and_o shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n nor_o indeavor_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n then_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a fantasy_n and_o a_o secure_a and_o carnal_a imagination_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n nor_o give_v any_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v save_v which_o god_n word_n pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n when_o therefore_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o seal_v we_o in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o that_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o ephesian_n 1.13_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1.13_o eph._n 1.13_o that_o after_o the_o faithful_a have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o believe_v therein_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nor_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o persuasion_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o a_o vain_a opinion_n arise_v from_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o spirit_n another_o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v hereby_o be_v know_v first_o in_o that_o it_o thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n second_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o persuade_v they_o three_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o persuasion_n for_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v this_o bare_a testimony_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v adopt_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o also_o do_v full_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o as_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o without_o question_n so_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o eph._n 1._o 17_o 18._o god_n spirit_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1.17.18_o eph._n 1.17.18_o which_o do_v inlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o hope_n be_v of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n particular_o towards_o we_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n so_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v 3.24_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o we_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v god_n spirit_n &_o thereby_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o 4.13_o and_o 4.13_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o steadfast_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o it_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a that_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v whereas_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n spirit_n may_v well_o have_v a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n love_n and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n through_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n but_o they_o be_v never_o thorough_o persuade_v hereof_o for_o when_o any_o affliction_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n be_v inflict_v on_o they_o their_o vain_a persuasion_n vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o in_o the_o end_n bring_v they_o to_o utter_v desperation_n but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourage_v the_o weak_a christian_a and_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o god_n spirit_n see_v he_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o himself_o this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n feeling_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o always_o discern_v in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v thorough_o persuade_v although_o not_o at_o all_o time_n neither_o in_o our_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o immediate_o after_o our_o conversion_n when_o we_o be_v new_o regenerate_v and_o like_o new_a bear_v babe_n in_o christ_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o weak_a in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o skilful_a in_o understand_v this_o heavenly_a language_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a but_o the_o spirit_n wax_v strong_a in_o we_o and_o we_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n in_o christ_n do_v cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o testify_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o we_o then_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o this_o heavenly_a speech_n do_v well_o understand_v and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v thereby_o and_o second_o when_o the_o poor_a christian_a who_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n the_o hideous_a noise_n of_o satan_n temptation_n which_o like_a canonshot_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o tumultuous_a outcry_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n do_v so_o disturb_v and_o whole_o possess_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n till_o the_o skirmish_n be_v past_a and_o the_o noise_n of_o temptation_n cease_v and_o then_o again_o as_o in_o former_a time_n he_o hear_v to_o his_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n persuade_v he_o of_o god_n love_n and_o hereby_o he_o be_v again_o assure_v thereof_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o have_v of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o christian_a infancy_n and_o spiritual_a nonage_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o our_o present_a sense_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o perfect_a age_n and_o when_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n be_v cease_v second_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o election_n be_v know_v by_o the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o persuade_v we_o namely_o it_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o with_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n and_o draw_v not_o from_o any_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o underserued_a mercy_n and_o from_o the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n whereas_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n never_o use_v such_o reason_n but_o either_o move_v we_o to_o a_o bare_a and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o but_o self-love_n which_o make_v man_n easy_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o desire_v or_o else_o with_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o some_o outward_a common_a benefit_n bestow_v indifferent_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o last_o from_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n and_o false_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o worthiness_n and_o desert_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o thereof_o the_o 3._o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n namely_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o for_o after_o that_o it_o have_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n we_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o trust_v whole_o in_o god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o our_o gracious_a father_n from_o which_o love_n proceed_v a_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v dishonour_v &_o displease_v with_o we_o and_o a_o
it_o be_v manifest_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v the_o proposition_n or_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n contain_v two_o branch_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v the_o second_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v evident_a truth_n for_o that_o which_o christ_n command_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v but_o he_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mar._n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o so_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v etc._n etc._n 1._o joh._n 3.23_o the_o breach_n of_o which_o commandment_n be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a death_n for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v as_o it_o be_v mar._n 16.16_o mar._n 16.16_o 16.16_o and_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o so_o we_o may_v also_o come_v to_o be_v assure_v thereof_o see_v the_o gospel_n command_v we_o nothing_o which_o it_o do_v not_o also_o by_o the_o inward_a and_o ordinary_a cooperation_n of_o god_n spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v for_o this_o difference_n be_v between_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n show_v we_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o shall_v perform_v but_o minister_n unto_o we_o no_o power_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v they_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v command_n and_o withal_o give_v we_o ability_n to_o perform_v the_o commandment_n for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v spirit_n and_o life_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v 6.63_o joh._n 6.63_o 6.63_o and_o with_o the_o preach_v thereof_o the_o spirit_n inward_o work_v quicken_a and_o strengthen_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o it_o enjoin_v the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v also_o clear_a namely_o that_o the_o gospel_n manife_v unto_o we_o our_o election_n for_o what_o else_o be_v the_o whole_a gospel_n but_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o our_o election_n and_o redemption_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o the_o ambassage_n whereby_o god_n reconcile_v we_o unto_o himself_o what_o else_o be_v contain_v therein_o but_o god_n merciful_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v on_o no_o other_o condition_n but_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o perform_v see_v it_o be_v command_v we_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o believe_v yet_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n see_v he_o command_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o good_a in_o itself_o tend_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v though_o our_o unworthiness_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yea_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a and_o small_a yet_o may_v we_o thereby_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v god_n will_n 3.36_o joh._n 6.40_o and_o 3.36_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.40_o so_o joh._n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n 1._o joh._n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v they_o need_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n namely_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n be_v true_a for_o they_o have_v full_a and_o sufficient_a assurance_n hereof_o by_o their_o faith_n whosoever_o therefore_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o all_o may_v who_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n or_o at_o least_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n they_o may_v be_v assure_v nay_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n express_a commandment_n undoubted_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v because_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o without_o any_o other_o condition_n §_o sect._n 2_o second_o whosoever_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n elect_v second_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v redeem_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v they_o be_v also_o undoubted_o to_o believe_v and_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o election_n but_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v by_o god_n express_a commandment_n to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n as_o