especial_a influence_n i._n e._n by_o way_n of_o gift_n for_o in_o all_o this_o there_o may_v be_v no_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n many_o time_n to_o observe_v how_o in_o our_o common_a motion_n and_o action_n about_o ordinance_n there_o be_v many_o time_n a_o particular_a providence_n order_v and_o a_o particular_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a 2._o in_o all_o this_o i_o imply_v not_o any_o necessity_n of_o connexion_n nor_o tie_n between_o these_o act_n and_o grace_n nor_o therein_o do_v i_o any_o way_n symbolize_v with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o use_v nature_n well_o and_o do_v its_o utmost_a god_n be_v bind_v ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la to_o give_v grace_n for_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n in_o scripture_n that_o tie_v god_n to_o any_o mere_o natural_a or_o moral_a act_n of_o we_o but_o only_o to_o gracious_a act_n and_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o respect_v any_o operation_n of_o we_o suppose_v the_o first_o grace_n already_o give_v and_o when_o god_n therefore_o make_v promise_n to_o hear_v read_v pray_v either_o those_o act_n must_v be_v gracious_a or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v you_o such_o duty_n follow_v such_o mean_n and_o if_o ever_o i_o save_v you_o i_o will_v meet_v you_o only_o in_o that_o way_n i_o will_v give_v as_o many_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n power_n to_o believe_v etc._n etc._n through_o pray_v hear_v meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o promise_n be_v not_o fulfil_v to_o all_o that_o perfrom_o these_o action_n because_o though_o god_n have_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o give_v grace_n in_o such_o a_o way_n yet_o it_o run_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o will_v give_v grace_n to_o all_o that_o hear_v pray_v etc._n etc._n whereas_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o grace_n be_v universal_a he_o be_v rich_a to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o i._n e._n gracious_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n rom._n 10._o 12._o so_o 3._o 16._o beside_o these_o act_n be_v mere_a natural_a act_n splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o moral_a influence_n on_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v we_o note_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o although_o god_n in_o truth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o any_o man_n endeavour_n but_o be_v as_o free_a to_o give_v and_o deny_v grace_n as_o he_o be_v before_o any_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n seldom_o if_o ever_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o fail_v any_o in_o their_o expectation_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o mean_n what_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v they_o unto_o so_o that_o no_o man_n ever_o perish_v under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o mean_n but_o he_o may_v just_o stop_v his_o mouth_n before_o god_n and_o say_v i_o just_o perish_v notwithstanding_o my_o impotency_n to_o do_v my_o duty_n and_o god_n decree_n of_o not_o vouchsafe_v i_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o conversion_n because_o i_o have_v do_v less_o towards_o the_o attain_n it_o then_o i_o can_v for_o who_o know_v or_o how_o know_v i_o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v i_o sufficient_a grace_n have_v i_o do_v my_o utmost_a though_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v absolute_o free_a to_o deny_v i_o chap._n xxviii_o a_o few_o objection_n remove_v and_o thereby_o a_o close_o put_v to_o this_o treatise_n but_o i_o think_v i_o hear_v some_o one_o object_v object_n but_o why_o must_v i_o seek_v for_o such_o conviction_n and_o especial_o labour_v in_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n to_o come_v under_o the_o work_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n god_n can_v if_o he_o will_v save_v i_o in_o another_o way_n and_o that_o you_o seem_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o this_o point_n to_o grant_v when_o you_o call_v this_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o be_v tender_a of_o deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o extraordiry_n and_o different_a course_n answ_n 1._o god_n can_v if_o he_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o do_v all_o he_o can_v do_v god_n can_v of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n but_o he_o will_v not_o christ_n can_v have_v convert_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n when_o they_o ask_v it_o and_o have_v send_v dives_n from_o hell_n to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o and_o be_v undisposed_a to_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v not_o but_o call_v the_o first_o tempter_n of_o 1._o mat._n 16._o 1._o god_n for_o desire_v a_o extraordinary_a sign_n when_o they_o have_v ordinary_a mean_n search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n john_n 5._o 39_o and_o tell_v the_o last_o that_o extraordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o work_v on_o man_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o back_v they_o more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v unlikely_a if_o god_n do_v not_o bless_v the_o ordinary_a way_n unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v the_o extraordinary_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n say_v abraham_n to_o dives_n in_o the_o parable_n if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v if_o 3_o luk._n 16._o 3_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 2._o what_o reason_n have_v thou_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a road_n way_n to_o meet_v thou_o in_o thy_o by-path_n have_v god_n make_v thou_o any_o promise_n more_o then_o to_o other_o have_v he_o except_v thou_o by_o name_n in_o those_o command_n in_o which_o he_o have_v require_v attendance_n on_o his_o ordinance_n have_v thou_o oblige_v he_o by_o any_o courtesy_n to_o take_v extraordinary_a pain_n with_o thou_o if_o thou_o can_v plead_v nothing_o more_o than_o another_o then_o think_v rather_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v thousand_o to_o perish_v without_o call_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n for_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinary_a why_o not_o i_o 3._o take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n god_n never_o condescend_v to_o do_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o out_o of_o design_n break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o ordinary_a that_o they_o may_v put_v he_o to_o the_o cost_n of_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v by_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n but_o if_o so_o yet_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o disperse_a condition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o mean_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o so_o total_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o do_v not_o out_o of_o design_n reject_v that_o which_o they_o be_v convince_v be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n to_o put_v god_n to_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o miracle_n but_o they_o real_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o true_a way_n and_o ordinance_n profane_a and_o truth_n error_n and_o last_o though_o sign_n may_v occasion_v their_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n yet_o without_o all_o doubt_n their_o save_a conversion_n in_o and_o by_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n this_o extraordinary_a sign_n shall_v set_v home_o the_o light_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o history_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o conversion_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o murder_n and_o pierce_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o they_o shall_v upon_o the_o fight_n of_o he_o mourn_v zech._n 12._o 10._o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v they_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o close_o with_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o then_o mourn_v that_o they_o have_v pierce_v he_o 4._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o thy_o principle_n of_o common_a prudence_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o market_n be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n to_o get_v food_n thou_o will_v not_o neglect_v that_o on_o this_o ground_n and_o so_o physic_n of_o health_n etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v not_o say_v i_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o market_n to_o buy_v or_o sell_v provision_n this_o week_n thou_o will_v not_o open_a shop_n etc._n etc._n because_o god_n can_v provide_v for_o thyself_o and_o thy_o family_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o no_o man_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a will_v except_o in_o a_o frenzy_n refuse_v to_o admit_v the_o physician_n because_o god_n can_v cure_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n yea_o and_o raise_v the_o very_a dead_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n adventure_v his_o soul_n upon_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v not_o hazard_v his_o body_n or_o estate_n 5._o when_o man_n will_v not_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n it_o be_v just_a
with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o he_o believe_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v true_a in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o appear_v in_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n produce_v such_o and_o such_o promise_n to_o they_o they_o will_v say_v true_a these_o promise_n be_v excellent_a promise_n and_o will_v no_o question_n yield_v abundance_n of_o marrow_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v but_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o here_o be_v a_o full_a well_o but_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v or_o it_o be_v a_o well_o enclose_v it_o be_v not_o free_a for_o they_o 2_o particular_a when_o the_o spirit_n help_v the_o soul_n to_o single_a out_o such_o a_o word_n and_o open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o have_v a_o share_n in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o make_v way_n for_o and_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o minor_a of_o the_o former_a syllogism_n which_o i_o call_v 2_o conviction_n of_o case_n thus_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v the_o conscience_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o its_o self_n by_o own_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o word_n say_v such_o and_o such_o person_n be_v child_n of_o god_n the_o renew_a conscience_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n say_v this_o be_v my_o case_n i_o be_o such_o a_o person_n now_o here_o the_o spirit_n either_o enlighten_v a_o man_n to_o see_v himself_o under_o that_o condition_n by_o work_v a_o present_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o minor_a proposition_n as_o suppose_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n he_o that_o believe_v have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o i_o believe_v ergo._n the_o assent_n to_o this_o minor_a proposition_n i_o believe_v may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o sudden_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o major_a proposition_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v apprehend_v and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o work_n somewhat_o near_o of_o kin_n unto_o that_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o mediate_v testimony_n wherein_o the_o testimony_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n yet_o without_o argumentation_n or_o else_o as_o usual_o by_o elicit_v and_o draw_v forth_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o assent_n by_o a_o far_a evidence_n of_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o see_v but_o that_o such_o soul_n as_o have_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o own_o any_o good_a in_o themselves_o so_o that_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v much_o ado_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o cavil_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o suspicious_a heart_n in_o point_n of_o gracious_a self-justification_n which_o such_o soul_n be_v much_o afraid_a of_o and_o not_o more_o difficult_o bring_v to_o any_o thing_n then_o to_o own_o this_o proposition_n but_o i_o believe_v or_o the_o like_a now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o spirit_n work_n be_v long_o and_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o bring_v many_o more_o argument_n to_o confirm_v this_o minor_n