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thing_n before_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v be_v a_o strengthen_n to_o my_o own_o faith_n to_o see_v the_o devil_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o to_o the_o godhead_n itself_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o mere_a temptation_n from_o satan_n that_o i_o complain_v of_o but_o it_o take_v too_o much_o with_o my_o sinful_a heart_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o doubt_v ofttimes_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o whether_o his_o providence_n determine_v of_o the_o thing_n here_o below_o or_o whether_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o the_o soul_n immortal_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o bewail_v and_o abhor_v it_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n make_v not_o light_a of_o it_o but_o look_v to_o it_o betimes_o but_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o degree_n of_o this_o blasphemy_n and_o infidelity_n may_v remain_v with_o the_o true_a save_v faith_n the_o best_a may_v say_v lord_n i_o 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and_o happiness_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o promise_a glory_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o your_o life_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o do_v deny_v yourself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o that_o end_n this_o be_v a_o true_a save_a faith_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o its_o victory_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o infidelity_n atheism_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o but_o again_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o heinous_a sin_n and_o bewail_v and_o detest_v the_o very_a lest_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v dangerous_a when_o the_o devil_n strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o heart_n &_o foundation_n of_o all_o your_o religion_n there_o be_v more_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n in_o this_o then_o in_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o never_o be_v motion_v to_o your_o soul_n without_o abhorrence_n two_o way_n the_o devil_n have_v to_o move_v it_o the_o one_o be_v by_o his_o immediate_a inward_a suggestion_n 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themselves_o to_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o thy_o promise_a glory_n righteous_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o have_v preserve_v the_o humble_a from_o this_o condemnation_n and_o have_v permit_v only_o the_o proud_a and_o sensual_a professor_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o hellish_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o hellish_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o a_o terror_n to_o other_o than_o a_o snare_n i_o call_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n hellish_a from_o its_o original_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n but_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o opinion_n or_o practice_n in_o hell_n he_o that_o tempt_v other_o to_o deny_v the_o godhead_n the_o christian_a faith_n the_o scripture_n the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v no_o whit_n doubt_v of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o himself_o but_o believe_v and_o tremble_v o_o fearful_a blindness_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v hear_v if_o not_o receive_v these_o blasphemy_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o apostate_n professor_n which_o they_o will_v abhor_v if_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o the_o devil_n himself_o with_o what_o sad_a complaint_n and_o tremble_a do_v poor_a sinner_n cry_v out_o and_o not_o without_o cause_n o_o i_o be_o haunt_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a temptation_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o god_n shall_v sudden_o destroy_v i_o that_o ever_o such_o thought_n shall_v come_v into_o my_o heart_n but_o if_o a_o instrument_n of_o the_o devil_n come_v and_o plead_v against_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o christ_n himself_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o with_o less_o detestation_n the_o devil_n know_v that_o familiarity_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o take_v that_o from_o a_o man_n which_o we_o will_v abhor_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o immediate_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o give_v you_o now_o a_o particular_a preservative_n against_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n only_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o infidelity_n apostasy_n and_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o by_o any_o seducer_n the_o devil_n do_v overcome_v you_o herein_o you_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o your_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n doubt_v xviii_o i_o have_v so_o great_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v with_o god_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v no_o grace_n for_o if_o i_o have_v paul_n spirit_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o he_o i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n whereas_o now_o no_o news_n will_v be_v to_o i_o more_o unwelcome_a answer_n there_o be_v a_o loathness_n to_o die_v that_o come_v from_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v god_n more_o service_n and_o another_o that_o come_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o unreadiness_n when_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v more_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n first_o or_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o meet_v our_o lord_n blame_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v somewhat_o backward_o that_o know_v it_o must_v go_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n according_a as_o he_o be_v find_v at_o death_n but_o these_o two_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v as_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v now_o at_o this_o time_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o in_o all_o man_n live_v good_a and_o bad_a a_o natural_a abhorrence_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n god_n have_v put_v this_o into_o man_n nature_n even_o in_o innocency_n to_o be_v his_o great_a mean_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o man_n will_v live_v in_o ordâ—â—_n or_o be_v keep_v in_o obedience_n but_o for_o this_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o own_o life_n be_v master_n of_o another_o grace_n do_v not_o root_v out_o this_o abhorrency_n of_o death_n no_o more_o than_o it_o unman_v we_o only_o it_o restrain_v it_o from_o excess_n and_o so_o far_o overcome_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o passion_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o better_a life_n beyond_o death_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v the_o more_o quiet_o and_o willing_o submit_v to_o it_o paul_n himself_o desire_v not_o death_n but_o the_o life_n which_o follow_v it_o he_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n that_o be_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v in_o heaven_n then_o on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v content_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o penal_a sharp_a passage_n god_n do_v not_o command_v you_o to_o desire_v death_n itself_o nor_o forbid_v you_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n only_o he_o
