i_o hope_v too_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o honest_a and_o the_o feeble-minded_n christian_n that_o though_o they_o be_v sad_o sensible_a of_o some_o remain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o need_v to_o be_v help_v yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a with_o they_o neither_o but_o that_o they_o may_v without_o vanity_n that_o profession_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o text_n and_o say_v very_o true_o lord_n i_o believe_v this_o be_v my_o intention_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v not_o so_o well_o bear_v to_o have_v the_o argument_n branch_v out_o to_o these_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n distinct_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o faith_n do_v likewise_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v because_o he_o discover_v some_o imperfection_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o since_o at_o that_o rate_n every_o one_o circumstance_n will_v be_v desperate_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o worthy_a and_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n i_o must_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o general_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o at_o present_a the_o best_a method_n for_o do_v it_o effectual_o be_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o three_o head_n i._n first_o to_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o ii_o second_o to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o many_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o unbelief_n or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v not_o in_o reality_n any_o such_o sign_n and_o iii_o three_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v show_v how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n careful_o may_v discern_v whether_o his_o belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o one_a and_o here_o by_o faith_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o 1_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n nor_o bare_o 2._o a_o outward_a and_o express_a profession_n of_o all_o such_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o christian_n but_o also_o 3_o such_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a assent_n as_o may_v prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o may_v influence_n their_o heart_n and_o practice_n powerful_o such_o as_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o make_v good_a those_o engagement_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o when_o we_o thus_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n for_o all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v under_o believe_v and_o several_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o our_o fail_v in_o sundry_a instance_n of_o this_o faith_n particular_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o as_o first_o one_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v for_o some_o of_o these_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a truth_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o our_o mind_n shall_v adhere_v to_o they_o with_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v in_o such_o other_o matter_n as_o fall_v within_o our_o comprehension_n and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o eternal_a state_n of_o bliss_n or_o woe_n hereafter_o and_o the_o restore_a to_o we_o these_o fleshly_a body_n again_o at_o the_o general_n resurrection_n notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a and_o unconceivable_a change_n which_o time_n and_o corruption_n bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n these_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o prime_n and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o firm_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o which_o one_o can_v have_v any_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o large_a mind_n be_v too_o narrow_a to_o receive_v they_o the_o most_o penetrate_a wit_n can_v sound_v all_o their_o depth_n nor_o the_o most_o indefatigable_a study_n conquer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o man_n assent_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o their_o apprehension_n the_o mind_n will_v never_o find_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n that_o it_o do_v for_o other_o which_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o daily_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o level_n with_o ourselves_o and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a good_a account_n of_o by_o our_o own_o serious_a thought_n and_o nice_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o our_o belief_n even_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v least_o able_a to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o convince_v that_o these_o be_v his_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o equitable_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o own_o reason_v to_o his_o declaration_n this_o single_a reflection_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v be_v mistake_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v lead_v other_o into_o mistake_n nor_o perfect_a truth_n lie_v be_v a_o foundation_n strong_a enough_o to_o build_v the_o firm_a faith_n upon_o but_o still_o the_o urge_n of_o this_o reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o much_o application_n and_o though_o we_o be_v exceed_o to_o blame_n if_o any_o objection_n which_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o great_a important_a doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o raise_v in_o we_o be_v suffer_v to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n or_o dangerous_o to_o shake_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o where_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n do_v not_o represent_v thing_n to_o we_o plain_o and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n there_o scruple_n and_o cavil_n will_v now_o and_o then_o arise_v and_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o occasion_n and_o try_v by_o they_o to_o loosen_v and_o dissettle_v we_o from_o that_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n even_o they_o who_o struggle_n most_o successful_o against_o such_o attempt_n of_o he_o may_v yet_o sometime_o find_v a_o tendency_n to_o doubt_v or_o some_o little_a disturbance_n from_o they_o but_o those_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v a_o very_a great_a deal_n who_o overlook_a the_o credibility_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n itself_o which_o be_v reason_n proper_a province_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o expect_v their_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o put_v their_o enquiry_n upon_o a_o wrong_a scent_n to_o require_v a_o evidence_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v not_o be_v faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n unseen_a now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o very_a first_o act_n that_o of_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o difficulty_n grow_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o influence_n our_o practice_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o second_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o truth_n come_v to_o gain_v a_o power_n over_o our_o will_n and_o to_o command_v our_o action_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v once_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o enjoin_v be_v enough_o to_o fix_v a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o perhaps_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n it_o be_v so_o after_o any_o point_n have_v be_v due_o consider_v and_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o