appear_v 1._o joh._n 3.23_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v undoubted_o to_o believe_v and_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o election_n the_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a see_v all_o those_o and_o those_o only_o be_v save_v and_o redeem_v by_o christ_n 13.48_o rom._n 8.30_o matth._n 25.34_o act._n 13.48_o who_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n in_o god_n eternal_a decree_n the_o assumption_n be_v most_o certain_a for_o whereas_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o do_v not_o only_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n in_o general_a or_o of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n alone_o for_o this_o also_o the_o devil_n believe_v as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n and_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v in_o he_o particular_o unto_o ourselves_o for_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o bold_a confidence_n when_o we_o approach_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 10.22_o heb._n 4.16_o and_o 10.22_o which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o we_o heb._n 4.16_o and_o 10.22_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n in_o who_o god_n love_v and_o have_v elect_v we_o §_o sect._n 3_o neither_o must_v this_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v mix_v with_o doubt_v doubt_v that_o our_o assurance_n shall_v not_o be_v mix_v with_o doubt_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n who_o make_v doubt_v not_o a_o infirmity_n but_o a_o commendable_a virtue_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o faith_n &_o doubt_v though_o they_o be_v often_o mix_v in_o god_n child_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v oppose_v in_o the_o scripture_n one_o against_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n 4.20_o rom._n 4.20_o that_o he_o doubt_v not_o of_o god_n promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 4.20_o where_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o doubt_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n and_o not_o a_o commendable_a virtue_n nay_o he_o oppose_v it_o to_o faith_n say_v that_o he_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n so_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o say_v if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n 1.5_o jam._n 1.5_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o waver_v not_o where_o he_o oppose_v faith_n to_o waver_a or_o doubt_v and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o make_v this_o opposition_n matth_n 21.21_o say_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o doubt_v not_o 21.21_o matth._n 21.21_o so_o that_o though_o faith_n and_o doubt_v be_v not_o oppose_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n wherein_o they_o be_v for_o even_o the_o most_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n have_v their_o faith_n often_o mix_v with_o doubt_v they_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n yet_o these_o two_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v oppose_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o subject_n they_o thus_o far_o disagree_v that_o though_o they_o have_v their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o same_o subject_n yet_o not_o in_o the_o same_o part_n that_o be_v though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o man_n yet_o not_o in_o the_o same_o part_n for_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o regenerate_a and_o spiritual_a part_n doubt_v in_o the_o unregenerate_a or_o fleshly_a part_n faith_n doubt_v a_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n oppose_v unto_o faith_n doubt_v then_o be_v no_o virtue_n of_o faith_n but_o oppose_v thereunto_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n but_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o as_o
security_n for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n say_v ezech._n 33.11_o that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n but_o that_o he_o turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n speak_v not_o of_o all_o sinner_n but_o of_o those_o who_o turn_v unto_o he_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v math._n 9.13_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v just_a &_o righteous_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v call_v unto_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v salvation_n be_v call_v also_o to_o repentance_n and_o math._n 11.28_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o call_v all_o sinner_n unto_o he_o without_o difference_n but_o those_o only_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v that_o be_v who_o find_v their_o sin_n irksome_a and_o grievous_a unto_o they_o and_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v free_v of_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n likewise_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o besave_v but_o that_o he_o will_v also_o 〈◊〉_d have_v they_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o the_o know_v acknowledge_v &_o believe_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n concern_v god_n themselves_o and_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n let_v therefore_o no_o carnal_a secure_a man_n take_v occasion_n to_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o unless_o they_o turn_v unto_o god_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o true_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n unless_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o their_o heavy_a burden_n unless_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o blind_a ignorance_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o they_o §_o sect._n 2_o second_o whereas_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o the_o thief_n convert_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a act_n of_o god_n mercy_n thief_n the_o 2._o let_v be_v presumption_n upon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o convert_a thief_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v make_v thereof_o no_o general_a rule_n especial_o see_v to_o this_o one_o we_o may_v oppose_v many_o thousand_o of_o those_o who_o have_v defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o hour_n have_v be_v take_v away_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o impaenitencie_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o if_o with_o this_o thief_n we_o truelyturne_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o like_a lively_a fruit_n he_o will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n but_o this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o he_o very_o seldom_o bestow_v on_o those_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n who_o have_v neglect_v &_o contemn_v they_o their_o whole_a life_n sometime_o indeed_o he_o call_v and_o convert_v some_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n to_o show_v the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n but_o most_o common_o he_o leave_v those_o who_o have_v defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o die_v in_o their_o impaenitencie_n that_o they_o may_v be_v example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n austin_n speak_v well_o there_o be_v say_v he_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n receive_v to_o mercy_n that_o none_o may_v despair_v and_o but_o of_o one_o that_o none_o may_v presume_v it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o prince_n to_o send_v their_o gracious_a pardon_n sometime_o to_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v out_o to_o execution_n but_o if_o any_o will_v wilful_o offend_v in_o hope_n hereof_o or_o have_v offend_v will_v defer_v to_o sue_v for_o his_o pardon_n to_o the_o last_o hour_n sure_o he_o be_v well_o worthy_a to_o be_v hang_v both_o for_o his_o offence_n and_o also_o for_o his_o presumption_n so_o the_o lord_n merciful_o pardon_v some_o few_o when_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o cease_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o transport_v they_o into_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n fire_n to_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v occasion_n hereby_o the_o more_o to_o offend_v against_o his_o majesty_n or_o have_v offend_v defer_v to_o sue_v for_o pardon_n by_o pour_v out_o the_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n until_o his_o last_o hour_n he_o be_v undoubted_o unworthy_a of_o any_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o suffer_v eternal_a torment_n moreover_o as_o this_o act_n of_o mercy_n in_o receive_v this_o thief_n to_o grace_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a so_o be_v it_o reserve_v as_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n for_o as_o great_a prince_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o coronation_n pardon_v such_o notorious_a offence_n the_o like_a whereof_o they_o will_v hardly_o ever_o after_o remit_v to_o the_o end_n that_o their_o clemency_n and_o mercy_n may_v appear_v to_o all_o so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o crown_n of_o endless_a glory_n and_o majesty_n give_v his_o gracious_a pardon_n to_o this_o grievous_a offender_n that_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n may_v be_v manifest_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o so_o they_o may_v break_v of_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n come_v unto_o he_o look_v and_o expect_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n only_o in_o this_o their_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n and_o as_o cunning_a surgeon_n have_v make_v a_o sovereign_a salve_n do_v upon_o the_o next_o occasion_n make_v experiment_n thereof_o by_o cure_v some_o grisly_a and_o desperate_a wound_n that_o so_o they_o may_v commend_v it_o to_o all_o who_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o use_v it_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o precious_a plaster_n and_o sovereign_a salve_n to_o cure_v all_o soul_n who_o be_v wound_v with_o sin_n will_v apply_v it_o unto_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n present_o take_v occasion_n of_o cure_v there_o with_o this_o poor_a thief_n grievous_o wound_v with_o sin_n that_o all_o other_o in_o his_o state_n see_v the_o virtue_n thereof_o may_v more_o earnest_o desire_v it_o and_o more_o careful_o seek_v after_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o wound_a soul_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o cure_n be_v altogether_o extraordinary_a the_o action_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v ordinary_a the_o occasion_n be_v remoove_v and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o bloodshed_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n three_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o unlike_a and_o much_o more_o desperate_a than_o the_o state_n of_o the_o convert_a thief_n for_o he_o be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n never_o before_o this_o time_n call_v and_o present_o he_o harken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o willing_o intertain_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o these_o man_n be_v often_o call_v have_v refuse_v to_o come_v and_o have_v quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o persist_v in_o his_o sin_n ignorant_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o may_v turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n these_o have_v often_o hear_v these_o glad_a tiding_n and_o have_v neglect_v and_o contemn_v they_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n through_o ignorance_n neither_o do_v he_o ungrateful_o resolve_v to_o serve_v the_o devil_n his_o whole_a life_n reserve_v the_o time_n of_o his_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n only_o for_o his_o own_o advantage_n but_o these_o man_n have_v be_v often_o instruct_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o way_n of_o godliness_n notwithstanding_o witting_o and_o will_v full_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n presume_v upon_o repentance_n and_o hope_n of_o mercy_n at_o the_o last_o hour_n intend_v then_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n not_o for_o any_o love_n they_o bear_v he_o but_o for_o fear_n of_o hell_n torment_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n last_o his_o repentance_n be_v most_o unfeigned_a and_o exceed_a earnest_n and_o his_o faith_n bright_o shine_v present_o after_o his_o
