i_o before_o say_v give_v we_o comfort_n as_o to_o child_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n other_o maintain_v the_o regeneration_n of_o elect_a infant_n by_o baptism_n i_o shall_v free_o tell_v you_o what_o i_o judge_n be_v all_o in_o this_o cause_n the_o most_o of_o those_o baptise_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v person_n grow_v up_o who_o have_v first_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o these_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o engagement_n to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n as_o you_o read_v rom._n 6._o 4_o etc._n etc._n to_o infant_n it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o exhibit_v to_o mankind_n that_o in_o case_n they_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v their_o sin_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n to_o these_o it_o be_v a_o engagement_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n a_o avouchment_v of_o god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n to_o these_o if_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_v water_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v the_o roman_n rom._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o fetch_v argument_n oblige_v they_o to_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n whether_o it_o have_v any_o such_o immediate_a effect_n as_o to_o all_o to_o justify_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n or_o to_o regenerate_v they_o that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o their_o heart_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v but_o can_v prove_v it_o nor_o do_v understand_v how_o possible_o it_o shall_v have_v any_o further_a effect_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o circumcision_n have_v to_o the_o jew_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o justification_n not_o the_o 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of_o himself_o suppose_v the_o common_a grace_n of_o god_n deny_v to_o none_o to_o do_v all_o that_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o power_n to_o repent_v to_o believe_v to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n hence_o many_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o haste_n for_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o or_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n or_o to_o follow_v christ_n they_o may_v stay_v till_o they_o be_v old_a and_o their_o eye_n can_v be_v no_o long_o please_v with_o see_v nor_o their_o ear_n with_o hear_v if_o then_o they_o do_v but_o repent_v and_o believe_v all_o be_v well_o enough_o as_o to_o which_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o as_o brisk_a as_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o man_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o special_a grace_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o that_o have_v talk_v high_a for_o the_o power_n of_o man_n will_n but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o close_a discourse_n they_o will_v assert_v it_o no_o far_o than_o either_o as_o to_o moral_a action_n or_o act_n of_o moral_a discipline_n they_o will_v affirm_v indeed_o that_o a_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o go_v to_o church_n instead_o of_o go_v to_o the_o tavern_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o foot_n from_o the_o house_n of_o a_o harlot_n to_o do_v just_o and_o a_o hundred_o such_o thing_n to_o read_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o pray_v to_o consider_v his_o sin_n now_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o none_o deni_v only_o we_o say_v his_o power_n as_o to_o these_o be_v much_o weaken_v by_o the_o fall_n so_o as_o we_o doubt_v whether_o by_o common_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n man_n have_v he_o can_v do_v these_o material_o good_a action_n when_o he_o be_v press_v with_o a_o vehement_a temptation_n but_o i_o say_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o will_v say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v to_o repent_v save_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n 2._o if_o any_o do_v say_v so_o he_o say_v what_o be_v contradict_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n to_o enlarge_v here_o on_o that_o discourse_n 3._o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o divine_n that_o do_v hold_v the_o great_a natural_a power_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n yet_o do_v say_v time_n may_v be_v past_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v sin_v away_o this_o natural_a power_n and_o have_v his_o heart_n so_o harden_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v that_o he_o may_v have_v lose_v this_o power_n and_o so_o be_v conclude_v to_o a_o eternal_a misery_n which_o alone_o to_o considerate_a soul_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v its_o presumption_n from_o this_o head_n for_o how_o shall_v i_o who_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n know_o presume_v because_o i_o have_v a_o power_n in_o myself_o to_o turn_v when_o i_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o may_v by_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v have_v so_o provoke_v god_n as_o he_o may_v have_v give_v i_o up_o to_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n 4._o admit_v thou_o have_v such_o a_o power_n if_o it_o still_o remain_v establish_v that_o this_o power_n must_v be_v produce_v into_o act_n and_o that_o before_o thou_o can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n thou_o must_v actual_o repent_v and_o believe_v how_o do_v thou_o know_v thou_o shall_v have_v time_n for_o it_o may_v not_o god_n take_v away_o thy_o soul_n with_o a_o stroke_n may_v he_o not_o come_v upon_o thou_o on_o the_o sudden_a and_o say_v this_o night_n thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o than_o what_o do_v thy_o power_n signify_v do_v thou_o not_o see_v man_n and_o woman_n die_v sudden_o so_o that_o a_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o power_n in_o thou_o signify_v nothing_o but_o that_o thou_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a by_o it_o if_o indeed_o thou_o have_v such_o a_o power_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o use_v it_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o thou_o have_v it_o 5._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o man_n presumption_n viz._n mistake_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n make_v all_o these_o so_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o although_o some_o ignorant_a person_n may_v build_v up_o to_o themselves_o idle_a and_o presumptuous_a hope_n because_o god_n make_v they_o and_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o man_n and_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o baptise_a &c._n &c._n yet_o considerate_a person_n plain_o must_v see_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v