we_o doubt_n we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o doubt_n i_o know_v you_o may_v easy_o tell_v a_o long_a and_o a_o sad_a story_n of_o your_o sin_n how_o you_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o and_o that_o and_o many_o a_o distemper_n and_o weak_a and_o want_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o have_v commit_v many_o sin_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n learn_v therefore_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o every_o sin_n but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n for_o every_o sin_n direction_n xxx_o 30._o whatsoever_o new_a doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o your_o soul_n see_v that_o you_o careful_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o general_n grace_n or_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o especial_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o when_o you_o want_v or_o lose_v your_o certainty_n of_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n you_o have_v present_o recourse_n to_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o lose_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o or_o if_o you_o shall_v lose_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o probability_n of_o special_a grace_n yet_o see_v that_o you_o have_v recourse_n at_o the_o utmost_a to_o general_n grace_n and_o never_o let_v go_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o rule_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a necessity_n and_o use_n for_o your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n here_o be_v three_o several_a degree_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n it_o be_v exceed_a weakness_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o of_o these_o hold_v therefore_o to_o let_v go_v the_o other_o too_o and_o because_o he_o can_v have_v the_o high_a degree_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o complain_n still_o remember_v the_o two_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o 1._o all_o doubt_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o have_v the_o same_o cure_n let_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v upon_o every_o doubt_n be_v this_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vnbelieving_a or_o low_a apprehension_n of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o from_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fit_a remedy_n for_o one_o of_o these_o will_v do_v little_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o your_o doubt_v be_v only_o whether_o you_o be_v sincere_a in_o believe_v love_a hope_v repent_v and_o obey_v then_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v this_o doubt_n though_o you_o discern_v never_o so_o much_o of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o christ_n gracious_a office_n or_o the_o universal_a sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n for_o i_o profess_v considerate_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o all_o the_o body_n of_o popery_n concern_v merit_n justification_n humane_a satisfaction_n assurance_n or_o any_o other_o point_n about_o grace_n for_o which_o we_o unchurch_n they_o that_o they_o err_v half_a so_o dangerous_o as_o saltmarsh_n and_o such_o antinomian_o do_v in_o this_o one_o point_n when_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o meaning_n it_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o must_v no_o more_o question_v our_o own_o faith_n than_o we_o must_v question_v christ_n the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o save_a plea_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o say_v though_o i_o repent_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o yet_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a or_o christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v for_o i_o or_o god_n make_v i_o a_o free_a promise_n and_o gift_n of_o salvation_n if_o i_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v what_o comfort_n will_v such_o a_o answer_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v now_o to_o quiet_a any_o know_a christian_a against_o those_o doubt_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o particular_a evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n though_o in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereto_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o any_o defect_n in_o your_o apprehension_n of_o general_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o your_o look_v after_o mark_v in_o yourself_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o resolve_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n lie_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o square_a foundation_n which_o will_v bear_v up_o all_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n first_o god_n merciful_a and_o unconceivable_o good_a and_o gracious_a nature_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n second_o the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n and_o man_n with_o his_o most_o gracious_a undertake_v office_n of_o save_v and_o reconcile_n three_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v accept_v he_o and_o his_o grace_n i_o put_v it_o in_o term_n beyond_o dispute_n because_o i_o will_v not_o build_v up_o believer_n comfort_n on_o point_n which_o godly_a divine_n do_v contradict_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o doubt_n myself_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o all_o and_o that_o no_o man_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n but_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v it_o or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o yield_v to_o recover_v grace_n the_o four_o be_v the_o