etc._n etc._n verse_n 17._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n cap._n 3.5_o to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o overcome_v and_o sit_v with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n as_o it_o be_v vers_n 21._o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o enter_v the_o list_n and_o sustain_v the_o first_o and_o second_o encounter_n if_o afterward_o we_o shameful_o forsake_v the_o standard_n of_o christ_n and_o cowardly_a run_v away_o or_o else_o traitorous_o yield_v unto_o sin_n and_o satan_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n promise_n we_o must_v overcome_v that_o be_v obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n over_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v none_o triumph_v for_o make_v his_o enemy_n once_o or_o twice_o to_o retire_v or_o for_o get_v the_o better_a in_o some_o skirmish_n because_o they_o may_v gather_v their_o disperse_a force_n and_o join_v with_o they_o new_a supply_n and_o so_o give_v a_o fresh_a assault_n obtain_v victory_n but_o those_o only_a triumph_n who_o obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n neither_o shall_v any_o triumph_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n who_o resist_v satan_n in_o one_o temptation_n only_o or_o bridle_v one_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o who_o subdue_v they_o final_o and_o whole_o not_o once_o alone_o but_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o worldly_a war_n oftentime_o the_o enemy_n do_v retire_v back_o and_o counterfeit_v a_o flight_n to_o the_o end_n the_o other_o may_v pursue_v he_o secure_o and_o disorderly_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o victory_n and_o then_o he_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o reunite_a all_o his_o force_n do_v overcome_v his_o reckless_a enemy_n so_o oftentimes_o satan_n feign_v himself_o to_o be_v put_v to_o flight_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v conceive_v a_o opinion_n of_o his_o great_a weakness_n and_o our_o own_o invincible_a strength_n and_o so_o be_v bring_v to_o negligence_n and_o security_n and_o then_o he_o knit_v together_o all_o his_o force_n and_o overthrow_v we_o when_o we_o be_v retchless_n secure_v fear_v no_o danger_n yea_o sometime_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n foil_v but_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o he_o will_v surcease_v his_o fight_n for_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v one_o way_n he_o will_v try_v another_o so_o long_o as_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o earthly_a weak_a tabernacle_n give_v he_o any_o hope_n of_o overcome_v or_o foyl_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o stand_n continual_o watch_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o fresh_a assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n if_o job_n have_v be_v secure_a after_o he_o have_v resist_v satan_n first_o temptation_n in_o take_v away_o his_o ox_n ass_n and_o sheep_n sure_o those_o which_o follow_v will_v have_v make_v he_o blaspheme_v god_n as_o satan_n imagine_v but_o like_o a_o good_a soldier_n after_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v one_o blow_n he_o do_v not_o cast_v away_o his_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o further_a need_n of_o it_o but_o still_o hold_v it_o up_o expect_v more_o till_o the_o combat_n be_v end_v who_o example_n we_o must_v imitate_v if_o we_o will_v obtain_v victory_n and_o enjoy_v the_o crown_n of_o victory_n everlasting_a happiness_n in_o god_n kingdom_n otherwise_o if_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n after_o we_o have_v give_v satan_n one_o overthrow_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v assault_v and_o surprise_v before_o we_o be_v aware_a for_o as_o one_o say_v christ_n joan._n riu._n atthend_n de_fw-mi luct_v christ_n diabolus_fw-la victus_fw-la quoque_fw-la vincit_fw-la even_o while_o the_o devil_n be_v vanquish_v he_o obtain_v victory_n and_o therefore_o non_fw-la victor_n magis_fw-la quà m_fw-la victus_fw-la est_fw-la extimescendus_fw-la nam_fw-la saepo_fw-la se_fw-la prostratum_fw-la afflictumque_fw-la simulat_fw-la ut_fw-la acriùs_fw-la insurgat_fw-la fugit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o insidias_fw-la pertrahat_fw-la &_o incautos_fw-la adoriatur_fw-la palam_fw-la cedit_fw-la ut_fw-la clam_fw-la uincat_fw-la he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v when_o he_o overcom_v than_o when_o he_o be_v overcome_v for_o oftentimes_o he_o feign_v himself_o to_o be_v foil_v that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o fearce_o renew_v the_o assault_n he_o fly_v that_o he_o may_v draw_v we_o into_o his_o ambushment_n and_o assail_v we_o at_o unaware_o he_o retire_v open_o that_o he_o may_v secret_o overcome_v §_o sect._n 5_o seaventhly_a 8.44_o the_o seven_o mean_v not_o to_o believe_v satan_n suggestion_n joh._n 8.44_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v circumvent_v by_o satan_n we_o must_v not_o give_v any_o credit_n unto_o he_o whether_o he_o lie_v or_o speak_v true_a whether_o he_o accuse_v or_o flatter_v whether_o he_o indeavore_v to_o puff_n we_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n or_o whether_o he_o labour_v by_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n to_o plunge_v we_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hellish_a despair_n for_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 8.44_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o credit_v when_o he_o lie_v nam_fw-la verum_fw-la dicit_fw-la ut_fw-la fallat_fw-la blanditur_fw-la ut_fw-la noceat_fw-la bona_fw-la promittit_fw-la ut_fw-la malum_fw-la tribuat_fw-la vitam_fw-la pollicetur_fw-la ut_fw-la perimat_fw-la he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v he_o flatter_v that_o he_o may_v hurt_v we_o he_o promise_v good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v give_v we_o evil_n he_o promise_v life_n that_o he_o may_v kill_v us._n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n itself_o because_o he_o speak_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n nor_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o mouth_n as_o his_o assertion_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n guide_v and_o inspire_v with_o his_o spirit_n for_o either_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o gain_v credit_n unto_o his_o lie_n or_o propound_v true_a promise_n that_o he_o may_v sophistical_o gather_v out_o of_o they_o false_a conclusion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v reject_v his_o testimony_n though_o true_a and_o enjoin_v he_o silence_n when_o he_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n mark_n 1.24.25_o 1.24.25_o mark_n 1.24.25_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o divine_a maid_n to_o give_v they_o her_o approbation_n though_o she_o speak_v truth_n 16.17.18_o act._n 16.17.18_o in_o confess_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o do_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n act._n 16.17.18_o because_o satan_n do_v it_o either_o to_o this_o end_n that_o by_o his_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n he_o may_v cause_v they_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o repute_v impostor_n and_o deceiver_n who_o do_v their_o miracle_n by_o tell_v this_o truth_n be_v the_o rather_o credit_v when_o he_o do_v bely_v and_o slander_v they_o §_o sect._n 6_o eight_o they_o the_o eight_o mean_n neither_o to_o despise_v satan_n temptation_n nor_o too_o deep_o to_o apprehend_v they_o if_o we_o will_v withstand_v all_o satan_n temptation_n we_o must_v avoid_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o to_o despise_v they_o the_o other_o too_o deep_o to_o apprehend_v and_o too_o great_o to_o fear_v they_o for_o if_o we_o secure_o contemn_v satan_n temptation_n we_o will_v never_o arm_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o so_o he_o will_v overcome_v we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a if_o we_o take_v they_o too_o much_o to_o hart_n continual_o meditate_v upon_o their_o strength_n and_o violence_n and_o upon_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n they_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o plunge_v we_o into_o despair_n if_o we_o despise_v the_o temptation_n satan_n will_v easy_o subdue_v we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o enemy_n so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a which_o will_v not_o prevail_v against_o those_o who_o secure_o contemn_v they_o though_o exceed_v mighty_a because_o they_o neglect_v all_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o never_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o will_v satan_n prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o regard_v not_o his_o temptation_n he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a and_o we_o feeble_a and_o weak_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o so_o fear_v his_o temptation_n as_o that_o we_o
god_n again_o and_o earnest_o labour_v after_o mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n love_n and_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o purpose_n to_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o may_v well_o brag_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o in_o very_a truth_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o nothing_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o love_n that_o every_o particular_a christian_n may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n love_n the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v all_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o that_o it_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v assure_v thereof_o but_o as_o for_o particular_a man_n they_o notwithstanding_o may_v just_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n see_v they_o have_v no_o special_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a of_o objection_n for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n saint_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n which_o be_v particular_a christian_n how_o therefore_o can_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n if_o all_o the_o several_a member_n doubt_v thereof_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a part_n as_o though_o a_o whole_a city_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o prince_n favour_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o city_n shall_v think_v themselves_o in_o his_o displeasure_n saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n in_o his_o own_o person_n say_v 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o he_o say_v not_o who_o have_v love_v and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o church_n but_o for_o himself_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v this_o by_o revelation_n whereby_o he_o may_v