of_o his_o birth_n and_o job_n 6._o 8_o 9_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o request_n and_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v i_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o long_o for_o even_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o destroy_v i_o that_o he_o will_v let_v loose_a his_o hand_n and_o cut_v i_o off_o so_o elijah_n etc._n etc._n 3._o sometime_o the_o lust_n of_o servile_a slavish_a fear_n when_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v a_o prospect_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n that_o be_v like_a to_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v find_v temptation_n also_o have_v prevail_v upon_o god_n own_o people_n to_o desire_v death_n though_o not_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o own_o death_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o elijah_n 1_o king_n 19_o 4._o jezebel_n send_v a_o message_n to_o he_o have_v swear_v by_o her_o god_n that_o by_o the_o next_o day_n she_o will_v kill_v elijah_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o baal_n priest_n v._o 3._o v._n 4._o he_o go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o sit_v under_o a_o juniper_n tree_n and_o reque_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v die_v and_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o now_o o_o lord_n take_v away_o my_o life_n for_o i_o be_o not_o better_o than_o my_o father_n now_o where_o any_o of_o these_o lust_n predominate_a at_o any_o time_n the_o devil_n do_v very_o ordinary_o join_v his_o strength_n with_o it_o and_o make_v frequent_a and_o violent_a impression_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n put_v they_o upon_o the_o murder_n of_o themselves_o and_o where_o he_o meet_v with_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v ignorant_a or_o of_o base_a atheistical_a heart_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o eternity_n either_o a_o heaven_n or_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a torment_n or_o misery_n or_o a_o immortal_a state_n of_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o he_o do_v very_o often_o prevail_v for_o if_o they_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o death_n come_v upon_o they_o any_o way_n as_o a_o freedom_n from_o misery_n and_o the_o grave_n as_o a_o place_n where_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v where_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n where_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o and_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n it_o be_v but_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v out_o wherefore_o be_v light_n give_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o life_n to_o the_o bitter_a in_o soul_n which_o long_o for_o death_n but_o it_o come_v not_o and_o dig_v for_o it_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o rejoice_v exceed_o and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o can_v find_v the_o grave_a but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o believer_n that_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v they_o and_o agree_v to_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o worm_n never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o and_o that_o all_o murderer_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n where_o this_o worm_n this_o fire_n be_v shall_v ever_o look_v upon_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a in_o this_o dull_a notion_n satan_n can_v never_o prevail_v with_o he_o so_o that_o no_o such_o soul_n while_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o any_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o reason_n and_o to_o conclude_v from_o principle_n can_v possible_o be_v prevail_v upon_o 2._o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v the_o motion_n may_v be_v first_o from_o the_o devil_n who_o see_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o great_a pain_n or_o misery_n or_o in_o great_a fear_n and_o expectation_n of_o misery_n may_v come_v to_o it_o and_o say_v as_o job_n wife_n say_v to_o he_o do_v thou_o still_o retain_v thy_o integrity_n curse_v god_n and_o die_v i_o mean_v make_v some_o such_o impression_n upon_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n spirit_n this_o possible_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o first_o discern_v and_o receive_v with_o great_a abhorrence_n cry_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n tell_v their_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o it_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o they_o but_o the_o devil_n renew_v his_o motion_n and_o impression_n with_o great_a frequency_n violence_n and_o importunity_n until_o at_o length_n their_o own_o lust_n incline_v they_o to_o hearken_v either_o their_o over-eager_a desire_n to_o be_v out_o of_o their_o fear_n or_o out_o of_o their_o pain_n and_o at_o some_o more_o rest_n and_o quiet_a than_o they_o can_v possible_o arrive_v at_o and_o come_v to_o so_o as_o they_o yield_v chap._n iu._n by_o what_o seem_v good_a the_o soul_n tempt_v to_o self-murder_n may_v be_v draw_v away_o and_o entice_v what_o good_a great_a than_o life_n eternal_a life_n a_o great_a good_a this_o can_v bait_v no_o believer_n to_o such_o a_o act_n why_o immunity_n from_o some_o great_a evil_n feel_v or_o imminent_a the_o only_o appear_v good_a in_o the_o case_n a_o case_n arise_v from_o a_o soul_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n whether_o that_o can_v give_v this_o temptation_n advantage_n it_o be_v deny_v but_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o inquiry_n what_o can_v be_v a_o bait_n fit_v for_o such_o a_o trap_n he_o who_o be_v tempt_v say_v the_o apostle_n be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v no_o man_n be_v entice_v but_o by_o some_o appear_a good_n none_o can_v be_v draw_v away_o from_o a_o good_a nor_o entice_v out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o a_o great_a good_a possible_a or_o probable_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o part_v with_o that_o which_o be_v lesser_a now_o life_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a good_a skin_n for_o skin_n say_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o a_o man_n have_v for_o his_o life_n one_o will_v think_v the_o devil_n can_v not_o show_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n any_o thing_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v deliberate_o and_o voluntary_o part_v with_o his_o life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1_o though_o natural_a life_n in_o please_a circumstance_n be_v the_o great_a natural_a good_a yet_o life_n eternal_n be_v a_o more_o excellent_a good_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v cheat_v by_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o by_o the_o devil_n so_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o dispossession_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o natural_a life_n shall_v bring_v