matter_n which_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v he_o to_o know_v and_o a_o intimation_n withal_o that_o the_o great_a and_o only_a thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o providence_n intend_v to_o liken_v he_o to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n so_o his_o thought_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n of_o the_o trial_n appoint_v for_o himself_o now_o the_o rebuke_n apply_v here_o to_o one_o particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v so_o treat_v of_o at_o this_o time_n as_o to_o render_v it_o a_o admonition_n of_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o such_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v prove_v to_o every_o christian_a if_o we_o from_o this_o example_n take_v the_o hint_n of_o forbear_v to_o indulge_v all_o needless_a curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v our_o study_n to_o those_o object_n which_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n lay_v aside_o such_o airy_a speculation_n as_o deserve_o fall_v under_o this_o reprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o even_o in_o this_o busy_a and_o pretend_v age_n of_o we_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o thus_o far_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o benefit_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o first_o that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o abstruse_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o 2._o second_o that_o can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n yet_o such_o knowledge_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o real_a use_n to_o they_o 3._o three_o that_o the_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o such_o intricate_a question_n be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o dangerous_a and_o many_o time_n of_o very_a fatal_a consequence_n to_o themselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o religion_n in_o general_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o be_v ordinary_o the_o case_n of_o those_o nice_a and_o curious_a person_n who_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o i_o shall_v urge_v withal_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o practical_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v the_o very_a reverse_n of_o all_o this_o that_o these_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o be_v attain_v exceed_v profitable_a when_o understand_v and_o that_o all_o the_o hour_n and_o industry_n lay_v out_o upon_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o true_a the_o best_a account_n both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o public_a i._o my_o first_o discouragement_n against_o curious_a speculation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o man_n can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o and_o will_v not_o one_o choose_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o travel_v through_o briar_n and_o thorn_n and_o after_o infinite_a toil_n and_o trouble_v give_v out_o at_o last_o hearty_o tire_v with_o one_o journey_n but_o still_o as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n as_o when_o he_o first_o set_v out_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o sublime_a notion_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o have_v take_v up_o the_o thought_n and_o employ_v the_o pen_n and_o swell_v the_o volume_n of_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o but_o especial_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mysterious_a union_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o that_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o secret_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o state_n of_o soul_n depart_v and_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o await_v man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o and_o abundance_n more_o such_o point_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o some_o general_a insight_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o when_o man_n not_o content_a to_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o controversy_n about_o the_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o the_o far_o they_o wade_v the_o more_o they_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o indeed_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o do_v these_o be_v subject_n not_o of_o a_o size_n with_o we_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v not_o qualify_v to_o fathom_v they_o the_o light_n from_o above_o be_v our_o only_a safe_a guide_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o far_o then_o as_o this_o lead_v we_o we_o may_v go_v on_o bold_o and_o stand_v upon_o sure_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o where_o that_o light_n forsake_v we_o all_o the_o discovery_n pretend_v to_o beyond_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o fanciful_a and_o precarious_a and_o weak_a so_o full_a of_o delusion_n be_v those_o very_a profound_a contemplation_n which_o lose_v the_o mind_n in_o matter_n too_o high_a for_o it_o so_o liable_a to_o that_o reproach_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o paul_n rom._n i._n 21_o 22._o though_o in_o another_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n for_o these_o man_n too_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n but_o now_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n lie_v level_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n thus_o for_o belief_n it_o ask_v no_o mighty_a depth_n for_o a_o man_n to_o convice_n himself_o that_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v reveal_v ought_v ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n do_v certain_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v understand_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v his_o word_n in_o its_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n except_o where_o there_o appear_v manifest_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o its_o contain_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v especial_o when_v treat_v of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o operation_n be_v no_o good_a argument_n of_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v he_o otherwise_o because_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o it_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o that_o infinite_a he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o a_o finite_a mind_n can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v modesty_n and_o integrity_n rather_o than_o acuteness_n and_o skill_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o quality_n or_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o party_n reveal_v these_o be_v matter_n that_o lie_v sufficient_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o every_o considerate_a person_n and_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o these_o impression_n will_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o there_o nor_o any_o occasion_n for_o fly_v to_o wretched_a criticism_n as_o a_o expedient_a for_o bring_v down_o the_o lofty_a doctrine_n to_o their_o own_o narrow_a apprehension_n so_o again_o for_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o once_o throw_v off_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a inclination_n they_o can_v but_o cast_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o contrary_a vice_n nor_o must_v i_o upon_o this_o occasion_n forget_v to_o put_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o our_o more_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o engage_v our_o diligent_a attention_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o secure_v probity_n of_o mind_n a_o teachable_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blesling_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o study_n who_o goodness_n will_v never_o suffer_v those_o who_o serve_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n to_o continue_v in_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v
of_o it_o imperceptible_a then_o every_o admonition_n from_o the_o pulpit_n every_o wholesome_a law_n every_o advice_n from_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o parent_n every_o good_a book_n every_o pious_a example_n every_o motion_n and_o intention_n to_o do_v well_o every_o conviction_n or_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o blow_v of_o this_o wind_n a_o call_v or_o impulse_n from_o above_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o these_o thing_n so_o often_o he_o resist_v god_n and_o quench_v his_o spirit_n within_o himself_o three_o this_o show_v we_o what_o course_n man_n shall_v take_v in_o order_n to_o get_v or_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o since_o god_n work_v by_o and_o with_o his_o ordinance_n our_o business_n must_v be_v to_o use_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n diligent_o to_o seek_v he_o there_o to_o put_v to_o the_o shoulder_n and_o do_v our_o part_n resolute_o and_o manful_o and_o then_o not_o doubt_v his_o assistance_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o will_v forward_o and_o strengthen_v our_o good_a intention_n and_o since_o he_o create_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o finish_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v but_o will_v perform_v and_o continue_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o that_o day_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o merit_n will_v most_o assure_o crown_v we_o and_o our_o labour_n with_o everlasting_a glory_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o