yea_o and_o amen_o or_o precious_a promise_n and_o privilege_n spiritual_o unfold_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o use_n drive_v at_o the_o assurance_n and_o establish_n of_o weak_a believer_n by_o r._n sibbs_n d._n d._n master_n of_o katherine_n hall_n in_o cambridge_n and_o preacher_n of_o gray_n inn_n london_n reviewed_n by_o himself_o in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o since_o peruse_v by_o t._n g._n and_o p._n n._n london_n print_v by_o r._n bishop_n for_o r_o dawlman_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o humphrey_n mosley_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1638._o yea_o and_o amen_o or_o precious_a promise_n lay_v open_a out_o of_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o but_o as_o god_n be_v true_a our_o word_n towards_o you_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o by_o we_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o in_o he_o be_v yea_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o we_o the_o bless_a apostle_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o better_a place_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o hearer_n endeavour_n here_o with_o all_o diligence_n to_o wipe_v off_o any_o imputation_n which_o they_o may_v have_v against_o he_o that_o so_o his_o doctrine_n may_v come_v home_o to_o their_o soul_n and_o have_v the_o free_a access_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o conscience_n we_o have_v therefore_o in_o these_o word_n s._n paul_n apology_n for_o not_o come_v unto_o the_o chorinthians_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n wherein_o he_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o inconstancy_n in_o he_o but_o indeed_o from_o corruption_n in_o manner_n among_o they_o verse_n 23._o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v that_o to_o spare_v you_o i_o come_v not_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o man_n and_o as_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v promise_v many_o thing_n common_a to_o this_o life_n and_o may_v lawful_o vary_v afterward_o upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o real_a impediment_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o promise_v and_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o apostle_n they_o admit_v of_o no_o such_o uncertainty_n therefore_o his_o care_n be_v to_o decline_v all_o thought_n of_o waver_v therein_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v to_o the_o uttermost_a know_v well_o how_o ready_a false_a teacher_n will_v be_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o paul_n be_v as_o light_v in_o his_o preach_n as_o he_o be_v in_o keep_v his_o word_n with_o they_o therefore_o our_o word_n be_v true_a as_o god_n be_v true_a say_v he_o there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o evangelicall_n truth_n as_o there_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o jesus_n christ_n who_o i_o preach_v among_o you_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o whence_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o object_n of_o preach_v 1._o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v especial_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v christ_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o teach_n in_o his_o nature_n office_n and_o benefit_n in_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v all_o from_o he_o which_o be_v faith_n if_o we_o preach_v the_o law_n and_o discover_v man_n corruption_n it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o gospel_n free_a passage_n into_o their_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o press_v holy_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o make_v you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o teach_n be_v reductive_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n either_o to_o make_v way_n as_o john_n baptist_n do_v to_o level_v all_o proud_a thought_n and_o make_v we_o stoop_v to_o he_o or_o to_o make_v we_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o grace_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n must_v be_v break_v the_o sacrifice_n must_v be_v anatomize_v and_o lay_v open_a the_o riches_n of_o christ_n even_o his_o unsearchable_a riches_n must_v be_v unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v preach_v to_o all_o and_o therefore_o god_n who_o have_v appoint_v we_o to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n have_v also_o ordain_v preach_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o glory_n but_o to_o go_v forward_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o by_o i_o and_o sylvanus_n and_o tymotheus_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o here_o observe_v that_o the_o obseru._n consent_n of_o preacher_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o their_o hearer_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n in_o add_v sacrament_n and_o oath_n unto_o his_o promise_n thereby_o to_o show_v the_o more_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n towards_o we_o by_o yea_o here_o be_v mean_v certain_a constant_a vnvariable_a the_o time_n vary_v but_o not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o time_n the_o same_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v in_o all_o age_n sometime_o indeed_o it_o be_v more_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o the_o new_a testament_n divers_a truth_n more_o clear_o reveal_v than_o in_o the_o old_a there_o be_v not_o a_o new_a faith_n but_o a_o large_a explication_n of_o the_o old_a faith_n divine_a truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n always_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n now_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o all_o time_n to_o believe_v a_o catholic_a church_n certain_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o catholic_a truth_n to_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v search_v out_o what_o be_v that_o yea_o that_o positive_a doctrine_n in_o those_o apostolical_a time_n of_o the_o church_n purity_n before_o it_o be_v corrupt_v the_o church_n be_v not_o long_o a_o virgin_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n our_o present_a church_n hold_v the_o same_o positive_a truth_n with_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o therefore_o we_o say_v our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n because_o our_o doctrine_n be_v apostolical_a as_o also_o be_v our_o church_n that_o be_v continue_v thereby_o because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o apostolical_a doctrine_n put_v the_o case_n we_o can_v show_v the_o man_n as_o they_o rediculous_o urge_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v they_o conclude_v we_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v hence_o the_o true_a church_n may_v easy_o be_v discern_v the_o point_n of_o religion_n wherein_o our_o adversary_n differ_v from_o we_o be_v but_o patchery_n of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v not_o yea_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n their_o purgatory_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o sacrament_n of_o divers_a kind_n be_v devise_v by_o themselves_o afterward_o and_o indeed_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n many_o of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o neither_o be_v they_o ever_o establish_v by_o any_o counsel_n till_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n our_o positive_a point_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o seek_v the_o old_a way_n and_o the_o best_a way_n as_o jeremy_n advise_v we_o there_o be_v no_o popish_a trash_n in_o abraham_n time_n among_o the_o bless_a patriarch_n nor_o in_o christ_n time_n no_o nor_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o they_o come_v in_o by_o little_a and_o little_a by_o humane_a invention_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n a_o mere_a policy_n to_o get_v money_n and_o abuse_v the_o people_n indeed_o they_o hold_v many_o of_o our_o truth_n but_o they_o add_v something_o of_o their_o own_o to_o they_o they_o add_v necessity_n of_o tradition_n to_o the_o scripture_n merit_n to_o faith_n they_o add_v saint_n to_o christ_n in_o divine_a worship_n they_o have_v seven_o sacrament_n to_o our_o two_o they_o may_v safe_o therefore_o come_v to_o we_o than_o we_o to_o they_o we_o hold_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v only_o their_o own_o addition_n we_o hold_v not_o we_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o so_o much_o for_o that_o to_o touch_v only_o another_o point_n that_o border_n a_o little_a doct._n upon_o it_o divine_a truth_n be_v of_o a_o inflexible_a nature_n this_o cross_v another_o rule_n of_o they_o for_o they_o hold_v they_o may_v give_v what_o sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v and_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o present_a church_n must_v judge_v of_o all_o former_a