he_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o eternal_a life_n he_o may_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v rational_o persuade_v to_o determine_v his_o own_o life_n thus_o the_o devil_n impose_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o a_o dim_a prospect_n of_o that_o life_n and_o immortality_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n dream_v that_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o life_n be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o all_o man_n or_o at_o least_o of_o all_o that_o live_v up_o in_o any_o degree_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o not_o understand_v that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n nor_o the_o right_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n nor_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v for_o he_o no_o more_o than_o abide_n in_o he_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v so_o cheat_v as_o cleombrotus_n and_o other_o but_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o believer_n one_o i_o mean_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v thus_o entice_v for_o by_o faith_n he_o know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v thou_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n that_o the_o murderer_n be_v one_o of_o those_o sinner_n that_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o second_o death_n rev._n 21._o 8._o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o the_o second_o life_n 2._o second_o though_o natural_a life_n in_o please_a circumstance_n may_v be_v the_o great_a natural_a good_a yet_o this_o natural_a life_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v so_o ill_o circumstance_v that_o a_o present_a freedom_n from_o some_o evil_n may_v to_o a_o natural_a eye_n appear_v a_o much_o great_a good_a in_o comparison_n of_o which_o even_a life_n itself_o may_v be_v a_o evil_a undesirable_a and_o abhor_a life_n be_v much_o rate_v by_o the_o happy_a or_o less_o happy_a circumstance_n of_o it_o even_o nature_n itself_o will_v not_o desire_v a_o life_n of_o continual_a and_o extreme_a pain_n and_o indeed_o this_o ease_n and_o immunity_n from_o evil_n which_o either_o at_o
bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o indisputable_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 3._o 3._o and_o st._n paul_n plain_o say_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v life_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n and_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n no_o consider_v man_n therefore_o can_v possible_o raise_v up_o to_o himself_o any_o hope_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o must_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o far_o obey_v as_o god_n will_v accept_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o can_v serve_v the_o devil_n turn_v so_o effectual_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o 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a_o practical_a assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o danger_n of_o a_o soul_n presume_v be_v from_o the_o first_o and_o the_o four_o of_o these_o principal_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n think_v they_o do_v believe_v because_o they_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v easy_o run_v away_o with_o a_o vain_a imagination_n that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v their_o portion_n when_o indeed_o not_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o because_o this_o believe_v be_v not_o that_o believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o which_o suffer_v i_o to_o offer_v these_o few_o thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v without_o any_o holiness_n or_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n murderer_n traitor_n thief_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o humane_a law_n though_o they_o prodigious_o violate_v they_o there_o may_v be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o proposition_n to_o which_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o live_v up_o to_o but_o we_o know_v that_o without_o holiness_n none_o can_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v that_o believe_v to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o see_v god_n and_o live_n with_o he_o be_v annex_v 2._o because_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o devil_n thus_o believe_v yea_o i_o believe_v better_o than_o the_o most_o of_o man_n do_v for_o our_o assent_n to_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o working_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o our_o evidence_n of_o it_o now_o the_o devil_n have_v see_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v man_n and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n these_o be_v proposition_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n must_v needs_o see_v in_o a_o better_a light_n 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to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n i_o therefore_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o deceive_v not_o your_o soul_n by_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v as_o much_o heed_n of_o their_o wild_a notion_n who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assume_v confidence_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v this_o separate_v faith_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o better_a in_o itself_o than_o a_o most_o bold_a and_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n exclusive_a of_o that_o fear_n and_o tremble_a with_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n their_o notion_n be_v far_o better_a who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o practical_a assent_n but_o still_o i_o pray_v observe_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o be_v assent_n and_o the_o object_n of_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o proposition_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v think_v this_o the_o act_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o justifi_v for_o the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v in_o scripture_n constant_o make_v the_o mediator_n himself_o not_o a_o mere_a proposition_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o this_o notion_n as_o calculate_v to_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o place_n of_o a_o mediator_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v he_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o treat_v with_o his_o father_n about_o the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o to_o stand_v as_o the_o middle_a person_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o merit_v salvation_n for_o we_o by_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n by_o a_o gracious_a act_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reckon_v to_o we_o upon_o