universal_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o right_o to_o salvation_n on_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n or_o overlook_v of_o any_o of_o these_o to_o these_o must_v you_o have_v recourse_n for_o your_o 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together_o in_o one_o effect_n even_o in_o expelling_a trouble_n from_o the_o heart_n yet_o dare_v i_o scarce_o say_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o so_o of_o my_o justification_n especial_o when_o temptation_n have_v prevail_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n interest_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o my_o estimation_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v appear_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o when_o i_o have_v think_v how_o much_o strong_a trial_n i_o may_v yet_o be_v put_v to_o which_o other_o daily_o undergo_v especial_o the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n do_v often_o make_v i_o fear_v than_o those_o of_o persecution_n and_o adversity_n i_o be_o sometime_o afraid_a lest_o it_o be_v but_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o body_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o object_n and_o smallness_n of_o temptation_n that_o make_v they_o no_o more_o prevail_v with_o i_o and_o that_o if_o i_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o body_n as_o other_o and_o be_v in_o that_o dignity_n wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o some_o be_v whether_o honour_n carâ—al_a pleasure_n sport_n delightful_a meat_n drink_n beauty_n and_o such_o vanity_n may_v not_o carry_v i_o away_o as_o i_o see_v they_o do_v other_o that_o make_v as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o holiness_n yet_o do_v not_o these_o doubt_v much_o affright_n or_o disquiet_v i_o because_o i_o find_v god_n at_o present_a possess_v i_o with_o those_o resolution_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o for_o christ_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o have_v experience_n of_o abundance_n of_o prevent_v and_o sustain_a grace_n and_o because_o i_o find_v at_o the_o present_a that_o god_n enable_v i_o to_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dross_n and_o dung_n for_o he_o and_o easy_o without_o much_o reluctancy_n to_o empty_v my_o purse_n for_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o time_n and_o strength_n for_o he_o and_o his_o church_n and_o with_o some_o good_a success_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n in_o any_o activity_n or_o prevalency_n to_o be_v any_o high_a in_o the_o world_n than_o i_o be_o but_o think_v god_n have_v choose_v out_o for_o i_o the_o best_a condition_n and_o station_n that_o i_o can_v have_v desire_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o then_o for_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v my_o case_n it_o be_v my_o strong_a opinion_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o rootedness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v thorough_o sanctify_v do_v ever_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o which_o christ_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n fall_v away_o in_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o deep_a root_n mat._n 13._o and_o i_o be_o yet_o more_o confident_a that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n shall_v ever_o fall_v away_o and_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o root_v through-christians_a be_v elect._n but_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o this_o that_o all_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n and_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o total_o and_o final_o who_o sincere_o believe_v and_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o put_v it_o into_o my_o creed_n among_o either_o the_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o undoubted_a verity_n i_o know_v how_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o i_o know_v how_o general_o the_o primitive_a father_n think_v otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n can_v know_v their_o mind_n by_o their_o write_n i_o know_v that_o austin_n himself_o the_o mall_n of_o the_o pelagian_n seem_v to_o be_v either_o unresolved_a or_o more_o against_o this_o perseverance_n then_o for_o it_o i_o know_v how_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n do_v differ_v from_o i_o and_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n i_o know_v how_o sad_a and_o shake_a example_n this_o age_n have_v afford_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a proper_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o perseverance_n and_o so_o not_o full_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o salvation_n nor_o so_o near_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o salvation_n as_o i_o be_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o faith_n justification_n adoption_n and_o sanctification_n yet_o be_o i_o so_o strong_o confident_a of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v hold_v out_o and_o be_v save_v that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o overcome_v my_o trouble_n and_o fear_n but_o also_o enable_v i_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o to_o desire_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o to_o think_v of_o death_n with_o much_o more_o contentedness_n and_o
place_n more_o tho_o we_o must_v have_v no_o thought_n of_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n or_o ceremony_n in_o ourselves_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o woman_n do_v forsake_v her_o husband_n because_o she_o comfort_v herself_o in_o this_o that_o she_o have_v not_o forsake_v he_o or_o be_v false_a and_o unchaste_a thence_o gather_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n or_o that_o a_o servant_n forsake_v his_o master_n or_o a_o subject_n his_o prince_n or_o a_o parent_n be_v forsake_v by_o his_o child_n because_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n gather_v thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o flat_a rebel_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v use_v as_o rebel_n or_o that_o any_o that_o enter_v covenant_n with_o superior_n do_v forsake_v they_o because_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o their_o keep_a covenant_n as_o a_o sign_n that_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v keep_v with_o they_o all_o these_o be_v as_o wise_a collection_n as_o to_o gather_v that_o a_o man_n forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o set_v up_o his_o own_o in_o stead_n of_o it_o because_o he_o look_v at_o his_o not_o forsake_v refuse_v and_o vilify_n of_o christ_n his_o