counsel_n what_o do_v the_o truth_n vary_v according_a to_o man_n judgement_n must_v we_o bring_v the_o strait_a rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a timber_n for_o to_o be_v measure_v shall_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n unerring_a truth_n shall_v present_a man_n interpret_v it_o thus_o and_o say_v it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o shall_v other_o that_o succeed_v after_o say_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v then_o now_o it_o be_v thus_o and_o must_v we_o believe_v all_o god_n forbid_v this_o declare_v that_o no_o 4._o man_n can_v dispense_v with_o god_n law_n this_o write_a word_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o truth_n be_v truth_n and_o error_n error_n whether_o man_n think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o or_o no._n reason_n be_v reason_n in_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o among_o we_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o country_n as_o well_o as_o here_o principle_n of_o nature_n vary_v not_o as_o language_n do_v they_o be_v inbred_a thing_n and_o if_o principle_n of_o nature_n be_v inviolable_a and_o indispensable_a much_o more_o be_v divinity_n filth_n be_v filth_n we_o all_o confess_v opinion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o therefore_o what_o be_v against_o nature_n none_o can_v dispense_v withal_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o what_o be_v naught_o in_o one_o age_n be_v naught_o in_o another_o and_o for_o ever_o naught_o there_o be_v no_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n can_v dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o with_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o may_v comfortable_o live_v by_o but_o the_o undoubted_a light_n of_o christ_n write_v word_n i_o speak_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o cross_v their_o base_a practice_n who_o when_o god_n call_v they_o to_o stand_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o truth_n they_o will_v bend_v and_o bow_v the_o sacred_a truth_n which_o be_v always_o yea_o and_o amen_o to_o their_o own_o by_o end_n and_o base_a respect_n as_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n this_o be_v to_o make_v god_n no_o god_n be_v not_o right_a right_a be_v not_o the_o law_n the_o law_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n a_o word_n that_o alter_v not_o but_o remain_v steadfast_a to_o all_o eternity_n assure_v yourselves_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o we_o must_v maintain_v to_o the_o death_n not_o only_o in_o oppose_a heresy_n but_o resist_v of_o impiety_n wheresoever_o we_o meet_v it_o john_n baptist_n be_v a_o martyr_n when_o he_o stand_v out_o against_o herod_n and_o say_v thou_o must_v not_o have_v thy_o brother_n philip_n wife_n he_o will_v not_o be_v meal-mouthed_a in_o reprove_v his_o sin_n but_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o it_o though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o for_o base_a end_n deny_v the_o least_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a sparkle_n from_o himself_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o he_o be_v amen_o this_o come_v in_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o word_n that_o i_o preach_v say_v paul_n be_v unvariable_a because_o christ_n himself_o be_v always_o yea_o and_o i_o have_v preach_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n among_o you_o my_o preach_v then_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o immutable_a truth_n there_o be_v divers_a reading_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o most_o material_a be_v as_o this_o translation_n and_o the_o best_a expositor_n have_v it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o that_o be_v they_o be_v certain_a and_o constant_a in_o he_o and_o then_o they_o be_v amen_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o they_o be_v make_v and_o in_o he_o they_o be_v accomplish_v the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o sake_n they_o be_v first_o give_v and_o in_o he_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v as_o christ_n himself_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o so_o be_v all_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o undoubted_o eternal_o and_o unchangable_o true_a to_o all_o posterity_n here_o be_v divers_a truth_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o take_v notice_n that_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n it_o have_v please_v our_o good_a god_n to_o establish_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o second_o adam_n by_o who_o we_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n in_o which_o happy_a condition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n without_o some_o promise_n in_o his_o christ_n so_o that_o god_n now_o deal_v all_o by_o promise_n with_o we_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o how_o can_v poor_a dust_n and_o ash_n dare_v to_o challenge_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n without_o a_o warrant_n from_o himself_o how_o can_v the_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v what_o conscience_n you_o know_v be_v a_o knowledge_n together_o with_o god_n how_o can_v that_o rest_n quiet_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o what_o it_o be_v assure_v come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o promise_n for_o any_o good_a i_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n it_o behoove_v i_o to_o have_v some_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o it_o this_o be_v his_o constant_a course_n of_o dispensation_n to_o his_o people_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v always_o under_o hope_n we_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n now_o hope_v look_n still_o to_o the_o promise_n whereof_o some_o part_n be_v unperformed_a how_o do_v heaven_n differ_v from_o earth_n but_o in_o this_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n all_o for_o performance_n here_o we_o have_v some_o performance_n to_o encourage_v we_o but_o be_v always_o under_o some_o promise_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n exceed_o differ_v from_o that_o in_o heaven_n here_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_n there_o it_o be_v by_o vision_n vision_n be_v fit_a for_o performance_n faith_n and_o hope_n look_v always_o to_o a_o word_n reveal_v god_n therefore_o rule_v his_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n for_o their_o great_a good_a alas_o what_o can_v we_o have_v from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o hiis_fw-la own_o good_a will_n may_v we_o look_v for_o favour_n from_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a conceit_n again_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n rule_v by_o promise_n 2._o in_o all_o age_n to_o exercise_v the_o faithful_a in_o prayer_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o god_n will_v see_v of_o what_o credit_n be_v among_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v