the_o person_n that_o have_v receive_v it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n can_v be_v whether_o god_n have_v not_o commissionated_a miinister_n to_o do_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o will_v not_o ratify_v what_o they_o do_v 2._o second_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o prerogative_n of_o god_n so_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v trust_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n christ_n indeed_o who_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o have_v authority_n on_o earth_n to_o forgive_v sin_n but_o no_o creature_n have_v ever_o such_o a_o power_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n it_o be_v his_o glory_n which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unto_o another_o 3._o three_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o if_o a_o power_n of_o forgive_a sin_n shall_v be_v entrust_v to_o every_o minister_n many_o man_n sin_n will_v be_v remit_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o know_v not_o who_o believe_v nor_o who_o true_o repent_v they_o can_v judge_v but_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n now_o thousand_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o true_a believer_n and_o true_o penitent_a that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o consequent_o many_o unbeliever_n many_o hypocrite_n and_o hard_a heart_a sinner_n shall_v have_v their_o sin_n remit_v beside_o minister_n be_v no_o better_a than_o elijah_n man_n subject_a to_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n and_o out_o of_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v refuse_v to_o remit_v their_o sin_n who_o do_v true_o believe_v and_o true_o repent_v and_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o our_o lord_n shall_v commit_v such_o a_o power_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o fallible_a who_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o person_n who_o god_n indeed_o will_v pardon_v but_o may_v through_o ignorance_n or_o through_o passion_n and_o corruption_n pronounce_v a_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o not_o forgiveness_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o will_v any_o be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v that_o every_o minister_n be_v infallible_a or_o that_o god_n will_v in_o heaven_n confirm_v what_o they_o do_v upon_o earth_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o papist_n indeed_o contend_v the_o pope_n be_v infallible_a but_o be_v every_o priest_n so_o too_o or_o can_v they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v confirm_v his_o error_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o reveal_v will_n as_o to_o those_o term_n upon_o which_o alone_o he_o will_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o any_o 4._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o a_o declarative_a forgiveness_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o shall_v according_a to_o my_o will_n declare_v remit_v they_o shall_v be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o shall_v according_a to_o my_o reveal_v will_n declare_v not_o to_o be_v forgive_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v now_o this_o declaration_n may_v be_v either_o general_n or_o particular_a general_o every_o minister_n that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o who_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v more_o particular_o if_o any_o christian_a in_o any_o distress_n shall_v ask_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o minister_n have_v declare_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o give_v he_o a_o probable_a hope_n that_o he_o hearty_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o minister_n may_v declare_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o thou_o have_v tell_v i_o if_o indeed_o thou_o true_o repente_v and_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god_n have_v forgive_v thy_o iniquity_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o minister_n shall_v have_v any_o other_o power_n to_o forgive_v any_o one_o sin_n or_o authority_n to_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v forgive_v for_o he_o must_v not_o pronounce_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o our_o liturgy_n say_v no_o more_o then_o that_o god_n have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o declare_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o that_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v his_o holy_a gospel_n 5._o the_o apostle_n have_v i_o can_v say_v any_o further_a authority_n but_o a_o further_a advantage_n for_o this_o than_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a revelation_n a_o more_o extraordinary_a ability_n to_o dicsern_a spirit_n without_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o authorize_v by_o christ_n to_o declare_v to_o any_o impenitent_a any_o unbelieving_a soul_n that_o his_o or_o her_o sin_n be_v forgive_v for_o this_o have_v be_v for_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v contradict_v himself_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n may_v and_o do_v see_v further_o into_o man_n than_o any_o can_v now_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o immediate_o be_v say_v before_o he_o breathe_v upon_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o know_v none_o now_o to_o who_o christ_n so_o breathe_v upon_o and_o to_o who_o he_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o as_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n say_v spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n non_fw-la semper_fw-la tangit_fw-la corda_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o always_o touch_v the_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n can_v not_o always_o prophecy_n but_o only_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n come_v upon_o they_o so_o though_o the_o apostle_n can_v sometime_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n discern_v spirit_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o can_v always_o for_o if_o they_o can_v the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v baptise_a simon_n magnus_n who_o he_o by_o and_o by_o tell_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o band_n of_o iniquity_n 6._o this_o be_v all_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o any_o minister_n with_o any_o sense_n or_o modesty_n the_o papist_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o curse_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o that_o the_o priest_n absolution_n be_v not_o a_o judicial_a but_o a_o ministerial_a act._n yet_o this_o new_a doctrine_n pass_v not_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o popish_a council_n without_o contradiction_n council_n trid._n sess_n 14._o cap._n 3._o &_o cap._n 9_o the_o franciscan_a divine_n tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o hierom_n and_o p._n lombard_n and_o bonaventure_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o schoolman_n