the_o condition_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o second_o birth_n st._n john_n i._n 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o evangelist_n after_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n with_o great_a exactness_n declare_v the_o eternal_a divinity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a person_n testify_v of_o by_o the_o baptist_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o word_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o have_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n he_o mention_n here_o with_o what_o different_a success_n he_o do_v it_o some_o that_o be_v more_o peculiar_o oblige_v and_o most_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o from_o who_o a_o honourable_a reception_n may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v give_v he_o no_o respect_n no_o entertainment_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o perverse_a jew_n who_o god_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o and_o single_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o 11_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o proper_a possession_n christ_n be_v refuse_v there_o be_v a_o indignity_n like_o that_o of_o a_o man_n be_v drive_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o demesne_n or_o dwellinghouse_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o the_o loss_n however_o be_v not_o he_o but_o they_o in_o deny_v he_o they_o deny_v their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a so_o evident_a that_o st._n john_n think_v no_o other_o expression_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o punishment_n be_v needful_a than_o only_o to_o describe_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o who_o behave_v themselves_o more_o kind_o and_o dutiful_o to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o due_a improvement_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n first_o the_o person_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o benefit_n by_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n second_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o so_o do_v to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sonship_n be_v confer_v they_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n four_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o privilege_n he_o give_v it_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o i._o the_o first_o thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v who_o those_o person_n be_v to_o who_o the_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n belong_v or_o what_o that_o condition_n be_v which_o must_v qualify_v man_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o the_o text_n have_v express_v in_o those_o word_n who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n now_o these_o be_v term_n explanatory_a of_o one_o another_o and_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v therefore_o say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v he_o because_o they_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o reject_v his_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n so_o faith_n in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o obedience_n to_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o receive_v he_o and_o these_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a give_v he_o the_o hear_n and_o forbear_v all_o public_a and_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o his_o word_n but_o in_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n expect_v salvation_n from_o that_o name_n and_o no_o other_o and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n all_z that_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o render_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v effectual_a in_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v manifest_a to_o any_o man_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o close_o for_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o those_o capacity_n which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o we_o in_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n imply_v a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o message_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o from_o heaven_n to_o own_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o priest_n be_v to_o rely_v upon_o his_o most_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n to_o confess_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o atonement_n and_o to_o detest_v and_o forsake_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a but_o withal_o so_o severe_a and_o painful_a a_o expiation_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o king_n be_v to_o own_o his_o legislative_a power_n to_o pay_v he_o strict_a fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n to_o bring_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o interest_n under_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o suffer_v no_o rebellious_a appetite_n to_o raise_v wicked_a sedition_n or_o tempt_v we_o to_o unfaithfulness_n and_o disloyalty_n against_o he_o the_o same_o be_v likewise_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o believe_v for_o since_o the_o object_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v credible_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o religious_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n he_o who_o act_n or_o entertain_v persuasion_n contrary_a to_o or_o derogate_a from_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o christ_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n on_o his_o name_n if_o therefore_o god_n have_v make_v something_o else_o necessary_a beside_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n all_o that_o must_v needs_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o be_v include_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o place_n as_o he_o do_v here_o particular_o that_o by_o believe_a man_n acquire_v the_o privilege_n of_o become_a son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n say_v positive_o in_o another_o as_o in_o the_o three_o of_o this_o gospel_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n we_o find_v he_o do_v that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o belief_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o evidence_v by_o a_o solemn_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n
because_o it_o keep_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o disease_n and_o want_n and_o best_a qualify_v to_o receive_v a_o cure_n for_o they_o whereas_o pride_n on_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o make_v man_n fool_n but_o keep_v they_o so_o it_o fill_v they_o full_a of_o themselves_o alone_o and_o never_o look_v but_o through_o the_o magnify_v part_n of_o the_o perspective_n it_o render_v they_o deaf_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o admonition_n because_o it_o never_o suffer_v they_o to_o suppose_v they_o want_v any_o and_o instead_o of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a they_o be_v only_o exasperate_v and_o harden_v the_o more_o in_o their_o folly_n in_o short_a take_v faith_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n and_o you_o will_v find_v in_o every_o instance_n the_o same_o event_n with_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n 9_o parable_n luke_n 18._o 9_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n he_o that_o descend_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o sad_o reflect_v on_o his_o unworthiness_n and_o deficiency_n that_o lament_n and_o condemn_v himself_o with_o a_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n or_o as_o in_o the_o text_n cry_v out_o with_o tear_n lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n be_v likely_a enough_o to_o go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v 9_o justify_v psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_n god_n guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o humble_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n but_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v come_v to_o a_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v when_o he_o be_v blind_a to_o his_o own_o fail_n and_o rip_v up_o those_o of_o other_o to_o shelter_v and_o excuse_v his_o own_o this_o man_n unbelief_n be_v not_o through_o weakness_n but_o through_o perverseness_n and_o choice_n he_o continue_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a because_o he_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o continue_v so_o he_o must_v because_o he_o think_v himself_o too_o wise_a and_o too_o good_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o admonish_v his_o desperate_a