love_n and_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o christ_n as_o comfortable_a sign_n that_o christ_n will_v not_o forsake_v and_o reject_v he_o do_v these_o man_n think_v that_o a_o rebel_n may_v have_v the_o love_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o as_o much_o comfort_n from_o he_o as_o a_o loyal_a subject_n or_o a_o whorish_a woman_n have_v as_o much_o love_n and_o comfort_n from_o her_o husband_n as_o a_o faithful_a wife_n or_o a_o stubborn_a rebellious_a son_n or_o servant_n have_v as_o much_o love_n and_o comfort_n from_o their_o father_n or_o master_n as_o the_o dutiful_a if_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o relation_n as_o hitherto_o we_o have_v suppose_v between_o a_o sovereign_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o a_o husband_n and_o marriage-faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o a_o master_n and_o service_n to_o he_o and_o a_o father_n and_o love_a obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v suppose_v such_o a_o strange_a opposition_n as_o these_o man_n do_v certain_o god_n do_v not_o so_o when_o he_o say_v mal._n 1.6_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n and_o isa_n 1.3_o 4._o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o anger_n they_o be_v go_v away_o backward_o and_o jer._n 3.19_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o my_o father_n and_o shall_v not_o depart_v away_o from_o i_o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o let_v he_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o delight_v in_o iniquity_n or_o regard_v it_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n say_v david_n himself_o doubtless_o paul_n do_v not_o forsake_v christ_n righteousness_n by_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n among_o you_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o with_o many_o the_o like_o which_o i_o before_o mention_v nor_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n turn_v man_n off_o from_o his_o righteousness_n when_o he_o say_v well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n because_o thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o a_o very_a little_a i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o much_o luke_n 19.17_o mat._n 25.23_o and_o call_v they_o thereupon_o righteous_a say_v and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n everlasting_a mat._n 25._o last_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o further_o acquaint_v you_o what_o use_v you_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o observation_n concern_v the_o dependence_n of_o assurance_n upon_o actual_a obedience_n and_o 1._o i_o advise_v you_o if_o your_o soul_n remain_v in_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n and_o you_o can_v enjoy_v god_n in_o any_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n nor_o see_v any_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o faith_n take_v a_o serious_a view_n of_o your_o obedience_n and_o faithful_o survey_v your_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o your_o daily_a carriage_n to_o god_n in_o both_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o provoke_v god_n to_o a_o unusual_a jealousy_n if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v either_o the_o increase_n of_o some_o carnal_a interest_n in_o your_o heart_n or_o else_o the_o wilful_a or_o negligent_a fall_n into_o some_o actual_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n in_o the_o make_n of_o this_o search_n you_o have_v need_n to_o be_v exceed_o cautelous_a for_o if_o i_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o business_n your_o peace_n or_o trouble_n comfort_n or_o discomfort_v will_v main_o depend_v on_o this_o and_o your_o care_n must_v lie_v in_o this_o point_n that_o you_o diligent_o avoid_v these_o two_o extreme_n first_o that_o you_o do_v not_o deal_v negligent_o and_o unfaithful_o with_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o either_o unwilling_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n or_o unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o that_o labour_n which_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v at_o before_o you_o can_v know_v it_o second_o that_o you_o do_v not_o either_o condemn_v yourself_o when_o your_o conscience_n do_v acquit_v you_o or_o vex_v your_o soul_n with_o needless_a scruple_n or_o make_v unavoidable_a or_o ordinary_a infirmity_n to_o seem_v such_o wilful_a heinous_a sin_n as_o shall_v quite_o break_v your_o settle_a peace_n o_o how_o narrow_a be_v the_o path_n between_o these_o two_o mistake_a road_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n and_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o keep_v in_o it_o for_o yourself_o and_o all_o tender_a conscience_a christian_n that_o be_v hearty_o willing_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o christ_n i_o will_v persuade_v you_o equal_o to_o beware_v of_o both_o these_o because_o some_o soul_n be_v as_o inclinable_a to_o the_o late_a extreme_a as_o to_o the_o former_a during_o their_o trouble_n but_o for_o the_o most_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v have_v they_o first_o and_o principal_o avoid_v the_o former_a and_o that_o with_o far_o great_a diligence_n than_o the_o late_a for_o 1._o natural_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v far_o proner_o to_o deal_v too_o remissly_a yea_o unfaithful_o with_o themselves_o in_o search_v after_o their_o sin_n than_o too_o scrupulous_o and_o tender_o the_o best_a man_n have_v so_o much_o pride_n and_o carnal_a self-love_n that_o it_o will_v strong_o incline_v they_o to_o excuse_v or_o mince_v or_o hide_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o think_v far_o lightly_a and_o more_o favourable_o of_o it_o then_o they_o shall_v do_v because_o it_o be_v they_o how_o be_v the_o case_n alter_v with_o judah_n towards_o thamar_n when_o he_o once_o see_v it_o be_v his_o own_o act_n how_o be_v david_n zeal_n for_o justice_n allay_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n this_o be_v the_o most_o common_a cause_n why_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o hold_v our_o eye_n on_o our_o transgression_n by_o force_n because_o we_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o do_v it_o more_o voluntary_o and_o why_o he_o open_v our_o sin_n in_o such_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a colour_n to_o we_o because_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a either_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o nothing_o or_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n and_o overlook_a they_o and_o why_o god_n do_v hold_v we_o so_o long_o on_o the_o rack_n because_o we_o will_v still_o ease_v ourselves_o by_o uningenuous_a excuse_n and_o extenuation_n and_o why_o god_n do_v break_v the_o skin_n so_o oft_o and_o keep_v open_a our_o wound_n because_o we_o be_v still_o heal_v they_o by_o such_o carnal_a shift_n this_o proud_a sin-excusing_a distemper_n need_v no_o other_o proof_n or_o discovery_n than_o our_o great_a tenderness_n and_o backwardness_n in_o submit_v to_o reproof_n how_o long_o do_v we_o excuse_v sin_n and_o defend_v our_o pretend_a innocency_n as_o long_o we_o can_v find_v a_o word_n to_o say_v for_o it_o do_v not_o daily_a experience_n of_o this_o sad_a distemper_n even_o in_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a discover_v full_o to_o we_o that_o most_o man_n yea_o natural_o all_o be_v far_o