rely_v upon_o his_o bare_a promise_n or_o no._n he_o may_v do_v we_o good_a and_o give_v we_o no_o promise_n but_o he_o will_v try_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o arm_v we_o against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n till_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v perform_v to_o we_o promise_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o imperfect_a condition_n and_o so_o be_v faith_n in_o they_o until_o our_o hope_n shall_v end_v in_o full_a possession_n and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o divine_a promise_n promise_n be_v better_a than_o earthly_a performance_n let_v god_n give_v man_n never_o so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o promise_n of_o better_a thing_n all_o will_v come_v to_o nothing_o at_o the_o last_o and_o therefore_o god_n support_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n against_o all_o temptation_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o sweet_a promise_n he_o will_v have_v they_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o always_o have_v relation_n to_o a_o promise_n this_o be_v a_o general_a ground_n then_o that_o god_n now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o way_n of_o promise_n but_o what_o be_v a_o promise_n a_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o promise_n love_n a_o intendment_n of_o bestow_v some_o good_a and_o remove_v some_o evil_n from_o we_o a_o declare_v of_o a_o man_n free_a engagement_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o promise_n it_o always_o come_v from_o love_n in_o the_o party_n promise_v and_o convey_v goodness_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n now_o what_o love_n can_v there_o be_v in_o god_n to_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n which_o must_v not_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o better_a foundation_n than_o ourselves_o if_o god_n love_v we_o it_o
his_o day_n god_n do_v this_o to_o mind_v he_o that_o he_o have_v that_o strength_n whereby_o he_o prevail_v out_o of_o himself_o a_o christian_a then_o shall_v use_v set_v upon_o nothing_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n hannah_n 9_o say_v comfortable_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v strong_a in_o his_o own_o might_n god_n be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n man_n natural_o affect_v a_o kind_n of_o divinity_n and_o will_v set_v upon_o thing_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n without_o prayer_n and_o seek_v of_o god_n help_n he_o think_v to_o compass_v great_a matter_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o good_a issue_n by_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o discretion_n oh_o delude_v not_o yourselves_o this_o can_v be_v acknowledge_v god_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v direct_v 3_o thy_o path_n seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o every_o enterprise_n thou_o go_v about_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o issue_n of_o all_o thy_o employment_n what_o do_v we_o but_o make_v ourselves_o god_n when_o we_o set_v upon_o business_n without_o invocation_n and_o dependence_n a_o christian_a be_v wondrous_a weak_a even_a vanity_n of_o himself_o but_o take_v he_o as_o he_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o god_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o almighty_a person_n â—e_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v he_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o sort_n omnipotent_a whilst_o he_o commit_v his_o way_n to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o promise_n otherwise_o he_o be_v weakness_n itself_o the_o most_o impotent_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n let_v god_n therefore_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o establi_fw-la sh_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o the_o same_o as_o all_o come_v of_o his_o mere_a grace_n so_o let_v all_o return_n to_o his_o mere_a glory_n not_o to_o we_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o 115._o name_n he_o give_v the_o praise_n it_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n that_o all_o glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o promise_n be_v in_o he_o he_o only_o make_v the_o covenant_n and_o he_o must_v perform_v it_o to_o we_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o labour_v therefore_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o wisdom_n strong_a in_o his_o strength_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o christ_n jesus_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v object_n that_o a_o man_n have_v establish_v grace_n his_o assurance_n be_v firm_a answ._n when_o his_o temptation_n be_v grace_n great_a and_o his_o strength_n to_o resist_v little_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o prevail_v over_o they_o satan_n be_v strong_a and_o subtle_a now_o if_o we_o can_v stand_v against_o his_o snare_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o great_a strength_n than_o be_v in_o ourselves_o in_o great_a affliction_n when_o goâ—_n seem_v a_o enemy_n and_o cloud_n appear_v between_o he_o and_o we_o if_o then_o a_o man_n faith_n can_v break_v through_o all_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n see_v god_n shine_v in_o christ_n upon_o he_o and_o resolve_v though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o here_o be_v a_o strong_a establish_n in_o the_o time_n of_o martyrdom_n there_o be_v fire_n and_o faggot_n and_o the_o frown_n of_o bloody_a man_n but_o who_o be_v the_o person_n suffer_v even_o many_o child_n old_a man_n and_o woman_n the_o weak_a of_o creature_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o these_o feeble_a one_o as_o their_o life_n be_v not_o precious_a to_o they_o but_o the_o torment_n and_o threaten_n of_o their_o cruel_a persecutor_n be_v cheerful_o undergo_v by_o they_o as_o heb._n 11._o here_o be_v god_n power_n in_o man_n infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v not_o something_o above_o nature_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v hold_v out_o in_o great_a trial_n mean_v to_o obtain_v stablish_v grace_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v a_o christian_a obtain_v this_o stablish_n grace_n first_o labour_n for_o fundamental_a grace_n grace_n if_o the_o root_n be_v strengthen_v the_o tree_n will_v stand_v fast_o humiliation_n be_v a_o special_a radical_a grace_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o low_a abasement_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n every_o grace_n have_v a_o mixture_n of_o humility_n because_o they_o be_v all_o dependence_n on_o god_n humility_n be_v a_o empty_v grace_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o if_o god_n withhold_v his_o influence_n i_o be_o go_v if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n i_o shall_v be_v like_o another_o man_n as_o samson_n be_v when_o his_o hair_n be_v cutoff_a selfe-emptinesse_n prepare_v for_o spiritual_a fullness_n when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v bless_v paul_n than_o i_o be_o strong_a that_o be_v when_o i_o feel_v and_o acknowledge_v my_o weakness_n than_o my_o strength_n increase_v otherwise_o a_o man_n be_v not_o strong_a when_o he_o be_v weak_a but_o when_o he_o be_v sensible_a and_o groan_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o infirmity_n then_o be_v he_o inward_o strong_a another_o fundamental_a grace_n be_v dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o consider_v our_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o lay_n hold_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o to_o justi_fw-la fie_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a to_o quiet_v the_o soul_n believe_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v as_o the_o promise_n be_v sure_a in_o themselves_o so_o shall_v we_o repose_v firm_a confidence_n in_o they_o but_o how_o do_v god_n establish_v object_n