o have_v long_o ago_o in_o the_o covenant_n proclaim_v his_o consent_n to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o every_o sinner_n on_o condition_n they_o will_v but_o consent_v to_o be_v he_o if_o your_o mistake_n be_v from_o any_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a saviour_n or_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o your_o comfort_n that_o he_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v then_o good_a if_o these_o mistake_n be_v prevalent_a than_o you_o do_v not_o know_v christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v present_o better_o study_v he_o in_o the_o gospel_n till_o you_o have_v prevail_v over_o such_o ignorant_a and_o blasphemous_a conceit_n but_o none_o of_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v
have_v any_o strong_a christian_n among_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o at_o home_n 2._o beside_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v a_o clear_a argument_n that_o a_o strong_a christian_a may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o it_o god_n have_v make_v all_o those_o point_n plain_a in_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v believe_v as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o believer_n perseverance_n be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o considerable_a number_n be_v ever_o save_v till_o of_o late_a or_o be_v yet_o save_v but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o country_n it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o the_o church_n never_o do_v put_v into_o their_o creed_n where_o they_o sum_v up_o those_o point_n that_o they_o hold_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v the_o contrary_a do_v make_v the_o point_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o those_o text_n that_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o full_o to_o satisfy_v they_o beside_o that_o the_o example_n of_o these_o ten_o year_n last_o pass_v have_v do_v more_o to_o stagger_v many_o sober_a wise_a christian_n in_o this_o point_n than_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o papist_n arminian_n or_o any_o other_o to_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n in_o some_o place_n have_v fall_v and_o how_o far_o as_o i_o be_o unwilling_a further_o to_o mention_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v of_o this_o myself_o and_o consequent_o what_o assurance_n i_o have_v of_o my_o own_o salvation_n i_o will_v free_o tell_v you_o both_o how_o far_o i_o be_o arrive_v in_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n and_o justification_n and_o how_o far_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o perseverance_n and_o so_o of_o salvation_n i_o lay_v seven_o year_n under_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o sanctification_n especial_o for_o want_v of_o those_o lively_a affectionate_a heart-melting_a effect_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v find_v and_o for_o want_v of_o deep_o apprehension_n of_o god_n christ_n glory_n sin_n misery_n mercy_n duty_n etc._n etc._n which_o make_v i_o still_o fear_v that_o all_o i_o have_v be_v but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o education_n read_v and_o speculative_a knowledge_n and_o so_o that_o i_o have_v only_o a_o notional_a religion_n that_o touch_v my_o fantasy_n and_o swim_v in_o my_o brain_n but_o work_v not_o thorough_o on_o my_o heart_n for_o want_v of_o more_o deep_a and_o serious_a believe_v of_o those_o holy_a truth_n which_o shall_v be_v operative_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n probability_n of_o grace_n afford_v i_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v hope_n do_v bear_v i_o up_o now_o through_o the_o great_a unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o my_o god_n i_o have_v attain_v to_o so_o strong_a a_o probability_n of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o sanctification_n as_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v assurance_n or_o certainty_n but_o not_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n i_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n as_o overcome_v most_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o keep_v i_o in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n and_o some_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o delightful_a thought_n of_o my_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o give_v i_o a_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o yet_o i_o find_v that_o carnal_a security_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o alay_n of_o my_o trouble_n though_o not_o in_o the_o raise_n of_o my_o joy_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o bad_a faith_n assurance_n and_o carnal_a security_n to_o join_v together_o in_o one_o effect_n even_o in_o expelling_a trouble_n from_o the_o heart_n yet_o dare_v i_o scarce_o say_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o so_o of_o my_o justification_n especial_o when_o temptation_n have_v prevail_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n interest_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o my_o estimation_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v appear_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o when_o i_o have_v think_v how_o much_o strong_a trial_n i_o may_v yet_o be_v put_v to_o which_o other_o daily_o undergo_v especial_o the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n do_v often_o make_v i_o fear_v than_o those_o of_o persecution_n and_o adversity_n i_o be_o sometime_o afraid_a lest_o it_o be_v but_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o body_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o object_n and_o smallness_n of_o temptation_n that_o make_v they_o no_o more_o prevail_v with_o i_o and_o that_o if_o i_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o body_n as_o other_o and_o be_v in_o that_o dignity_n wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o some_o be_v whether_o honour_n carâ—al_a pleasure_n sport_n delightful_a meat_n drink_n beauty_n and_o such_o vanity_n may_v not_o carry_v i_o away_o as_o i_o see_v they_o do_v other_o that_o make_v as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o holiness_n yet_o do_v not_o these_o doubt_v much_o affright_n or_o disquiet_v i_o because_o i_o find_v god_n at_o present_a possess_v i_o with_o those_o resolution_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o for_o christ_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o have_v experience_n of_o abundance_n of_o prevent_v and_o sustain_a grace_n and_o because_o i_o find_v at_o the_o present_a that_o god_n enable_v i_o to_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dross_n and_o dung_n for_o he_o and_o easy_o without_o much_o reluctancy_n to_o empty_v my_o purse_n for_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o time_n and_o strength_n for_o he_o and_o his_o church_n and_o with_o some_o good_a success_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n in_o any_o activity_n or_o prevalency_n to_o be_v any_o high_a in_o the_o world_n than_o i_o be_o but_o think_v god_n have_v choose_v out_o for_o i_o the_o best_a condition_n and_o station_n that_o i_o can_v have_v desire_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o then_o for_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v my_o case_n it_o be_v my_o strong_a opinion_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o rootedness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v thorough_o sanctify_v do_v ever_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o which_o christ_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n fall_v away_o in_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o deep_a root_n mat._n 13._o and_o i_o be_o yet_o more_o confident_a that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n shall_v ever_o fall_v away_o and_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o root_v through-christians_a be_v elect._n but_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o this_o that_o all_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n and_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o total_o and_o final_o who_o sincere_o believe_v and_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o put_v it_o into_o my_o creed_n among_o either_o the_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o undoubted_a verity_n i_o know_v how_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o i_o know_v how_o general_o the_o primitive_a father_n think_v otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n can_v know_v their_o mind_n by_o their_o write_n i_o know_v that_o austin_n himself_o the_o mall_n of_o the_o pelagian_n seem_v to_o be_v either_o unresolved_a or_o more_o against_o this_o perseverance_n then_o for_o it_o i_o know_v how_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n do_v differ_v from_o i_o and_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n i_o know_v how_o sad_a and_o shake_a example_n this_o age_n have_v afford_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a proper_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o perseverance_n and_o so_o not_o full_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o salvation_n nor_o so_o near_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o salvation_n as_o i_o be_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o faith_n justification_n adoption_n and_o sanctification_n yet_o be_o i_o so_o strong_o confident_a of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v hold_v out_o and_o be_v save_v that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o overcome_v my_o trouble_n and_o fear_n but_o also_o enable_v i_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o to_o desire_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o to_o think_v of_o death_n with_o much_o more_o contentedness_n and_o