service_n or_o deal_v false_o in_o some_o cause_n that_o he_o have_v trust_v thou_o in_o have_v not_o thou_o come_v off_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o when_o thou_o have_v deny_v thy_o most_o importunate_a appetite_n and_o most_o cross_v thy_o lust_n and_o most_o humble_a and_o abase_v thyself_o for_o god_n and_o deny_v thy_o credit_n and_o take_v shame_n to_o thyself_o in_o a_o free_a confess_v of_o thy_o fault_n or_o patient_o put_v up_o the_o great_a abuse_n or_o humble_v and_o tame_v thy_o flesh_n by_o necessary_a abstinence_n or_o any_o way_n most_o displease_v it_o by_o cross_v its_o interest_n by_o bountiful_a give_v laborious_a duty_n danger_n or_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o truth_n and_o people_n have_v it_o not_o be_v far_o better_o with_o thou_o in_o thy_o peace_n and_o comfort_n then_o before_o i_o know_v some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o may_v be_v from_o carnal_a pride_n in_o our_o own_o do_v or_o suffer_v i_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o therefore_o let_v all_o watch_n against_o that_o but_o i_o be_o certain_a that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinary_a deal_n with_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v ordinary_o expect_v it_o it_o be_v for_o their_o encouragement_n in_o faithful_a duty_n and_o i_o may_v true_o say_v for_o their_o reward_n when_o himself_o call_v that_o a_o reward_n which_o he_o give_v for_o a_o cup_n of_o water_n lay_v well_o to_o heart_n that_o example_n of_o abraham_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o often_o extol_v in_o the_o scripture_n viz._n his_o readiness_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n this_o be_v a_o dear_a obedience_n and_o say_v god_n because_o mark_n because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n david_n will_v not_o offer_v to_o god_n that_o which_o cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24.24_o 1_o chron._n 21.24_o god_n will_v have_v the_o best_a of_o your_o heart_n the_o best_a of_o your_o labour_n the_o best_a of_o your_o estate_n the_o best_a of_o all_o or_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v it_o abel_n sacrifice_n be_v of_o the_o best_a and_o it_o be_v accept_v and_o god_n say_v to_o cain_n if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o thou_o be_v accept_v see_v this_o be_v so_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o take_v it_o not_o for_o a_o calamity_n but_o for_o a_o precious_a advantage_n when_o god_n call_v thou_o to_o a_o hazardous_a costly_a service_n which_o be_v like_a to_o cost_v thou_o much_o of_o thy_o estate_n to_o cost_v thou_o the_o loss_n of_o thy_o chief_a friend_n the_o loss_n of_o thy_o credit_n the_o indignation_n of_o great_a one_o or_o the_o painfull_a diligence_n and_o trouble_n of_o body_n shift_v it_o not_o off_o but_o take_v this_o opportunity_n thankful_o lest_o thou_o never_o have_v such_o another_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o thy_o sincerity_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a consolation_n from_o god_n thou_o have_v now_o a_o prize_n in_o thy_o hand_n for_o spiritual_a riches_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o heart_n to_o improve_v it_o i_o know_v all_o this_o be_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n but_o here_o be_v the_o very_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o faith_n it_o look_v for_o its_o great_a spoil_n and_o rich_a prize_n from_o its_o conquest_n of_o fleshly_a interest_n it_o be_v not_o only_o able_a to_o do_v it_o but_o it_o expect_v its_o advancement_n and_o consolation_n by_o this_o way_n it_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o war_n with_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n and_o in_o this_o war_n it_o play_v not_o the_o vapour_a fencer_n that_o seem_v to_o do_v much_o but_o never_o strike_v home_o as_o hypocrite_n and_o carnal_a worldly_a professor_n do_v but_o he_o lay_v it_o home_o and_o spare_v not_o as_o one_o that_o know_v that_o the_o flesh_n ruin_n must_v be_v his_o rise_n and_o the_o flesh_v thrive_v will_v be_v his_o ruin_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o true_a christian_a alone_o be_v in_o good_a sadness_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o jest_n the_o lord_n pity_v poor_a delude_v soul_n you_o may_v see_v by_o this_o one_o thing_n how_o rare_a a_o thing_n true_a christianity_n be_v among_o the_o multitude_n that_o take_v themselves_o for_o christian_n and_o how_o certain_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v even_o this_o one_o point_n of_o true_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n be_v a_o stranger_n among_o the_o most_o of_o professor_n oh_o how_o sad_a a_o testimony_n of_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o these_o late_a time_n wherein_o so_o much_o have_v be_v do_v for_o self_n and_o safety_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o so_o little_a for_o christ_n yea_o and_o that_o after_o the_o deep_a engagement_n of_o mercy_n and_o vow_n that_o ever_o lie_v on_o a_o people_n in_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n they_o be_v now_o give_v up_o to_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o 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to_o have_v such_o full_a and_o frequent_a view_n both_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o evidence_a grace_n and_o of_o god_n reconcile_v face_n as_o will_v banish_v their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o their_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n then_o much_o other_o labour_n do_v prove_v if_o you_o flinch_v not_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o company_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o it_o if_o you_o flinch_v not_o the_o prison_n and_o stock_n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v as_o paul_n and_o silas_n do_v if_o you_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v