extraordinary_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n but_o he_o use_v for_o his_o argument_n a_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n namely_o that_o god_n love_v he_o because_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o believe_v with_o paul_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v also_o with_o he_o of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 7_o second_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v we_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n for_o he_o have_v profess_v his_o love_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o his_o word_n neither_o do_v he_o require_v any_o condition_n at_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o merciful_a promise_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o for_o their_o unworthiness_n but_o for_o their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o that_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n see_v then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n require_v but_o faith_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n sure_o most_o desperate_o do_v we_o sin_v against_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o most_o blasphemous_o against_o god_n if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n confirm_v by_o his_o seal_n no_o not_o his_o oath_n whereby_o he_o have_v ratify_v his_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o we_o but_o make_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o a_o liar_n a_o covenant_n breaker_n yea_o a_o perjure_a person_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n witness_v of_o his_o son_n though_o therefore_o we_o sin_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o thus_o blaspheme_v though_o we_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n and_o unworthy_a god_n love_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o add_v this_o to_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o distrust_v god_n truth_n in_o his_o gracious_a promise_n for_o if_o we_o put_v all_o our_o other_o sin_n into_o the_o one_o school_n and_o this_o alone_a into_o the_o other_o yet_o will_v it_o weigh_v down_o all_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v we_o damn_v for_o our_o other_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o add_v unto_o they_o infidelity_n for_o whereas_o the_o precious_a balm_n of_o our_o saviour_n blood_n be_v a_o sovereign_a salve_n to_o cure_v all_o other_o sore_n of_o sin_n yet_o this_o it_o can_v help_v because_o it_o do_v refuse_v the_o cure_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v off_o this_o precious_a plaster_n when_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o §_o sect._n 8_o but_o as_o this_o distrust_v and_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o ourselves_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n pernicious_a unto_o ourselves_o so_o also_o it_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o first_o it_o torment_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v our_o conscience_n upon_o the_o rack_n when_o as_o we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o so_o often_o as_o we_o fall_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n come_v before_o our_o eye_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o god_n love_n but_o our_o own_o desert_n we_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v like_o a_o ship_n toss_v with_o the_o billow_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o end_n sink_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n be_v over_o balance_v and_o too_o heavy_o lade_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o goodwill_n ground_v on_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o not_o on_o our_o worthiness_n if_o we_o do_v fall_v we_o will_v be_v grieve_v in_o deed_n even_o at_o the_o very_a heart_n because_o we_o have_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n but_o yet_o our_o sin_n will_v not_o make_v we_o despair_v or_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o because_o it_o have_v not_o it_o ground_n on_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o god_n own_o free_a mercy_n grace_n and_o good_a will_n us._n that_o we_o can_v love_v god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o us._n second_o if_o we_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o love_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n for_o who_o love_v he_o entire_o of_o who_o love_n he_o be_v not_o persuade_v or_o who_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o hate_v and_o abhor_v he_o cos_n amoris_fw-la amor_fw-la love_n be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a among_o man_n then_o much_o more_o between_o god_n and_o we_o 4.19_o 1._o joh._n 4.19_o for_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o joh._n 4.19_o as_o therefore_o the_o cold_a stone_n can_v of_o itself_o cast_v forth_o no_o heat_n till_o it_o be_v first_o warm_v by_o the_o sun_n beam_n and_o then_o it_o reflectsth_n again_o some_o of_o the_o heat_n which_o it_o receive_v so_o no_o more_o can_v our_o cold_a heart_n cast_v any_o beam_n of_o hearty_a love_n towards_o god_n till_o they_o be_v warm_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o return_v some_o spark_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n after_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n clear_o shine_v in_o they_o unless_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n we_o can_v love_v he_o 13.8_o rom._n 13.8_o and_o consequent_o can_v perform_v any_o duty_n of_o love_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 13.8_o so_o the_o want_n of_o love_n be_v the_o transgress_a of_o all_o the_o commandment_n for_o all_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o a_o spring_n issue_v from_o it_o nay_o when_o we_o despair_v of_o god_n love_n then_o do_v we_o despair_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o this_o life_n will_v afford_v unto_o we_o give_v ourselves_o over_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o all_o the_o filthy_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spend_v our_o
not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n for_o god_n election_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n merit_n which_o be_v in_o time_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o come_v after_o can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n neither_o can_v the_o effect_n produce_v the_o cause_n but_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n moreover_o we_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v choose_v for_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n eph._n 1.4_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o god_n eternal_a love_n be_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v we_o by_o his_o death_n and_o not_o that_o his_o death_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o love_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o election_n the_o material_a cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o purpose_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n himself_o whereby_o he_o determine_v to_o elect_v us._n the_o formal_a cause_n be_v the_o sever_n and_o set_v apart_o of_o certain_a man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v §_o sect._n 2_o select_v from_o the_o rest_n who_o be_v reject_v the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v twofold_a the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o by_o manifest_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o express_v rom._n 9.23_o namely_o that_o the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o eph._n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n and_o predestinate_v we_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o second_o end_n which_o be_v inferior_a and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o this_o also_o be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 9.23_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o elect_v be_v prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o act._n 13.48_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n thereby_o imply_v that_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n and_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n the_o effect_n which_o inseparable_o follow-hereupon_a be_v christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o our_o adoption_n effectual_a calling_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n and_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o election_n which_o be_v as_o well_o contain_v in_o god_n decree_n as_o our_o salvation_n itself_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o we_o be_v elect_v be_v christ_n jesus_n our_o mediator_n and_o head_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o deity_n alone_o for_o so_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n nor_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humanity_n alone_o but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o we_o be_v therefore_o elect_v in_o he_o both_o because_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o glorious_a dignity_n as_o also_o because_o he_o alone_o be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n in_o who_o we_o shall_v be_v elect_v see_v with_o our_o election_n there_o be_v a_o union_n &_o conjunction_n of_o we_o with_o god_n who_o have_v elect_v us._n the_o object_n of_o god_n election_n be_v all_o those_o who_o be_v preordain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v eternal_o save_v which_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v a_o great_a number_n but_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n but_o a_o small_a and_o little_a flock_n for_o though_o many_o be_v call_v yet_o few_o be_v choose_v as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v matth._n 22.14_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o definition_n be_v certain_a property_n attribute_v to_o god_n election_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a free_a and_o immutable_a that_o this_o decree_n be_v eternal_a it_o appear_v eph._n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o rom._n 9.11_o second_o that_o it_o be_v free_a and_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n it_o be_v manifest_a rom._n 9.18_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v so_o eph._n 1.11_o in_o who_o we_o be_v choose_v when_o we_o be_v predestinate_a according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o which_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n last_o that_o it_o be_v immutable_a and_o most_o firm_a and_o certain_a it_o plain_o appear_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n remain_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o immutabilitie_n and_o certainty_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o we_o or_o our_o perseverance_n but_o upon_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o foreknowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n in_o itself_o firm_a and_o stable_a and_o have_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o worthiness_n or_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n but_o of_o god_n foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o chap._n v._o satan_n temptation_n concern_v god_n election_n answer_v and_o first_o those_o wherewith_o he_o assault_v carnal_a worldling_n §_o sect._n 1_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v worldling_n that_o all_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v answer_v now_o concern_v this_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o satan_n temptation_n the_o first_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a worldling_n to_o nourish_v