true_a say_v the_o soul_n he_o that_o believe_v have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o believer_n and_o therefore_o quid_fw-la ad_fw-la i_o what_o do_v this_o promise_n concern_v such_o a_o unbelieving_a wretch_n as_o i_o be_o then_o the_o spirit_n satisfy_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o minor_a by_o produce_v such_o proof_n of_o scripture_n as_o evidence_n faith_n in_o the_o subject_a in_o who_o it_o be_v such_o as_o purify_n the_o heart_n love_v to_o god_n his_o way_n his_o 10_o actâ—_n 15._o 9_o gal._n 5._o 6_o zech._n 12._o 10_o people_n grief_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o possible_o go_v far_a and_o prove_v those_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o far_a mark_n draw_v from_o the_o act_n of_o they_o which_o discover_v the_o habit_n whence_o they_o proceed_v this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o conviction_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o and_o may_v be_v do_v by_o many_o argument_n or_o few_o according_a to_o the_o light_n that_o accompany_v they_o to_o the_o soul_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o dr._n crisp_n and_o his_o follower_n shall_v cry_v down_o this_o way_n of_o get_v assurance_n by_o mark_n and_o sign_n as_o uncertain_a see_v the_o doubt_a soul_n will_v find_v something_o that_o seem_v faulty_a in_o every_o grace_n which_o be_v present_v to_o it_o as_o a_o evidence_n object_n if_o the_o spirit_n say_v say_v they_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n because_o thou_o have_v love_n that_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o soul_n may_v still_o doubt_v whether_o it_o have_v love_n if_o love_n be_v manifest_v by_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n etc._n etc._n the_o question_n will_v still_o be_v whether_o that_o delight_n be_v sincere_a or_o counterfeit_a pure_a or_o mix_v ingenuous_a or_o selfended_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o there_o can_v no_o judgement_n be_v make_v certain_o concern_v a_o man_n justification_n by_o his_o sanctification_n or_o concern_v sanctification_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o particular_a grace_n ans_fw-fr to_o this_o we_o answer_v true_a these_o grace_n while_o i_o bare_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o my_o own_o reason_n may_v be_v still_o subject_a to_o question_v and_o so_o can_v make_v no_o firm_a assurance_n but_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v gracious_o assure_v this_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v the_o heart_n upon_o a_o ultimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la convince_v he_o by_o that_o which_o be_v most_o visible_a in_o he_o and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o cavil_v reason_n from_o perplex_v the_o question_n any_o more_o as_o a_o wise_a moderator_n in_o a_o dispute_n that_o when_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v spin_v out_o so_o long_o by_o a_o wrangle_a companion_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o say_v but_o in_o away_o of_o groundless_a cavil_v and_o angry_a reflection_n etc._n etc._n break_v off_o the_o dispute_n check_v the_o wrangle_a antagonist_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n by_o his_o own_o sentence_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n so_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o cavil_v heart_n and_o satan_n help_v it_o have_v pick_v out_o all_o the_o flaw_n possible_o in_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o have_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o invalidate_v it_o and_o withal_o the_o spirit_n have_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o plead_v to_o all_o exception_n of_o moment_n and_o yet_o these_o wrangle_a companion_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v at_o last_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o man_n to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v say_v that_o have_v not_o be_v answer_v but_o only_o such_o wrangling_n as_o deserve_v no_o answer_n but_o scorn_n and_o so_o determine_v and_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o determine_v the_o great_a question_n by_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n with_o undeniable_a evidence_n i_o know_v not_o why_o this_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assure_v shall_v not_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o question_v then_o immediate_a assurance_n see_v in_o a_o time_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v as_o questionable_a and_o will_v require_v as_o long_o a_o debate_n to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n whether_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o satan_n collude_v with_o it_o to_o deceive_v a_o man_n let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v certain_o convince_v that_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a testimony_n be_v true_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n then_o that_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o grace_n the_o matter_n of_o its_o mediate_a testimony_n be_v not_o counterfeit_v and_o i_o have_v do_v press_v this_o argument_n any_o more_o 3_o the_o three_o thing_n the_o spirit_n do_v be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o grand_a syllogism_n in_o a_o conviction_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o happy_a estate_n thus_o therefore_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n a_o heir_n of_o glory_n justify_v sanctify_a etc._n etc._n for_o all_o these_o term_n and_o many_o more_o be_v of_o equal_a import_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o conclude_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o man_n that_o necessary_o accompany_v salvation_n conclude_v the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n to_o that_o person_n and_o seal_v up_o assurance_n in_o the_o former_a two_o act_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o a_o man_n in_o point_v out_o the_o word_n and_o within_o a_o man_n in_o the_o application_n of_o his_o case_n to_o the_o word_n and_o in_o this_o he_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o just_a determiner_n of_o the_o controversy_n upon_o this_o evidence_n a_o judge_n in_o the_o conscience_n quit_v and_o justify_v the_o prisoner_n and_o this_o be_v his_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o his_o minister_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v it_o be_v call_v lose_v the_o
of_o such_o a_o temptation_n before_o hand_n as_o a_o physician_n keep_v that_o body_n low_a in_o flesh_n which_o he_o see_v incline_v to_o evil_a humour_n though_o it_o be_v not_o actual_o distemper_v by_o they_o now_o if_o thou_o cooperate_v with_o god_n in_o this_o design_n as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v this_o he_o aim_v at_o sure_o thou_o will_v hasten_v thy_o deliverance_n from_o thy_o present_a darkness_n 6._o labour_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o in_o the_o direction_n to_o the_o get_n of_o assurance_n so_o i_o tell_v you_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o recover_v lose_v assurance_n the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o exercise_v a_o holy_a reliance_n upon_o god_n in_o a_o condition_n so_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v this_o we_o find_v have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o like_a case_n psal_n 27._o 13._o david_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o exclusion_n from_o ordinance_n but_o even_o in_o the_o sad_a conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v thence_o to_o the_o distemper_a of_o his_o spirit_n see_v how_o he_o close_v all_o i_o have_v faint_v say_v he_o except_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n job_n speak_v big_a word_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o job_n 13._o 15._o q._n d._n satan_n tell_v i_o and_o my_o own_o misgive_a heart_n many_o time_n second_v he_o that_o these_o trouble_n will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v never_o come_v alive_a out_o of_o they_o well_o say_v job_n be_v it_o so_o lot_z him_z kill_v i_o if_o he_o will_v if_o i_o be_v now_o a_o die_a and_o drop_v into_o hell_n yet_o i_o will_v hold_v fast_o for_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o i_o so_o if_o i_o go_v to_o hell_n i_o will_v pull_v he_o after_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o in_o his_o agony_n cry_n my_o god_n though_o he_o be_v a_o forsake_v god_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o hold_v loose_a and_o man_n hold_v the_o fast_o for_o it_o god_n spurn_v at_o a_o poor_a soul_n and_o he_o lay_v hold_v of_o his_o foot_n god_n say_v jacob_n let_v i_o go_v and_o jacob_n say_v no_o i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v except_o thou_o bless_v i_o gen._n 32._o 26._o the_o advice_n be_v plain_a isa_n 50._o 10._o i_o urge_v this_o place_n before_o in_o the_o direction_n for_o procure_v assurance_n and_o there_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n of_o case_n and_o so_o a_o proportion_n in_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v for_o recovery_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o never_o have_v and_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v lose_v assurance_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o special_a way_n for_o 1._o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n speak_v strength_n of_o faith_n a_o small_a strength_n will_v serve_v to_o hold_v one_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o stay_v but_o when_o a_o strong_a man_n put_v out_o all_o his_o strength_n to_o wrest_v himself_o out_o of_o a_o friend_n importunate_a embrace_n it_o have_v need_n be_v more_o strength_n then_o ordinary_a that_o hold_v he_o or_o fetch_v he_o back_o then_o this_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v discover_v in_o another_o case_n he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n strong_a in_o faith_n he_o be_v mighty_o enable_v by_o faith_n what_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v to_o believe_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n when_o he_o be_v past_o all_o probable_a hope_n of_o one_o rom._n 4._o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o thou_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o strong_a faith_n when_o thou_o can_v say_v let_v my_o heart_n tell_v i_o never_o so_o much_o god_n have_v cast_v i_o off_o and_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o let_v go_v my_o confidence_n and_o the_o hold_n that_o thereby_o i_o have_v upon_o he_o here_o be_v strong_a faith_n see_v mat._n 15._o 24_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n faith_n be_v admire_v by_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o she_o will_v play_v the_o dog_n and_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n when_o he_o rate_v she_o away_o o_o woman_n say_v he_o great_a be_v thy_o faith_n person_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n when_o a_o soul_n walk_v in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o live_v high_a thereupon_o be_v a_o strong_a faith_n but_o i_o tell_v thou_o friend_n there_o be_v more_o strength_n by_o far_o in_o that_o faith_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o darkness_n and_o desertion_n that_o trust_v when_o a_o man_n can_v see_v no_o light_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o life_n of_o assurance_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n a_o life_n of_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n above_o faith_n a_o life_n of_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v say_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 11_o 1._o assurance_n in_o proper_a speech_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o sense_n and_o fruition_n not_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o hope_n in_o this_o chapter_n hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n ver_fw-la 24._o so_o say_v i_o of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o faith_n faith_n be_v a_o friend_n make_v especial_o for_o a_o time_n of_o distance_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o comfort_n and_o be_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o derive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o to_o the_o soul_n during_o that_o state_n of_o distance_n 2_o beside_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o god_n be_v take_v with_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o season_n see_v strength_n of_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n rom._n 4._o 20._o and_o he_o can_v long_o withdraw_v from_o a_o soul_n that_o so_o much_o glorify_v he_o upon_o so_o little_a encouragement_n i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o as_o christ_n to_o thomas_n hold_v this_o course_n and_o thou_o be_v a_o bless_a