that_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v but_o a_o declaration_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o pelargus_n tell_v they_o that_o that_o text_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v not_o as_o to_o their_o sense_n limit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n nay_o perhaps_o not_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o understand_v because_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n absolution_n savour_v much_o of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n i_o will_v a_o little_a show_n you_o what_o their_o doctrine_n be_v in_o the_o case_n 1._o they_o hold_v that_o original_a sin_n be_v wash_v away_o in_o baptism_n then_o child_n be_v regenerate_v and_o justify_v 2._o but_o in_o regard_n that_o after_o baptism_n man_n sin_v many_o time_n a_o day_n they_o have_v therefore_o devise_v a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v contrition_n confession_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o minister_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n good_a or_o bad_a for_o they_o determine_v that_o a_o priest_n guilty_a of_o mortal_a sin_n may_v administer_v this_o sacrament_n the_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o say_v do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o the_o character_n of_o his_o ordination_n contrition_n indeed_o they_o make_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n confession_n they_o say_v be_v not_o only_o necessary_a in_o private_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o say_v they_o how_o can_v he_o absolve_v and_o remit_v sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v they_o and_o that_o in_o their_o circumstance_n so_o that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n
upon_o which_o account_n they_o all_o have_v their_o confessor_n depend_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o priest_n absolution_n all_o the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o receive_v that_o benefit_n then_o they_o further_o say_v that_o god_n do_v only_o pardon_v the_o eternal_a guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o christ_n have_v only_o satisfy_v for_o that_o so_o that_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n there_o must_v be_v also_o satisfaction_n hence_o their_o priest_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v people_n pilgrimage_n building_n of_o church_n pay_v sum_n of_o money_n for_o satisfaction_n this_o penance_n be_v undergo_v they_o do_v declare_v that_o any_o priest_n be_v appoint_v thereto_o by_o the_o church_n may_v in_o ordinary_a cause_n not_o only_o declarative_o but_o judicial_o pardon_v and_o absolve_v the_o sinner_n but_o if_o a_o high_a priest_n a_o bishop_n or_o the_o pope_n have_v reserve_v some_o case_n in_o which_o he_o or_o they_o alone_o will_v have_v power_n to_o absolve_v and_o to_o appoint_v to_o penance_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o they_o only_o can_v do_v it_o the_o more_o private_a priest_n can_v this_o be_v their_o doctrine_n protestant_n now_o say_v that_o god_n alone_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o by_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n he_o do_v declare_v a_o man_n sin_n be_v forgive_v who_o have_v a_o true_a contrition_n who_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n full_o forgive_v they_o so_o that_o he_o expect_v no_o further_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o sinner_n than_o that_o which_o be_v long_o since_o give_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o his_o father_n wrath_n alone_o and_o finish_v all_o that_o work_n they_o say_v indeed_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o most_o cause_n be_v sufficient_a to_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v forgive_v they_o in_o some_o cause_n indeed_o a_o more_o open_a confession_n be_v necessary_a 1._o when_o the_o church_n have_v be_v public_o scandilize_v not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o god_n pardon_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_n and_o for_o a_o more_o comfortable_a brotherly_a communion_n and_o the_o church_n satisfaction_n that_o the_o person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v long_o keep_v out_o of_o its_o communion_n 2._o they_o say_v further_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o great_a horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o terror_n upon_o people_n spirit_n it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o particular_a christian_n under_o such_o terror_n to_o confess_v some_o particular_a sin_n unto_o their_o judicious_a brethren_n or_o unto_o their_o faithful_a minister_n but_o not_o in_o order_n to_o their_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o offer_v word_n in_o season_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o be_v more_o know_v and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o their_o case_n comfort_v they_o if_o their_o case_n will_v bear_v comfort_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o otherwise_o advise_v they_o what_o to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o peace_n they_o do_v also_o further_o say_v that_o satisfaction_n where_o any_o have_v wrong_v another_o be_v necessary_a if_o in_o our_o power_n as_o in_o case_n of_o theft_n etc._n etc._n but_o for_o any_o necessity_n of_o any_o other_o confession_n or_o satissaction_n in_o order_n to_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o nor_o believe_v it_o and_o for_o judicial_a absolution_n they_o say_v it_o be_v god_n alone_a act_n and_o that_o all_o that_o the_o minister_n can_v do_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o people_n in_o case_n they_o do_v true_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v do_v and_o will_v forgive_v they_o free_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o god_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o minister_n as_o his_o ordinance_n give_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o remission_n be_v before_o give_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o believe_v in_o truth_n to_o they_o while_o the_o minister_n faithful_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_v such_o as_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v but_o if_o any_o person_n be_v absolve_v by_o a_o minister_n have_v cheat_v he_o and_o pretend_a repentance_n and_o true_a faith_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n his_o heart_n or_o if_o any_o minister_n have_v either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n declare_v a_o person_n sin_v forgive_v who_o sin_n while_o he_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v not_o forgive_v he_o may_v have_v cheat_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o the_o minister_n may_v have_v cheat_v he_o but_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v his_o sin_n remain_v notwithstanding_o his_o pretend_a absolution_n god_n dispense_v out_o the_o