passion_n by_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o by_o put_v both_o promise_n and_o dreadful_a threaten_n into_o his_o word_n i_o say_v if_o god_n by_o all_o these_o mean_n have_v give_v you_o several_a motive_n to_o obedience_n take_v heed_n of_o separate_v they_o do_v not_o once_o ask_v your_o heart_n such_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o will_v obey_v if_o there_o be_v no_o threaten_v and_o be_v no_o â—ear_n nor_o on_o the_o otherside_n do_v not_o let_v fear_n do_v all_o without_o love_n doubtless_o the_o more_o love_n constrain_v to_o duty_n the_o better_a it_o be_v and_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o your_o might_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v more_o of_o the_o force_n of_o love_n in_o your_o duty_n but_o do_v you_o not_o mark_v how_o you_o cherish_v that_o corruption_n that_o you_o complain_v of_o your_o doubt_n and_o torment_a fear_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o love_n shall_v cast_v out_o why_o then_o do_v you_o entertain_v they_o if_o you_o say_v i_o can_v help_v it_o why_o then_o do_v you_o cherish_v they_o and_o own_v they_o and_o plead_v and_o dispute_v for_o they_o and_o say_v you_o do_v well_o to_o doubt_v and_o you_o have_v cause_n will_v this_o ever_o cast_v out_o torment_v fear_n do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o way_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v they_o by_o distrustful_a thought_n or_o word_n but_o to_o see_v their_o sinfulness_n and_o abhor_v they_o and_o to_o get_v more_o high_a thought_n of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n that_o he_o have_v manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o you_o that_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o advance_v and_o powerful_a in_o your_o soul_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v out_o your_o torment_a fear_n why_o do_v you_o not_o do_v this_o instead_o of_o doubt_v if_o torment_v fear_n and_o doubt_n be_v a_o sin_n why_o do_v you_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o they_o and_o bewail_v it_o that_o you_o have_v be_v so_o guilty_a of_o they_o will_v you_o therefore_o doubt_v because_o you_o have_v slavish_a fear_n why_o that_o be_v to_o doubt_v because_o you_o doubt_v and_o to_o fear_v because_o you_o fear_v and_o so_o to_o sin_v still_o because_o you_o have_v sin_v consider_v well_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o course_n doubt_v vii_o but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o believe_v and_o without_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o please_a god_n nor_o hope_v of_o salvation_n i_o fear_v unbelief_n will_v be_v my_o ruin_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v answer_v this_o doubt_n full_o before_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n you_o think_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o you_o be_v justify_v but_o proper_o this_o be_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a assurance_n which_o be_v sometime_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o never_o in_o this_o life_n obtain_v by_o a_o believer_n faith_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v which_o immediate_o produce_v a_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o consent_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o and_o resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o which_o in_o the_o full_a sense_n be_v also_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v you_o not_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v therein_o if_o you_o be_v true_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v i_o dare_v say_v you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n if_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a for_o shame_n never_o complain_v man_n use_v rather_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o they_o be_v unwilling_a of_o then_o complain_v of_o their_o absence_n and_o that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v they_o 2._o however_o see_v you_o complain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cherish_v it_o and_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o by_o your_o own_o cogitation_n fetch_v in_o daily_a matter_n to_o feed_v it_o but_o do_v more_o in_o detestation_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o complain_v doubt_v viii_o but_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n answer_n 1._o feed_v your_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n and_o argue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o get_v the_o testimony_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o study_v with_o all_o saint_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n to_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o love_n and_o seek_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v you_o of_o god_n acknowledge_v god_n general_a love_n to_o mankind_n both_o in_o his_o gracious_a nature_n and_o common_a providence_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o deny_v not_o his_o special_a mercy_n to_o yourself_o but_o dwell_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o what_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mistake_n herein_o if_o you_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o you_o know_v it_o or_o not_o 3._o if_o by_o your_o own_o doubt_n you_o have_v deprive_v yourself_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bewail_v it_o and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v you_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n often_o work_v regeneration_n and_o holiness_n before_o he_o work_v any_o sensible_a joy_n 4._o you_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n leave_v in_o you_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o utter_a despair_n and_o be_v it_o no_o comfort_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v yet_o any_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o quite_o past_a all_o remedy_n it_o may_v be_v your_o sorrow_n may_v so_o cloud_v it_o that_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o know_v you_o can_v have_v the_o least_o hope_n without_o some_o answerable_a comfort_n and_o may_v not_o that_o comfort_n â—e_v true_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5._o and_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o have_v you_o no_o recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o your_o strait_n do_v you_o not_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n of_o your_o life_n have_v you_o receive_v no_o holy_a desire_n or_o other_o grace_n from_o he_o nay_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o how_o can_v you_o then_o say_v that_o you_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o he_o can_v there_o be_v communication_n of_o prayer_n and_o obedience_n from_o you_o yea_o your_o own_o self_n deliver_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o a_o communication_n of_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o this_o without_o communion_n it_o can_v be_v many_o a_o soul_n have_v most_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o know_v it_o not_o doubt_v ix_o i_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n when_o i_o shall_v pour_v out_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n i_o have_v neither_o bold_a access_n nor_o matter_n of_o prayer_n nor_o word_n answer_n do_v you_o know_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v it_o contain_v 1._o desire_v of_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o thing_n we_o want_v especial_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n 2._o an_z addressing_z ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o these_o desire_n that_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o relief_n from_o he_o have_v not_o you_o both_o these_o do_v you_o not_o desire_n christ_n and_o grace_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n do_v you_o not_o look_v to_o god_n as_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v your_o want_n and_o bid_v you_o ask_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v do_v you_o utter_o despair_v of_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o none_o or_o do_v you_o make_v your_o address_n by_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o look_v at_o word_n and_o matter_n to_o dilate_v upon_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o long_a speech_n to_o god_n and_o you_o think_v that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o in_o god_n word_n i_o confess_v that_o in_o many_o and_o most_o the_o spirit_n which_o help_v to_o desire_n do_v also_o help_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o
it_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v you_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o banish_v those_o terror_n and_o trouble_n from_o your_o heart_n and_o help_v you_o to_o live_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o command_v i_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o sorrow_n he_o stand_v by_o when_o you_o see_v he_o not_o and_o say_v he_o have_v forsake_v you_o he_o mind_v you_o with_o great_a tenderness_n when_o you_o say_v he_o have_v forget_v you_o he_o number_v your_o sigh_n he_o bottle_n up_o your_o tear_n the_o groan_n of_o your_o heart_n do_v reach_v his_o own_o he_o take_v it_o unkind_o that_o you_o be_v so_o suspicious_a of_o he_o and_o that_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o your_o soul_n and_o all_o your_o own_o peculiar_a experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v raise_v you_o to_o no_o high_a apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n shall_v not_o love_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v love_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o miracle_n when_o it_o surpass_v comprehension_n must_v the_o lord_n set_v up_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n to_o be_v equal_o admire_v with_o his_o omnipotency_n manifest_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o call_v forth_o the_o world_n to_o this_o sweet_a employment_n that_o in_o secret_n and_o in_o public_a it_o may_v be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o yet_o shall_v it_o be_v so_o overlookt_v or_o question_v as_o if_o you_o live_v without_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o world_n providence_n do_v its_o part_n by_o heap_v up_o mountain_n of_o daily_a mercy_n and_o these_o it_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n the_o gospel_n have_v eminent_o do_v its_o part_n by_o clear_a describe_v they_o and_o full_o assure_v they_o and_o this_o be_v proclaim_v frequent_o in_o your_o ear_n and_o yet_o be_v there_o so_o little_a in_o your_o heart_n and_o mouth_n do_v you_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v mercy_n and_o love_n do_v you_o live_v whole_o on_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v you_o still_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o it_o and_o so_o hardly_o acknowledge_v it_o god_n take_v not_o this_o well_o but_o yet_o he_o consider_v your_o frailty_n and_o take_v you_o not_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o know_v that_o flesh_n will_v play_v its_o part_n and_o the_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o the_o serpent_n will_v be_v suggest_v false_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v still_o strive_v most_o to_o obscure_v that_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o and_o especial_o which_o be_v most_o conjoin_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n he_o know_v also_o that_o sin_n will_v breed_v sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o that_o man_n understanding_n be_v shallow_a and_o all_o his_o conceiving_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o low_a and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o god_n as_o creature_n and_o so_o much_o further_a as_o sinner_n and_o especial_o as_o conscious_a of_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o follow_v such_o a_o strangeness_n as_o will_v damp_n and_o dull_a our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n and_o such_o a_o abatement_n of_o our_o confidence_n as_o will_v make_v we_o draw_v back_o and_o look_v at_o god_n afar_o off_o see_v therefore_o that_o at_o this_o distance_n no_o full_a apprehension_n of_o love_n can_v be_v expect_v it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o redeemer_n short_o to_o return_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n with_o the_o noble_a army_n of_o his_o martyr_n and_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o angel_n and_o to_o give_v you_o such_o a_o convince_v demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o one_o more_o doubt_n your_o comfort_n be_v now_o but_o a_o taste_n they_o shall_v be_v then_o a_o feast_n they_o be_v now_o but_o intermittent_a they_o shall_v be_v then_o continual_a how_o soon_o now_o do_v your_o conquer_a fear_n return_v and_o what_o a_o unconstancy_n and_o unevenness_n be_v there_o in_o our_o peace_n but_o then_o our_o peace_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a and_o permanent_a when_o