man_n other_o see_v and_o believe_v but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v joh._n 20._o 20._o 3._o beside_o last_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n must_v needs_o keep_v down_o many_o of_o those_o murmur_a despair_a and_o in_o a_o sort_n blasphemous_a misapprehension_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o promise_n which_o length_n of_o soul-trouble_n be_v apt_a to_o plunge_v a_o man_n into_o and_o certain_o the_o less_o iniquity_n there_o be_v break_v forth_o in_o our_o desertion_n the_o soon_o they_o will_v be_v over_o now_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o season_n maintain_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v he_o and_o take_v his_o part_n against_o the_o calumny_n of_o satan_n and_o god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v this_o therefore_o how_o can_v he_o but_o take_v this_o kind_o if_o a_o husband_n absent_v himself_o a_o while_n from_o a_o wife_n and_o she_o be_v ready_a upon_o every_o whisper_n of_o slanderous_a gossip_n to_o suspect_v her_o husband_n fidelity_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o give_v out_o speech_n tend_v that_o way_n can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o husband_n shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o wife_n will_v he_o not_o rather_o choose_v to_o stay_v away_o still_o and_o be_v suspect_v for_o something_o as_o we_o say_v rather_o than_o live_v under_o constant_a suspicion_n for_o no_o cause_n but_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o husband_n may_v be_v secure_a of_o this_o that_o his_o wife_n be_v confident_a of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o her_o heart_n quiet_o rest_v in_o he_o absent_a as_o well_o as_o present_v let_v suspicion_n suggest_v what_o it_o will_v sure_o he_o can_v but_o be_v exceed_o tender_a of_o such_o a_o wife_n and_o much_o take_v with_o her_o company_n god_n see_v your_o jealousy_n of_o he_o in_o darkness_n and_o observe_v how_o apt_a you_o be_v to_o censure_v he_o in_o his_o absence_n do_v not_o think_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o he_o will_v make_v you_o entertain_v better_a thought_n of_o he_o ere_o he_o return_v quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o exercise_v faith_n in_o desertion_n what_o shall_v i_o believe_v a._n believe_v in_o general_n most_o thing_n that_o seem_v most_o contrary_a to_o thy_o present_a sense_n and_o moral_a probability_n for_o in_o soul-trouble_n the_o fancy_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n possess_v by_o distrustful_a imagination_n and_o satan_n in_o that_o fortify_v himself_o against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o may_v be_v mean_n of_o consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o way_n to_o
the_o new_a birth_n the_o long_o we_o be_v before_o we_o get_v the_o debt_n discharge_v and_o the_o book_n cancel_v the_o heavy_a will_v the_o account_n appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o reckon_v all_o the_o arrearage_n of_o so_o many_o year_n actual_a sin_n to_o the_o grand_a debt_n of_o original_a guilt_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o account_n multiply_v into_o million_o by_o interest_n upon_o interest_n from_o custom_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o delight_n in_o sin_n friend_n we_o be_v utter_o mistake_v and_o do_v miserable_o beguile_v ourselves_o when_o because_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o damp_n the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o youth_n by_o so_o unwelcome_a a_o trouble_n as_o that_o of_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n we_o resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o think_v it_o more_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o put_v off_o such_o thought_n to_o old_a age_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o debtor_n that_o owe_v divers_a thousand_o shall_v think_v it_o more_o for_o his_o ease_n to_o look_v over_o his_o account_n and_o reckon_v with_o his_o creditor_n when_o the_o debt_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o thirty_o be_v forty_o year_n and_o the_o addition_n of_o new_a sum_n ah_o poor_a man_n if_o thy_o conscience_n book_n be_v so_o overcharge_v that_o thou_o dare_v not_o look_v into_o it_o at_o fifteen_o or_o twenty_o year_n old_a how_o black_a and_o dismal_a will_v it_o look_v at_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n when_o moreover_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a trouble_n of_o thy_o spirit_n over_o and_o above_o all_o thy_o other_o sin_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o return_v soon_o when_o thou_o shall_v question_v whether_o god_n will_v receive_v one_o return_v so_o late_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o so_o many_o aggravate_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o those_o that_o have_v reject_v the_o spirit_n motion_n in_o youth_n and_o give_v their_o lust_n a_o full_a swinge_n against_o the_o check_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o take_v any_o comfort_n or_o build_v to_o themselves_o any_o grounded_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n though_o they_o be_v real_o convert_v in_o age_n when_o there_o be_v such_o actual_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o they_o be_v aâ—raid_v to_o contesse_n to_o god_n and_o ashamed_a to_o make_v know_v to_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a friend_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o let_v the_o wound_n fester_v and_o heat_n and_o rage_n within_o then_o to_o open_v they_o o_o how_o many_o black_a conscience_n in_o convince_a elder_n sinner_n which_o for_o shame_n of_o confession_n they_o cover_v with_o a_o veil_n of_o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n go_v without_o noise_n to_o hell_n and_o be_v never_o real_a till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o how_o many_o be_v by_o such_o sinner_n themselves_o out_o of_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n read_v over_o with_o roar_v and_o horror_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n which_o may_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o oppress_a burden_n have_v they_o endeavour_v early_o to_o relieve_v they_o if_o the_o fetter_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v so_o terrible_a that_o thou_o shun_v they_o now_o how_o sad_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o in_o that_o age_n when_o the_o grasshopper_n be_v a_o burden_n eccles_n 12._o 5._o chap._n xvi_o convert_v examine_v whether_o sound_o or_o unsound_o wrought_v upon_o this_o also_o inform_v we_o how_o necessary_a a_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n o_o the_o madness_n of_o most_o hearer_n in_o england_n let_v a_o faithful_a preacher_n rip_v open_v their_o bosom_n and_o discover_v their_o sin_n and_o lay_v the_o law_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o their_o deceitful_a conscience_n how_o many_o gall_v hearer_n will_v fling_v and_o kick_v against_o his_o doctrine_n how_o many_o that_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v handle_v so_o sinful_o tender_a be_v their_o conscience_n will_v fly_v from_o his_o ministry_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v he_o he_o preach_v so_o much_o damnation_n etc._n etc._n alas_o poor_a soul_n have_v you_o rather_o be_v damn_v indeed_o then_o hear_v of_o damnation_n that_o you_o may_v be_v warn_v to_o fly_v from_o it_o while_o it_o be_v time_n do_v you_o love_v to_o sleep_v yourselves_o into_o hell_n that_o you_o be_v angry_a at_o they_o that_o pinch_v you_o for_o awaken_n your_o conscience_n &_o discover_v your_o danger_n the_o gnat_n in_o virgil_n be_v requite_v but_o ill_o by_o the_o shepherd_n when_o he_o kill_v he_o for_o sting_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sleep_n at_o that_o very_a instant_n when_o a_o serpent_n be_v about_o to_o sting_v he_o to_o death_n but_o just_o such_o usage_n have_v god_n minister_n from_o this_o generation_n obj._n yea_o but_o they_o be_v saint_n and_o such_o doctrine_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o it_o be_v unproper_a for_o they_o to_o hear_v answ_n 1._o oh_o that_o the_o person_n that_o call_v themselves_o so_o will_v give_v god_n minister_n sufficient_a cause_n to_o think_v they_o such_o certain_o i_o be_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o man_n estate_n to_o be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o pretend_v or_o it_o may_v be_v himself_o think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o physician_n will_v not_o believe_v every_o patient_a that_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v well_o and_o nothing_o ail_v he_o he_o know_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o disease_n be_v most_o dangerous_a when_o the_o patient_a feel_v it_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o saintship_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o reproof_n nay_o not_o to_o hear_v a_o convince_a sermon_n nay_o it_o give_v suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sound_v but_o rot_v that_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v their_o conscience_n handle_v if_o such_o person_n be_v saint_n i_o know_v not_o who_o be_v sinner_n if_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a i_o know_v not_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o david_n sincerity_n to_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o search_v and_o try_v he_o ps_n 139._o 23._o to_o invite_v the_o righteous_a to_o smite_v he_o not_o stroke_n he_o and_o account_v it_o a_o precious_a balm_n that_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o head_n psal_n 141._o 5._o believe_v it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o pick_v and_o choose_v truth_n this_o he_o must_v have_v preach_v and_o that_o he_o must_v not_o you_o know_v who_o say_v preach_v to_o we_o please_a thing_n be_v 30._o 16._o 2._o there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o one_o way_n or_o other_o belong_v to_o every_o saint_n either_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o past_a present_a or_o future_a condition_n law_n truth_n concern_v he_o either_o in_o way_n of_o direction_n as_o the_o duty_n thereof_o or_o by_o way_n of_o inducement_n to_o thankfulness_n consolation_n humiliation_n dutifulnesse_n as_o its_o curse_n and_o terror_n many_o gospel-truth_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o a_o man_n present_a condition_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o affliction_n temptation_n etc._n etc._n sometime_o but_o shall_v they_o be_v therefore_o throw_v away_o may_v there_o not_o come_v a_o time_n of_o use_n and_o shall_v not_o saint_n lay_v up_o such_o thing_n in_o their_o heart_n aught_o not_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o be_v a_o treasury_n of_o thing_n old_a as_o well_o as_o new_a and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v of_o use_n if_o you_o be_v pass_v these_o throw_n to_o remember_v you_o of_o the_o day_n of_o old_a to_o show_v you_o your_o former_a debt_n when_o you_o can_v show_v the_o discharge_n will_v not_o this_o occasion_n a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o christ_n love_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o heart_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o case_n i_o once_o feel_v those_o sorrow_n lay_v under_o those_o chain_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v deliver_v i_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o suppose_v it_o no_o way_n belong_v to_o thou_o as_o thy_o condition_n be_v now_o yet_o it_o may_v belong_v to_o other_o that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o thou_o once_o waste_v if_o the_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o of_o thy_o condition_n and_o growth_n only_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n upon_o other_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o only_o a_o nurse_n or_o a_o waterer_n but_o a_o father_n and_o a_o plant_a also_o he_o must_v preach_v for_o conversion_n that_o christ_n body_n may_v be_v complete_a in_o member_n as_o well_o as_o for_o edification_n that_o those_o member_n may_v be_v complete_a in_o grace_n and_o comfort_n obj._n but_o this_o kind_n of_o preach_v may_v occasion_v the_o