grace_n of_o forgiveness_n not_o according_a to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a will._n 2._o trust_v not_o therefore_o to_o any_o such_o vain_a imagination_n no_o nor_o to_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n either_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n or_o at_o thy_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o which_o god_n do_v signify_v and_o seal_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n death_n to_o such_o as_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v out_o of_o question_n but_o that_o god_n in_o that_o ordinance_n do_v give_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o have_v appoint_v it_o so_o signify_v seal_n or_o convey_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o any_o unbelieving_a impenitent_a soul_n be_v a_o very_a great_a error_n such_o person_n may_v eat_v and_o drink_v there_o but_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n this_o have_v make_v i_o frequent_o admire_v at_o some_o person_n fondness_n of_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n when_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n who_o never_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o life_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o can_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o right_a order_n viz._n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o many_o who_o be_v join_v in_o one_o body_n eat_v of_o that_o one_o bread_n upon_o which_o all_o protestant_a church_n reject_v private_a administration_n of_o that_o institution_n and_o upon_o just_a ground_n christ_n first_o give_v it_o to_o the_o 12_o at_o least_o to_o 11_o of_o they_o we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n example_n or_o direction_n to_o or_o of_o any_o such_o administration_n upon_o this_o account_n unless_o some_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v have_v long_o and_o linger_a sickness_n and_o of_o that_o nature_n as_o have_v not_o influence_v their_o head_n nor_o so_o indispose_v they_o but_o their_o mind_n can_v attend_v to_o the_o action_n some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v know_v desire_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o private_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o ordinance_n from_o the_o public_a participation_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v long_o hinder_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o ever_o know_v any_o judicious_a christian_a so_o much_o as_o desire_v such_o a_o administration_n but_o many_o other_o i_o have_v which_o make_v i_o think_v some_o more_o ignorant_a people_n rest_n upon_o it_o and_o trust_v to_o it_o we_o know_v the_o popish_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o what_o a_o stir_n they_o make_v with_o the_o host_n carrying_z it_o about_o in_o great_a state_n to_o die_a person_n and_o i_o fear_v a_o tang_n of_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o stick_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o who_o be_v profess_a protestant_n we_o know_v what_o a_o trade_n the_o papist_n make_v of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o auricular_a confession_n satisfaction_n and_o private_a mass_n celebrate_v for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o gain_n come_v into_o their_o purse_n by_o they_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o such_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o practice_n but_o christian_n take_v heed_n of_o these_o notion_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o nourish_v presumption_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o you_o may_v take_v heed_n of_o they_o let_v i_o mind_n you_o of_o 2_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 4._o 24._o take_v heed_n what_o you_o hear_v and_o luk._n 8._o 18._o take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v hear_v as_o those_o noble_a berean_o act_n 17._o
i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o book_n open_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o portion_n of_o scripture_n fit_a to_o be_v read_v or_o any_o sermon_n fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o person_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o such_o book_n such_o sermon_n such_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o most_o express_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n most_o lively_o express_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n together_o with_o such_o as_o contain_v or_o explain_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o support_n and_o strength_n and_o help_v under_o and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a pressure_n of_o affliction_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o one_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n concur_v which_o be_v always_o requisite_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v what_o it_o read_v and_o hear_v a_o soul_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o such_o a_o undertake_n from_o the_o rational_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o it_o to_o get_v out_o of_o its_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o far_o near_a and_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o relief_n for_o it_o if_o it_o can_v but_o exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n from_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v it_o and_o who_o have_v promise_v and_o be_v faithful_a which_o two_o point_n be_v of_o very_o great_a import_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v against_o this_o fiery_a dart_n and_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o soul_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o shall_v ever_o listen_v to_o this_o temptation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o reason_n let_v therefore_o every_o soul_n under_o this_o temptation_n make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unbelief_n or_o faint_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o roar_a lion_n thus_o seek_v about_o to_o devour_v soul_n the_o more_o root_v a_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternity_n both_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o damn_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o more_o remote_a and_o difficult_a it_o will_v be_v as_o to_o listen_v to_o any_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n chap._n xi_o further_a direction_n for_o soul_n thus_o tempt_v the_o avoid_n of_o solitude_n the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o freeness_n of_o it_o the_o sureness_n of_o it_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n 3._o dir._n avoid_v solitude_n and_o solitary_a place_n i_o mention_v this_o before_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v prevailing_n of_o melancholy_n but_o let_v i_o a_o little_a far_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o argument_n indeed_o excess_n of_o