stone_v with_o stephen_n you_o may_v perhaps_o see_v heaven_n open_v as_o he_o do_v if_o you_o think_v these_o comfort_n so_o dear_o buy_v that_o you_o will_v rather_o venture_v without_o they_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o may_v take_v your_o course_n but_o the_o end_n will_v convince_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o your_o choice_n never_o then_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n remember_v you_o may_v have_v have_v it_o and_o will_v not_o and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o this_o with_o you_o you_o will_v short_o find_v though_o worldly_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n be_v some_o slight_a salve_n to_o your_o molest_a conscience_n here_o yet_o there_o will_v no_o cure_n nor_o ease_n for_o it_o be_v find_v hereafter_o your_o merry_a hour_n will_v then_o all_o be_v go_v and_o your_o worldly_a delight_n forsake_v you_o in_o distress_n but_o these_o solid_a comfort_n which_o you_o judge_v too_o dear_a will_v have_v end_v in_o the_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o glory_n when_o man_n do_v flinch_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o strait_n and_o juggle_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o will_v take_v out_o all_o the_o honourable_a easy_a cheap_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o religion_n of_o that_o by_o itself_o leave_v out_o all_o the_o disgraceful_a difficult_a chargeable_a self-denying_a part_n and_o hereupon_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o the_o world_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o religiousness_n and_o take_v themselves_o injure_v if_o man_n question_v their_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o faith_n these_o man_n be_v notorious_a self-deceiver_n mere_a hypocrite_n and_o in_o plain_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a description_n by_o which_o damnable_a hypocrite_n be_v know_v from_o sound_a christian_n the_o lord_n open_a man_n eye_n to_o see_v it_o in_o time_n while_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v yea_o and_o the_o near_o any_o true_a christian_a do_v come_v to_o this_o sin_n the_o more_o do_v he_o disoblige_v god_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n and_o darken_v his_o own_o evidence_n and_o destroy_v his_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o create_v unavoidable_a trouble_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o estrangedness_n betwixt_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n avoid_v this_o therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v peace_n direction_n xxv_o 25._o my_o next_o advice_n shall_v be_v somewhat_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o former_a if_o you_o will_v learn_v the_o most_o expeditious_a way_n to_o peace_n and_o settle_a comfort_n study_v well_n the_o art_n of_o do_v good_a &_o let_v it_o be_v your_o every-day_n contrivance_n care_n and_o business_n how_o you_o may_v lay_v out_o all_o that_o god_n have_v trust_v you_o with_o to_o the_o great_a please_v of_o god_n and_o to_o your_o most_o comfortable_a account_n still_o remember_v lest_o any_o antinomian_a shall_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o savour_n of_o popery_n and_o trust_v for_o peace_n to_o our_o own_o work_n 1._o that_o you_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v any_o of_o christ_n honour_n or_o office_n to_o your_o best_a work_n you_o must_v not_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
when_o he_o may_v satisfy_v you_o more_o full_o and_o that_o without_o do_v hurt_v to_o other_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v in_o that_o have_v so_o many_o of_o so_o different_a condition_n inclination_n and_o conversation_n to_o preach_v to_o direction_n xxix_o 29._o be_v sure_a you_o forget_v not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o cause_n of_o mere_a humiliation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n where_o god_n call_v you_o but_o to_o humiliation_n amendment_n and_o fresh_a recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o rule_n be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o your_o peace_n that_o you_o will_v have_v daily_o use_v for_o it_o and_o can_v never_o maintain_v any_o true_a settle_a peace_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o poor_a christian_n to_o pour_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o complaint_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o miscarriage_n 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which_o be_v upon_o i_o be_v wrought_v no_o nor_o what_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n it_o be_v begin_v i_o have_v slide_v insensible_o into_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v not_o how_o and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o be_o not_o sincere_a and_o the_o work_n of_o true_a regeneration_n be_v never_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o my_o soul_n answer_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o the_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v not_o natural_a to_o we_o or_o convey_v by_o generation_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o our_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o be_v so_o with_o some_o all_o will_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o infant_n may_v be_v and_o be_v save_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n i_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n but_o mark_v what_o grace_n i_o mean_v the_o grace_n of_o remission_n of_o 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and_o do_v afterward_o inculcate_v it_o on_o they_o more_o and_o more_o 5._o these_o instruction_n of_o parent_n be_v usual_o second_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o child_n open_v their_o understanding_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o make_v a_o impression_n thereby_o upon_o the_o heart_n 6._o when_o these_o instruction_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v just_a past_o the_o preparatory_a part_n and_o above_o the_o high_a step_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o have_v attain_v to_o special_a save_a grace_n be_v ordinary_o undiscernible_a &_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o in_o god_n usual_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n man_n can_v know_v the_o just_a day_n or_o time_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o man_n that_o have_v long_o live_v in_o profaneness_n and_o be_v change_v sudden_o may_v conjecture_v near_o at_o the_o time_n yet_o those_o that_o god_n have_v be_v work_v 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sinful_a