we_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o perfection_n to_o perpetuity_n certain_o christian_n your_o comfort_n shall_v be_v now_o more_o abundant_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ripe_a it_o be_v that_o and_o not_o this_o that_o be_v your_o harvest_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o another_o book_n the_o mistake_n and_o danger_n of_o expect_v too_o much_o here_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o look_v and_o long_v for_o that_o rest_n if_o we_o will_v have_v peace_n indeed_o but_o alas_o how_o hard_o be_v this_o lesson_n learn_v unbeliever_n will_v have_v happiness_n but_o how_o fain_o will_v they_o have_v it_o in_o the_o creature_n rather_o than_o in_o god_n believer_n will_v rather_o have_v their_o happiness_n in_o god_n then_o in_o the_o creature_n but_o how_o fain_o will_v they_o have_v it_o without_o die_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o sin_n bring_v in_o death_n even_o grace_n itself_o can_v love_v it_o though_o it_o may_v submit_v to_o it_o but_o though_o churlish_a death_n do_v stand_v in_o our_o way_n why_o look_v we_o not_o at_o the_o soul_n admittance_n into_o rest_n and_o the_o body_n resurrection_n that_o must_v short_o follow_v doubtless_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v as_o it_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o its_o confident_a repose_n so_o do_v it_o thence_o look_v with_o one_o eye_n backward_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o with_o the_o other_o forward_o on_o the_o crown_n and_o if_o we_o well_o observe_v the_o scripture_n description_n of_o that_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o as_o frequent_o magnify_v it_o and_o describe_v it_o from_o the_o latter_a as_o from_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o glory_n of_o faith_n to_o look_v back_o with_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o his_o payment_n of_o our_o ransom_n so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o same_o justify_v save_v faith_n to_o look_v forward_o with_o desire_n and_o hope_n to_o the_o return_n of_o king_n jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a celebration_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sentencial_a justification_n and_o the_o glorification_n of_o his_o saint_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n unfeigned_o which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o ever_o speak_v with_o man_n that_o do_v see_v and_o to_o hope_v for_o they_o so_o real_o as_o to_o let_v go_v all_o present_a forbid_a pleasure_n and_o all_o worldly_a hope_n and_o seem_a happiness_n rather_o than_o to_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v own_o as_o justify_v and_o save_v for_o it_o never_o distinguish_v between_o justify_v faith_n and_o save_v faith_n as_o to_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o some_o to_o look_v only_o at_o that_o one_o eye_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o look_v only_o at_o that_o eye_n of_o it_o which_o behold_v the_o crown_n both_o christ_n crucify_a and_o christ_n intercede_v and_o christ_n return_v to_o justify_v and_o glorify_v be_v the_o object_n even_o of_o justify_v save_v faith_n most_o strict_o so_o call_v the_o scripture_n oft_o express_v the_o one_o only_o but_o than_o it_o still_o imply_v the_o other_o the_o socinian_o erroneous_o therefore_o from_o heb._n 11._o where_o the_o example_n and_o eulogy_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o do_v exclude_v christ_n crucify_a or_o the_o respect_n to_o his_o satisfaction_n from_o justify_v faith_n and_o place_n it_o in_o a_o mere_a expectation_n of_o glory_n and_o other_o do_v as_o unground_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n which_o heb._n 11._o describe_v because_o they_o find_v not_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n there_o mention_v for_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n blood_n comprehend_v the_o end_n even_o the_o expectation_n of_o remission_n and_o glory_n merit_v by_o that_o blood_n so_o the_o believe_v of_o that_o glory_n do_v always_o imply_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o expect_v it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n ransom_n it_o be_v for_o health_n and_o life_n that_o we_o accept_v and_o trust_v upon_o our_o physician_n and_o it_o be_v for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o we_o accept_v and_o trust_v on_o christ_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o that_o question_n whether_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o obey_v for_o our_o own_o
from_o principle_n that_o be_v know_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o conclusion_n which_o by_o reason_v we_o gather_v from_o those_o principle_n though_o yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v as_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o believe_v as_o reveal_v immediate_o of_o supernatural_o and_o so_o we_o both_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n 4._o but_o our_o assurance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o knowledge_n participate_v of_o faith_n and_o internal_a sense_n or_o knowledge_n reflect_v for_o divine_a faith_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v internal_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o say_v but_o i_o believe_v reason_n or_o discursive_a knowledge_n say_v therefore_o i_o be_o justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v only_o i_o must_v advise_v you_o that_o you_o be_v not_o trouble_v when_o you_o meet_v with_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o in_o any_o great_a divine_n for_o it_o be_v only_o our_o former_a divine_n who_o judgement_n be_v partly_o hurt_v by_o hot_a disputation_n with_o the_o papist_n herein_o and_o partly_o not_o come_v to_o that_o maturity_n as_o other_o since_o they_o have_v have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o such_o like_a passage_n in_o the_o text_n they_o eager_o insist_v on_o it_o that_o when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a every_o man_n be_v to_o profess_v that_o he_o believe_v that_o his_o own_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v life_n everlasting_a himself_o but_o our_o late_a divine_v and_o special_o the_o english_a and_o most_o especial_o these_o that_o deal_v most_o in_o practical_o do_v see_v the_o mistake_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o i_o teach_v you_o here_o god_n bid_v we_o not_o believe_v as_o from_o he_o more_o than_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o only_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n testimony_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o write_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v nor_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o thing_n equivalent_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v either_o of_o these_o how_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v these_o i_o have_v full_o tell_v you_o already_o in_o our_o creed_n therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n death_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o give_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o on_o condition_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n himself_o for_o remission_n but_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v actual_o and_o full_o pardon_v my_o end_n in_o tell_v you_o this_o again_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o elsewhere_o be_v this_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v as_o i_o find_v abundance_n of_o poor_a trouble_a soul_n to_o do_v that_o faith_n much_o less_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o believe_v that_o you_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o fall_v a_o condemn_v your_o self_n unjust_o every_o time_n that_o you_o doubt_v of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o think_v that_o so_o much_o as_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o so_o much_o unbelief_n you_o have_v and_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n complain_v that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o but_o little_a and_o that_o they_o can_v believe_v because_o they_o believe_v not_o their_o own_o faith_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o when_o they_o whole_o judge_v themselves_o unsanctified_a than_o they_o call_v that_o desperation_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n these_o be_v dangerous_a error_n all_o arise_v from_o that_o one_o error_n which_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n do_v carry_v some_o good_a man_n to_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o belief_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v by_o christ_n indeed_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n to_o themselves_o but_o that_o application_n consist_v in_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o so_o to_o i_o and_o then_o in_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n as_o a_o offer_a gift_n and_o after_o this_o in_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n hence_o therefore_o you_o may_v best_o see_v what_o unbelief_n and_o desperation_n be_v and_o how_o far_o man_n may_v charge_v themselves_o with_o they_o when_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o promise_v be_v true_a or_o when_o you_o refuse_v to_o accept_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n offer_v in_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o trust_v he_o as_o one_o that_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v you_o if_o you_o do_v assent_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o accept_v he_o this_o be_v unbelief_n but_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v hearty_o willing_a to_o accept_v christ_n as_o offer_v in_o it_o and_o only_o doubt_v whether_o your_o belief_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o so_o whether_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v not_o unbelief_n but_o ignorance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o its_o consequent_n nay_o and_o though_o that_o affiance_n be_v want_v which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o hinder_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a condition_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o affiance_n in_o the_o habit_n and_o virtual_o be_v there_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o formal_o distrust_v or_o unbelief_n any_o more_o than_o your_o not_o trust_v god_n in_o your_o sleep_n be_v distrust_n if_o a_o friend_n do_v promise_n to_o give_v you_o a_o hundred_o pound_n on_o condition_n that_o you_o thankful_o accept_v it_o if_o you_o now_o do_v believe_v he_o and_o do_v thankful_o accept_v it_o but_o yet_o through_o some_o vain_a scruple_n shall_v think_v my_o thankfulness_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a and_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v i_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o condition_n and_o so_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o gift_n in_o this_o case_n now_o you_o do_v believe_v your_o friend_n and_o you_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o proper_o but_o you_o distrust_v yourself_o that_o you_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n and_o this_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o confidence_n or_o affiance_n in_o your_o friend_n which_o be_v habitual_o and_o virtual_o in_o you_o just_o so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o