we_o by_o faith_n by_o work_v sound_a answ._n knowledge_n in_o we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o john_n 17._o when_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n aright_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a ground_n to_o depend_v on_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n know_v god_n in_o covenant_n the_o more_o he_o know_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o more_o he_o will_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o they_o that_o know_v 10._o thy_o name_n will_v trust_v in_o thou_o say_v the_o prophet_n therefore_o labour_n for_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o may_v have_v a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n our_o faith_n be_v weak_a because_o we_o be_v careless_a to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o god_n the_o morewe_n shall_v trust_v in_o he_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o just_a of_o his_o word_n the_o more_o safe_o we_o put_v confidence_n in_o he_o so_o the_o more_o our_o security_n be_v in_o god_n promise_n as_o his_o bond_n increase_v so_o our_o trust_n will_v be_v strengthen_v three_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v stablish_v grace_n beg_v prayer_n it_o earnest_o of_o god_n our_o strength_n in_o he_o be_v altogether_o by_o prayer_n bind_v he_o therefore_o with_o his_o own_o promise_n beseech_v he_o to_o do_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o his_o good_a word_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o strength_n desire_v of_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o strength_n allege_v to_o he_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o in_o ability_n without_o he_o &_o that_o if_o he_o help_v not_o thou_o shall_v soon_o be_v overcome_v lay_v open_a thy_o want_n in_o god_n presence_n show_v he_o how_o unable_a thou_o be_v of_o thyself_o to_o withstand_v temptation_n to_o bear_v cross_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n aright_o turn_v his_o gracious_a promise_n into_o prayer_n desire_v god_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v thou_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o will_v prop_v and_o uphold_v thy_o soul_n in_o all_o extremity_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o quest._n christian_n be_v so_o daunt_v and_o fly_v off_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n they_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n the_o righteous_a answ._n be_v as_o mount_v sinah_n that_o irksome_a shall_v not_o be_v move_v he_o build_v on_o a_o foundation_n that_o can_v never_o be_v shake_v for_o the_o heart_n be_v never_o draw_v to_o any_o sinful_a vanity_n or_o fright_v with_o any_o terror_n of_o trouble_n till_o faith_n let_v go_v its_o hold_n out_o of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o soul_n safe_o to_o stay_v itself_o upon_o no_o marvel_n to_o see_v man_n fall_v that_o rest_n on_o a_o break_a reed_n alas_o whatsoever_o be_v beside_o god_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n and_o can_v the_o creature_n be_v other_o than_o changeable_a the_o comfort_n that_o we_o have_v in_o god_n never_o fade_v it_o be_v a_o abide_n last_a comfort_n such_o as_o content_v the_o soul_n and_o satisfy_v all_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o it_o which_o thing_n
work_n he_o add_v therefore_o after_o all_o his_o seal_n to_o confirm_v we_o which_o seal_n be_v not_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v after_o 13._o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v where_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o seal_v distinguish_v first_o the_o soul_n be_v set_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o then_o follow_v assurance_n and_o establishment_n but_o what_o needs_o confirmation_n when_o we_o believe_v answ._n be_v not_o faith_n confirmation_n enough_o when_o a_o man_n may_v know_v by_o a_o private_a reflect_v act_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n this_o act_n of_o we_o in_o believe_v quest._n be_v oft_o terrible_o shake_v and_o god_n be_v wondrous_a desirous_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a of_o his_o love_n he_o know_v he_o can_v have_v no_o glory_n nor_o we_o any_o solid_a peace_n else_o therefore_o when_o we_o by_o faith_n have_v seal_v to_o his_o truth_n he_o see_v that_o we_o need_v further_a seal_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v currant_n and_o good_a for_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n the_o single_a witness_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o in_o great_a assault_n for_o sometime_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o toss_v and_o disquiet_v with_o temptation_n that_o we_o can_v reflect_v aright_o on_o ourselves_o nor_o discern_v what_o be_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n without_o much_o ado_n therefore_o god_n first_o work_v faith_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v i_o believe_v in_o christ_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o then_o seal_v this_o belief_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o seal_n be_v a_o work_n upon_o believe_v a_o honour_v of_o faith_n with_o a_o superadded_a confirmation_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v quest._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o spiritual_a seal_n in_o we_o i_o answer_v when_o we_o true_o answ._n believe_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o secret_a whisper_n and_o intimation_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o believe_a heart_n feel_v better_a than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o express_v say_v be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v there_o be_v a_o sweet_a kiss_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n refresh_v it_o with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o assure_v it_o that_o all_o enmity_n be_v now_o slay_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n thou_o be_v for_o ever_o i_o and_o i_o be_o thou_o because_o thou_o believe_v behold_v thou_o be_v honour_v to_o be_v my_o child_n again_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n quicken_v and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o heavenly_a ejaculation_n to_o god_n it_o stir_v up_o servant_n supplication_n to_o cry_n abba_n father_n the_o soul_n when_o it_o true_o believe_v have_v a_o bold_a and_o familiar_a speech_n to_o god_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v incompetible_a with_o a_o carnal_a man_n there_o be_v first_o a_o inward_a confidence_n and_o second_o a_o carnestnesse_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o he_o go_v to_o god_n as_o a_o child_n to_o his_o love_a father_n not_o consider_v his_o own_o worthiness_n or_o mean_n but_o the_o constant_a love_n that_o be_v bear_v to_o he_o this_o spiritual_a speech_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o our_o truth_n in_o grace_n because_o we_o can_v do_v that_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n can_v attain_v to_o three_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o we_o believe_v be_v know_v by_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n which_o it_o effect_v in_o we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n seal_v our_o spirit_n by_o stamp_v the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n upon_o we_o so_o as_o when_o a_o man_n find_v in_o his_o soul_n some_o lineament_n of_o the_o heavenly_a image_n he_o may_v know_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n when_o he_o find_v his_o heart_n subdue_v to_o humility_n and_o obedience_n to_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o gracious_a frame_n as_o christ_n be_v he_o may_v clear_o discern_v that_o he_o have_v something_o more_o than_o the_o old_a man_n in_o he_o when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v natural_o i_o be_o proud_a but_o now_o i_o can_v abase_v myself_o natural_o i_o be_o full_a of_o malice_n now_o i_o can_v