dye_v in_o egypt_n how_o often_o have_v we_o long_v for_o quail_n for_o our_o lust_n be_v discontent_v at_o god_n allowance_n and_o think_v all_o we_o have_v even_o precious_a manna_n gracious_a melt_n for_o sin_n a_o tender_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o follow_v after_o god_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o present_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o kiss_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n think_v how_o much_o of_o unbelief_n impatience_n pride_n peevishness_n unthankfulness_n despair_n hard_a thought_n against_o god_n weariness_n of_o his_o service_n unjust_a censure_n against_o yourselves_o blasphemous_a murderous_a thought_n etc._n etc._n have_v god_n pass_v by_o and_o in_o all_o these_o provocation_n keep_v you_o from_o fall_v off_o from_o your_o present_a conviction_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o and_o hold_v you_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o conduct_v you_o through_o the_o wild_a and_o roar_a wilderness_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o canaan_n 4._o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o perish_v under_o conviction_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o nay_o perish_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o when_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o the_o same_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n which_o drive_v judas_n to_o the_o gallow_n and_o cain_n to_o despair_v and_o to_o many_o thousand_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n become_v bare_o mean_n of_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n prove_v to_o he_o the_o throw_v of_o a_o new_a birth_n the_o rough_a passage_n to_o a_o kingdom_n of_o liberty_n and_o glory_n the_o straight_a door_n to_o a_o palace_n of_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o comfort_n distinguish_v mercy_n be_v engage_v mercy_n and_o distinguish_v mercy_n be_v great_a when_o to_o the_o person_n distinguish_v every_o thing_n be_v common_a but_o that_o very_a distinction_n as_o if_o in_o a_o common_a guilt_n some_o be_v pardon_v while_o other_o die_v and_o in_o a_o common_a disease_n some_o perish_v and_o other_o be_v preserve_v so_o here_o in_o common_a soul_n trouble_v one_o man_n despair_n and_o send_v himself_o to_o hell_n the_o soon_o another_o presume_v and_o fend_v himself_o thither_o the_o sure_a etc._n etc._n other_o be_v effectual_o convert_v and_o eternal_o save_v oh_o what_o a_o deep_a engagement_n to_o thankfulness_n be_v this_o 4._o pitifulnesse_n and_o tenderness_n to_o other_o person_n in_o that_o condition_n our_o own_o experience_n may_v tell_v we_o what_o grievous_a burden_n soul_n trouble_n be_v and_o how_o much_o need_n there_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a shall_v be_v gentle_o lead_v our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o submit_v to_o temptation_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v heb._n 2._o 18._o but_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o also_o before_o chap._n xxii_o several_a consideration_n to_o humble_a such_o as_o have_v go_v through_o this_o work_n ineffectual_o ii_o hence_o also_o let_v all_o those_o be_v exhort_v that_o have_v be_v under_o these_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n and_o have_v get_v over_o they_o without_o any_o real_a work_n of_o conversion_n or_o save_v grace_n attain_v by_o they_o to_o 1._o labour_v serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o inefficacy_n of_o such_o hopeful_a mean_n for_o their_o good_a o_o friend_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o come_v out_o of_o any_o trouble_n muâ—h_o more_o such_o a_o trouble_n as_o this_o be_v and_o get_v nothing_o by_o it_o what_o a_o complaint_n do_v the_o church_n make_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o temporal_a affliction_n isay_n 26._o 17_o 18._o we_o have_v be_v with_o child_n we_o have_v be_v in_o pain_n we_o have_v brrught_v forth_o wind_n etc._n etc._n that_o that_o comfort_v a_o woman_n in_o her_o throw_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o child_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o make_v she_o forget_v it_o when_o it_o be_v over_o john_n 16._o 21._o but_o if_o a_o woman_n fall_v into_o grievous_a pain_n and_o all_o prove_v but_o a_o tympany_n or_o a_o abortive_a conception_n or_o a_o monster_n this_o will_v not_o quit_v the_o cost_n of_o such_o throw_n and_o therefore_o when_o she_o thinkss_v on_o this_o time_n she_o bewail_v it_o ever_o after_o much_o more_o shall_v such_o a_o affection_n as_o this_o possess_v a_o man_n when_o he_o consider_v how_o near_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n mar._n 12._o 34._o to_o perish_v within_o sight_n of_o the_o harbour_n and_o so_o to_o come_v within_o a_o stride_n of_o the_o goal_n and_o miss_v it_o o_o how_o vex_v a_o thought_n shall_v this_o be_v it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o most_o man_n in_o this_o world_n while_o they_o have_v time_n to_o repair_v their_o loss_n hereafter_o it_o will_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o eternity_n irremediable_a and_o that_o irremediablenesse_n will_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o trouble_n here_o to_o help_v this_o work_n may_v be_v consider_v that_o hereby_o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disappoint_v quench_v resist_v it_o be_v god_n spirit_n that_o have_v contest_v with_o thy_o proud_a obstinate_a rebellious_a heart_n and_o it_o be_v that_o spirit_n who_o thou_o have_v so_o often_o repulse_v that_o spirit_n be_v a_o free_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o move_v any_o more_o 51._o psal_n 51._o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o he_o move_v not_o 10._o zach._n 12._o 10._o thou_o can_v never_o recover_v again_o and_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o repulse_v how_o can_v thou_o expect_v his_o far_a attempt_n god_n do_v just_o resolve_v many_o time_n concern_v such_o person_n as_o gen._n 6._o 3._o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v strive_v no_o more_o 2._o your_o heart_n be_v harden_v believe_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o more_o the_o heart_n be_v melt_v and_o soften_v if_o it_o grow_v hard_a again_o it_o grow_v the_o hard_a for_o it_o thence_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v for_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o mean_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v such_o to_o repentance_n when_o they_o fall_v away_o heb._n 6._o 6._o impossible_a that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n that_o work_n on_o other_o man_n and_o if_o god_n convert_v such_o a_o one_o it_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o absolute_a power_n beside_o the_o ordinary_a regulate_v way_n of_o his_o proceed_n so_o be_v the_o word_n take_v mat._n 19_o 26._o that_o that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n i._n e._n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n now_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v be_v impossible_a to_o man_n not_o only_o in_o that_o he_o have_v no_o power_n in_o nature_n to_o effect_v it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n conversion_n impossible_a but_o in_o that_o a_o man_n can_v rational_o judge_v he_o capable_a of_o benefit_n by_o any_o of_o the_o ordinary_a supernatural_a mean_n of_o conversion_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o other_o mean_n of_o conversion_n will_v grow_v so_o familiar_a with_o such_o a_o man_n that_o all_o that_o be_v affect_v in_o they_o will_v through_o acquaintance_n grow_v contemptible_a and_o sin_n which_o at_o first_o view_n and_o in_o a_o man_n first_o conviction_n appear_v fearful_a and_o terrible_a have_v once_o or_o twice_o affright_v the_o soul_n and_o do_v no_o more_o will_v afterward_o lose_v their_o monstrousness_n by_o a_o frequent_a fruitless_a view_n of_o they_o nay_o hell_n itself_o as_o bug_n hear_v to_o child_n after_o they_o begin_v to_o find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n will_v appear_v but_o a_o old_a wife_n fable_n and_o its_o fire_n but_o a_o paint_a flame_n such_o as_o scare_n more_o than_o it_o hurt_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n if_o all_o these_o restraint_n remove_v such_o a_o one_o be_v latter_o end_n be_v worse_o than_o the_o beginning_n 2_o pet._n 2._o ult_n sin_n before_o softening_n be_v like_o weed_n in_o a_o ground_n which_o before_o plough_v and_o harrow_n we_o hope_v to_o root_v out_o thereby_o but_o afterward_o they_o be_v like_o invincible_a weed_n that_o no_o plough_n or_o harrow_n will_v tear_v up_o and_o therefore_o such_o ground_n be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v 3._o conscience_n be_v check_v and_o discourage_v that_o tenderness_n which_o before_o possess_v it_o upon_o every_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v and_o whereas_o it_o before_o pass_v a_o right_a censure_n concern_v thy_o estate_n now_o it_o be_v grow_v partial_a and_o flatter_a for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v get_v out_o of_o soul_n trouble_v without_o the_o leave_n of_o his_o
the_o long_o you_o go_v without_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n the_o more_o difficult_o will_v you_o obtain_v it_o the_o more_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v instruct_v in_o satan_n sophistry_n to_o elude_v argument_n of_o comfort_n if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o look_v towards_o god_n the_o more_o experience_n will_v you_o have_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n deceitfulness_n sothat_a you_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o we_o ordinary_o do_v with_o common_a liar_n hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n when_o they_o speak_v the_o truth_n concern_v you_o if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o neglect_v both_o grace_n and_o assurance_n know_v that_o the_o more_o difficult_o will_v you_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o accept_v of_o grace_n the_o long_a you_o delay_v it_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n heb._n 3._o 13._o the_o spirit_n grieve_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o get_v grace_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o if_o you_o get_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o testify_v that_o you_o have_v it_o though_o god_n give_v such_o man_n grace_v as_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o last_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o encouragement_n to_o other_o to_o delay_v in_o like_a manner_n if_o he_o shall_v ordinary_o let_v they_o know_v it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o get_v it_o much_o more_o difficult_a when_o delay_v many_o soul_n for_o many_o year_n together_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n and_o when_o they_o drink_v mingle_v their_o drink_n with_o weep_v their_o sleep_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n be_v overcast_v with_o a_o sad_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n they_o go_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o ordinance_n rise_v many_o a_o night_n to_o pray_v when_o other_o sleep_n chasten_v their_o soul_n with_o fast_v and_o go_v heavy_o all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o this_o as_o i_o say_v for_o divers_a year_n together_o and_o this_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o year_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o with_o much_o ado_n can_v get_v little_a more_o than_o some_o flash_n of_o comfort_n now_o and_o then_o some_o gleam_n of_o light_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o to_o save_v they_o at_o a_o desperate_a pinch_n and_o after_o long_a exercise_n in_o a_o doubtful_a medley_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n a_o sad_a twilight_n of_o sorrow_n and_o support_n at_o last_o recover_v this_o testimony_n in_o and_o to_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o person_n who_o out_o of_o wilfulness_n or_o spiritual_a sloth_n put_v off_o the_o procure_n this_o bless_a certainty_n to_o themselves_o till_o old_a age_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n shall_v sudden_o leap_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a damnable_a estate_n into_o a_o assure_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n sure_o the_o stream_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n be_v least_o favourable_a to_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n itself_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o slow_a in_o give_v as_o they_o be_v in_o seek_v this_o assure_v testimony_n chap._n xi_o certain_a hindrance_n of_o get_v assurance_n of_o our_o adoption_n remove_v quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thereby_o be_v assure_v of_o my_o justification_n and_o adoption_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v divers_a hindrance_n to_o be_v temove_v and_o then_o divers_a direction_n to_o be_v follow_v hindrance_n be_v 1_o a_o secret_a murmur_a frame_n of_o spirit_n against_o god_n present_a dispensation_n towards_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o wont_a course_n with_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n have_v set_v thou_o up_o as_o the_o only_a mark_n of_o his_o displeasure_n which_o discontent_n be_v secret_o augment_v by_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o attainment_n