desperation_n which_o be_v a_o privation_n of_o hope_n when_o we_o have_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o accept_v christ_n offer_v we_o be_v then_o bind_v to_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o the_o benefit_n promise_v so_o hope_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o desirous_a expectation_n of_o the_o good_a so_o promise_v and_o believe_v now_o if_o you_o begin_v to_o distrust_v whether_o god_n will_v make_v good_a this_o promise_n or_o no_o either_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a or_o he_o be_v not_o able_a or_o have_v change_v his_o mind_n since_o the_o make_n of_o it_o and_o on_o these_o ground_n you_o let_v go_v your_o hope_n this_o be_v despair_n if_o because_o that_o christ_n seem_v to_o delay_v his_o come_n we_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v wait_v in_o hope_n till_o now_o but_o now_o i_o be_o out_o of_o hope_n that_o ever_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o glorify_v believer_n i_o will_v expect_v it_o no_o long_o this_o be_v despair_n and_o it_o have_v its_o several_a degree_n more_o or_o less_o as_o unbelief_n have_v indeed_o the_o schoolman_n say_v that_o affiance_n be_v nothing_o but_o strengthen_v hope_n affiance_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o hope_n only_o it_o more_o express_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o promiser_n and_o indeed_o be_v faith_n and_o hope_v express_v both_o together_o in_o one_o word_n so_o that_o what_o i_o say_v before_o of_o distrust_n be_v true_a of_o despair_n if_o you_o do_v continue_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o christ_n come_v and_o glorify_v his_o saint_n and_o yet_o you_o think_v he_o will_v not_o glorify_v you_o because_o you_o think_v that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n or_o saint_n this_o be_v not_o desperation_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n for_o desperation_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o hope_n where_o the_o formal_a cause_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v want_v but_o you_o have_v here_o hope_v in_o the_o habit_n and_o virtual_o do_v hope_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o act_n of_o it_o as_o to_o your_o own_o
particular_a salvation_n be_v hinder_v upon_o a_o accidental_a mistake_n in_o the_o forementioned_a example_n if_o your_o friend_n promise_v to_o give_v you_o a_o hundred_o pound_n on_o condition_n of_o your_o thankful_a acceptance_n and_o promise_v to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o hour_n and_o bring_v it_o you_o if_o now_o you_o stay_v till_o the_o hour_n be_v almost_o come_v and_o then_o say_v i_o â—m_n out_o of_o hope_n of_o his_o come_n now_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o despair_n in_o your_o friend_n but_o if_o you_o only_o think_v that_o you_o have_v overstay_v the_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v past_a and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o gift_n this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o despair_n of_o the_o event_n and_o a_o despair_n of_o yourself_o but_o not_o proper_o a_o despair_n in_o your_o friend_n only_o the_o act_n of_o hope_v in_o god_n be_v hinder_v as_o be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o despair_n in_o themselves_o but_o not_o to_o despair_n in_o god_n except_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o such_o despair_n be_v there_o present_a and_o except_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o it_o by_o not_o believe_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o despair_n be_v express_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n luke_n 24.21_o we_o trust_v that_o this_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v redeem_v israel_n only_o it_o be_v but_o imperfect_a despair_n else_o it_o have_v be_v damnable_a their_o hope_n be_v shake_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v only_o this_o proper_a despair_n in_o god_n which_o be_v the_o damnable_a desperation_n which_o be_v threaten_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o former_a and_o that_o if_o a_o poor_a soul_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n without_o any_o actual_a hope_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n mere_o because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n that_o this_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v and_o prove_v a_o true_a believer_n for_o all_o this_o alas_o the_o great_a sin_n that_o god_n threaten_v be_v our_o distrust_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o not_o the_o doubt_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o distrust_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o know_v they_o to_o be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o god_n where_o find_v you_o in_o scripture_n that_o any_o be_v condemn_v for_o hard_a thought_n of_o themselves_o or_o for_o not_o know_v themselves_o to_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o for_o think_v they_o have_v none_o it_o be_v true_a unbelief_n in_o god_n promise_v that_o man_n be_v condemn_v for_o even_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o aversion_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v ask_v be_v doubt_v of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n no_o sin_n i_o answer_v doubt_v be_v either_o take_v in_o opposition_n to_o believe_v or_o in_o opposition_n to_o know_v or_o to_o conjecture_v 1._o doubt_v as_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o not-believing_a that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v no_o sin_n still_o remember_v that_o i_o take_v believe_v in_o the_o strict_a proper_a sense_n for_o the_o credit_v of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o assertion_n for_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o ordinary_o to_o believe_v either_o of_o these_o i_o say_v ordinary_o as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n before_o because_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o tell_v a_o man_n personal_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o whether_o he_o mean_v only_o as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n inflict_v for_o they_o or_o also_o all_o punishment_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v not_o now_o discuss_v so_o nathan_n from_o god_n tell_v david_n his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v but_o these_o be_v privilege_n only_o to_o these_o person_n and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v either_o that_o all_o man_n sin_n be_v actual_o forgive_v or_o that_o you_o or_o i_o by_o name_n be_v forgive_v but_o only_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v forgive_v which_o suppose_v they_o to_o believe_v before_o they_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o they_o be_v forgive_v before_o they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o believe_a that_o they_o be_v forgive_v but_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n else_o man_n must_v believe_v a_o untruth_n to_o make_v it_o become_v true_a by_o their_o believe_v it_o 2._o but_o now_o doubt_v as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o remission_n and_o justification_n in_o those_o that_o be_v justify_v be_v a_o sin_n for_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n for_o a_o unjustified_a person_n to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unjustified_a but_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o godly_a and_o what_o manner_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v part_n of_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n and_o original_a depravedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o a_o fruit_n hereof_o and_o of_o our_o strangeness_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o of_o their_o deep_a deceitfulness_n confusion_n mutability_n or_o negligence_n 2._o and_o further_o as_o all_o these_o be_v increase_v by_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_v and_o so_o the_o discern_a of_o our_o state_n be_v become_v more_o difficult_a it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a sin_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o any_o particular_a sin_n by_o which_o we_o have_v obscure_v our_o own_o grace_n and_o provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o so_o all_o ignorance_n of_o any_o truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v be_v a_o sin_n so_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o own_o regeneration_n and_o sincerity_n be_v a_o sin_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o great_a condemn_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o christ_n threaten_v in_o his_o new_a law_n that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a or_o most_o heinous_a sort_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o infirmity_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o let_v i_o further_o acquaint_v you_o with_o this_o difference_n between_o these_o doubt_n and_o your_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o though_o the_o doubt_v itself_o be_v your_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o care_n that_o follow_v it_o may_v be_v your_o duty_n yet_o respective_o and_o by_o remote_a participation_n even_o these_o also_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v sinful_a even_o as_o our_o prayer_n for_o that_o pardon_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o know_v it_o not_o may_v by_o remote_a participation_n be_v call_v sinful_a because_o if_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v ignorant_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v doubt_v of_o the_o least_o true_a grace_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o so_o doubt_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v fear_v or_o sorrow_v or_o pray_v for_o that_o remission_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o yet_o though_o these_o may_v be_v call_v sinful_a as_o they_o come_v from_o sin_n yet_o more_o near_o and_o in_o themselves_o consider_v on_o supposition_n of_o our_o present_a estate_n they_o be_v all_o duty_n and_o great_a duty_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n you_o may_v say_v to_o a_o thief_n that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o steal_v thou_o have_v not_o need_v to_o have_v beg_v pardon_n yet_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v steal_v it_o may_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o beg_v pardon_n and_o so_o you_o may_v say_v to_o a_o poor_a fear_v soul_n that_o fear_v damnation_n and_o god_n wrath_n thou_o need_v not_o fear_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o sin_v but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o by_o sin_n obscure_v his_o evidence_n and_o necessitate_v doubt_v then_o be_v fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o pray_v for_o justification_n and_o pardon_n his_o duty_n and_o indeed_o not_o fit_o to_o be_v call_v sin_n but_o rather_o a_o fruit_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o so_o have_v some_o participation_n in_o it_o but_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n command_n in_o another_o respect_n and_o so_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o redeemer_n for_o you_o may_v say_v to_o any_o sinner_n thou_o need_v not_o to_o have_v