condition_n be_v well_o observe_v by_o solomon_n 12._o solomon_n prov._n 26._o 12._o see_v thou_o a_o man_n wise_a he_o may_v have_v say_v holy_a too_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o a_o fool_n or_o of_o a_o profligate_n sinner_n than_o of_o he_o the_o one_o labour_n under_o a_o more_o rage_a and_o a_o more_o scandalous_a distemper_n indeed_o but_o the_o other_o be_v poison_v secret_o and_o so_o fond_a of_o his_o disease_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o antidote_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o method_n of_o recovery_n but_o three_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o defect_n in_o practice_n be_v know_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o safety_n or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o use_n or_o the_o neglect_n of_o proper_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o have_v not_o wilful_o contribute_v to_o our_o past_a fail_n nor_o yet_o that_o we_o lament_v or_o be_v serious_o concern_v for_o our_o present_n unless_o to_o both_o these_o we_o add_v vigilance_n and_o care_n to_o prevent_v those_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o for_o the_o future_a he_o that_o feel_v himself_o perplex_v with_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n must_v ask_v wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n after_o it_o with_o meekness_n and_o diligence_n he_o that_o find_v his_o faith_n weak_a in_o influence_v his_o practice_n must_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o fasten_v good_a principle_n on_o his_o mind_n and_o continual_o quicken_v and_o rouse_v himself_o up_o by_o holy_a motion_n and_o remembrance_n and_o drive_v the_o impression_n deep_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ever_o present_a and_o ever_o vigorous_a to_o draw_v out_o into_o use_n and_o ward_v off_o every_o temptation_n that_o beset_v he_o the_o man_n that_o languish_v in_o his_o devotion_n must_v raise_v and_o inflame_v his_o zeal_n by_o all_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o prayer_n by_o sequester_v himself_o from_o business_n and_o care_n as_o much_o as_o convenient_o he_o may_v fix_v his_o mind_n with_o reverent_a apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n he_o kneel_v before_o and_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o blessing_n he_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o repent_v and_o think_v his_o regret_n for_o past_a offence_n less_o afflict_v than_o it_o ought_v must_v work_v himself_o into_o as_o deep_a remorse_n as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o express_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o sorrow_v in_o proportion_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o nature_n determine_v he_o to_o do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o sadness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o case_n mention_v heretofore_o for_o though_o god_n make_v allowance_n for_o nature_n and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n yet_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v not_o improve_v these_o into_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o habit_n of_o vice_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o withstand_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o correct_v and_o cure_v of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v equal_o know_v or_o equal_o considerate_a or_o equal_o devout_a or_o contrite_a but_o he_o require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o make_v his_o belief_n as_o practical_a and_o effectual_a as_o he_o can_v and_o pray_v as_o fervent_o and_o do_v good_a as_o delightful_o and_o mourn_v for_o his_o wickedness_n as_o affectionate_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o that_o which_o will_v take_v off_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n not_o to_o make_v our_o misfortune_n a_o pretence_n for_o real_a fault_n nor_o from_o the_o necessary_a imperfection_n to_o which_o we_o all_o be_v liable_a to_o take_v occasion_n of_o transgress_v perverse_o and_o cover_v our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o wilful_a neglect_v and_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v add_v a_o four_o sign_n which_o be_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a application_n for_o strength_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o support_v and_o perfect_v we_o to_o our_o lord_n therefore_o we_o shall_v come_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a we_o shall_v come_v like_o he_o in_o the_o text_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o vehement_a contention_n of_o heart_n and_o voice_n we_o shall_v beg_v his_o assistance_n against_o our_o fail_n and_o his_o comfort_n against_o our_o sorrow_n and_o sad_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v protect_v we_o in_o our_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o that_o he_o will_v scatter_v our_o doubt_n and_o distraction_n and_o dispel_v those_o cloud_n which_o intercept_v the_o joyful_a light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n lord_n we_o believe_v thou_o can_v and_o therefore_o we_o pray_v that_o thou_o of_o thy_o goodness_n will_v help_v our_o unbelief_n establish_v strengthen_v settle_v we_o in_o thy_o truth_n yea_o we_o beseech_v thou_o good_a lord_n that_o it_o may_v please_v thou_o to_o strengthen_v such_o as_o do_v stand_v and_o to_o comfort_n and_o help_v the_o weakhearted_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o they_o that_o fall_v and_o final_o to_o beat_v down_o satan_n under_o our_o foot_n amen_n sermon_n xv._o christ_n resignation_n to_o his_o father_n will._n st._n luke_n xxii_o 42._o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n passion_n be_v relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o so_o particular_a so_o move_v a_o manner_n as_o must_v needs_o argue_v those_o man_n extreme_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a upon_o who_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n now_o the_o purpose_v this_o account_n be_v design_v to_o serve_v be_v principal_o these_o two_o to_o excite_v our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o he_o who_o submit_v to_o undergo_v such_o bitter_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o to_o work_v we_o up_o to_o a_o irreconcilable_a aversion_n against_o sin_n the_o wretched_a cause_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n and_o what_o can_v kindle_v our_o love_n and_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o gratitude_n if_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o agony_n and_o pain_n the_o torture_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o amazement_n and_o exceed_a sorrow_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o to_o which_o he_o voluntary_o expose_v himself_o by_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o offence_n what_o can_v present_v we_o with_o a_o more_o frightful_a image_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o self-condemning_a conscience_n than_o those_o sweat_v of_o blood_n that_o heaviness_n
unseasonable_a officiousness_n place_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o danger_n which_o by_o his_o absence_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o even_o after_o his_o first_o denial_n he_o be_v say_v 68_o say_v verse_n 68_o to_o have_v go_v out_o and_o to_o have_v hear_v the_o cock_n crow_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o impression_n so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o he_o return_v again_o and_o mingle_v with_o the_o same_o company_n fear_v probable_o that_o withdraw_a may_v increase_v their_o suspicion_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o entangle_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o snare_n a_o second_o time_n and_o to_o gain_v credit_n by_o fresh_a and_o more_o obstinate_a denial_n than_o to_o leave_v any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o have_v say_v a_o untruth_n before_o and_o thus_o one_o lie_n be_v add_v for_o a_o confirmation_n to_o a_o former_a and_o each_o repeat_v with_o great_a eagerness_n and_o vehemence_n and_o in_o term_n more_o express_a and_o peremptory_a till_o three_o distinct_a denial_n have_v leave_v he_o past_o the_o excuse_n of_o slip_v in_o memory_n or_o inadvertency_n or_o the_o suddeness_n of_o a_o surprise_n which_o a_o single_a denial_n may_v have_v receive_v some_o mitigation_n from_o nay_o 4._o four_o which_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o grievous_a degree_n of_o gild_n st._n peter_n bind_v these_o denial_n upon_o himself_o with_o voluntary_a oath_n and_o curse_n and_o use_v such_o form_n and_o such_o solemnity_n to_o get_v a_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n