of_o other_o such_o and_o such_o have_v attain_v such_o and_o such_o comfort_n and_o walk_v cheerful_o but_o god_n keep_v i_o in_o the_o dark_a like_v they_o that_o be_v dead_a long_a ago_o and_o then_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o soul_n many_o time_n quarrel_n at_o god_n for_o do_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o wish_v any_o change_n even_o to_o what_o it_o be_v or_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v will_v god_n say_v they_o we_o have_v dye_v in_o egypt_n nay_o will_v god_n we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n any_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v thus_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o these_o tempest_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v make_v satan_n tennis-bal_n the_o gaze_a stock_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o ourselves_o etc._n etc._n friend_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n know_v the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v to_o smile_v on_o thy_o heart_n by_o these_o mean_n such_o a_o dogged_a sullen_a frame_n of_o spirit_n will_v but_o procure_v thou_o the_o more_o lash_n and_o continue_v thou_o the_o long_o in_o the_o wilderness_n israel_n murmur_n keep_v they_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n hereby_o they_o vex_v god_n holy_a spirit_n isai_n 63._o 10_o and_o so_o do_v thou_o and_o thou_o may_v expect_v a_o proportionable_a deal_n at_o god_n hand_n 2_o a_o kind_n of_o delight_n in_o complain_v against_o thyself_o and_o take_v satan_n part_n many_o time_n in_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o own_o soul_n sometime_o a_o kind_n of_o sinful_a humility_n sometime_o a_o apprehension_n of_o ease_n in_o vent_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sometime_o a_o design_n of_o provoke_v other_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o apply_v those_o corrosive_n and_o terror_n to_o they_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o portion_n make_v many_o person_n liberal_a in_o charge_v themselves_o in_o this_o sort_n and_o sometime_o satan_n help_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o themselves_o then_o indeed_o belong_v to_o they_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n beyond_o measure_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o the_o vile_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o constant_a use_n i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n grow_v out_o of_o such_o libel_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v never_o so_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o that_o tune_n i_o grant_v a_o serious_a moderate_a and_o discreet_a complain_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o want_n to_o such_o from_o who_o advice_n and_o prayer_n we_o may_v expect_v good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v get_v their_o advice_n and_o prayer_n they_o know_v our_o condition_n particular_o and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o help_v we_o by_o such_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o case_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a but_o necessary_a but_o to_o be_v always_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n urge_v these_o indictment_n against_o one_o self_n and_o mere_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v put_v from_o ourselves_o those_o comfortable_a truth_n which_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v fasten_v upon_o we_o do_v but_o more_o indispose_v we_o to_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n and_o teach_v satan_n a_o art_n of_o trouble_v we_o everlasting_o with_o our_o own_o like_n and_o approbation_n take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n that_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n till_o he_o can_v find_v no_o matter_n of_o complaint_n against_o himself_o may_v go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o thank_v himself_o for_o it_o 3._o a_o unthankful_a denial_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o material_a ground_n of_o all_o regular_a assurance_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n or_o at_o least_o mitigate_a qualify_a and_o extenuate_v they_o this_o ordinary_o accompany_v the_o former_a a_o soul_n that_o delight_v itself_o in_o pick_v quarrel_n against_o its_o own_o peace_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o bring_v to_o own_o any_o good_a concern_v itself_o tell_v a_o man_n in_o this_o frame_n sir_n you_o be_v one_o of_o god_n call_v once_o for_o you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o a_o gracious_a change_n upon_o your_o heart_n you_o now_o hate_v sin_n &_o count_v it_o your_o great_a burden_n which_o once_o you_o love_v and_o judge_v it_o your_o great_a comfort_n you_o have_v a_o unsatisfiable_a longing_n after_o christ_n not_o only_o in_o his_o merit_n but_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o without_o he_o you_o have_v a_o heart_n perfect_o break_v off_o from_o all_o your_o old_a company_n and_o all_o your_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n
be_v yea_o &_o amen_o sure_a and_o firm_a in_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o purchase_n propter_fw-la pretium_fw-la solutum_fw-la as_o a_o bargain_n be_v to_o the_o purchaser_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o price_n whether_o any_o man_n think_v they_o so_o or_o no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v they_o sure_a to_o the_o party_n for_o who_o they_o be_v purchase_v per_fw-la possessionem_fw-la inchoatam_fw-la by_o a_o inchoated_a possession_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o lard_n of_o canaan_n by_o a_o few_o cluster_n of_o grape_n and_o a_o man_n enter_v upon_o a_o great_a estate_n by_o the_o cut_n of_o a_o turf_n upon_o the_o land_n assurance_n be_v a_o turf_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n by_o the_o spirit_n i_o can_v add_v many_o more_o place_n i_o will_v name_v at_o present_a only_o one_o more_o and_o that_o be_v rom._n 5._o 5._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o abundant_a shed_v abroad_o of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o our_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a if_o one_o man_n build_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o in_o business_n of_o concernment_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o produce_v he_o in_o open_a court_n his_o testimony_n come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n or_o his_o testimony_n appear_v suspicious_a a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o lose_v his_o cause_n but_o his_o hope_n also_o and_o be_v public_o shame_v for_o his_o confidence_n in_o such_o a_o testimony_n but_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n plentiful_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o will_v never_o make_v we_o ashamed_a his_o testimony_n will_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o his_o cause_n up_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o deputy_n conscience_n whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n whether_o here_o or_o hereafter_o at_o the_o great_a day_n 2._o reason_n and_o herein_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o assurance_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v regular_o be_v a_o demonstration_n a_o demonstration_n say_v logician_n be_v syllogismus_fw-la scientificus_fw-la a_o argument_n that_o produce_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n conclude_v demonstration_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o and_o why._n 1_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v i_o can_v certain_o prove_v that_o the_o tree_n live_v because_o it_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o leaf_n and_o fruit_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o present_a good_a temper_n of_o body_n because_o he_o have_v a_o good_a pulse_n and_o this_o be_v call_v demonstratio_fw-la ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la or_o demonstratio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o the_o spirit_n certain_o prove_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o adoption_n thus_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o certain_a testimony_n the_o major_n of_o this_o argument_n he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a scripture_n and_o set_v forth_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o minor_a or_o second_v proposition_n be_v true_a by_o experience_n which_o i_o see_v by_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v i_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v demonstrative_o true_a such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n 2_o why_o it_o be_v and_o this_o also_o have_v place_n here_o i_o can_v certain_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v day_n because_o the_o sun_n shine_v that_o make_v day_n so_o if_o the_o spirit_n conclude_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v of_o god_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o argument_n be_v demonstrative_a and_o produce_v where_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o home_n a_o certain_a assent_n this_o be_v demonstratio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o conclude_v the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o good_a estate_n by_o a_o argument_n à _fw-la priori_fw-la that_o be_v by_o that_o which_o constitute_v he_o in_o such_o a_o estate_n as_o suppose_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o conversion_n which_o constitute_v he_o such_o or_o rather_o whether_o his_o only_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o that_o convert_v grace_n that_o make_v he_o so_o because_o grace_n in_o its_o first_o generation_n be_v dark_a answ_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n 1._o if_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o immediate_o testify_v or_o mediate_o but_o not_o by_o argument_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v heretofore_o than_o he_o can_v assure_v a_o man_n without_o the_o present_a use_n of_o either_o of_o these_o mean_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o please_v work_v a_o immediate_a consent_n to_o this_o proposition_n at_o first_o conversion_n i_o be_o at_o this_o instant_n beget_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o minor_a proposition_n in_o the_o syllogism_n which_o be_v a_o implicit_a assurance_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o spirit_n testify_v as_o he_o ordinary_o do_v i_o e._n by_o argument_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o own_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o evidence_n or_o in-evidence_n of_o the_o proposition_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o conclusion_n if_o the_o spirit_n give_v light_a to_o they_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v tell_v a_o soul_n under_o his_o own_o vis_fw-la plastica_fw-la in_o the_o very_a womb_n of_o renew_v grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o regeneration_n this_o work_n i_o be_o now_o work_v be_v a_o regenerate_a work_n god_n be_v now_o beget_v true_a grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a evidence_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o conclusion_n thou_o regenerate_v person_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n every_o one_o who_o god_n beget_v to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o certain_o from_o scripture_n the_o assumption_n but_o thou_o be_v one_o who_o god_n at_o this_o instant_n have_v beget_v to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v true_a by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n testify_v to_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n who_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v enable_v to_o feel_v that_o work_n upon_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o evidence_n may_v be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n though_o it_o be_v à _fw-fr priori_fw-la yet_o will_v i_o be_v understand_v wary_o in_o what_o caution_n caution_n i_o say_v herein_o 1._o i_o only_o affirm_v a_o possibility_n of_o receive_v assurance_n this_o way_n not_o a_o usual_a or_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o all_o or_o any_o that_o i_o know_v in_o particular_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o hear_v oftentimes_o plead_v for_o by_o some_o of_o god_n precious_a one_o who_o experience_n in_o this_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v more_o than_o i_o i_o can_v say_v less_o than_o this_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o of_o a_o antinomian_a spirit_n that_o reject_v all_o trial_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o regeneration_n which_o i_o still_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a road_n way_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v assurance_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v more_o 2_o remember_v that_o before_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o habitual_a and_o fix_v settle_a permanent_a actual_a assurance_n be_v collect_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o follow_v the_o first_o act_n of_o unite_n grace_n though_o a_o present_a temporary_a actual_a assurance_n may_v possible_o be_v give_v in_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o actual_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v so_o assure_v at_o first_o not_o to_o rest_v there_o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o ratify_v and_o habituate_v that_o assurance_n