in_o they_o fond_a presumption_n and_o carnal_a security_n the_o other_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n whereby_o he_o move_v they_o to_o doubt_v &_o despair_v of_o their_o election_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o worldly_a man_n he_o assault_v with_o two_o principal_a temptation_n first_o he_o persuade_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o election_n at_o all_o or_o reprobation_n but_o that_o all_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o he_o may_v make_v more_o plausible_a and_o probable_a he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o general_a promise_n and_o consolation_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2.4_o ezech._n 13._o and_o 18._o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o will_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v in_o both_o place_n cunning_o dissemble_v that_o which_o follow_v for_o to_o the_o first_o place_n be_v add_v but_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o in_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v also_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o temptation_n be_v so_o palpable_o absurd_a that_o it_o become_v not_o satan_n policy_n to_o use_v it_o to_o any_o but_o those_o only_a who_o heart_n be_v harden_v their_o eye_n blind_v their_o conscience_n sear_v and_o who_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v strong_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o answer_v this_o temptation_n only_o let_v such_o man_n as_o be_v seduce_v with_o satan_n lie_n know_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n mercy_n be_v a_o just_a mercy_n as_o his_o justice_n be_v a_o merciful_a justice_n that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o both_o and_o no_o less_o glorify_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o let_v they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o general_a which_o be_v not_o limit_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o merciful_a but_o also_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v his_o will_n as_o well_o concern_v the_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a he_o have_v say_v 7.13_o matth._n 22.14_o and_o 7.13_o that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o straight_o that_o there_o be_v few_o who_o find_v it_o that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n go_v your_o way_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 23._o 23._o that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o one_o come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v you_o the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n 25.34.41_o mat._n 25.34.41_o
ask_v but_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v certain_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v call_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o also_o he_o call_v 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o he_o glorify_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.30_o §_o sect._n 9_o six_o say_v the_o sixth_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o say_v whatsoever_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o of_o that_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v particular_o to_o be_v assure_v but_o every_o man_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a that_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o forgive_v sin_n and_o grant_v unto_o some_o the_o fruition_n of_o everlasting_a life_n for_o this_o the_o devil_n believe_v as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o also_o that_o he_o do_v particular_o forgive_v i_o my_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v i_o a_o heir_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o assure_v we_o certain_o and_o particular_o of_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v particular_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v see_v none_o enjoy_v it_o but_o god_n choose_v but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o if_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n than_o some_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a for_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n shall_v never_o obtain_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o fond_o to_o presume_v than_o sure_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o be_v first_o bind_v to_o have_v a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v and_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n they_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n which_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v purify_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n move_v the_o believer_n to_o endeavour_n and_o strive_v to_o mortify_v his_o corruption_n and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v they_o secure_o presume_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v true_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o where_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n can_v follow_v and_o consequent_o for_o their_o infidelity_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o eternal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n because_o they_o do_v not_o that_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v neither_o must_v we_o think_v that_o every_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o every_o fond_a persuasion_n of_o faith_n be_v enjoin_v we_o but_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v rom._n 8.8.13_o 6.9_o rom._n 8.8.13_o 1._o cor._n 6.9_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o that_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v reject_v of_o christ_n matth._n 7.23_o and_o that_o no_o unclean_a thing_n 21.27_o mat._n 7.23_o revel_v 21.27_o nor_o whatsoever_o work_v abomination_n and_o lie_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n revel_v 21.27_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n those_o who_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n unrighteous_a and_o unclean_a in_o which_o rank_n be_v all_o those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o fall_v continual_o into_o sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n be_v not_o bind_v simple_o and_o absolute_o to_o believe_v so_o long_o as_o they_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n for_o so_o shall_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o repugnant_a to_o god_n word_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n will_v move_v they_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n to_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n to_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o their_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n which_o fruit_n if_o our_o faith_n bring_v not_o forth_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o do_v true_o believe_v for_o though_o in_o nature_n faith_n be_v before_o repentance_n yet_o in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n it_o always_o follow_v it_o neither_o do_v faith_n ever_o sound_o and_o true_o persuade_v we_o of_o god_n love_n till_o we_o have_v sorrow_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o at_o least_o in_o purpose_n of_o heart_n have_v forsake_v they_o so_o that_o whosoever_o live_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o yet_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o shall_v continue_a in_o this_o state_n be_v make_v a_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v not_o endue_v with_o true_a faith_n but_o with_o fond_a presumption_n and_o carnal_a security_n which_o make_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o repugnant_a to_o god_n word_n though_o then_o all_o man_n even_o carnal_a worldling_n and_o reprobate_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o condemnation_n as_o commit_v a_o great_a and_o fearful_a sin_n as_o appear_v joh._n 3.18_o and_o 16.8.9_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n 16.8.9_o joh._n 3.18_o and_o 16.8.9_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v continue_v in_o their_o worldliness_n and_o resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v but_o fond_a presumption_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o believe_v as_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o god_n word_n which_o it_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v if_o it_o be_v sever_v from_o true_a repentance_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o faith_n they_o be_v condemn_v chap._n viii_o the_o last_o argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n §_o sect._n 1_o last_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n and_o do_v full_o assure_v he_o thereof_o that_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o of_o that_o he_o ought_v undoubted_o to_o be_v assure_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v testify_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o do_v full_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n and_o grace_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v for_o none_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o those_o who_o be_v predestinate_a to_o be_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v ephes_n 1.5_o 1.5_o eph._n 1.5_o and_o therefore_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o believe_v and_o ought_v undoubted_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n elect_v to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o prosition_n be_v manifest_a for_o what_o more_o certain_a truth_n can_v be_v imagine_v than_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o see_v all_o the_o property_n require_v in_o a_o true_a witness_n do_v concur_v in_o he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n namely_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o knowledge_n he_o be_v infinite_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o eternal_a council_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o election_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 2.10_o 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o this_o spirit_n do_v we_o receive_v that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v vers_n 12._o what_o fit_a witness_n therefore_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o this_o