believe_v as_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o thus_o to_o call_v god_n as_o a_o witness_n and_o to_o imprecate_v his_o judgement_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o utter_o false_a a_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v esteem_v it_o his_o honour_n and_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o have_v own_v his_o discipleship_n to_o christ_n even_o at_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n even_o at_o the_o certain_a expense_n of_o his_o very_a life_n such_o be_v the_o sad_a circumstance_n of_o this_o apostle_n fall_n so_o unworthy_a a_o person_n of_o st._n peter_n eminence_n provoke_v by_o so_o slight_a a_o occasion_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o so_o obstinate_o false_a the_o renouncing_n of_o his_o master_n so_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a his_o perjury_n against_o he_o all_o which_o i_o have_v thus_o represent_v before_o you_o as_o the_o evangelist_n themselves_o have_v do_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n not_o with_o any_o enwious_a design_n of_o lessen_v your_o esteem_n for_o this_o glorious_a saint_n or_o any_o malicious_a satisfaction_n that_o some_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v when_o they_o show_v the_o action_n of_o other_o in_o their_o worst_a light_n but_o that_o by_o see_v this_o action_n in_o its_o black_a colour_n we_o may_v profit_v by_o his_o sin_n be_v instruct_v by_o his_o danger_n and_o stand_v the_o fast_o for_o his_o fall_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o remainder_n of_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o such_o useful_a reflection_n and_o inference_n as_o the_o former_a particular_n when_o right_o consider_v give_v we_o great_a ground_n for_o and_o plain_a intimation_n of_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o follow_v first_o we_o read_v this_o passage_n to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o it_o do_v not_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o miserable_a frailty_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o effectual_o overthrow_v all_o those_o vain_a confidence_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v in_o our_o heart_n from_o our_o own_o suppose_a strength_n and_o virtue_n for_o what_o a_o lamentable_a instance_n be_v there_o now_o before_o our_o eye_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v fall_v in_o the_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n who_o shall_v hereafter_o dare_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n when_o one_o so_o wise_a so_o perfect_o satisfy_v in_o the_o christian_a truth_n be_v yet_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n drive_v to_o deny_v and_o abjure_v the_o lord_n that_o teach_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v he_o who_o may_v presume_v upon_o his_o best_a resolution_n when_o he_o who_o declare_v so_o firm_a a_o purpose_n of_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n notwithstanding_o any_o terror_n or_o affliction_n that_o can_v possible_o befall_v he_o for_o such_o perseverance_n do_v yet_o within_o a_o few_o hour_n so_o premptory_o so_o solemn_o disow_v that_o very_a person_n for_o who_o he_o so_o late_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o so_o do_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o he_o but_o just_a before_o be_v dispose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o do_v i_o say_v be_v ready_a and_o dispose_v for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o st._n peter_n at_o that_o time_n speak_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o be_v steadfast_o determine_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o think_v himself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v good_a to_o the_o uttermost_a what_o he_o with_o so_o much_o piety_n and_o affection_n intend_v and_o profess_v but_o here_o be_v the_o error_n here_o the_o misfortune_n that_o st._n peter_n overlookt_a the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o warmth_n of_o his_o zeal_n promise_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v he_o rely_v upon_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o think_v that_o good_a resolution_n be_v a_o impregnable_a defence_n against_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n but_o when_o the_o assault_n be_v make_v and_o that_o danger_n draw_v up_o close_o to_o he_o which_o he_o at_o a_o distance_n despise_v then_o the_o event_n prove_v that_o how_o willing_a and_o well_o resolve_v soever_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v yet_o the_o flesh_n alas_o be_v but_o weak_a at_o the_o best_a exceed_v frail_a and_o weak_a and_o if_o this_o great_a champion_n so_o soon_o give_v ground_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o battle_n we_o who_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o he_o nay_o who_o be_v man_n not_o near_o so_o well_o appoint_v as_o he_o for_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n for_o we_o have_v all_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o corruption_n to_o betray_v we_o the_o same_o passion_n to_o bear_v we_o down_o but_o very_o few_o of_o we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n the_o same_o courage_n and_o resolution_n the_o same_o zeal_n and_o entire_a love_n for_o our_o master_n that_o he_o have_v to_o oppose_v against_o the_o trial_n which_o make_v head_n against_o we_o but_o few_o of_o we_o i_o doubt_v have_v the_o grace_n even_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v die_v with_o christ_n rather_o than_o deny_v he_o in_o any_o wise_a and_o yet_o even_o those_o that_o be_v never_o so_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o such_o purpose_n know_v not_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o proof_n we_o be_v it_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o blame_v or_o to_o pity_v this_o apostle_n and_o may_v fancy_v how_o much_o more_o valiant_o we_o shall_v have_v acquit_v ourselves_o under_o the_o like_a difficulty_n but_o how_o extreme_o vain_a all_o such_o despising_n of_o other_o or_o the_o prefer_v our_o own_o virtue_n before_o they_o be_v this_o sad_a experiment_n instruct_v we_o for_o he_o who_o declare_v that_o though_o all_o shall_v be_v offend_v yet_o will_v not_o he_o fall_v more_o shameful_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o constancy_n he_o suspect_v and_o engage_v so_o far_o to_o excel_v that_o very_a argument_n he_o go_v upon_o prove_v his_o ruin_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o scandalous_o weak_a so_o very_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o think_v ourselves_o something_o when_o in_o truth_n we_o be_v nothing_o so_o fatal_a to_o lean_v to_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o safe_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n when_o in_o reality_n all_o our_o sufficiency_n all_o our_o safety_n be_v entire_o of_o god_n so_o much_o do_v even_o our_o excellency_n expose_v we_o and_o such_o cruel_a advantage_n do_v the_o tempter_n take_v from_o our_o best_a disposition_n and_o action_n if_o we_o grow_v too_o sensible_a of_o they_o too_o well_o please_v with_o they_o proud_a or_o careless_a upon_o their_o account_n if_o we_o impute_v they_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o ascribe_v the_o success_n and_o improvement_n we_o have_v former_o attain_v to_o our_o own_o virtue_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o security_n against_o future_a trial_n so_o different_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o defy_v difficulty_n