love_v and_o pray_v hearty_o for_o my_o enemy_n natural_o i_o be_o lumpish_a &_o dead-hearted_n now_o i_o can_v joy_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n natural_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o distrust_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v discontent_v with_o my_o condition_n now_o i_o can_v rest_v secure_o upon_o his_o promise_n and_o providence_n sin_n have_v be_v my_o delight_n now_o it_o be_v my_o sorrow_n and_o heart-breaking_n i_o find_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o corruption_n in_o i_o i_o carry_v the_o image_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n about_o i_o now_o i_o say_v whosoever_o have_v this_o bless_a change_n may_v rest_v assure_v of_o his_o right_n to_o happiness_n know_v you_o not_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n say_v the_o apostle_n a_o christian_n that_o upon_o a_o through_o search_n find_v something_o of_o christ_n always_o in_o his_o soul_n can_v never_o want_v a_o sweet_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o four_o way_n be_v by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o possess_n of_o glory_n before_o our_o time_n there_o be_v few_o of_o god_n child_n but_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n first_o or_o last_o have_v this_o divine_a impression_n wrought_v in_o they_o enlarge_a and_o ravish_v their_o soul_n to_o joy_n in_o the_o almighty_a yet_o this_o be_v especial_o see_v after_o conflict_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v combat_v with_o some_o strong_a corruption_n or_o temptation_n to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v of_o the_o hide_a mannah_n say_v christ_n and_o a_o white_a stone_n which_o none_o can_v read_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v assurance_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o goodness_n itself_o shall_v be_v his_o portion_n usual_o god_n give_v comfort_n after_o we_o have_v conflict_v with_o some_o sinful_a disposition_n and_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n as_o we_o see_v in_o job_n after_o god_n have_v exercise_v that_o champion_n a_o long_a time_n at_o the_o last_o he_o discover_v himself_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n to_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v under_o great_a cross_n and_o god_n see_v he_o must_v be_v support_v with_o spiritual_a strength_n or_o else_o he_o sink_v than_o he_o put_v in_o with_o supply_n from_o above_o when_o the_o creature_n can_v help_v we_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n will_n thus_o paul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o dungeon_n be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n sing_v at_o midnight_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o stock_n and_o so_o david_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n daniel_n in_o a_o lion_n den_n the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n etc._n etc._n god_n do_v as_o parent_n smile_v on_o their_o little_a one_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a and_o deject_a he_o reserve_v his_o choice_a comfort_n for_o the_o great_a exigent_n when_o god_n have_v a_o great_a work_n for_o his_o child_n to_o do_v or_o some_o sharp_a suffering_n for_o they_o to_o undergo_v as_o a_o encouragement_n beforehand_o he_o oft_o enlarge_v their_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o all_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v james_n and_o john_n with_o he_o upon_o the_o mountain_n to_o strengthen_v they_o against_o his_o ensue_a suffering_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v ourselves_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v have_v god_n speak_v to_o thy_o soul_n and_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n thy_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o thy_o person_n receive_v into_o my_o favour_n do_v god_n stir_v up_o thy_o spirit_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o especial_o in_o extremity_n and_o to_o go_v with_o boldness_n and_o earrestnesse_n to_o his_o throne_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o who_o ever_o want_v this_o can_v look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n when_o distress_n be_v upon_o he_o saul_n in_o this_o case_n go_v to_o the_o witch_n and_o achitophel_n to_o desperate_a conclusion_n judas_n in_o extremity_n we_o see_v what_o become_v of_o he_o so_o every_o one_o that_o have_v not_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o who_o god_n speak_v not_o peace_n by_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n must_v needs_o
but_o a_o little_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o i_o be_v not_o discourage_v you_o answ._n know_v in_o wax_n though_o the_o stamp_n be_v almost_o out_o yet_o it_o be_v currant_n in_o law_n notwithstanding_o put_v the_o case_n the_o stamp_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v a_o old_a coin_n be_v it_o not_o currant_n though_o it_o be_v crack_v suppose_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v dim_a and_o blur_v scarce_o discernible_a in_o we_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o grief_n yet_o some_o evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v still_o remain_v there_o be_v some_o sigh_n and_o groan_n against_o corruption_n which_o may_v continual_o support_v we_o if_o we_o mourn_v in_o our_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o join_v with_o our_o lust_n nor_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o divine_a impression_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v almost_o wear_v out_o the_o more_o comfort_n we_o desire_v the_o fresh_a she_o shall_v keep_v this_o seal_n of_o comfort_n and_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o we_o may_v read_v our_o evidence_n clear_o that_o it_o be_v not_o overgrow_v with_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o we_o can_v see_v it_o sometime_o god_n child_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o yield_v so_o much_o to_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o they_o can_v read_v nothing_o but_o their_o corruption_n when_o we_o bid_v they_o puruse_v their_o evidence_n they_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o worldliness_n nothing_o but_o pride_n and_o envy_n because_o they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o their_o negligence_n and_o distrust_n though_o there_o be_v a_o stamp_n in_o they_o yet_o god_n hold_v the_o soul_n from_o it_o and_o gives_z man_n up_o to_o mistake_v their_o estate_n for_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o honour_n god_n by_o believe_v and_o he_o will_v honour_v thou_o by_o stamp_v his_o spirit_n more_o clear_o on_o thou_o what_o a_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o in_o the_o world_n can_v discourage_v such_o a_o soul_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o something_o above_o nature_n in_o he_o when_o death_n &_o judgement_n come_v how_o miserable_a be_v his_o condition_n if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o king_n or_o a_o emperor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v not_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n righteousness_n ere_o long_o he_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o and_o adjudge_v to_o eternal_a torment_n oh_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n soul_n a_o jewel_n more_o to_o be_v prize_v then_o a_o prince_n diadem_n it_o be_v the_o solly_n of_o the_o time_n to_o set_v up_o curious_a picture_n but_o what_o a_o poor_a delight_n be_v this_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o ambition_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a to_o see_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n stamp_v in_o his_o soul_n to_o find_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o his_o inner_a man_n the_o transform_v of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a picture_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v