of_o it_o if_o i_o have_v never_o so_o good_a a_o evidence_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o blot_v it_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o my_o evidence_n if_o the_o title_n be_v questionable_a again_o which_o it_o confirm_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o few_o of_o god_n people_n enjoy_v a_o uninterrupted_n actual_a assurance_n indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sparkle_n of_o glory_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v bear_v it_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n though_o never_o so_o full_a to_o a_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o one_o court_n it_o carry_v the_o judgement_n without_o far_a ado_n may_v be_v upon_o review_v in_o another_o court_n call_v into_o question_n again_o and_o be_v perplex_v so_o by_o a_o cunning_a lawyer_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v questionable_a again_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o once_o give_v full_a assurance_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v by_o satan_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o court_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o make_v disputable_a again_o yet_o as_o to_o habitual_a assurance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v by_o doubt_v it_o may_v be_v dip_v but_o not_o drown_v it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o swoon_n but_o not_o die_v a_o saint_n may_v say_v to_o satan_n when_o he_o triumph_n most_o over_o his_o assurance_n as_o the_o church_n mic._n 7_o 8_o 9_o rejoice_v not_o over_o i_o etc._n etc._n when_o i_o be_o in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n god_n have_v promise_v it_o isa_n 57_o 15_o 16_o 17._o heaviness_n may_v endure_v for_o a_o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n psal_n 306._o and_o indeed_o assurance_n be_v god_n seal_n and_o earnest_n if_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v not_o without_o repentance_n neither_o be_v his_o covenant_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n irrevocable_a if_o god_n recall_v his_o earnest_n he_o recant_v his_o bargain_n as_o the_o take_v a_o earnest_n back_o again_o among_o mâ—n_z make_v the_o bargain_n void_a and_o the_o puâ—ling_n off_o a_o seal_n cancel_v the_o deed._n yet_o let_v i_o not_o herein_o be_v mistake_v i_o will_v caution_n caution_n not_o be_v conceive_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n always_o recover_v his_o assurance_n again_o after_o loss_n in_o this_o life_n in_o as_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o he_o once_o have_v it_o a_o man_n may_v lose_v his_o assurance_n for_o his_o ill_a manage_n of_o it_o and_o possible_o such_o may_v be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n as_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o let_v he_o lie_v long_o under_o break_a bone_n and_o whenever_o by_o renew_v repentance_n he_o recover_v it_o he_o may_v just_o withdraw_v from_o he_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o presence_n which_o he_o have_v before_o nay_o i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v not_o after_o lose_v assurance_n if_o lose_v in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o provocation_n on_o his_o part_n go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o hardly_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o 15._o isai_n 3â—_n 15._o act_v it_o again_o direct_o and_o formal_o yet_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o may_v be_v still_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o in_o itself_o still_o capable_a to_o be_v reduce_v into_o act_n but_o that_o he_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v in_o his_o own_o way_n incapable_a of_o revive_v the_o act_n of_o it_o now_o that_o even_o in_o such_o a_o one_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o remain_v still_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o he_o still_o produce_v some_o visible_a fruit_n of_o it_o keep_v up_o a_o contest_v though_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o faint_a one_o with_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o quite_o lay_v down_o the_o weapon_n to_o despair_v that_o though_o he_o apprehend_v his_o hope_n exceed_o small_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o they_o by_o all_o satan_n offer_n and_o even_o in_o this_o darkness_n many_o time_n choose_v affliction_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o that_o holy_a martyr_n that_o under_o those_o sad_a desertion_n be_v go_v to_o the_o stake_n and_o reâ—olved_v to_o die_v though_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o actual_a assurance_n again_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v but_o glover_n glover_n all_o these_o act_n be_v not_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o assurance_n but_o indirect_a and_o virtual_a act_n such_o as_o suffice_v to_o keep_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n together_o as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v ourselves_o but_o such_o as_o discover_v much_o of_o the_o vigour_n of_o a_o saint_n spiritual_a constitution_n to_o be_v impair_v other_o question_n there_o be_v that_o may_v be_v prâ—mised_v here_o but_o i_o shall_v find_v time_n to_o take_v they_o up_o in_o the_o application_n chap._n xxii_o popish_a doctrine_n concern_v doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n confute_v our_o own_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n examine_v where_o several_a case_n concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o heart_n this_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o confutation_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o doubt_v application_n application_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o papist_n and_o person_n among_o ourselves_o un-experienced_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n take_v for_o truth_n viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v in_o this_o life_n be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n these_o person_n rob_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o one_o of_o his_o special_a office_n that_o of_o be_v the_o comforter_n the_o lord_n jesus_n of_o one_o of_o the_o glorious_a fruit_n of_o his_o ascension_n which_o be_v the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o his_o people_n to_o that_o end_n god_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o glory_n and_o service_n at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n of_o it_o that_o that_o proceed_v from_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n the_o saint_n of_o their_o great_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n support_v in_o tribulation_n comfort_n in_o suffering_n and_o hope_v in_o death_n and_o last_o evacuate_v one_o main_a end_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v therefore_o at_o least_o a_o main_a part_n of_o they_o write_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5_o 13._o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v abhor_v the_o romish_a synagogue_n yet_o be_v this_o sufficient_a that_o they_o profess_o hold_v forth_o a_o doctrine_n of_o despair_n that_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o comfortable_o live_v nor_o die_v but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o that_o preach_v up_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n shall_v preach_v down_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n love_v i_o or_o hate_v i_o as_o i_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v obey_v or_o not_o obey_v persevere_v or_o not_o persevere_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o frequent_a fail_n i_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a hesitancy_n as_o to_o my_o estate_n no_o certainty_n in_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n use_v 2._o this_o let_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o possible_o we_o get_v therefrom_o be_v sound_a and_o certain_a or_o no._n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o it_o be_v sound_a if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o not_o it_o be_v suspicious_a and_o can_v afford_v no_o sufficient_a and_o satisfactory_a peace_n unto_o our_o spirit_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o no_o may_v not_o satan_n be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o may_v not_o i_o reason_v myself_o into_o it_o and_o if_o so_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o these_o answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a question_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o some_o time_n more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o sift_v the_o difficulty_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o then_o take_v it_o away_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o something_o be_v i_o shall_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n as_o 1_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o satan_n may_v so_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n as_o to_o suggest_v to_o a_o man_n a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o good_a condition_n he_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o plausible_a doctrine_n and_o comfortable_a dream_n where_o with_o they_o pronounce_v peace_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o
those_o experience_n whereas_o man_n shall_v bring_v their_o experience_n to_o the_o word_n and_o not_o the_o word_n to_o their_o experience_n and_o then_o one_o misinterpretation_n draw_v on_o another_o and_o thus_o they_o multiply_v into_o vain_a jangle_n and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n but_o true_a assurance_n be_v a_o serious_a solid_a thing_n &_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o general_a experimental_a knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n which_o once_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n it_o seal_v unto_o and_o so_o it_o confirm_v a_o man_n in_o a_o practical_a savoury_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o whence_o such_o a_o sonl_n be_v full_a of_o the_o hide_a treasure_n of_o divine_a truth_n save_o digest_v and_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o nothing_o but_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n from_o heterogeneous_a employment_n and_o a_o little_a serious_a affective_a preparation_n of_o heart_n to_o ruminate_v upon_o they_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o constant_a feast_n upon_o those_o dainty_n in_o his_o own_o private_a retirement_n and_o to_o communicate_v liberal_o of_o the_o same_o fare_n to_o other_o thence_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o grate_v his_o ear_n or_o afflict_v his_o spirit_n then_o to_o have_v the_o strength_n and_o fervour_n of_o his_o zeal_n draw_v out_o into_o controversy_n see_v he_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o spend_v his_o time_n and_o that_o better_a as_o a_o study_a scholar_n that_o by_o long_a study_n and_o experience_n have_v digest_v all_o manner_n of_o learning_n and_o can_v upon_o all_o occasion_n make_v profitable_a use_n of_o it_o will_v think_v his_o time_n lose_v to_o hear_v a_o company_n of_o fresh_a man_n maintain_v a_o dispute_n about_o grammatical_a and_o logical_a trifle_n but_o a_o young_a raw_a head_a fantastical_a novice_n that_o have_v get_v a_o little_a flashy_a learning_n in_o his_o brain_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n and_o think_v himself_o the_o brave_a fellow_n in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o can_v wrangle_v out_o such_o a_o inconsiderable_a dispute_n 7_o and_o last_o true_a assurance_n be_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o humility_n &_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o intimate_v a_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n shall_v not_o reflect_v low_a thought_n upon_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o such_o a_o man_n can_v but_o say_v lord_z what_o be_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o what_o for_o such_o a_o peevish_a unbebelieve_n impatient_a soul_n