condition_n and_o some_o motion_n and_o strive_n at_o your_o heart_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o certain_o though_o you_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o have_v yet_o no_o grace_n to_o salvation_n yet_o these_o continue_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o your_o heart_n do_v show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o quite_o forsake_v you_o and_o that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o visitation_n be_v not_o past_a doubt_v xv._n but_o i_o have_v sin_v since_o my_o profession_n and_o that_o even_o against_o my_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n i_o have_v have_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v consider_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_o sober_a deliberation_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o have_v any_o true_a grace_n or_o be_v save_v answer_n 1._o if_o you_o have_v not_o true_a grace_n god_n be_v still_o offer_v it_o and_o ready_a to_o work_v it_o 2._o where_o do_v you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n do_v sin_n know_o or_o deliberate_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v in_o heb._n 10.24_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n ans_fw-fr but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o wilful_a sin_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v but_o as_o even_o now_o i_o tell_v you_o unbelief_n be_v peculiar_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n be_v if_o we_o utter_o renounce_v christ_n by_o infidelity_n as_o not_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n after_o we_o have_v know_v his_o truth_n then_o etc._n etc._n indeed_o none_o sin_n more_o against_o knowledge_n then_o the_o godly_a when_o they_o do_v sin_n for_o they_o know_v more_o for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o other_o do_v and_o passion_n and_o sensuality_n the_o remnant_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o remain_v will_v be_v work_v strong_o in_o your_o very_a deliberation_n against_o sin_n and_o either_o pervert_n the_o judgement_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a little_a sin_n or_o else_o blind_a it_o that_o it_o can_v see_v the_o argument_n against_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o full_a vigour_n or_o at_o least_o prepossess_v the_o heart_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o hinder_v our_o reason_n against_o sin_n from_o go_v down_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o work_n on_o the_o will_n and_o so_o from_o command_v the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n this_o may_v befall_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o moreover_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v from_o peter_n and_o david_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o our_o consideration_n will_v work_v but_o faint_o and_o sensuality_n and_o sinful_a passion_n will_v work_v effectual_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a i_o think_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o david_n can_v be_v so_o long_o about_o so_o horrid_a a_o sin_n and_o after_o contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n and_o all_o this_o without_o deliberation_n or_o any_o reason_n in_o himself_o to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v though_o this_o be_v to_o good_a cause_n for_o any_o repent_v sinner_n to_o doubt_v of_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n to_o commit_v it_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o upon_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v all_o that_o love_v their_o peace_n or_o salvation_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o as_o they_o will_v find_v that_o no_o sin_n do_v deepâ—ier_n wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o plunge_v the_o sinner_n into_o fearful_a perplexity_n which_o oft_o time_n hang_v on_o he_o very_o long_o so_o the_o often_o such_o zeal_n and_o passion_n but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v in_o these_o and_o not_o grow_v in_o the_o body_n of_o your_o grace_n doubtless_o satan_n himself_o may_v do_v much_o to_o kindle_v your_o zeal_n if_o he_o do_v but_o see_v it_o void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n as_o he_o do_v in_o james_n and_o john_n when_o they_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o for_o the_o doleful_a case_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o this_o age_n have_v put_v quite_o beyond_o dispute_n that_o none_o do_v the_o devil_n work_v more_o effectual_o nor_o oppose_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n more_o desperate_o than_o they_o that_o have_v the_o hot_a zeal_n with_o the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o as_o fire_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o chimney_n but_o in_o the_o thatch_n it_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o vile_a dung_n so_o be_v zeal_n most_o excellent_a when_o guide_v by_o sound_a judgement_n but_o more_o destructive_a than_o profane_a sensuality_n when_o it_o be_v let_v loose_a and_o misguided_a on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o may_v decay_v much_o in_o feeling_n and_o fervour_n of_o affection_n and_o yet_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o you_o do_v but_o grow_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will._n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o common_a growth_n which_o christian_n have_v in_o their_o age_n examine_v therefore_o whether_o you_o have_v this_o or_o no._n do_v you_o not_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_o than_o you_o former_o do_v do_v you_o not_o value_n god_n christ_n glory_n and_o grace_n at_o high_a rate_n then_o former_o be_v you_o not_o more_o full_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n to_o the_o death_n then_o former_o you_o have_v be_v i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a work_n for_o satan_n to_o draw_v you_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o flesh_n then_o heretofore_o when_o the_o tree_n have_v do_v grow_v in_o visible_a greatness_n it_o grow_v in_o rootedness_n the_o fruit_n grow_v first_o in_o bulk_n and_o quantity_n and_o then_o in_o mellow_a sweetness_n be_v not_o you_o less_o censorious_a and_o more_o peaceable_a than_o heretofore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v a_o more_o noble_a growth_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o austere_a and_o bitter_a youthful_a censorious_a divide_v zeal_n of_o many_o will_v prove_v mark_v most_o age_a experience_a christian_n that_o walk_v upright_o and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o