for_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o as_o we_o grow_v downward_o one_o way_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o towards_o heaven_n another_o that_o as_o the_o life_n of_o nature_n decay_v so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v more_o active_a and_o work_a it_o shall_v be_v our_o daily_a study_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n to_o attain_v that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n there_o be_v beside_o the_o common_a broad_a seal_n of_o god_n his_o privy_a seal_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o proud_a heart_a person_n be_v damn_v the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v all_o for_o external_a contentment_n and_o despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o though_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o common_a seal_n and_o prerogative_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v excellent_a yet_o rely_v on_o these_o thing_n overmuch_o betray_v many_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o seal_n than_o the_o outward_a seal_n in_o the_o sacrament_n that_o must_v settle_v peace_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o once_o the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o comfort_n think_v upon_o our_o receive_n of_o the_o communion_n but_o the_o special_a thing_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v the_o hide_a seal_n if_o the_o external_a mean_n work_v no_o inward_a sanctification_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o worse_a rather_o than_o the_o better_a for_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o think_v slight_o of_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o when_o satan_n shake_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o say_v thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n do_v not_o love_v thou_o these_o help_v we_o to_o hold_v out_o why_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o can_v speak_v by_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v find_v the_o contrary_a the_o lord_n have_v remove_v my_o fear_n he_o have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o accept_v my_o person_n he_o have_v give_v i_o many_o precious_a promise_n to_o support_v my_o spirit_n here_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o come_v more_o home_n to_o i_o it_o seal_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n particular_o to_o myself_o for_o find_v the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o god_n have_v strengthen_v my_o faith_n by_o the_o outward_a seal_n i_o can_v defy_v satan_n with_o all_o his_o accusation_n and_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n with_o comfort_n we_o shall_v labour_v therefore_o to_o observe_v god_n seal_v day_n when_o he_o use_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v every_o day_n if_o we_o be_v spiritual_o exercise_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n day_n more_o especial_o for_o then_o his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o spirit_n go_v together_o now_o there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o person_n and_o of_o truth_n beside_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o estate_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o every_o particular_a truth_n to_o a_o christian._n for_o where_o there_o be_v grace_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n seal_v those_o truth_n firm_o to_o that_o soul_n by_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o example_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o stir_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v this_o seal_v it_o fast_o upon_o the_o conscience_n even_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n but_o upon_o our_o believe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v seal_v by_o god_n upon_o we_o for_o those_o truth_n only_o abide_v firm_a in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v on_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o forget_v their_o consolation_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o hear_v much_o but_o the_o spirit_n settle_v nothing_o on_o their_o heart_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o quest._n letter_a man_n many_o time_n stand_v out_o in_o their_o profession_n to_o blood_n whereas_o those_o that_o be_v more_o able_a and_o learned_a yield_v to_o any_o thing_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o answ._n knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o be_v set_v fast_o upon_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n bring_v his_o seal_n and_o this_o man_n knowledge_n close_o together_o whereas_o the_o learning_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o other_o be_v only_o a_o discursive_a thing_n swim_v in_o the_o brain_n without_o any_o solid_a foundation_n their_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o spiritual_a they_o see_v not_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o heavenly_a but_o by_o a_o natural_a light_n those_o that_o will_v not_o apostatise_v must_v have_v a_o knowledge_n suitable_a to_o the_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o must_v see_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n therefore_o when_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o shall_v not_o come_v with_o strong_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o our_o wit_n but_o with_o reverend_a disposition_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o together_o with_o his_o minister_n and_o close_o with_o his_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o fasten_v truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n else_o shall_v we_o never_o hold_v out_o for_o that_o which_o must_v establish_v and_o quiet_v the_o soul_n must_v be_v great_a than_o the_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o tentation_n when_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a encompass_v we_o when_o god_n lay_v open_v our_o conscience_n and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o those_o
justice_n truth_n faithfulness_n providence_n wisdom_n and_o all-sufficiency_n all_o which_o shall_v ever_o work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v so_o for_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n all_o son_n his_o glorious_a title_n and_o attribute_n serve_v like_o wise_a for_o the_o everlasting_a comfort_n of_o his_o poor_a saint_n on_o earth_n he_o be_v call_v the_o husband_n of_o his_o church_n to_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v far_o above_o the_o love_n of_o any_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n he_o be_v call_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n because_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o have_v promise_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v he_o be_v call_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n the_o well_o of_o life_n the_o water_n of_o life_n the_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n because_o that_o in_o he_o be_v our_o life_n and_o by_o he_o we_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v to_o eternal_a life_n here_o in_o he_o we_o obtain_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v shall_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o life_n of_o glory_n so_o likewise_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ghost_n what_o heavenly_a attribute_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n of_o god_n servant_n the_o sealer_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o god_n child_n in_o their_o heart_n he_o teach_v the_o elect_n to_o call_v god_n father_n he_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v he_o fill_v they_o with_o peace_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n and_o refresh_v their_o spirit_n with_o such_o unspeakable_a joy_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v the_o like_a he_o that_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o