as_o i_o that_o have_v tempt_v thou_o by_o abundance_n of_o murmur_n and_o other_o sinful_a provocation_n even_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n to_o be_v notwithstanding_o so_o carry_v in_o thy_o arm_n and_o cheer_v with_o thy_o smile_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o spirit_n o_o what_o be_o i_o vile_a wretch_n that_o god_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o i_o false_a assurance_n on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v proud_a boast_v self-conceited_a etc._n etc._n chap._n xxiv_o a_o case_n how_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o true_a assurance_n be_v mere_o rational_o gather_v or_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n quest_n how_o may_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o a_o true_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v get_v mere_o by_o rational_a deduction_n or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v out_o of_o a_o man_n brain_n or_o wrought_v into_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n answ_n i_o can_v but_o help_v you_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o difference_n these_o work_n though_o they_o real_o differ_v in_o themselves_o yet_o to_o appearance_n be_v very_o like_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v wary_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n 1._o most_o of_o the_o former_a distinction_n between_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o a_o false_a assurance_n from_o satan_n and_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n may_v be_v repeat_v here_o a_o true_a assurance_n get_v in_o a_o irregular_a way_n want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n to_o elevate_v and_o improve_v it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n so_o it_o must_v act_v only_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o be_v and_o by_o consequence_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n but_o moral_n and_o rational_a to_o the_o production_n of_o those_o impression_n of_o purity_n holiness_n watchfulness_n heavenly_a mindedness_n patience_n seriousness_n and_o solidness_n of_o spiritual_a self-entertainment_n humility_n and_o so_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v thin_a and_o scanty_a and_o superficial_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o same_o effect_n when_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a assurance_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v ordinary_o find_v in_o the_o world_n a_o kind_n of_o formal_a cold_a thin-spread_a honesty_n just_o enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o as_o we_o say_v in_o many_o person_n that_o be_v real_o godly_a of_o who_o a_o man_n may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n gal._n 2._o 6._o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o in_o conference_n add_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v the_o first_o difference_n there_o be_v a_o mighty_a odds_o between_o a_o man_n divine_o assure_v and_o rational_o assure_v in_o the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o all_o those_o fruit_n wherein_o it_o show_v itself_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n a_o man_n that_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o truth_n teach_v it_o with_o far_o more_o life_n and_o authority_n than_o a_o man_n who_o see_v it_o only_o in_o a_o rational_a probable_a light_n 2._o in_o a_o mere_a rational_a assurance_n there_o be_v formido_fw-la oppositi_fw-la as_o in_o a_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n hold_v mere_o on_o probable_a ground_n though_o a_o man_n may_v stiff_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o contrary_a conclusion_n yet_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o confidence_n be_v but_o probable_a and_o therefore_o such_o in_o which_o he_o may_v be_v deceive_v he_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o subject_a to_o say_v but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o this_o while_n and_o though_o this_o opinion_n be_v truth_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o useful_a conclusion_n as_o branch_n grow_v from_o its_o root_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v but_o probable_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o mere_o with_o a_o reserve_n this_o be_v true_a to_o i_o in_o the_o mind_n i_o now_o be_o in_o but_o i_o may_v possible_o see_v ground_n to_o alter_v my_o judgement_n thus_o in_o point_n of_o assurance_n rational_a assurance_n be_v it_o never_o so_o full_a exclude_v not_o haesitancy_n thence_o you_o shall_v find_v when_o you_o have_v reason_v with_o a_o doubt_a christian_n a_o long_a time_n it_o may_v be_v when_o you_o go_v away_o from_o he_o you_o leave_v he_o to_o appearance_n well_o satisfy_v and_o pretty_a comfortable_a as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v but_o a_o while_n after_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o heart_n have_v have_v a_o little_a time_n to_o unravel_v the_o web_n of_o your_o reason_n he_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o a_o unstable_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o judgement_n let_v a_o orthodox_n preacher_n speak_v a_o hour_n with_o strength_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n upon_o a_o controvert_v point_n the_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o altogether_o of_o his_o mind_n but_o this_o hold_v only_o till_o the_o next_o cunning_a seducer_n assault_v he_o with_o counter-reason_n and_o then_o the_o man_n waver_v and_o cry_v why_o may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o if_o twenty_o come_v one_o after_o another_o he_o shall_v still_o suspect_v what_o the_o former_a have_v say_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o latter_a thence_o a_o man_n rational_o assure_v can_v to_o the_o most_o say_v no_o more_o for_o himself_o then_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o allude_v to_o his_o expression_n in_o another_o case_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o incline_v to_o think_v good_o of_o myself_o then_o former_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o thereby_o justify_v i_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v deceive_v but_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v what_o if_o that_o that_o i_o take_v for_o love_n of_o god_n be_v but_o lelfe-love_n and_o what_o if_o that_o that_o i_o take_v for_o repentance_n be_v but_o legal_a sorrow_n and_o what_o if_o my_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a fall_v out_o with_o sin_n without_o
devil_n to_o be_v more_o busy_a than_o ordinary_a from_o a_o principle_n of_o envy_n to_o endeavour_v to_o supplant_v you_o this_o move_v he_o to_o tempt_v adam_n and_o eve_n as_o a_o proud_a favourite_n shall_v never_o want_v enemy_n who_o will_v endeavour_v to_o lift_v he_o out_o of_o the_o saddle_n 2_o this_o make_v we_o neglect_v our_o walk_n and_o while_o we_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n by_o our_o high_a conceit_n we_o fall_v into_o many_o a_o undiscerned_a 18_o prov._n 16._o 18_o ditch_n that_o be_v dig_v by_o the_o cunning_a tempter_n for_o our_o soul_n 3_o last_o this_o so_o offend_v god_n that_o it_o provoke_v he_o to_o change_v his_o countenance_n towards_o the_o soul_n and_o endeavour_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o disease_n by_o withhold_a those_o dainty_n which_o feed_v the_o humour_n nothing_o more_o provoke_v a_o prince_n then_o to_o see_v a_o favourite_n grow_v insolent_a upon_o the_o encouragement_n of_o his_o smile_n so_o god_n psalm_n 138._o 6._o he_o know_v the_o proud_a afar_o off_o before_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o banquet_a house_n and_o kiss_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o now_o use_v they_o slight_o 3_o take_v heed_n of_o security_n you_o be_v upon_o a_o high_a pinnacle_n and_o you_o bad_a need_n look_v to_o your_o stand_n you_o have_v a_o charge_n of_o precious_a jewel_n about_o you_o and_o it_o become_v you_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n in_o every_o bush_n and_o by-lane_n you_o have_v many_o thief_n lie_v in_o wait_n for_o it_o no_o head_n be_v more_o thoughtful_a no_o person_n sleep_v less_o no_n man_n brain_n work_v more_o than_o a_o great_a favourite_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v secure_a and_o free_a from_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n will_v quick_o be_v ruine_v the_o sleepiness_n of_o a_o soldier_n upon_o the_o guard_n may_v rout_n a_o army_n more_o than_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o adversary_n if_o the_o guard_n give_v timely_a notice_n of_o their_o approach_n if_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o thy_o soul_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n to_o fear_v always_o lest_o thou_o be_v rob_v of_o it_o holy_a fear_n be_v the_o best_a sentinel_n that_o thou_o can_v employ_v to_o secure_v thy_o treasure_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o rejoice_v before_o the_o lord_n with_o tremble_a psal_n 2._o 11._o hezekiah_n have_v a_o bitter_a time_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v at_o once_o sick_a in_o body_n and_o afflict_v in_o mind_n too_o isai_n 38._o and_o when_o come_v this_o upon_o he_o see_v v._o 17._o upon_o my_o peace_n i_o have_v great_a bitterness_n it_o surprise_a he_o when_o he_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o expect_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o example_n of_o david_n will_v serious_o be_v think_v upon_o by_o a_o heart_n that_o love_v to_o keep_v acquaintance_n with_o god_n psal_n 30._o 6_o 7._o he_o have_v be_v when_o he_o pen_v that_o psalm_n under_o a_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v principal_o that_o or_o whether_o it_o grow_v to_o that_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o but_o it_o seem_v the_o hide_v of_o god_n face_n be_v a_o main_a matter_n in_o his_o trouble_n but_o that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o observe_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o withdraw_a on_o god_n part_n which_o be_v so_o sad_o resent_v on_o he_o see_v for_o 6._o in_o my_o prosperity_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v why_o so_o what_o security_n have_v david_n that_o make_v he_o so_o secure_a of_o his_o estate_n why_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n extraordinary_a favour_n lord_n by_o thy_o favour_n thou_o have_v make_v my_o mountain_n to_o stand_v strong_a i_o build_v upon_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o think_v i_o have_v such_o a_o settle_a patent_n of_o it_o as_o nothing_o shall_v ever_o bring_v my_o title_n into_o question_n again_o but_o while_o david_n be_v secure_a god_n begin_v to_o alter_v his_o countenance_n thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v v_o 7._o 2._o beware_v of_o carnal_a boast_n of_o your_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n this_o ordinary_o be_v the_o breath_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n i_o caution_n you_o against_o carnal_a boast_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a thankful_a boast_n of_o god_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v allow_v and_o call_v unto_o psalm_n 34._o 2._o 1_o chron._n 16._o 10._o psalm_n 64._o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 31._o but_o this_o be_v a_o serious_a grave_a thing_n intend_v principal_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n by_o procure_v praise_n from_o serious_a christian_n on_o our_o behalf_n or_o for_o the_o encourage_n and_o draw_v on_o of_o other_o to_o choose_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n upon_o the_o inducement_n of_o our_o experience_n and_o it_o be_v main_o and_o principal_o accompany_v with_o a_o lowly_a and_o humble_a esteem_n of_o ourselves_o that_o which_o i_o here_o condemn_v and_o caution_n you_o against_o be_v a_o slight_a vainglorious_a and_o useless_a boast_n of_o spiritual_a experience_n in_o any_o frothy_a vain_a company_n with_o a_o design_n to_o advance_v a_o man_n self_n or_o his_o party_n or_o draw_v proselyte_n to_o his_o new_a way_n which_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o tongue_n of_o many_o vain_a person_n in_o these_o day_n believe_v it_o if_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o reality_n in_o those_o experience_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o will_v be_v more_o soberâ—_n and_o self-denying_a and_o modest_o spare_v in_o speak_v of_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o have_v be_v discipline_v against_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o his_o revelation_n be_v so_o modest_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o experience_n in_o a_o three_o person_n i_o know_v a_o man_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v take_v into_o the_o