quite_o outstrip_v the_o young_a 1._o in_o experience_n knowledge_n prudence_n and_o foundness_n of_o judgement_n 2._o in_o well-setled_n resolution_n for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o cause_n 3._o in_o a_o love_n of_o peace_n especial_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o dissension_n perverse_a contending_n and_o division_n if_o you_o can_v show_v this_o growth_n say_v not_o that_o you_o do_v not_o grow_v 3._o but_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o grow_v shall_v you_o therefore_o deny_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o soul_n that_o they_o grow_v when_o they_o do_v not_o but_o if_o you_o do_v not_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v it_o for_o the_o future_a make_v it_o your_o desire_n and_o daily_a business_n and_o spare_v not_o lie_v not_o still_o complain_v but_o rouse_v up_o your_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o set_v upon_o neglect_a duty_n and_o remove_v those_o corruption_n that_o hinder_v your_o growth_n converse_v with_o grow_v christian_n and_o under_o quicken_a mean_n endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o and_o than_o you_o will_v find_v that_o growth_n which_o will_v silence_v this_o doubt_n and_o do_v much_o more_o for_o you_o then_o that_o doubt_v xvii_o i_o be_o trouble_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a thought_n and_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n even_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n answer_n to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o gracelesness_n but_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n nor_o every_o yield_v neither_o but_o to_o be_v overcome_v of_o the_o temptation_n most_o melancholy_a people_n especial_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v frequent_o haunt_v with_o blasphemous_a temptation_n i_o have_v oft_o wonder_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o predominancy_n of_o that_o distemper_n scarce_o one_o person_n of_o ten_o who_o ever_o be_v with_o i_o in_o deep_a melancholy_n either_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o have_v be_v haunt_v with_o these_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o that_o so_o impetuous_o and_o violent_o set_v on_o and_o follow_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n yea_o even_o many_o that_o never_o seem_v godly_a or_o to_o mind_v any_o such_o
study_n for_o you_o make_v he_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o a_o minister_n labour_n be_v not_o in_o the_o pulpit_n if_o your_o sin_n be_v strong_a and_o you_o have_v wound_v conscience_n deep_a go_v for_o his_o advice_n for_o a_o safe_a cure_n many_o a_o man_n sore_n fester_v to_o damnation_n for_o want_v of_o this_o and_o poor_a ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n have_v far_o more_o need_n to_o do_v this_o then_o trouble_a conscience_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o the_o people_n of_o my_o congregation_n do_v but_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o private_a seek_v advice_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o open_v their_o case_n to_o they_o they_o will_v find_v work_n for_o ten_o minister_n at_o least_o and_o yet_o those_o two_o that_o they_o have_v have_v more_o work_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v already_o especial_o minister_n in_o small_a country_n congregation_n may_v do_v abundance_n of_o good_a this_o way_n and_o their_o people_n be_v much_o too_o blame_v that_o they_o come_v not_o often_o to_o they_o for_o advice_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v christian_n indeed_o the_o devil_n know_v this_o and_o therefore_o so_o envy_v it_o that_o he_o never_o do_v more_o against_o a_o design_n in_o the_o world_n he_o have_v get_v the_o maintenance_n alienate_v that_o shall_v have_v maintain_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v but_o one_o minister_n in_o a_o congregation_n and_o then_o among_o the_o great_a congregation_n this_o work_n be_v impossible_a for_o want_v of_o instrument_n yea_o he_o be_v about_o get_v down_o the_o very_a church_n and_o settle_a ministry_n if_o god_n will_v suffer_v he_o he_o set_v his_o instrument_n to_o rail_v at_o priest_n and_o discipline_n and_o to_o call_v christ_n yoke_n tyranny_n because_o while_o the_o garden_n be_v hedge_v in_o he_o be_v fain_o with_o envy_n to_o look_v over_o the_o hedge_n what_o if_o a_o man_n like_o those_o of_o our_o time_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o town_n that_o have_v a_o epidemical_a pleurifie_v or_o fever_n and_o say_v do_v not_o run_v lâ—ke_a fool_n to_o these_o physician_n they_o do_v but_o cheat_v you_o and_o rob_v your_o purse_n and_o seek_v themselves_o and_o seek_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o your_o life_n it_o be_v possible_a some_o do_v so_o but_o if_o by_o these_o persuasion_n the_o silly_a people_n shall_v lose_v their_o life_n how_o well_o have_v their_o new_a preacher_n befriend_v they_o such_o friend_n will_v those_o prove_v at_o last_o to_o your_o soul_n that_o dissuade_v you_o from_o obey_v the_o guidance_n and_o discipline_n of_o your_o overseer_n and_o dare_v call_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n tyrannical_a and_o reproach_v those_o that_o christ_n have_v set_v over_o they_o england_n will_v not_o have_v christ_n by_o his_o officer_n rule_v over_o they_o nor_o the_o several_a congregation_n will_v not_o obey_v he_o but_o he_o will_v make_v they_o know_v before_o many_o year_n be_v 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man_n yea_o or_o five_o do_v this_o to_o five_o thousand_o soul_n and_o then_o when_o it_o lie_v undo_v the_o malicious_a reproacher_n rail_v at_o the_o minister_n and_o accuse_v the_o people_n of_o unfitness_n to_o be_v church-member_n which_o howsoever_o there_o may_v be_v some_o cause_n of_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o suggest_v and_o that_o unfitness_n will_v best_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o diligence_n of_o more_o labourer_n which_o they_o think_v to_o cure_v by_o remove_v the_o few_o that_o do_v remain_v 3._o also_o some_o minister_n see_v that_o they_o have_v more_o work_n than_o they_o can_v do_v already_o think_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o more_o and_o therefore_o that_o its_o vain_a to_o put_v their_o people_n on_o it_o to_o seek_v more_o 4._o some_o minister_n be_v over-mode_a and_o and_o think_v it_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o desire_v people_n to_o open_v their_o secret_n to_o they_o in_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o open_v their_o want_n 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