spirit_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n teach_v unto_o his_o servant_n &_o write_v the_o same_o in_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o they_o alone_o have_v their_o right_n in_o they_o the_o direction_n comfort_n teach_v and_o guide_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v serve_v entire_o and_o peculiar_o to_o order_n and_o work_v all_o thing_n together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o the_o godly_a yea_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v call_v messenger_n angel_n and_o minister_a spirit_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o attend_v and_o wait_v upon_o his_o servant_n he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o these_o to_o serve_v they_o in_o all_o their_o 34._o way_n and_o to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o they_o whensoever_o god_n please_v to_o call_v any_o of_o his_o out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o angel_n be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o carry_v their_o soul_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n the_o lord_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n to_o gather_v his_o elect_n from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o that_o they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v that_o which_o they_o have_v long_o wait_v for_o even_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n under_o the_o angel_n all_o other_o creature_n be_v likewise_o magistrate_n make_v serviceable_a for_o his_o people_n good_a prince_n in_o authority_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o end_n of_o all_o magistracy_n be_v that_o we_o may_v live_v religious_o and_o peaceable_o in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n minister_n also_o be_v style_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o minister_n name_n of_o watchman_n and_o seeds-man_n and_o spiritual_a father_n to_o beget_v man_n again_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v call_v god_n husbandman_n to_o manure_v and_o till_o his_o ground_n they_o be_v call_v god_n light_n and_o the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n both_o to_o enlighten_v the_o church_n with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v minister_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o such_o savoury_a and_o sweet_a instruction_n as_o may_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o all_o god_n give_v gift_n to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o below_o so_o also_o the_o word_n of_o word_n god_n be_v call_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n &_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n god_n word_n be_v a_o light_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o arm_v we_o against_o sin_n and_o to_o maintain_v we_o in_o grace_n the_o sacrament_n likewise_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o life_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o exit_fw-la communication_n though_o it_o be_v rough_a and_o the_o extreme_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v undertake_v upon_o weighty_a ground_n yet_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o make_v they_o by_o repentance_n turn_v unto_o he_o so_o all_o outward_a gift_n as_o gift_n beauty_n strength_n riches_n and_o honour_n these_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n as_o the_o beauty_n of_o hester_n be_v a_o instrument_n of_o her_o preferment_n whereby_o she_o become_v a_o preservation_n to_o god_n child_n and_o a_o overthrow_n of_o she_o and_o their_o enemy_n josephs_n outward_a honour_n and_o wealth_n be_v make_v by_o god_n dispose_v hand_n a_o mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n &_o nourishment_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a extremity_n and_o famine_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o learning_n and_o other_o natural_a acquirement_n all_o which_o do_v often_o tend_v to_o general_a and_o public_a advantage_n yea_o the_o outward_a gist_n of_o god_n which_o be_v bestow_v reprobate_n upon_o reprobate_n be_v still_o for_o the_o good_a of_o he_o for_o they_o who_o have_v skill_n and_o knowledge_n to_o build_v noah_n ark_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o save_v therein_o yet_o be_v they_o the_o mean_n of_o noah_n preservation_n and_o so_o it_o many_o time_n fall_v out_o that_o man_n of_o excellent_a part_n and_o great_a ability_n without_o grace_n though_o themselves_o be_v not_o profit_v thereby_o yet_o god_n so_o use_v they_o as_o their_o gift_n much_o conduce_v to_o further_o and_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n even_o outward_a favour_n prince_n of_o prince_n oft_o tend_v to_o god_n servant_n good_a a_o just_a man_n as_o the_o heathen_n can_v say_v be_v a_o common_a benefit_n and_o so_o a_o true_a christian_a whatsoever_o good_a he_o have_v it_o be_v communicable_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o s._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o all_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o he_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o may_v twin_n some_o but_o here_o the_o main_a question_n will_v be_v and_o the_o difficulty_n arise_v how_o all_o ill_a thing_n can_v work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o god_n child_n i_o shall_v therefore_o demonstrate_v 1_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o how_o it_o can_v be_v so_o 2_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o 3_o observe_v a_o caution_n that_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v 4_o let_v we_o see_v the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o this_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o evil_a thing_n be_v either_o 1_o spiritual_a evil_a thing_n 2_o outward_a evil_a thing_n and_o for_o spiritual_a evil_a thing_n they_o be_v either_o first_o sinne._n second_o that_o which_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o sin_n as_o be_v evil_n follow_v after_o sin_n the_o first_o sin_n of_o all_o which_o have_v go_v over_o whole_a sinne._n mankind_n and_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o this_o by_o god_n mercy_n and_o our_o repentance_n prove_v to_o all_o believer_n a_o transcendent_a good_a for_o the_o fall_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n cause_v the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n christ_n jesus_n who_o notwitstanding_n he_o be_v god_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o have_v make_v we_o by_o his_o come_n far_o more_o happy_a than_o if_o we_o have_v neverfallen_v neither_o will_v god_n have_v
truth_n that_o most_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n must_v be_v above_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v god_n that_o establish_v and_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o seal_v we_o up_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n because_o divine_a truth_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o bare_a letter_n can_v stir_v up_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v only_o the_o bless_a spirit_n which_o be_v above_o our_o spirit_n that_o must_v quiet_v the_o conscience_n in_o all_o perplexity_n the_o lord_n can_v soon_o still_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o settle_v spiritual_a truth_n upon_o it_o therefore_o go_v to_o he_o in_o thy_o distress_n and_o trouble_v of_o mind_n send_v up_o ejaculation_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o comfort_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o as_o it_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o may_v be_v true_a to_o thou_o likewise_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a observation_n for_o we_o all_o oh_o we_o desire_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o find_v some_o comfort_n that_o be_v stand_v comfort_n that_o may_v uphold_v we_o against_o hell_n and_o judgement_n know_v that_o nothing_o will_v do_v this_o but_o