ephes_n 4.14_o therefore_o without_o holiness_n there_o be_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v see_v he_o have_v swear_v that_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o save_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n hell_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n 75._o luk._n 1.74_o 75._o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n what_o hope_v of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n can_v they_o conceive_v who_o live_v in_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n see_v by_o god_n oath_n they_o be_v exclude_v from_o both_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o sign_n and_o infallible_a note_n of_o our_o election_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n salvation_n the_o first_o sign_n a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o some_o special_a sign_n which_o be_v infallible_a note_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v the_o first_o sign_n be_v a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o a_o conscionable_a endeavour_n in_o use_v they_o after_o we_o enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n be_v never_o separate_v in_o god_n decree_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o example_n the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o as_o thereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n so_o also_o it_o be_v that_o bread_n of_o life_n wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n so_o that_o whosoever_o god_n have_v elect_v those_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o call_v ordinary_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o same_o also_o to_o furnish_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v call_v whosoever_o therefore_o labour_v to_o purchase_v this_o precious_a pearl_n whosoever_o hunger_n after_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o be_v content_a to_o enjoy_v it_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v good_a cheap_a but_o also_o when_o it_o be_v very_o chargeable_a whosoever_o enjoy_v it_o do_v attentive_o and_o diligent_o hear_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o with_o delight_n they_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v elect_v for_o the_o mean_n &_o the_o end_n go_v together_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o god_n child_n it_o appear_v joh._n 10.3_o 4._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n 10.3.4_o joh._n 10.3.4_o and_o matth._n 13.45_o he_o compare_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o merchant_n 13.45_o matth._n 13.45_o who_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v want_v the_o precious_a pearl_n of_o god_n word_n sell_v all_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v it_o those_o therefore_o who_o make_v this_o precious_a account_n of_o god_n word_n and_o careful_o diligent_o and_o attentive_o hear_v it_o when_o they_o enjoy_v it_o may_v to_o their_o comfort_n assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o election_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o it_o than_o enjoy_v it_o those_o who_o will_v bestow_v no_o cost_n to_o obtain_v it_o nor_o forgo_v any_o pleasure_n or_o commodity_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v it_o nor_o when_o they_o do_v hear_v it_o be_v affect_v with_o any_o delight_n but_o be_v glut_v with_o loathe_v satietic_n hear_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n with_o any_o pleasure_n but_o the_o conclusion_n only_o they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n because_o they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o end_n in_o god_n eternal_a decree_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v of_o other_o mean_n as_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n meditate_v in_o god_n word_n the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o rest_n §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o sign_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v supplication_n the_o second_o sign_n the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n when_o as_o they_o can_v pour_v forth_o their_o soul_n in_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v in_o we_o which_o we_o can_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n attain_v unto_o for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v a_o most_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o god_n spirit_n certain_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n and_o adoption_n for_o it_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 16._o verse_n 16._o as_o it_o be_v vers_n 16._o so_o rom._n 10.13_o it_o be_v say_v 10.13_o rom._n 10.13_o that_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o this_o prayer_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o with_o deceitful_a lip_n for_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n 29.13_o esa_n 29.13_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o esa_n 29.13_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o sign_n of_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n thing_n the_o three_o sign_n be_v when_o we_o be_v wean_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n heavenly_a thing_n be_v when_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v somewhat_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o seat_v in_o heaven_n mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o when_o their_o tongue_n be_v set_v a_o work_n by_o the_o heart_n do_v glad_o entertain_v godly_a and_o religious_a conference_n for_o there_o as_o the_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v the_o heart_n be_v also_o and_o with_o whatsoever_o the_o heart_n be_v affect_v the_o tongue_n be_v delight_v now_o that_o these_o holy_a meditation_n and_o religious_a discourse_n be_v sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n hereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o which_o they_o be_v irksome_a and_o tedious_a but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o lead_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.14_o 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o he_o that_o be_v right_a heir_n to_o a_o royal_a kingdom_n and_o not_o yet_o possess_v thereof_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o think_v on_o it_o nor_o glut_v with_o such_o discourse_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o extol_v the_o riches_n and_o glory_n which_o there_o attend_v he_o or_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v to_o come_v into_o speedy_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o his_o right_n and_o so_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v by_o god_n and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v never_o satisfy_v in_o meditate_v and_o speak_v of_o the_o riches_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n or_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v undoubted_o to_o obtain_v it_o whereas_o those_o who_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n nor_o hope_n think_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o loathsome_a weariness_n as_o be_v matter_n not_o concern_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o such_o thought_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n they_o vanish_v as_o sudden_o as_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o any_o spiritual_a discourse_n the_o time_n seem_v long_o and_o they_o sit_v upon_o thorn_n until_o they_o be_v end_v and_o they_o remain_v dumb_a as_o though_o they_o be_v tongue-tied_a unless_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o interrupt_v such_o holy_a conference_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o to_o some_o worldly_a affair_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n it_o the_o four_o sign_n be_v the_o sight_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o that_o be_v bewail_v those_o
and_o foist_v in_o by_o some_o cunning_a fellow_n after_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v the_o like_a objection_n also_o he_o make_v against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o either_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o moses_n or_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o some_o cunning_a fellow_n who_o write_v of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n never_o do_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o law_n which_o he_o have_v publish_v or_o if_o he_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o his_o time_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o these_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v perfect_a as_o he_o leave_v they_o or_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a have_v many_o thing_n alter_v add_v &_o detract_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o keep_n of_o they_o and_o so_o also_o he_o object_v against_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v great_a absurdity_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o writing_n of_o cicero_n seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o heathen_a man_n whether_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o any_o such_o man_n or_o no_o because_o the_o next_o age_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o next_o ensue_a and_o so_o by_o tradition_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n they_o be_v come_v unto_o we_o so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o absurdity_n to_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o live_v in_o their_o several_a time_n see_v the_o church_n have_v receive_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o their_o successor_n to_o this_o day_n moreover_o the_o law_n publish_v by_o moses_n be_v not_o in_o secret_a or_o in_o a_o corner_n before_o some_o few_o witness_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o strange_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o god_n full_a of_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n of_o his_o law_n give_v be_v do_v and_o perform_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o thousand_o who_o make_v relation_n of_o they_o to_o their_o posterity_n and_o they_o to_o they_o to_o this_o day_n neither_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v corrupt_v alter_v or_o change_v see_v the_o lawgiver_n do_v straight_o charge_v all_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o add_v detract_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n upon_o pain_n of_o present_a death_n in_o this_o world_n and_o everlasting_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v who_o therefore_o will_v incur_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o fearful_a punishment_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o fruitless_a fantasy_n moreover_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v safe_o keep_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o after_o in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a and_o diverse_a authentical_a copy_n write_v out_o of_o it_o for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n which_o be_v every_o sabbaoth_v day_n read_v and_o expound_v in_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o so_o familiar_a be_v these_o writing_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v write_v in_o their_o house_n and_o upon_o their_o garment_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o falsify_v they_o but_o it_o will_v present_o be_v espy_v yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deprave_a or_o corrupt_a yet_o they_o may_v at_o first_o be_v invent_v by_o some_o more_o subtle_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o thrust_v upon_o man_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o age_n this_o man_n shall_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n how_o then_o can_v he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n how_o then_o can_v he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n what_o then_o can_v he_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n and_o so_o fain_o a_o relation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o go_v before_o why_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o king_n or_o else_o he_o can_v not_o have_v pen_v their_o history_n also_o but_o before_o this_o time_n there_o be_v many_o copy_n abroad_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o diverse_a nation_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o through_o their_o captivity_n where_o they_o as_o constant_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o own_o country_n beside_o if_o these_o writing_n have_v be_v feign_v in_o what_o age_n can_v they_o come_v to_o light_v but_o man_n diligent_o inquire_v into_o they_o as_o be_v matter_n import_v no_o less_o than_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o condemnation_n will_v have_v find_v they_o counterfeit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v pen_v in_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v who_o will_v have_v believe_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o assure_o know_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o