solitude_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o great_a freedom_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n though_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o soul_n health_n and_o freedom_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o some_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n i_o observe_v elijah_n be_v alone_a when_o he_o pray_v god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o discontent_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o jonah_n ch_n 4._o 5_o 8._o be_v in_o a_o booth_n alone_o out_o of_o the_o city_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v alone_a when_o matth._n 4._o 6._o the_o tempter_n say_v unto_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o of_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v eminent_o true_a that_o solomon_n say_v ecc._n 4._o 11._o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o when_o he_o fall_v for_o he_o have_v none_o other_o to_o help_v he_o up_o these_o act_n be_v commit_v usual_o by_o person_n that_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v therefore_o high_o advisable_v to_o person_n under_o these_o impression_n to_o avoid_v give_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o and_o about_o person_n under_o these_o temptation_n to_o be_v watchful_a as_o to_o this_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o discern_v the_o impression_n be_v most_o strong_a upon_o they_o but_o have_v touch_v upon_o this_o before_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o it_o now_o 4._o dir._n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v what_o motive_n shall_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o their_o life_n but_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o so_o eminent_a evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v now_o these_o evil_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o external_n affliction_n and_o cross_n or_o such_o as_o be_v internal_o horror_n of_o mind_n terror_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o motive_n be_v a_o freedom_n from_o evil_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o advise_v before_o what_o i_o judge_v proper_a viz._n the_o consideration_n whether_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o life_n in_o that_o manner_n will_v indeed_o free_v we_o or_o rather_o make_v our_o condition_n much_o worse_o and_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o procure_v ourselves_o such_o a_o immunity_n but_o now_o suppose_v the_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n viz._n the_o horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o look_v as_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o which_o external_n misery_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o a_o just_a understanding_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o the_o misery_n of_o impenitent_a and_o unpardoned_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o suppose_v the_o motive_n to_o be_v horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n upon_o our_o reflection_n upon_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o soul_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n and_o whet_v upon_o our_o heart_n such_o portion_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n as_o be_v most_o full_o expressive_a of_o it_o true_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n run_v into_o such_o a_o arrear_n with_o god_n justice_n no_o soul_n so_o guilty_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gracious_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v from_o eternity_n contract_v with_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o redeemer_n part_v in_o which_o covenant_n be_v also_o fulfil_v by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a soul_n fulfil_v his_o part_n in_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o it_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o although_o its_o past_a sin_n can_v be_v make_v never_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v no_o more_o condemn_v the_o soul_n then_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v they_o shall_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o not_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v reckon_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v its_o righteousness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n know_v and_o believe_v this_o and_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o gracious_a covenant_n shall_v ever_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o its_o life_n from_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n by_o its_o reflection_n upon_o its_o guilt_n of_o sin_n though_o a_o ignorant_a person_n that_o know_v not_o this_o or_o a_o unbelieving_a soul_n which_o though_o it_o may_v have_v receive_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v believe_v it_o may_v from_o this_o motive_n
be_v induce_v to_o a_o yield_n to_o this_o temptation_n yet_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n admit_v a_o soul_n sure_a of_o its_o damnation_n and_o that_o its_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v it_o shall_v in_o reason_n rather_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o a_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o all_o mean_v imaginable_a to_o lengthen_v out_o its_o day_n to_o the_o year_n of_o methâ—sâ—lah_n then_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o inch_n of_o that_o time_n which_o god_n will_v allow_v he_o for_o what_o reason_n can_v prompt_v any_o man_n to_o think_v the_o horror_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o pain_n that_o be_v suffer_v by_o damn_a soul_n or_o what_o reason_n will_v guide_v any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v torment_v before_o his_o time_n how_o earnest_n do_v we_o find_v condemn_v malefactor_n sometime_o though_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n to_o be_v pardon_v but_o to_o be_v reprieve_v for_o a_o time_n but_o i_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o poor_a soul_n to_o advantage_v this_o temptation_n there_o be_v no_o soul_n that_o can_v in_o judgement_n say_v though_o sometime_o they_o say_v so_o in_o their_o fit_n and_o passion_n i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o â—ise_v for_o satan_n in_o this_o temptation_n but_o person_n ignorance_n or_o unbelief_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n o_o therefore_o let_v all_o soul_n but_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o tempt_v study_v this_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v covenant_v for_o for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o power_n and_o strength_n against_o sin_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n for_o strength_n against_o temptation_n every_o spiritual_a promise_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o those_o various_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a evil_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o