any_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n or_o so_o far_o to_o presume_v upon_o our_o former_a virtue_n as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o incapable_a even_o of_o the_o black_a vice_n if_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o poor_a power_n and_o unwary_a measure_n they_o awaken_v our_o care_n mortify_v our_o vanity_n and_o remind_v we_o of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o a_o high_a power_n and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o acknowledgement_n due_a for_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v and_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a we_o do_v not_o and_o as_o they_o admonish_v so_o do_v they_o comfort_v we_o too_o by_o show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o utter_o cast_v off_o his_o servant_n no_o not_o when_o they_o offend_v very_o grievous_o and_o scandalous_o that_o we_o need_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o despair_v though_o our_o transgression_n be_v very_o many_o very_o heinous_a since_o there_o be_v still_o room_n leave_v for_o second_o and_o better_a thought_n and_o provide_v man_n return_v and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o past_a offence_n they_o shall_v be_v kind_o receive_v and_o free_o pardon_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o read_v this_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o stop_v in_o the_o midst_n but_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a relation_n and_o observe_v the_o character_n throughout_o for_o st._n peter_n fall_n will_v minister_v just_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v careful_a to_o rise_v with_o he_o again_o his_o sin_n indeed_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o but_o his_o repentance_n be_v no_o less_o a_o pattern_n they_o that_o blame_v his_o sin_n will_v do_v well_o to_o observe_v his_o sorrow_n and_o if_o they_o abhor_v the_o one_o they_o will_v not_o perhaps_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a to_o imitate_v the_o other_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o deny_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n express_o say_v they_o do_v it_o in_o work_n and_o in_o effect_n who_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v this_o i_o be_o afraid_a few_n if_o any_o of_o we_o can_v purge_v ourselves_o whole_o of_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o guilt_n be_v not_o far_o from_o st._n peter_n but_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n after_o another_o fashion_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o our_o concern_v and_o reformation_n shall_v come_v up_o as_o near_o to_o he_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fault_n do_v in_o order_n whereunto_o my_o second_o head_n propose_v to_o treat_v of_o st._n peter_n repentance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n vi_o st._n peter_n repentance_n st._n mark_v fourteen_o 72._o and_o peter_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o before_o the_o cock_n crow_v twice_o thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o and_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o two_o general_a head_n i._n first_o st._n peter_n be_v fall_v which_o be_v employ_v and_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o text_n and_o ii_o second_o his_o repentance_n which_o be_v express_o contain_v in_o it_o concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v at_o large_a and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o latter_a st._n peter_n repentance_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n as_o before_o consider_v careful_o the_o several_a step_n and_o part_n of_o this_o repentance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o draw_v from_o this_o example_n such_o reflection_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o occasion_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a more_o especial_o to_o such_o who_o unhappy_a engagement_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n have_v render_v a_o very_a deep_a and_o solemn_a repentance_n necessary_a for_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o offend_a god_n 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o repentance_n so_o far_o as_o st._n peter_n himself_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n which_o though_o not_o all_o express_v in_o the_o word_n before_o we_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v plain_o from_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n have_v leave_v we_o concern_v this_o matter_n 1._o now_o the_o first_o thing_n observable_a here_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o occasion_n to_o this_o change_n and_o this_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o crow_v of_o the_o cock_n but_o st._n mark_n have_v inform_v we_o 68_o we_o verse_n 68_o particular_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v hear_v he_o crow_n once_o before_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o impression_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a intimation_n how_o the_o repeat_v it_o a_o second_o time_n come_v to_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o first_o for_o this_o evangelist_n be_v singular_a in_o one_o circumstance_n mention_v ch._n xxii_o 61._o the_o lord_n turn_v and_o look_v upon_o peter_n and_o peter_n then_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o glance_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o st._n peter_n fall_v in_o so_o seasonable_o with_o that_o crow_v of_o the_o cock_n awaken_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o attend_v to_o that_o signal_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o fault_n our_o lord_n have_v foretell_v and_o he_o have_v so_o sad_o fulfil_v this_o then_o so_o back_v so_o send_v home_o to_o his_o conscience_n put_v he_o upon_o the_o second_o thing_n remarkable_a 2._o which_o be_v his_o own_o recollection_n he_o remember_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n have_v say_v and_o find_v by_o compare_v his_o own_o behaviour_n with_o it_o how_o shameful_o he_o have_v fall_v from_o his_o boast_a courage_n and_o constancy_n how_o frail_a and_o unstable_a his_o strong_a resolution_n have_v prove_v how_o much_o better_a our_o lord_n understand_v he_o than_o he_o understand_v himself_o how_o very_o quick_o and_o easy_o he_o have_v be_v betray_v into_o a_o crime_n of_o which_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v himself_o capable_a how_o base_a he_o have_v be_v to_o so_o kind_a a_o master_n how_o false_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n how_o regardless_o of_o truth_n how_o peremptory_a in_o a_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n how_o profane_a in_o the_o oath_n and_o curse_n by_o which_o he_o have_v bind_v it_o upon_o his_o conscience_n for_o by_o this_o remembrance_n and_o thought_n no_o doubt_n be_v intend_v a_o represent_v to_o himsslf_a the_o offence_n he_o have_v commit_v in_o its_o black_a colour_n and_o load_v it_o with_o all_o the_o dreadful_a aggravation_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o it_o all_o which_o when_o set_v before_o he_o prove_v so_o frightful_a a_o spectacle_n that_o he_o can_v no_o long_o refrain_v from_o tear_n for_o that_o be_v the_o 3._o three_o circumstance_n observable_a in_o his_o behaviour_n when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v or_o as_o some_o understand_v it_o he_o burst_v out_o into_o tear_n immediate_o intimate_v hereby_o both_o the_o suddenness_n and_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o grief_n such_o as_o seek_v a_o convenient_a place_n to_o give_v itself_o free_a vent_n in_o and_o therefore_o he_o go_v 〈◊〉_d and_o weep_v bitter_o without_o enter_v into_o the_o dispute_n what_o may_v be_v the_o proper_a interpretation_n of_o those_o word_n by_o which_o st._n mark_n 〈◊〉_d mark_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v describe_v this_o action_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o st._n peter_n reflection_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v produce_v in_o he_o this_o sorrow_n and_o that_o his_o sorrow_n be_v very_o serious_a and_o hearty_a the_o inward_a horror_n of_o his_o mind_n express_v themselves_o by_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o tear_n and_o all_o other_o mark_v of_o bitter_a remorse_n which_o we_o can_v suppose_v his_o condition_n to_o require_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v for_o the_o anguish_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v describe_v than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o in_o st._n peter_n every_o thing_n conspire_v to_o increase_v this_o confusion_n for_o beside_o the_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o heighten_v his_o gild_n and_o embitter_v the_o remembrance_n of_o so_o foul_a a_o offence_n the_o very_a kindness_n of_o his_o master_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o contumely_n and_o suffering_n seem_v to_o forget_v himself_o a_o while_n and_o have_v a_o compassionate_a look_v in_o reserve_v to_o reclaim_v he_o must_v needs_o have_v add_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o his_o astonishment_n and_o concern_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apt_a to_o soften_v and_o melt_v a_o man_n heart_n down_o