certain_a truth_n if_o in_o a_o after_o age_n who_o will_v have_v straight_o subscribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n be_v assure_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n furthermore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v make_v mention_n of_o such_o a_o author_n if_o they_o have_v know_v he_o or_o if_o they_o have_v by_o some_o accident_n find_v they_o write_v in_o this_o form_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o have_v build_v their_o faith_n so_o firm_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o suffer_v all_o torment_n than_o be_v bring_v to_o deny_v any_o one_o part_n of_o they_o §_o sect._n 7_o last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n antiochus_n that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n perish_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o his_o tyranny_n and_o extreme_a cruelty_n whole_o abolish_v and_o these_o which_o we_o have_v afterward_o invent_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o grace_v their_o religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v so_o sotrish_o foolish_a that_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o common_a sense_n much_o less_o of_o any_o force_n of_o reason_n for_o see_v now_o there_o be_v extant_a almost_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n what_o mean_n can_v be_v invent_v by_o with_o and_o rage_v utter_o to_o suppress_v they_o especial_o see_v the_o jew_n make_v far_o more_o precious_a account_n of_o they_o than_o of_o their_o life_n so_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v even_o in_o this_o tyrant_n time_n cruel_a death_n beside_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v in_o his_o time_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o present_o after_o his_o death_n they_o be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n and_o reviue_v or_o how_o can_v other_o be_v put_v in_o their_o place_n see_v innumerable_a man_n live_v before_o and_o after_o his_o persecution_n who_o have_v the_o sight_n and_o peruse_n of_o the_o same_o book_n before_o they_o be_v suppress_v and_o afterward_o again_o when_o they_o come_v to_o light_v last_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v be_v utter_o deface_v in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o antiochus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o tempter_n purpose_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v now_o scatter_v far_o and_o wide_a and_o have_v their_o synagogue_n and_o school_n in_o sundry_a nation_n where_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n &_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o kingdom_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o in_o other_o place_n where_o he_o bear_v no_o sway_n neither_o be_v they_o now_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n alone_o but_o also_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a by_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n at_o the_o request_n of_o ptolomey_n philadelphus_n and_o the_o translation_n careful_o keep_v in_o his_o library_n long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o antiochus_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n inspire_v with_o his_o divine_a spirit_n confirm_v with_o so_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n to_o this_o which_o have_v
be_v say_v i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a writer_n who_o in_o their_o several_a time_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o most_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o we_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o a_o candle_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n which_o more_o sufficient_o show_v itself_o by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o infidel_n to_o confirm_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o infidelity_n and_o that_o noble_a learned_a and_o religious_a gentleman_n philip_n mornay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_fw-fr of_o christian_a religion_n have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o labour_n from_o who_o never_o waste_v candle_n i_o have_v borrow_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o my_o light_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o question_n chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v only_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n whereby_o all_o gainesaier_n may_v be_v convince_v who_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infallible_a truth_n but_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o opposer_n and_o for_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o atheist_n epicure_n and_o mere_a natural_n yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o all_o these_o be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o or_o to_o persuade_v he_o with_o full_a assurance_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v adjoin_v unto_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o do_v not_o only_o convince_v but_o also_o thorough_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o alone_a in_o itself_o be_v al-sufficient_a though_o we_o never_o hear_v any_o other_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n for_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o this_o truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a without_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n unsufficient_a that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v without_o this_o unsufficient_a hereby_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a in_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a nor_o many_o learned_a in_o the_o world_n do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o whereas_o if_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n or_o natural_a reason_n 11.25_o matth._n 11.25_o they_o who_o best_o conceive_v they_o will_v most_o easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o be_v reveal_v unto_o babe_n not_o by_o mean_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n neither_o can_v the_o natural_a man_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v enlighten_v with_o god_n spirit_n yet_o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o be_v never_o anoint_v with_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o glorious_a light_n appear_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o sunshine_n to_o those_o who_o want_v their_o sight_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o grope_v at_o noon_n day_n and_o as_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o who_o seneca_n speak_v be_v sudden_o in_o the_o night_n strike_v with_o blindness_n desire_v the_o next_o day_n to_o undraw_v the_o curtain_n and_o open_a the_o window_n that_o she_o may_v see_v whereas_o the_o cause_n of_o she_o not_o see_v be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n but_o want_v of_o eye_n so_o these_o man_n who_o be_v strike_v with_o natural_a blindness_n complain_v that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o clear_v by_o take_v away_o the_o cloud_n of_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o shadow_v it_o and_o by_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o this_o glorious_a light_n which_o always_o shine_v but_o in_o their_o blindness_n who_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n self_n love_n and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o every_o one_o have_v of_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o they_o will_v soon_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n want_v light_a than_o they_o eye_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o §_o sect._n 2_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v persuade_v other_o argument_n convince_v but_o not_o persuade_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n and_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o to_o a_o doubtful_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o deed_n they_o may_v with_o the_o two_o disciple_n which_o travail_v to_o emaus_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v have_v their_o heart_n burn_v and_o throb_v within_o they_o imagine_v that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o his_o eye_n be_v a_o little_a illuminate_v by_o our_o saviour_n discern_v man_n not_o as_o man_n but_o as_o move_a tree_n so_o they_o may_v in_o some_o confuse_a manner_n know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o christ_n have_v full_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v dispel_v their_o natural_a blindness_n they_o will_v never_o certain_o be_v persuade_v nor_o assure_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o any_o neither_o be_v it_o ground_v upon_o any_o natural_a reason_n or_o persuasion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o it_o deliver_v as_o appear_v ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o 1.11_o ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o and_o when_o we_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v certain_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 2.15_o god_n spirit_n full_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 2.15_o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n so_o 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o receive_v of_o he_o 2.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o verse_n 20._o 20._o verse_n 20._o but_o you_o have_v a_o ointment_n he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o you_o have_v know_v all_o thing_n where_o by_o he_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v a_o comforter_n unto_o we_o 7.13_o joh._n 16_o 7.13_o as_o it_o be_v john_n 16.7.13_o and_o in_o deed_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v indict_v and_o inspire_v or_o who_o can_v better_v judge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o witness_n nor_o any_o
may_v whole_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n who_o call_v and_o justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o save_v who_o he_o will_v and_o not_o unto_o humane_a learning_n or_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o man_n industry_n and_o labour_n it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o these_o who_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_v the_o clean_a contrary_n corruption_n §._o sect._n 3._o that_o not_o learning_n but_o god_n spirit_n free_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v that_o be_v know_v and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v but_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v incident_a as_o well_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o as_o unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v it_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v as_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v for_o before_o we_o attain_v unto_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n our_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o free_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n of_o nature_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n yea_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v one_o day_n either_o justify_v or_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o join_v with_o this_o knowledge_n the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o effecttuall_a for_o our_o sanctification_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n of_o we_o from_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o fall_v into_o all_o sin_n be_v entice_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o most_o sottish_o ignorant_a a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n who_o though_o