present_a sense_n or_o any_o fear_n as_o to_o time_n to_o come_v for_o which_o god_n have_v not_o in_o one_o promise_n or_o a_o other_o provide_v we_o a_o antidote_n be_v it_o the_o guilt_n oâ—_n sin_n already_o commit_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v it_o be_v it_o the_o fear_n of_o guilt_n not_o yet_o contract_v god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o love_n you_o free_o he_o have_v say_v sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o mortal_a body_n so_o as_o thoâ—_n haste_v no_o reason_n to_o destroy_v thyself_o either_o because_o thou_o have_v sin_v or_o becauseâ—_n thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n to_o a_o irremissible_a degree_n be_v thou_o afraid_a that_o temptation_n shall_v prevail_v against_o theeâ—_n he_o have_v assure_v thou_o that_o christ_n waâ—_n therefore_o tempt_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a tâ—_n succour_v the_o tempt_v that_o with_o the_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o happy_a issue_n that_o he_o will_v bruise_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n short_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a encumbrance_n as_o to_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o provision_n make_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o declare_v in_o some_o gospel_n promise_n 2._o consider_v again_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grace_n signify_v free_a love_n i_o will_v say_v god_n heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o love_v you_o free_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v pay_v for_o thy_o pardon_n all_o that_o be_v be_v finish_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v exact_v be_v already_o pay_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o thy_o gild_n a_o hatred_n of_o thy_o former_a way_n a_o resolution_n join_v with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o forsake_v they_o with_o a_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o thy_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n oh_o this_o this_o be_v that_o which_o can_v a_o soul_n under_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n believe_v these_o temptation_n will_v certain_o abate_v we_o in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n stick_v too_o much_o in_o a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o let_v i_o here_o give_v you_o the_o copy_n of_o a_o short_a letter_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n luther_n to_o a_o hermit_n v._o luther_n ep._n t._n 1._o i_o say_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o thy_o soul_n do_v whether_o at_o last_o be_v weary_a of_o its_o own_o righteousness_n it_o have_v learned_a to_o breathe_v after_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o our_o age_n a_o temptation_n of_o presumption_n too_o much_o prevail_v and_o particular_o in_o they_o who_o by_o all_o mean_n study_v to_o approve_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n plentiful_o and_o free_o give_v unto_o we_o by_o and_o through_o christ_n they_o so_o long_o study_v to_o work_v well_o until_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o confidence_n of_o stand_v before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o by_o their_o own_o merit_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a you_o and_o i_o have_v both_o be_v once_o of_o that_o opinion_n or_o rather_o in_o that_o error_n but_o now_o i_o set_v myself_o against_o it_o but_o have_v not_o yet_o conquer_v myself_o as_o to_o it_o therefore_o my_o dear_a brother_n learn_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v learn_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o yourself_o to_o say_v to_o he_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v my_o righteousness_n i_o be_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v take_v upon_o thou_o what_o be_v i_o and_o give_v unto_o i_o what_o be_v thou_o thou_o have_v take_v what_o thou_o be_v not_o and_o give_v unto_o i_o what_o i_o be_v not_o take_v heed_n say_v he_o of_o aim_v at_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o purity_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o thyself_o no_o sinner_n for_o christ_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o none_o but_o sinner_n he_o therefore_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n when_o he_o dwell_v in_o his_o saint_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o sinner_n o_o meditate_v of_o his_o love_n and_o you_o will_v feel_v his_o most_o sweet_a consolation_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o die_v if_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n by_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o torment_v of_o ourselves_o you_o will_v never_o therefore_o find_v peace_n but_o by_o despair_v of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o work_n and_o a_o fiducial_a dependence_n on_o he_o you_o will_v further_o learn_v by_o this_o that_o as_o he_o take_v thy_o nature_n and_o make_v thy_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v his_o so_o he_o have_v make_v his_o righteousness_n thou_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n either_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v discover_v the_o value_n of_o those_o physician_n who_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n to_o relieve_v afflict_a conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n then_o by_o press_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n reckon_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n for_o righteousness_n and_o certain_o god_n absolution_n or_o acquittance_n of_o a_o soul_n from_o its_o debt_n to_o divine_a justice_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reckon_v account_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o impute_v to_o it_o as_o if_o perform_v by_o it_o be_v of_o no_o more_o difficult_a conception_n whatever_o some_o pretend_v in_o the_o case_n than_o a_o creditor_n discharge_v and_o give_v acquittance_n to_o a_o debtor_n upon_o his_o friend_n or_o surety_n payment_n of_o the_o debt_n upon_o which_o the_o principal_a be_v discharge_v as_o if_o he_o have_v personal_o pay_v it_o believe_v it_o other_o notion_n may_v afford_v matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o a_o calm_a time_n but_o nothing_o but_o the_o notion_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n reckon_v to_o we_o will_v serve_v we_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n let_v we_o therefore_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n or_o with_o the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n than_o to_o part_v with_o this_o great_a truth_n let_v some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n some_o in_o horse_n let_v some_o trust_n in_o the_o work_v of_o other_o some_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o his_o name_n be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v under_o great_a horror_n and_o