they_o in_o terror_n and_o amazement_n like_a man_n after_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n that_o be_v leave_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o darkness_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v expect_v that_o such_o joy_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n ordinary_a state_n or_o god_n shall_v so_o diet_v we_o with_o a_o continual_a feast_n it_o will_v neither_o suit_n with_o our_o health_n nor_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o pilgrimage_n live_v therefore_o on_o your_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n when_o this_o be_v want_v know_v that_o god_n appoint_v you_o a_o fast_o for_o your_o health_n and_o when_o you_o have_v a_o feast_n of_o high_a joy_n feed_v on_o it_o and_o be_v thankful_a but_o when_o they_o be_v take_v from_o you_o gape_v not_o after_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v after_o christ_n at_o his_o ascension_n but_o return_v thankful_o to_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n of_o peace_n and_o remember_v that_o these_o joy_n which_o be_v now_o take_v from_o you_o may_v so_o return_v again_o however_o there_o be_v a_o place_n prepare_v for_o you_o where_o your_o joy_n shall_v be_v full_a direction_n xxii_o 22._o my_o next_o direction_n be_v this_o spend_v more_o of_o your_o time_n and_o care_n about_o your_o duty_n then_o about_o your_o comfort_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o your_o grace_n then_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v for_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o depend_v on_o your_o actual_a obedience_n this_o direction_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o any_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o give_v you_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a of_o it_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o so_o full_o already_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_n 3_o ch._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o my_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o here_o assert_v be_v these_o 1._o duty_n go_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o time_n before_o comfort_n as_o the_o precept_n be_v before_o the_o promise_n comfort_n be_v part_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v duty_n 2._o grace_n make_v man_n both_o so_o ingenuous_a and_o divine_a as_o to_o consider_v god_n due_a as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o and_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o shall_v have_v still_o remember_v that_o our_o work_n can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n 3._o as_o we_o must_v have_v grace_n before_o we_o can_v know_v we_o have_v it_o so_o ordinary_o we_o must_v have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o discern_v it_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o small_a thing_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v next_o to_o none_o and_o hardly_o discernible_a by_o weak_a eye_n when_o all_o way_n in_o the_o world_n be_v try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o sure_a for_o a_o doubt_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o action_n and_o get_v they_o increase_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o cause_n of_o christian_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n love_n hope_v repentance_n humility_n etc._n etc._n so_o great_a or_o so_o common_a as_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o these_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o very_a language_n of_o complain_v christian_n show_v this_o one_o say_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o have_v no_o love_n to_o god_n i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o duty_n another_o say_v i_o can_v mourn_v for_o sin_n my_o heart_n be_v never_o break_v i_o can_v patient_o bear_v a_o injury_n i_o have_v no_o courage_n in_o oppose_a sin_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o be_v not_o in_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n man_n can_v not_o so_o ordinary_o think_v they_o have_v none_o a_o lively_a strong_a work_v faith_n love_n zeal_n courage_n etc._n etc._n will_v show_v themselves_o as_o do_v the_o high_a tower_n the_o great_a mountain_n the_o strong_a wind_n the_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v force_v a_o observance_n by_o their_o greatness_n and_o effect_n 4._o consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n to_o see_v his_o people_n study_v he_o and_o he_o will_v direct_o then_o to_o spend_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o their_o study_n about_o the_o attain_n of_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o 5._o and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o grace_n to_o tend_v first_o and_o chief_o towards_o god_n and_o but_o secondary_o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o have_v faith_n give_v we_o principal_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o live_v by_o it_o in_o daily_a application_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v repentance_n that_o it_o may_v break_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o back_o to_o god_n we_o have_v love_n that_o we_o may_v love_v god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n his_o saint_n and_o law_n and_o way_n we_o have_v zeal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v quicken_v in_o all_o our_o holy_a duty_n and_o we_o have_v obedience_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o these_o grace_n be_v to_o use_v they_o for_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o their_o nature_n do_v express_v and_o then_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n follow_v after_o this_o both_o in_o time_n and_o dignity_n 6._o and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o obtain_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n then_o after_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v they_o you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o never_o get_v assurance_n here_o but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v without_o christ_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v not_o make_v assurance_n the_o condition_n of_o your_o salvation_n it_o tend_v indeed_o exceed_o to_o your_o comfort_n and_o a_o precious_a mercy_n it_o be_v but_o your_o safety_n lie_v not_o on_o it_o it_o be_v better_a go_v sorrowful_a and_o doubt_v to_o heaven_n then_o comfortable_o to_o hell_n first_o therefore_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o then_o look_v that_o you_o do_v your_o best_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o go_v that_o way_n and_o then_o try_v your_o performance_n in_o its_o season_n 7._o beside_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o far_o great_a moment_n so_o also_o of_o quick_a dispatch_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n christ_n true_o then_o to_o get_v assurance_n that_o you_o do_v true_o believe_v and_o love_v he_o you_o may_v believe_v immediate_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o get_v assurance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o life_n let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v this_o one_o thing_n of_o you_o that_o when_o you_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o any_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o present_o bend_v all_o your_o thought_n upon_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o but_o rather_o say_v to_o yourself_o i_o see_v try_v be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a a_o long_a and_o tedious_a work_n i_o may_v be_v this_o many_o year_n about_o it_o and_o possible_o be_v unresolved_a still_o if_o i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o i_o have_v no_o grace_n i_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o so_o i_o may_v if_o i_o think_v that_o i_o have_v it_o i_o may_v inquire_v of_o friend_n and_o minister_n long_o and_o yet_o be_v leave_v in_o doubt_n it_o be_v therefore_o my_o sure_a way_n to_o seek_v present_o to_o obtain_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o not_o and_o to_o increase_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o and_o i_o be_o certain_a none_o of_o that_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v to_o get_v more_o be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v i_o have_v it_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o get_v more_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o so_o i_o answer_v understand_v what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o your_o understanding_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v in_o your_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o passionate_a part_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n and_o branch_n if_o therefore_o your_o grace_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v chief_o in_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o yield_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n now_o how_o shall_v a_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v make_v willing_a why_o thus_o 1._o pray_v constant_o as_o you_o be_v able_a for_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o yield_v inclinable_a heart_n to_o christ_n 2._o hear_v constant_o those_o preacher_n that_o bend_v their_o doctrine_n to_o inform_v your_o understanding_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o persuade_v
but_o use_v these_o three_o distinction_n 1._o between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a faculty_n understanding_n and_o will_n called_z elicit_v act_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n call_v imperate_a acts._n 2._o between_o the_o act_n that_o be_v about_o the_o end_n immediate_o and_o those_o that_o be_v about_o the_o mean_n 3._o between_o the_o intention_n of_o a_o act_n and_o the_o objective-extension_n and_o comparison_n of_o object_n with_o object_n and_o so_o i_o say_v 1._o the_o end_n that_o be_v god_n and_o salvation_n can_v be_v too_o full_o know_v or_o too_o much_o love_v with_o a_o pure_a rational_a love_n of_o complacency_n nor_o too_o much_o seek_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o pure_o rational_a for_o the_o end_n be_v love_v and_o seek_v for_o itself_o and_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n must_v be_v love_v and_o seek_v without_o measure_n or_o limitation_n it_o be_v impossible_a here_o to_o exceed_v prop._n 2._o the_o mean_n while_o they_o be_v not_o misapprehended_n but_o take_v as_o mean_n and_o material_o well_o understand_v can_v be_v too_o clear_o discern_v nor_o too_o right_o choose_v nor_o too_o resolute_o prosecute_v prop._n 3._o it_o be_v too_o possible_a to_o mis-apprehend_a the_o mean_n and_o to_o place_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o end_n and_o so_o to_o overlove_n they_o prop._n 4._o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n consist_v in_o a_o middle_a or_o mean_a betwixt_o two_o extreme_n material_o both_o which_o extreme_n be_v sin_n so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o overdo_v about_o all_o the_o mean_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o act_n though_o we_o can_v love_v god_n too_o much_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o preach_v hear_v pray_v read_v meditate_v confer_v of_o good_a too_o much_o for_o one_o duty_n may_v shut_v out_o another_o and_o a_o great_a may_v be_v neglect_v by_o our_o over_n in_o a_o lesser_a which_o be_v the_o pharisee_n sin_n in_o sabbath-resting_a 5._o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o right_a in_o the_o extension_n of_o our_o act_n yet_o we_o may_v go_v