three_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 12._o 2._o he_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v i_o paul_n but_o leave_v we_o to_o gather_v it_o be_v himself_o by_o some_o intimation_n which_o he_o let_v fall_v by_o the_o by_o a_o man_n that_o travel_v to_o london_n with_o a_o great_a treasure_n will_v not_o boast_v and_o crack_v of_o it_o in_o every_o company_n where_o he_o come_v lest_o he_o invite_v thief_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o it_o indeed_o when_o we_o consider_v who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v from_o other_o and_o that_o he_o that_o make_v we_o differ_v can_v easy_o take_v away_o that_o difference_n again_o and_o shake_v we_o together_o into_o the_o same_o bag_n with_o other_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o likely_a to_o provoke_v he_o to_o do_v so_o than_o such_o a_o foolish_a magnify_v of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o mere_a livery_n which_o his_o goodness_n give_v we_o to_o wear_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o ingenuous_a spirit_n to_o allay_v all_o the_o vaunt_n and_o cracking_n which_o they_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o 4_o take_v heed_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o ordinary_a incursion_n if_o they_o grow_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o want_n of_o watchfulness_n be_v enough_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o we_o but_o if_o we_o adventure_v upon_o sin_n of_o presumption_n and_o wilfulness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o shoot_v our_o heart_n full_a of_o poison_a arrow_n and_o break_v our_o bone_n on_o the_o rack_n of_o his_o heavy_a displeasure_n david_n adventure_v so_o once_o but_o he_o pay_v dear_a for_o it_o he_o lose_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n so_o that_o he_o begin_v to_o fear_v he_o shall_v never_o recover_v it_o again_o if_o the_o great_a favourite_n that_o be_v abuse_v a_o prince_n favour_n and_o presume_v upon_o it_o to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o extravagant_a and_o irregular_a practice_n it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n when_o his_o master_n come_v to_o know_v it_o to_o bring_v he_o under_o his_o severe_a frown_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o those_o who_o do_v such_o unjust_a thing_n will_v not_o dare_v do_v they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v encouragement_n from_o the_o power_n that_o countenance_n they_o and_o so_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o instrument_n redound_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o prince_n that_o employ_v they_o thus_o if_o person_n that_o pretend_v and_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o live_v high_a in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o be_v special_a favourite_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n shall_v adventure_v upon_o such_o practice_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a wretch_n of_o the_o world_n do_v if_o they_o shall_v lie_v and_o steal_v and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o indirect_a course_n to_o make_v they_o great_a and_o feather_n their_o nest_n in_o the_o world_n the_o dishonour_n of_o this_o reflect_v upon_o god_n the_o world_n will_v think_v that_o sure_a god_n love_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o well_o enough_o
the_o matter_n of_o thy_o complaint_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o not_o then_o it_o be_v worse_o than_o a_o matter_n of_o form_n to_o complain_v against_o thyself_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n disparage_v to_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o injurious_a to_o thyself_o and_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o thy_o brethren_n soul-complaint_n be_v contagious_a if_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v â—in_v thou_o it_o be_v well_o thou_o discover_v it_o though_o in_o such_o a_o way_n god_n may_v have_v a_o plot_n upon_o thou_o to_o force_v thou_o upon_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o thy_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o may_v be_v god_n hand_n on_o thy_o spirit_n not_o formality_n in_o thou_o which_o produce_v it_o now_o it_o may_v be_v he_o restrain_v thy_o spirit_n and_o straighten_v it_o to_o other_o discourse_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v this_o from_o thou_o chap._n xlii_o a_o case_n concern_v the_o trial_n of_o spiritual_a life_n or_o deadness_n under_o such_o suppose_a decay_n and_o another_o occasional_o concern_v a_o hypocrite_n delight_v in_o tiding_n of_o comfort_n from_o god_n quest_n but_o do_v you_o indeed_o think_v i_o be_o not_o quite_o dead_a how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_o or_o no_o answ_n well_o then_o i_o will_v adventure_v to_o be_v thy_o physician_n and_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o thy_o soul_n first_o then_o put_v this_o lookingglass_n to_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v i_o see_v do_v thou_o breath_n or_o no_o friend_n tell_v i_o what_o do_v you_o wish_v for_o be_v your_o heavenly_a desire_n all_o dead_a be_v there_o no_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o god_n be_v there_o no_o longing_n after_o his_o presence_n and_o image_n no_o pant_n after_o holiness_n and_o the_o total_a mortification_n of_o sin_n i_o believe_v many_o a_o saint_n be_v often_o at_o that_o pass_n in_o desertion_n that_o he_o dare_v say_v no_o more_o then_o lord_n thou_o know_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o isaiah_n 26-8_a and_o with_o nehemiah_n lord_n hearken_v and_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n nehem_n 1._o 11._o and_o yet_o in_o these_o desire_n be_v the_o breathe_n of_o a_o quicken_a and_o quicken_a spirit_n even_o the_o breathe_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o thou_o thou_o draw_v in_o the_o breath_n of_o heaven_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o breathe_v it_o out_o 2_o let_v i_o see_v thy_o tongue_n how_o be_v thy_o palate_n affect_v thou_o say_v thou_o taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o leave_v they_o then_o do_v thou_o find_v any_o thing_n sweet_a it_o may_v be_v thy_o mouth_n be_v out_o of_o taste_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o as_o thou_o think_v it_o be_v to_o they_o but_o tell_v i_o be_v it_o not_o the_o dress_n of_o a_o duty_n that_o make_v thou_o dis-relish_a it_o and_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o be_v dead_a in_o duty_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o delight_v with_o it_o it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n be_v public_a thou_o may_v upon_o this_o account_n not_o be_v affect_v because_o it_o may_v not_o be_v manage_v with_o life_n and_o power_n or_o it_o may_v not_o be_v manage_v suitable_o to_o thy_o condition_n and_o thou_o dis-relish_a all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o meet_v thy_o particular_a case_n herein_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o fail_v but_o it_o seem_v still_o hereby_o that_o thy_o disaffection_n be_v not_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n themselves_o but_o only_o to_o the_o dress_n of_o they_o and_o this_o appear_v in_o that_o thou_o wait_v on_o they_o still_o and_o expect_v when_o god_n will_v make_v a_o match_n between_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o ordinance_n by_o direct_v himself_o more_o particular_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o be_v not_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o they_o who_o leave_v the_o use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n because_o they_o disrelish_v they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o administration_n 3_o let_v i_o feel_v thy_o pulse_n how_o beat_v it_o towards_o the_o world_n how_o towards_o sin_n that_o will_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heart_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v alive_a there_o be_v no_o fear_n what_o thought_n be_v those_o that_o stir_v when_o a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v present_v when_o a_o temptation_n be_v offer_v to_o re-enter_v upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n do_v the_o heart_n beat_v then_o and_o do_v the_o pulse_n beat_v quick_a by_o way_n of_o anger_n and_o indignation_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o life_n when_o minus_fw-la grata_fw-la thing_n that_o be_v against_o nature_n cause_n a_o alteration_n in_o the_o body_n one_o that_o will_v start_v at_o a_o pinch_n or_o show_v any_o other_o alteration_n on_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o unpleasing_a object_n be_v alive_a for_o as_o i_o show_v you_o before_o fear_n be_v a_o live_a affection_n and_o such_o abhorrence_n arise_v from_o fear_n i_o never_o know_v any_o soul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o complainer_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v present_v to_o he_o his_o very_a hair_n and_o heart_n will_v rise_v against_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o antipathy_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n show_v a_o life_n suitable_a to_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o stir_v up_o a_o loathe_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o incline_v to_o the_o hatred_n of_o evil_a 4_o let_v i_o pinch_v thou_o a_o little_a friend_n if_o you_o be_v quite_o dead_a as_o you_o say_v you_o be_v then_o sure_o if_o god_n be_v dishonour_v never_o so_o much_o if_o his_o church_n and_o people_n be_v tread_v under_o foot_n if_o his_o gospel_n be_v carry_v away_o to_o another_o people_n if_o sin_n be_v commit_v round_o about_o the_o place_n of_o your_o residence_n with_o never_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n and_z with_o never_o so_o public_a approbation_n it_o be_v likely_a you_o be_v sensible_a of_o none_o of_o this_o let_v i_o try_v be_v you_o so_o come_v hither_o julian_n and_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o christ_n come_v bonner_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n come_v swearer_n drunkard_n unclean_a person_n and_o act_n over_o your_o horrid_a impiety_n before_o this_o person_n free_o sure_o if_o he_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o reproof_n in_o his_o mouth_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la dead_a man_n bite_v not_o how_o like_v you_o these_o thing_n oh_o sir_n do_v you_o startle_v do_v river_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o your_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o do_v the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_n god_n fall_v upon_o you_o psal_n 69._o 9_o be_v it_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o your_o bone_n to_o hear_v man_n blaspheme_v god_n and_o dispute_v down_o 10._o psalm_n 42._o 10._o truth_n and_o profess_v horrid_a iniquity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o perfection_n etc._n etc._n sure_o here_o be_v life_n pinch_v a_o dead_a man_n while_o you_o will_v and_o you_o can_v make_v he_o start_v 5_o you_o say_v you_o be_v dead_a if_o you_o be_v dead_a then_o what_o make_v you_o among_o live_a company_n do_v the_o dead_a use_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o live_n get_v thou_o hence_o from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n saint_n from_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o live_a man_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o man_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o put_v in_o thy_o lot_n among_o they_o discourse_n of_o ox_n and_o farm_n and_o merchandise_n but_o as_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o person_n that_o converse_v with_o he_o spiritual_o dead_a person_n do_v not_o use_v to_o have_v much_o to_o do_v with_o these_o be_v this_o harsh_a to_o thou_o do_v thou_o disrelish_v this_o exilement_n from_o god_n and_o saint_n be_v all_o thy_o delight_n in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o in_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n psal_n 16._o 3._o do_v thou_o defy_v the_o wicked_a and_o chase_v they_o from_o thou_o psal_n 6._o 8._o sure_o there_o be_v life_n in_o thou_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v fit_a company_n for_o none_o but_o those_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n they_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v free_a from_o the_o relation_n company_n and_o employment_n of_o live_a man_n 6_o thou_o say_v thou_o be_v dead_a i_o will_v try_v thou_o once_o with_o good_a news_n comfort_v you_o comfort_v you_o my_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n tell_v they_o that_o their_o warfare_n be_v accomplish_v isai_n 40._o 1_o 2._o my_o salvation_n be_v â—eer_o to_o come_v isa_n 56._o 1._o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v heb._n