spiritual_a truth_n spiritual_o know_v but_o holy_a truth_n set_v on_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o soul_n oft_o therefore_o enter_v into_o thy_o heart_n and_o examine_v upon_o what_o ground_n and_o motive_n thou_o believe_v consider_v well_o what_o it_o be_v thou_o believe_v and_o upon_o what_o evidence_n and_o withwhat_o light_a otherwise_o expect_v not_o to_o find_v solid_a peace_n what_o course_n may_v a_o christian_a general_o take_v quest._n when_o he_o want_v comfort_n and_o inward_a refresh_n there_o be_v in_o 1_o john_n 5._o answ._n three_o witness_n in_o heaven_n &_o three_o in_o earth_n to_o secure_v do_v we_o of_o our_o estate_n in_o grace_n the_o three_o witness_n in_o heaven_n be_v the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o three_o witness_n in_o earth_n be_v the_o spirit_n the_o water_n and_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o on_o earth_n and_o those_o three_o in_o heaven_n agree_v in_o one_o now_o by_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o feeling_n and_o sweet_a motion_n thereof_o the_o water_n may_v well_o be_v the_o laver_n of_o sanctification_n &_o by_o blood_n be_v understand_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o justification_n when_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a seal_n i_o speak_v of_o before_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o despair_v then_o no_o then_o go_v to_o the_o water_n when_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v silent_a go_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v what_o gracious_a disposition_n be_v find_v in_o thou_o ay_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v quest._n if_o the_o water_n be_v trouble_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o some_o time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o confusion_n that_o we_o can_v see_v the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o in_o sanctification_n then_o go_v to_o the_o blood_n there_o be_v always_o comfort_n answ._n go_v to_o the_o fountain_n set_v open_a for_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n to_o wash_v in_o that_o be_v never_o dry_a if_o we_o find_v much_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o no_o peace_n in_o our_o heart_n apply_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o will_v give_v rest_n when_o thou_o find_v nothing_o but_o corruption_n and_o filthiness_n in_o thy_o soul_n when_o thou_o see_v neither_o joy_n nor_o sanctification_n of_o spirit_n go_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o he_o will_v purge_v thou_o from_o all_o guilt_n and_o wash_v thou_o with_o clean_a water_n but_o to_o go_v on_o who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o three_o word_n borrow_v from_o humane_a contract_n to_o set_v forth_o god_n gracious_a work_n in_o the_o soul_n anoint_v we_o have_v before_o &_o seal_v now_o here_o be_v earnest_a the_o variety_n of_o expression_n show_v there_o be_v a_o great_a remainder_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o cause_v the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o use_v so_o many_o word_n to_o manifest_a god_n mind_n and_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o salvation_n stablish_v anoint_v seal_v and_o earnest_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v howsoever_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prosperity_n when_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o presume_v our_o estate_n be_v good_a yet_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o conscience_n be_v awake_v we_o be_v prone_a to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o call_v all_o in_o question_n and_o believe_v the_o lie_n and_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n more_o than_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o lord_n take_v all_o course_n to_o establish_v we_o he_o give_v we_o rich_a and_o precious_a promise_n he_o give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o those_o promise_n he_o seal_v we_o with_o that_o spirit_n and_o give_v we_o a_o comfortable_a earnest_n thereof_o and_o all_o to_o settle_v these_o wretched_a &_o unbelieved_a heart_n of_o we_o so_o desirous_a be_v god_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v well_o conceit_v of_o he_o that_o he_o love_v we_o better_o than_o we_o love_v ourselves_o he_o prize_v our_o love_n so_o much_o that_o he_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o secure_v we_o of_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n as_o know_v that_o except_o we_o apprehend_v his_o love_n to_o we_o we_o can_v never_o love_v he_o again_o nor_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n in_o heaven_n we_o be_v son_n here_o indeed_o but_o we_o be_v not_o heir_n invest_v into_o the_o bless_a estate_n we_o have_v title_n to_o god_n do_v notkeep_v all_o our_o happiness_n till_o another_o world_n but_o give_v we_o somewhat_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o absence_n from_o our_o husband_n he_o give_v we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o glorious_a condition_n which_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n have_v eternal_o with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n but_o to_o show_v you_o more_o particular_o in_o what_o regard_n the_o spirit_n be_v call_v a_o earnest_n first_o of_o all_o you_o know_v a_o earnest_n be_v use_v for_o security_n earnest_n of_o a_o contract_n so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v secure_v we_o of_o the_o bless_a estate_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o second_o a_o earnest_n be_v part_n of_o the_o bargain_n a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v secure_v though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a part_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o part_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o gracious_a work_n upon_o our_o heart_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o full_a joy_n and_o happiness_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o to_o we_o three_o a_o earnest_n be_v little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n thereof_o be_v little_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o fullness_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n but_o though_o a_o earnest_n be_v small_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o security_n a_o shilling_n secure_v a_o bargain_n of_o a_o thousand_o pound_n we_o see_v we_o value_v a_o earnest_n not_o for_o its_o own_o worth_a so_o much_o as_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o for_o the_o excellent_a bargain_n and_o rich_a possession_n which_o it_o do_v interest_n we_o unto_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o its_o bless_a effect_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o joy_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o spirit_n cheer_v and_o revive_v perplex_v sinner_n this_o earnest_n i_o say_v though_o it_o be_v little_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v great_a to_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o assurance_n that_o we_o have_v by_o it_o again_o it_o have_v the_o term_n of_o a_o earnest_n because_o a_o arnest_n be_v give_v rather_o for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o party_n that_o receive_v it_o than_o in_o regard_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o so_o god_n give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n grace_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n not_o so_o much_o for_o god_n for_o he_o mean_v to_o give_v we_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n when_o we_o be_v dissolve_v as_o he_o have_v pass_v his_o promise_n so_o he_o will_v undoubted_o perform_v the_o same_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n of_o his_o word_n he_o be_v jehovah_n that_o give_v a_o be_v to_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o every_o other_o thing_n but_o notwithstanding_o have_v to_o do_v with_o mistrustful_a