too_o far_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o imperate_a act_n or_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o both_o on_o the_o mean_n and_o end_n though_o the_o pure_a act_n of_o know_v or_o will_v can_v be_v too_o great_a towards_o god_n and_o salvation_n yet_o the_o passion_n and_o act_n common_o call_v sensitive_a may_v a_o man_n may_v think_v on_o god_n not_o only_o too_o much_o as_o to_o exclude_v other_o necessary_a thought_n but_o too_o intensly_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v too_o passionate_o for_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o think_v or_o meditate_v and_o of_o passionate_a love_n and_o desire_n which_o the_o brain_n can_v bear_v but_o it_o will_v cause_v madness_n and_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n by_o overstretch_v the_o organ_n or_o by_o the_o extreme_a turbulence_n of_o the_o agitate_a spirit_n yet_o i_o never_o know_v the_o man_n nor_o ever_o shall_v do_v i_o think_v that_o be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o one_o of_o these_o excess_n that_o be_v of_o love_v or_o desire_v god_n so_o passionate_o as_o to_o distract_v he_o but_o i_o have_v often_o know_v weak-headed_n people_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o order_v their_o thought_n and_o many_o melancholy_a people_n guilty_a of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v of_o think_v too_o much_o and_o too_o serious_o and_o intense_o on_o good_a and_o holy_a thing_n whereby_o they_o have_v overthrow_v their_o reason_n and_o be_v distract_v and_o here_o i_o will_v give_v all_o such_o weak-headed_n melancholy_a person_n this_o warning_n that_o whereas_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n i_o so_o much_o press_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n i_o do_v intend_v it_o only_o for_o sound_a head_n and_o not_o for_o the_o melancholy_a that_o have_v weak_a head_n and_o be_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o may_v be_v their_o sin_n which_o to_o other_o be_v a_o very_a great_a duty_n while_o they_o think_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v they_o will_v but_o disable_v themselves_o for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v i_o will_v therefore_o advise_v those_o melancholy_a person_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o trouble_v and_o head_n weaken_v that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o overthrow_v their_o understanding_n which_o usual_o begin_v in_o multitude_n of_o scruple_n and_o restlessness_n of_o mind_n and_o continual_a fear_n and_o blasphemous_a temptation_n where_o it_o begin_v with_o these_o distraction_n be_v at_o hand_n if_o not_o prevent_v that_o they_o forbear_v meditation_n as_o be_v no_o duty_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o it_o be_v the_o more_o in_o those_o duty_n which_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o especial_o conference_n with_o judicious_a christian_n and_o cheerful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o how_o far_o we_o may_v possible_o exceed_v in_o god_n service_n let_v i_o now_o a_o little_a apply_v it_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o devil_n policy_n to_o begin_v in_o persuade_v man_n to_o worldlyness_n flesh-pleasing_a security_n and_o presumption_n and_o utter_a neglect_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n or_o at_o least_o prefer_v their_o body_n and_o worldly_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o destroy_v the_o world_n but_o where_o this_o will_v not_o take_v but_o god_n awake_v man_n effectual_o and_o cast_v out_o the_o sleepy_a devil_n usual_o he_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o needless_a scruple_n and_o next_o set_v they_o on_o a_o religion_n not_o command_v and_o will_v make_v poor_a soul_n believe_v they_o do_v nothing_o if_o they_o do_v not_o more_o than_o god_n have_v command_v they_o when_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o godliness_n he_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o godly_a himself_o and_o then_o he_o be_v always_o over-religious_a and_o over-god_o in_o his_o material_n all_o over_n in_o god_n work_n be_v undo_n and_o who_o ever_o you_o meet_v with_o that_o will_v overdo_v suspect_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o subtle_a destroy_a enemy_n or_o one_o delude_v by_o the_o destroyer_n o_o what_o a_o tragedy_n can_v i_o here_o show_v you_o of_o the_o devil_n act_v and_o what_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o hellish_a art_n of_o deceive_v can_v i_o open_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v i_o keep_v the_o devil_n counsel_n no._n o_o that_o god_n will_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o poor_a desolate_a church_n at_o lâ—st_o to_o see_v it_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o wisdom_n and_o tender_a mercy_n establish_v a_o law_n of_o grace_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n pure_a and_o perfect_a but_o simple_a and_o plain_a lay_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n salvation_n more_o in_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o believe_a heart_n then_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o know_v head_n he_o comprise_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n in_o a_o narrow_a room_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v such_o and_o hold_v to_o this_o the_o gospel_n ride_v in_o triumph_n through_o the_o world_n and_o a_o omnipotency_n of_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v it_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o it_o prince_n and_o sceptre_n stoop_v subtle_a philosophy_n be_v nonplus_v and_o all_o useful_a science_n come_v down_o and_o acknowledge_v themselves_o servant_n and_o take_v their_o place_n and_o be_v well_o content_v to_o attend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n as_o mr._n herbert_n say_v in_o his_o church_n militant_a religion_n thence_o flee_v into_o greece_n where_o art_n give_v she_o the_o high_a place_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n learning_n be_v pose_v philosophy_n be_v set_v sophister_n take_v in_o a_o fisher_n net_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o wheel_v about_o again_o to_o spell_v christ_n cross_n prayer_n chase_v syllogism_n into_o their_o den_n and_o ergo_fw-la be_v transform_v into_o amen_o the_o serpent_n envy_v this_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o way_n to_o undo_v we_o but_o by_o draw_v we_o from_o our_o christian_a simplicity_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o heretic_n quarrel_n and_o error_n the_o serpent_n step_v in_o and_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o will_v so_o overdo_v against_o heretic_n that_o he_o persuade_v they_o they_o must_v enlarge_v their_o creed_n and_o add_v this_o clause_n against_o one_o and_o that_o against_o another_o and_o all_o be_v but_o for_o the_o perfect_a and_o preserve_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o erasmus_n
find_v true_a soul_n conflict_n pag._n 41_o 42._o though_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n â—f_n grow_v in_o holiness_n the_o soul_n will_v never_o be_v sound_o quiet_a because_o it_o will_v be_v proâ—e_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a for_o sin_n to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o the_o conscience_n as_o for_o rot_a flesh_n and_o wood_n to_o breed_v worm_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o a_o pacify_v conscience_n etc._n etc._n read_v the_o rest_n this_o much_o i_o have_v be_v fain_o to_o premise_v lest_o my_o word_n for_o consolation_n shall_v occasion_v security_n and_o desolation_n but_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o peruse_v the_o direction_n and_o practise_v it_o if_o when_o god_n have_v give_v you_o assurance_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o only_o for_o that_o present_a time_n you_o will_v never_o then_o have_v a_o settle_a peace_n in_o your_o soul_n beside_o the_o great_a wrong_n you_o do_v to_o god_n by_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v so_o often_o renew_v such_o discovery_n and_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n to_o you_o so_o often_o over_o if_o your_o child_n offend_v you_o will_v you_o have_v he_o when_o he_o be_v pardon_v no_o long_a to_o believe_v it_o then_o you_o be_v tell_v it_o he_o shall_v he_o be_v still_o ask_v you_o over_o and_o over_o every_o day_n father_n be_o i_o forgive_v or_o no_o shall_v not_o one_o answer_n serve_v his_o turn_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o your_o money_n be_v in_o your_o purse_n or_o chest_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o it_o or_o that_o your_o corn_n be_v grow_v on_o your_o land_n or_o your_o cattle_n in_o your_o ground_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o they_o by_o this_o course_n a_o rich_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o content_a than_o a_o beggar_n long_o than_o he_o be_v look_v on_o his_o money_n or_o good_n or_o land_n and_o when_o he_o be_v look_v on_o one_o he_o shall_v again_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v god_n give_v you_o a_o memory_n for_o but_o to_o lay_v up_o former_a apprehension_n and_o discovery_n and_o experience_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o on_o all_o meet_a occasion_n afterward_o let_v i_o therefore_o persuade_v you_o to_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n when_o god_n have_v once_o resolve_v your_o doubt_n and_o show_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n love_n or_o obedience_n write_v it_o down_o if_o you_o can_v in_o your_o book_n as_o i_o have_v advise_v you_o in_o my_o treatise_n of_o rest_n such_o a_o day_n upon_o serious_a perusal_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o find_v it_o thus_o and_o thus_o with_o myself_o or_o at_o least_o write_v it_o deep_a in_o your_o memory_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o fancy_n or_o fear_n or_o light_a surmise_n to_o cause_v you_o to_o question_v this_o again_o as_o long_o as_o you_o fall_v not_o from_o the_o obedience_n or_o faith_n which_o you_o then_o discover_v alas_o man_n apprehension_n be_v a_o most_o mutable_a thing_n if_o you_o leave_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o every_o new_a apprehension_n you_o will_v never_o be_v settle_v you_o may_v think_v two_o contrary_a thing_n of_o yourself_o in_o a_o hour_n you_o have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o opportunity_n for_o right_a discern_a nor_o the_o same_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n nor_o the_o same_o outward_a mean_n to_o help_v you_o nor_o the_o same_o inward_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o you_o have_v these_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o fix_v your_o waver_a soul_n and_o take_v your_o question_n and_o doubt_v as_o resolve_v and_o do_v not_o tempt_v god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o new_a answer_n again_o and_o again_o as_o if_o he_o have_v give_v you_o no_o answer_n before_o you_o will_v never_o want_v some_o occasion_n of_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v corruption_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o sin_n in_o your_o life_n and_o a_o tempter_n to_o be_v trouble_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v suffer_v any_o such_o wind_n to_o shake_v your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n you_o will_v be_v always_o shake_v and_o fluctuate_a