consider_v that_o other_o of_o such_o as_o do_v entertain_v and_o profess_v but_o yet_o be_v not_o save_v by_o it_o for_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o do_v come_v and_o yet_o be_v afterward_o thrust_v out_o for_o want_n of_o a_o wedding-garment_n what_o this_o garment_n signify_v seem_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v most_o interpreter_n agree_v it_o to_o be_v good_a work_n in_o general_a to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o beg_v leave_n to_o add_v such_o work_v do_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o since_o the_o want_n of_o this_o garment_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v discover_v till_o the_o master_n come_v in_o to_o see_v and_o examine_v the_o guest_n though_o the_o circumstance_n in_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o curious_o insist_v upon_o yet_o i_o presume_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o take_v in_o inward_a holiness_n here_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o dissemble_a formal_a show_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v what_o may_v be_v so_o nice_o wrought_v that_o no_o humane_a eye_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v it_o but_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o unmask_v the_o hypocrite_n he_o see_v through_o all_o our_o disguise_n and_o will_v one_o day_n sever_v not_o only_o between_o the_o open_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o between_o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a in_o reality_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o in_o affectation_n and_o appearance_n only_o this_o then_o be_v a_o seasonable_a warning_n to_o all_o of_o we_o 6._o phil._n i._n 27._o ephes_n iv_o 23_o 24._o 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o ephes_n vi_o 6._o that_o our_o conversation_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o take_v care_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o inward_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v form_v according_a to_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o we_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o and_o do_v his_o will_n from_o our_o heart_n this_o prove_v that_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o number_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a partake_v in_o the_o same_o proviledge_n and_o the_o same_o instruction_n join_v in_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o the_o same_o sacrament_n do_v some_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o this_o i_o say_v will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v rot_v at_o the_o bottom_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a and_o uniform_a in_o our_o duty_n such_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o by_o degree_n upon_o themselves_o too_o but_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o be_v a_o strict_a search_n to_o come_v and_o god_n be_v not_o can_v be_v â—ocked_v a_o man_n may_v lie_v within_o christ_n fold_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o the_o shepberd_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v he_o out_o and_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o according_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o the_o form_n but_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o this_o unworthy_a comer_n do_v no_o more_o eat_v of_o the_o feast_n than_o they_o who_o come_v not_o at_o all_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o matter_n will_v come_v much_o to_o one_o whether_o we_o be_v reckon_v among_o hypocrite_n or_o unbeliever_n since_o the_o great_a judge_n have_v already_o declare_v that_o the_o portion_n of_o both_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o 51._o matth._n xxiv_o 51._o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o weep_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n 46._o luk._n xii_o 46._o now_o that_o this_o walk_a unworthy_a our_o christian_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o not_o profess_v christ_n at_o all_o be_v from_o our_o own_o fault_n i_o need_v not_o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o refer_v my_o reader_n back_o to_o the_o former_a considerstion_n since_o the_o very_a same_o advantage_n and_o assistance_n afford_v meâ—_n for_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n be_v at_o least_o as_o plentiful_o afford_v 〈◊〉_d dispose_v they_o to_o practice_v it_o whâ—…_n they_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o the_o very_a saâ—…_n indisposition_n and_o vicious_a qualitiâ—…_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v likewise_o obstruct_v the_o conform_v their_o life_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o entertain_v the_o same_o be_v far_o manifest_v from_o this_o person_n be_v punishment_n here_o and_o from_o his_o be_v speechless_a strike_v dumb_a with_o gild_n and_o confusion_n which_o fair_o intimate_v to_o we_o what_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o of_o all_o man_n live_v they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n will_v have_v least_o to_o say_v in_o their_o own_o excuse_n if_o they_o lead_v wicked_a life_n since_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o profess_v one_o rule_n and_o act_n by_o another_o and_o to_o live_v not_o only_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n but_o under_o a_o perpetual_a upbraid_v of_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o constant_a contradiction_n to_o themselves_o now_o all_o this_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o end_v i_o chief_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o subject_a which_o be_v to_o remove_v must_fw-mi discouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o some_o weak_a mind_n may_v labour_v under_o from_o a_o mistake_a notion_n that_o these_o thing_n will_v either_o be_v do_v without_o we_o or_o not_o effectual_o attain_v even_o by_o our_o most_o laborious_a and_o conscientious_a endeavour_n and_o though_o may_v be_v object_v that_o parable_n afford_v but_o little_a matter_n for_o solid_a argument_n yet_o the_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v will_v not_o be_v much_o weaken_v by_o that_o pretence_n if_o it_o be_v remember_v thaat_fw-mi we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o argue_v from_o parable_n so_o far_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o plain_a design_n of_o they_o lead_v we_o and_o that_o nothing_o here_o have_v be_v advance_v beyond_o that_o which_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o evince_v by_o other_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o not_o then_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o little_a shift_n and_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o dark_a excuse_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n and_o election_n for_o be_v assure_v that_o at_o the_o general_n day_n of_o account_n a_o new_a and_o different_a scene_n of_o thing_n shall_v open_v and_o what_o cloak_n soever_o man_n may_v contrive_v to_o cover_v their_o shame_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n every_o mouth_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n all_o flesh_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v but_o acknowledge_v itself_o to_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o he_o be_v justify_v in_o all_o his_o do_n and_o clear_v when_o he_o be_v judge_v the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o god_n call_v free_o who_o and_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v that_o every_o body_n be_v call_v to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v send_v and_o call_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o if_o they_o who_o live_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o receive_v and_o profit_n by_o it_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n will_v be_v they_o that_o this_o hear_n and_o receive_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n come_v when_o call_v imply_v not_o only_o a_o belief_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v but_o live_v in_o agreement_n to_o the_o principle_n christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o wilful_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o these_o point_n can_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_a they_o may_v be_v call_v and_o not_o come_v they_o may_v come_v and_o yet_o be_v thrust_v out_o as_o unworthy_a and_o none_o be_v the_o choose_a but_o such_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o feast_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o election_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o certain_a term_n and_o qualification_n and_o although_o man_n be_v call_v by_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n pure_o arbitrary_a and_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o behaviour_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v so_o free_o indeed_o they_o be_v because_o not_o for_o any_o desert_n or_o real_a worth_n of_o their_o best_a work_n but_o conditional_o still_o because_o not_o without_o good_a work_n so_o that_o these_o work_n though_o incapable_a of_o be_v the_o meritorious_a be_v yet_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n hence_o theophylect_n say_v loc_n theoph._n in_o loc_n that_o we_o be_v call_v be_v entire_o gid_v act_n but_o whether_o we_o be_v choose_v or_o no_o will_v depend_v upon_o ourselves_o hence_o a_o much_o more_o incontestable_a authority_n than_o his_o warn_v christian_n 10._o 2_o pet._n i._o 10._o that_o they_o give_v diligence_n