as_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o uncomfortableness_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n also_o of_o this_o course_n for_o though_o the_o question_v your_o own_o sincerity_n on_o every_o small_a occasion_n be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o question_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n or_o his_o readiness_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o penitent_a soul_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o even_o this_o be_v no_o contemptible_a sin_n for_o 1._o you_o be_v do_v satan_n work_n in_o deny_v god_n grace_n and_o accuse_v yourself_o false_o and_o so_o please_v the_o devil_n in_o disquiet_v yourself_o 2._o you_o slander_v god_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o soul_n in_o say_v he_o have_v not_o renew_a and_o sanctify_v you_o when_o he_o have_v 3._o this_o will_n necessitate_v you_o to_o further_a unthankfulness_n for_o who_o can_v be_v thankful_a for_o a_o mercy_n that_o think_v he_o never_o receive_v it_o 4._o this_o will_v shut_v your_o mouth_n against_o all_o those_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o that_o heavenly_a joyful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o great_a unspeakable_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o your_o life_n 5_o this_o will_v much_o abate_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o you_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o grace_n while_o you_o be_v still_o question_v your_o interest_n in_o god_n love_n 6._o it_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o discouragement_n on_o your_o soul_n as_o will_v both_o destroy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o you_o which_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o thereby_o make_v you_o backward_o to_o they_o and_o heartless_a in_o they_o you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n of_o pray_v meditation_n or_o other_o duty_n because_o all_o will_v seem_v dark_a to_o you_o and_o you_o will_v think_v that_o every_o thing_n make_v against_o you_o 7._o you_o rob_v all_o about_o you_o of_o that_o cheerful_a encourage_a example_n &_o persuasion_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v from_o you_o and_o by_o which_o you_o may_v win_v many_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o contrary_o you_o be_v a_o discouragement_n and_o hindrance_n to_o they_o i_o can_v mention_v many_o more_o sinful_a aggravation_n of_o your_o deny_v god_n grace_n in_o you_o on_o every_o small_a insufficient_a occasion_n which_o methinks_v shall_v make_v you_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o it_o if_o not_o to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a trouble_n to_o yourself_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o avoid_v sin_n against_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n i_o will_v have_v you_o understand_v also_o of_o your_o experience_n you_o must_v not_o make_v use_v only_o at_o the_o present_a of_o your_o experience_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v nor_o must_v you_o tempt_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o expect_v new_a experience_n upon_o every_o new_a scruple_n or_o doubt_n of_o you_o as_o the_o israelite_n expect_v new_a miracle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n still_o forget_v the_o old_a if_o a_o scholar_n shall_v in_o his_o study_n forget_v all_o that_o he_o have_v read_v and_o learned_a and_o all_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n which_o in_o study_n he_o have_v attain_v and_o leave_v his_o understanding_n still_o as_o a_o unwritten_a paper_n as_o receptive_a of_o every_o mutation_n and_o new_a apprehension_n and_o contrary_a conceit_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o study_v the_o point_n before_o he_o will_v make_v but_o a_o poor_a proficiency_n and_o have_v but_o a_o fluctuate_a unsettle_a brain_n a_o scholar_n shall_v make_v all_o the_o study_n of_o his_o life_n to_o compose_v one_o entire_a image_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o a_o painter_n make_v every_o line_n he_o draw_v to_o compose_v one_o entire_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o as_o a_o weaver_n make_v every_o thread_n to_o compose_v one_o web_n so_o shall_v you_o make_v all_o former_a examination_n discovery_n evidence_n and_o experience_n compose_v one_o full_a discovery_n of_o your_o condition_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v a_o settle_a peace_n of_o soul_n and_o see_v that_o you_o tie_v both_o end_n together_o and_o neither_o look_n on_o your_o present_a trouble_a state_n without_o your_o former_a lest_o you_o be_v unthankful_a and_o unjust_o discourage_v nor_o on_o
thing_n before_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v be_v a_o strengthen_n to_o my_o own_o faith_n to_o see_v the_o devil_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o to_o the_o godhead_n itself_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o mere_a temptation_n from_o satan_n that_o i_o complain_v of_o but_o it_o take_v too_o much_o with_o my_o sinful_a heart_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o doubt_v ofttimes_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o whether_o his_o providence_n determine_v of_o the_o thing_n here_o below_o or_o whether_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o the_o soul_n immortal_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o bewail_v and_o abhor_v it_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n make_v not_o light_a of_o it_o but_o look_v to_o it_o betimes_o but_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o degree_n of_o this_o blasphemy_n and_o infidelity_n may_v remain_v with_o the_o true_a save_v faith_n the_o best_a may_v say_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o my_o judgement_n when_o your_o unbelief_n be_v such_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o graceless_a soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n if_o your_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v so_o great_a that_o you_o will_v not_o let_v go_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n and_o part_n with_o all_o if_o god_n call_v you_o to_o it_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o glory_n promise_v and_o to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v because_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o as_o uncertain_a thing_n then_o be_v your_o belief_n no_o save_a belief_n but_o your_o unbelief_n be_v prevalent_a but_o if_o for_o all_o your_o staggering_n you_o see_v so_o much_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o venture_v and_o part_n with_o if_o call_v to_o it_o all_o worldly_a hope_n and_o happiness_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o promise_a glory_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o your_o life_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o do_v deny_v yourself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o that_o end_n this_o be_v a_o true_a save_a faith_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o its_o victory_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o infidelity_n atheism_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o but_o again_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o heinous_a sin_n and_o bewail_v and_o detest_v the_o very_a lest_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v dangerous_a when_o the_o devil_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o heart_n &_o foundation_n of_o all_o your_o religion_n there_o be_v more_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n in_o this_o then_o in_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o never_o be_v motion_v to_o your_o soul_n without_o abhorrence_n two_o way_n the_o devil_n have_v to_o move_v it_o the_o one_o be_v by_o his_o immediate_a inward_a suggestion_n these_o be_v bad_a enough_o the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o accurse_a instrument_n and_o this_o be_v a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a way_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o book_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v by_o notorious_a wicked_a man_n or_o fool_n the_o temptation_n be_v the_o less_o but_o when_o it_o be_v by_o man_n of_o cunning_a wit_n and_o smooth_a tongue_n and_o hypocritical_a life_n for_o far_o be_v that_o wickedness_n from_o i_o as_o to_o call_v they_o godly_a or_o wise_a or_o honest_a than_o it_o be_v the_o great_a snare_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o lay_v o_o just_a and_o dreadful_a god_n do_v i_o think_v one_o day_n that_o those_o that_o i_o be_v then_o pray_v with_o and_o rejoice_v with_o and_o that_o go_v up_o with_o i_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o familiarity_n will_v this_o day_n be_v blasphemer_n of_o thy_o sacred_a name_n and_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o deride_v thy_o holy_a word_n as_o a_o fable_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o thy_o promise_a glory_n righteous_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o have_v preserve_v the_o humble_a from_o this_o condemnation_n and_o have_v permit_v only_o the_o proud_a and_o sensual_a professor_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o hellish_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o hellish_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o a_o terror_n to_o other_o than_o a_o snare_n i_o call_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n hellish_a from_o its_o original_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n but_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o opinion_n or_o practice_n in_o hell_n he_o that_o tempt_v other_o to_o deny_v the_o godhead_n the_o christian_a faith_n the_o scripture_n the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v no_o whit_n doubt_v of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o himself_o but_o believe_v and_o tremble_v o_o fearful_a blindness_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v hear_v if_o not_o receive_v these_o blasphemy_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o apostate_n professor_n which_o they_o will_v abhor_v if_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o the_o devil_n himself_o with_o what_o sad_a complaint_n and_o tremble_a do_v poor_a sinner_n cry_v out_o and_o not_o without_o cause_n o_o i_o be_o haunt_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a temptation_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o god_n shall_v sudden_o destroy_v i_o that_o ever_o such_o thought_n shall_v come_v into_o my_o heart_n but_o if_o a_o instrument_n of_o the_o devil_n come_v and_o plead_v against_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o christ_n himself_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o with_o less_o detestation_n the_o devil_n know_v that_o familiarity_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o take_v that_o from_o a_o man_n which_o we_o will_v abhor_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o immediate_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o give_v you_o now_o a_o particular_a preservative_n against_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n only_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o infidelity_n apostasy_n and_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o by_o any_o seducer_n the_o devil_n do_v overcome_v you_o herein_o you_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o your_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n doubt_v xviii_o i_o have_v so_o great_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v with_o god_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v no_o grace_n for_o if_o i_o have_v paul_n spirit_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o he_o i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n whereas_o now_o no_o news_n will_v be_v to_o i_o more_o unwelcome_a answer_n there_o be_v a_o loathness_n to_o die_v that_o come_v from_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v god_n more_o service_n and_o another_o that_o come_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o unreadiness_n when_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v more_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n first_o or_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o meet_v our_o lord_n blame_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v somewhat_o backward_o that_o know_v it_o must_v go_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n according_a as_o he_o be_v find_v at_o death_n but_o these_o two_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v as_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v now_o at_o this_o time_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o in_o all_o man_n live_v good_a and_o bad_a a_o natural_a abhorrence_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n god_n have_v put_v this_o into_o man_n nature_n even_o in_o innocency_n to_o be_v his_o great_a mean_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o man_n will_v live_v in_o ordâ—â—_n or_o be_v keep_v in_o obedience_n but_o for_o this_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o own_o life_n be_v master_n of_o another_o grace_n do_v not_o root_v out_o this_o abhorrency_n of_o death_n no_o more_o than_o it_o unman_v we_o only_o it_o restrain_v it_o from_o excess_n and_o so_o far_o overcome_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o passion_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o better_a life_n beyond_o death_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v the_o more_o quiet_o and_o willing_o submit_v to_o it_o paul_n himself_o desire_v not_o death_n but_o the_o life_n which_o follow_v it_o he_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n that_o be_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v in_o heaven_n then_o on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v content_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o penal_a sharp_a passage_n god_n do_v not_o command_v you_o to_o desire_v death_n itself_o nor_o forbid_v you_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n only_o he_o
policy_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o their_o minister_n be_v too_o stout_a and_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o a_o compassionate_a hear_n of_o their_o case_n especial_o if_o minister_n carry_v themselves_o strange_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o their_o people_n i_o will_v earnest_o entreat_v all_o minister_n therefore_o to_o be_v as_o familiar_a and_o as_o much_o with_o their_o people_n as_o they_o can_v papist_n and_o other_o seducer_n will_v insinuate_v themselves_o into_o their_o familiarity_n if_o we_o be_v strange_a if_o you_o teach_v they_o not_o in_o their_o house_n these_o will_n creep_v into_o their_o house_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_n i_o persuade_v other_o of_o my_o brethren_n to_o that_o which_o myself_o be_o disable_v from_o perform_v be_v by_o constant_a weakness_n beside_o unavoidable_a business_n confine_v to_o my_o chamber_n but_o those_o that_o can_v perform_v it_o will_v find_v this_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a work_n and_o let_v not_o poor_a people_n believe_v the_o devil_n who_o tell_v they_o that_o minister_n be_v so_o proud_a only_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o seek_v their_o advice_n go_v try_v they_o once_o before_o you_o believe_v it_o last_o remember_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o once_o open_v your_o case_n to_o your_o pastor_n but_o do_v it_o as_o often_o as_o necessity_n urge_v you_o to_o call_v for_o his_o advice_n though_o not_o on_o every_o light_a occasion_n live_v in_o such_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o advice_n and_o guidance_n of_o your_o pastor_n under_o christ_n for_o your_o soul_n as_o you_o do_v on_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o physician_n for_o your_o body_n read_v mal._n 2.7_o and_o let_v minister_n read_v 6_o 8_o 9_o direction_n xxxii_o 32._o as_o ever_o you_o will_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o understand_v and_o deep_o consider_v wherein_o the_o height_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v consist_v to_o wit_n in_o a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o then_o make_v this_o your_o constant_a aim_n and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o it_o and_o let_v all_o other_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o this_o this_o one_o rule_n well_o practise_v will_v do_v wonder_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o poor_a christian_n in_o dispel_v all_o their_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o help_v not_o only_o to_o a_o settle_a peace_n but_o to_o live_v in_o the_o most_o comfortable_a state_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o earth_n write_v therefore_o these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n and_o memory_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n be_v best_a please_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o endeavour_v be_v a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v no_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o subserve_v misapprehend_v the_o state_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v needs_o make_v sad_a distemper_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o conversation_n many_o christian_n look_v upon_o broken-heartedness_n and_o much_o grieve_v and_o weep_v for_o sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o and_o require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o bend_v all_o their_o endeavour_n this_o way_n and_o be_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o heart_n to_o break_v they_o more_o and_o wring_v their_o conscience_n to_o squeeze_v out_o some_o tear_n and_o they_o think_v no_o sermon_n no_o prayer_n no_o meditation_n speed_v so_o well_o with_o they_o as_o that_o which_o can_v help_v they_o to_o grieve_v or_o weep_v i_o be_o far_o from_o persuade_v man_n against_o humiliation_n &_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sore_a error_n that_o you_o lay_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o overlook_v that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n and_o state_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n have_v any_o pleasure_n in_o your_o sorrow_n as_o such_o do_v it_o do_v he_o good_a to_o see_v you_o deject_v afflict_a and_o torment_v alas_o it_o be_v only_o as_o your_o sorrow_n do_v kill_v your_o sin_n and_o mortify_v your_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o prepare_v for_o your_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o god_n regard_v they_o because_o god_n do_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o trouble_v droop_a spirit_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o contrite_a and_o love_v the_o humble_a and_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a therefore_o man_n misunderstanding_n he_o do_v think_v they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o be_v still_o break_v their_o own_o heart_n whereas_o god_n speak_v it_o but_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o hatred_n to_o the_o proud_a and_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o humble_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overwhelm_v or_o despair_v but_o o_o christian_n understand_v and_o consider_v that_o all_o your_o sorrow_n be_v but_o preparative_n to_o your_o joy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o sweet_a work_n that_o god_n call_v you_o to_o and_o will_v have_v you_o spend_v your_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o be_v love_n a_o work_n that_o be_v wage_n to_o itself_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v know_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o torment_a and_o discontent_a life_n 2._o the_o next_o part_n be_v delight_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n and_o fore-thought_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n psal_n 37.4_o delight_n thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v it_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v bend_v your_o study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delight_n itself_o in_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n be_v thankfulness_n and_o praise_n though_o i_o say_v not_o as_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o no_o fear_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v of_o god_n but_o act_n only_o from_o thankfulness_n as_o though_o we_o have_v all_o that_o we_o expect_v already_o yet_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o gospel-obedience_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o the_o regenerate_v after_o faith_n but_o even_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o who_o be_v call_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o glad_a and_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n offer_v they_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n be_v fall_v under_o god_n wrath_n and_o deserve_a condemnation_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v become_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o so_o bring_v all_o from_o that_o legal_a necessity_n of_o perish_v which_o they_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o this_o be_v glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o they_o and_o the_o very_o justify_v act_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v thankful_o to_o accept_v christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v already_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v save_v they_o if_o they_o accept_v he_o and_o will_v follow_v his_o save_a counsel_n and_o use_v his_o save_a mean_n and_o the_o save_a work_n which_o they_o must_v proceed_v in_o be_v thankfulness_n to_o obey_v that_o redeemer_n who_o they_o believe_v in_o so_o that_o as_o general_a redemption_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o new_a world_n and_o its_o government_n so_o thankfulness_n for_o this_o redemption_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o therefore_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o universal_a redemption_n as_o to_o the_o price_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v both_o disable_v wicked_a man_n if_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v with_o his_o benefit_n and_o this_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o die_v for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o for_o what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o pardon_v and_o save_v we_o and_o it_o do_v disable_v all_o true_a believer_n from_o gospel_n grateful_a obedience_n when_o ever_o they_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o alas_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o with_o they_o for_o when_o they_o can_v have_v special_a grace_n in_o their_o eye_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o according_a to_o