which_o be_v wont_a to_o rise_v from_o the_o fail_n we_o feel_v or_o fancy_v in_o ourselves_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v imagine_v always_o to_o attend_v piety_n and_o true_a faith_n shall_v be_v consider_v god_n will_v in_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n xiii_o the_o case_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n the_o scruple_n about_o it_o consider_v st._n mark_v ix_o 24._o latter_a part_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n i_o have_v already_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n such_o and_o so_o general_a that_o all_o people_n will_v find_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o they_o which_o be_v my_o first_n head_n my_o second_o propose_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o many_o well-meaning_a person_n upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v frequent_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o their_o have_a no_o true_a faith_n be_v real_o not_o so_o now_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o proceed_v from_o a_o sight_n or_o a_o imagination_n of_o some_o fail_n in_o man_n own_o self_n and_o other_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easiness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v suppose_v constant_o to_o attend_v true_a piety_n and_o faith_n the_o former_a of_o these_o kind_n have_v be_v already_o consider_v particular_o and_o the_o latter_a come_v now_o under_o our_o examination_n viz._n those_o dissatisfaction_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o piety_n which_o god_n accept_v be_v always_o suppose_v to_o produce_v now_o of_o these_o i_o common_o meet_v with_o two_o which_o seem_v most_o to_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n and_o they_o be_v first_o man_n doubt_v of_o their_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o second_o the_o want_n of_o those_o inward_a joy_n and_o that_o present_a constant_a peace_n of_o heart_n which_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o cheer_v our_o spirit_n with_o and_o to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v you_o that_o for_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n as_o that_o phrase_n be_v common_o use_v be_v not_o any_o argument_n that_o they_o want_v true_a faith_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o ever_o have_v be_v think_v one_o if_o a_o sort_n of_o vain_a man_n have_v not_o lead_v their_o follower_n away_o with_o a_o strange_a delude_a imagination_n that_o it_o be_v one_o necessary_a part_n and_o character_n of_o a_o true_a belief_n in_o christ_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a election_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o miscarry_v so_o that_o not_o to_o rest_v asselve_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v as_o they_o represent_v the_o matter_n a_o distrust_n of_o christ_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o promise_n since_o his_o gift_n and_o his_o call_n be_v without_o repentance_n and_o who_o he_o once_o love_v he_o love_v they_o unto_o the_o end_n now_o when_o people_n be_v tell_v in_o so_o very_o confident_a and_o peremptory_a term_n that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o question_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o no_o such_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o a_o humble_a sight_n of_o their_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n they_o can_v rest_v in_o all_o that_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n but_o find_v some_o little_a misgiving_n and_o fear_n mix_v with_o their_o hope_n we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o lie_v under_o sad_a anxiety_n and_o dissatisfaction_n so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v themselves_o want_v in_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o such_o be_v not_o this_o positive_a assurance_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v nor_o in_o truth_n can_v it_o be_v as_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o in_o few_o word_n and_o by_o so_o do_v most_o offectual_o to_o put_v and_o end_v to_o all_o those_o scruple_n and_o disquiet_n that_o be_v owe_v mere_o to_o this_o false_a presumption_n of_o its_o be_v so_o and_z that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n without_o it_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n to_o save_v mankind_n from_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a destruction_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v most_o certain_o by_o his_o merit_n have_v their_o obedience_n accept_v and_o their_o soul_n make_v eternal_o happy_a this_o indeed_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o necessary_a belief_n and_o to_o question_v this_o be_v to_o distrust_v and_o dishonour_n god_n it_o be_v to_o contradict_v his_o word_n and_o to_o blaspheme_v his_o truth_n but_o for_o you_o or_o i_o in_o particular_a to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o happy_a number_n this_o can_v never_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o positive_a duty_n nor_o have_v the_o gospel_n enjoin_v it_o any_o far_a than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o find_v ourselves_o within_o those_o general_n term_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o mankind_n at_o large_a and_o you_o will_v i_o think_v agree_v that_o even_o in_o very_o good_a man_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v this_o shall_v amount_v to_o a_o positive_a assurance_n when_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o follow_a argument_n as_o first_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o conceive_v to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n with_o fear_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n plain_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o proper_a and_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o christian_n obedience_n for_o however_o that_o may_v have_v be_v run_v down_o as_o a_o spirit_n contrary_n to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n 10._o creature_n ps_n cxi_o 10._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n place_n the_o 13._o the_o phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o beginning_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o it_o be_v that_o the_o new_a attribute_n the_o very_a finish_n and_o excellence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o very_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n a_o foundation_n for_o it_o for_o so_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o corinthian_n 2_o ep._n chap._n vii_o v._o 1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v not_o to_o novice_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o make_v their_o first_o feeble_a essay_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o and_o then_o pass_v on_o to_o some_o noble_a motive_n but_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v complete_v their_o duty_n and_o become_v perfect_a by_o that_o a_o virtue_n so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o gospel-mercy_n that_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o fear_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o gracious_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o same_o apostle_n command_v his_o philippian_n 13._o philippian_n phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v in_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n justice_n constant_o upon_o their_o mind_n a_o constant_a dread_a of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o from_o thence_o a_o anxious_a care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o these_o philippian_n have_v who_o be_v according_o encourage_v to_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n grace_n whereby_o he_o work_v in_o man_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o may_v we_o say_v as_o some_o fond_o do_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v cool_v by_o such_o a_o principle_n since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v recommend_v the_o high_a act_n of_o love_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o less_o than_o suffer_a martyrdom_n itself_o and_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n from_o the_o same_o motive_n thus_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o do_v to_o his_o beloved_a one_o luke_n xii_o 4._o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o