he_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n incredulity_n that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v incredulity_n as_o never_o mere_a man_n attain_v unto_o the_o like_a yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o a_o excellent_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o lord_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o fall_v most_o grievous_o into_o all_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o solomon_n do_v not_o write_v as_o he_o think_v and_o not_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o corruption_n to_o commit_v that_o sin_n which_o his_o conscience_n condemn_v and_o to_o neglect_v obedience_n to_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n so_o david_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o notable_a knowledge_n and_o no_o less_o grace_n fall_v notwithstanding_o most_o fearful_o into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o these_o be_v horrible_a sin_n or_o that_o when_o he_o commend_v mercy_n innocence_n and_o chastity_n he_o speak_v not_o as_o he_o think_v and_o peter_n likewise_o deny_v and_o forswear_v his_o master_n who_o before_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v we_o hence_o conclude_v that_o peter_n dissemble_v when_o he_o make_v that_o notable_a confession_n because_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o david_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o peter_n overcome_v with_o fear_n and_o frailty_n and_o both_o draw_v through_o their_o corruption_n to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o their_o conscience_n condemen_v but_o leave_v such_o far_o fetch_v instance_n let_v every_o man_n yea_o even_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n enter_v into_o a_o strict_a and_o due_a consideration_n with_o himself_o and_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n before_o god_n tribunal_n seat_n and_o then_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o perform_v obedience_n to_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o just_o complain_v that_o our_o corruption_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n commandment_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v not_o nay_o which_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o also_o be_v delight_v therewith_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o rebell_v atainst_a the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n 7.8.15.23_o rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n david_n peter_n and_o of_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctification_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o neglect_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o seem_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v true_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o own_o life_n for_o many_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v notwithstanding_o destitute_a of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o whole_o carry_v away_o into_o all_o licentious_a wickedness_n and_o many_o also_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v not_o whole_o purge_v from_o their_o natural_a corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v their_o frailty_n and_o infirmty_n to_o all_o the_o world_n though_o they_o know_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o from_o their_o heart_n embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o profess_v but_o if_o satan_n can_v thus_o prevail_v nor_o cause_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n truth_n answer_v §._o sect._n 4._o the_o second_o temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o minister_n answer_v because_o the_o minister_n live_v not_o according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v such_o who_o life_n be_v scandalous_a as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o take_v the_o word_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o unable_a to_o convert_v or_o amend_v other_o see_v the_o word_n be_v not_o powerful_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o the_o convert_n and_o refourm_v of_o their_o own_o life_n which_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a unto_o many_o for_o what_o great_a discouragement_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o sick_a patient_n than_o to_o take_v physic_n of_o such_o a_o physician_n who_o can_v not_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o disease_n or_o who_o will_v willing_o eat_v of_o that_o food_n which_o he_o who_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o taste_v of_o it_o or_o who_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v he_o discourse_n of_o mercy_n chastity_n and_o liberality_n who_o he_o know_v whole_o possess_v of_o cruelty_n lust_n and_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o god_n minister_n shall_v be_v physician_n to_o themselves_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o cure_n of_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stand_v like_o image_n by_o the_o high_a way_n side_n direct_v other_o in_o their_o journey_n themselves_o never_o move_v foot_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v like_v guide_n go_v before_o they_o and_o instruct_v they_o not_o only_o by_o their_o word_n but_o also_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v their_o instruction_n by_o their_o example_n but_o yet_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o satan_n do_v not_o take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o neglect_v we_o &_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v hear_v that_o the_o minister_n wickedness_n or_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v hear_v nourish_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o because_o the_o minister_n who_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o it_o himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o worthiness_n of_o he_o who_o deliver_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o make_v void_a and_o uneffectual_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n but_o it_o have_v it_o virtue_n force_n and_o power_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o illuminate_v their_o understanding_n beget_v faith_n in_o they_o
and_o all_o sanctify_a and_o save_v grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n himself_o find_v not_o the_o word_n which_o he_o deliver_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o grace_n in_o he_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v powerful_a in_o many_o of_o the_o hearer_n for_o these_o purpose_n because_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v not_o the_o assistance_n and_o inward_a cooperation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o he_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o merciful_o grant_v unto_o other_o see_v then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n which_o he_o make_v effectual_a to_o who_o he_o will_v by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o see_v those_o minister_n which_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a can_v at_o their_o pleasure_n infuse_v grace_n into_o their_o hearer_n for_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n 3.5_o 1._o cor._n 3.5_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o without_o god_n blessing_n see_v also_o those_o who_o be_v loose_a and_o vicious_a if_o they_o true_o preach_v the_o truth_n itself_o can_v by_o their_o badness_n hinder_v god_n ordinance_n but_o that_o come_n from_o their_o mouth_n it_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o though_o unto_o himself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v give_v life_n unto_o it_o in_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o and_o though_o he_o preach_v for_o glory_n or_o gain_v or_o for_o envy_n and_o strife_n yet_o we_o must_v with_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n 1.15.18_o phil._n 1.15.18_o and_o reap_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o to_o our_o eternal_a comfort_n last_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v it_o good_a to_o send_v ambassador_n of_o both_o sort_n sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a and_o oftentimes_o make_v the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n for_n a_o faithful_a and_o godly_a minister_n the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n but_o whole_o rest_v and_o rely_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n own_o ordinance_n give_v and_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o the_o whole_a glory_n and_o praise_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n because_o of_o his_o corruption_n who_o deliver_v it_o for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o refuse_v a_o comfortable_a ambassage_n from_o a_o gracious_a prince_n because_o we_o dislike_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o ambassador_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o scorn_v to_o receive_v a_o kind_a letter_n from_o a_o love_a father_n because_o the_o carrier_n do_v displease_v we_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o refuse_v a_o rich_a treasure_n because_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n which_o be_v frail_a and_o brittle_a what_o be_v it_o but_o like_o proud_a beggar_n to_o refuse_v the_o bountiful_a alm_n of_o a_o merciful_a prince_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o amner_n which_o be_v covetous_a and_o hard_a heart_a yea_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o cross_v our_o saviour_n christ_n express_a commandment_n who_o command_v all_o to_o hear_v even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n 23._o matth._n 23._o and_o to_o do_v after_o their_o word_n though_o not_o after_o their_o work_n in_o a_o word_n what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o to_o pin_n god_n ordinance_n upon_o man_n sleeve_n and_o to_o make_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n unto_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o weak_a strength_n of_o frail_a flesh_n either_o to_o be_v make_v effectual_a by_o his_o worthiness_n or_o to_o be_v make_v vain_a and_o unprofitable_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n chap._n xxiiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o sundry_a opinion_n sect_n and_o religion_n answer_v and_o thus_o satan_n may_v be_v answer_v religion_n §._o sect._n 1._o satan_n temptation_n persuade_v we_o to_o profess_v no_o religion_n when_o he_o take_v occasion_n of_o discredit_v the_o gospel_n and_o hinder_v the_o course_n thereof_o by_o object_v the_o wickedness_n and_o worldly_a profaneness_n or_o the_o infirmity_n and_o frail_a weakness_n of_o the_o minister_n thereof_o but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v he_o leave_v their_o life_n and_o come_v to_o their_o doctrine_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v will_n he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a sect_n and_o contrary_a faction_n among_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n some_o papist_n some_o protestant_n some_o arian_n some_o anabaptist_n some_o pelagian_o some_o libertine_n some_o familist_n some_o donatist_n &_o many_o other_o who_o all_o cite_v and_o allege_v scripture_n for_o the_o defend_n of_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n &_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o truth_n among_o they_o how_o therefore_o can_v thou_o know_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v falsehood_n who_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n aright_o and_o who_o wrest_v and_o misconstrue_v they_o or_o if_o thou_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v religious_a what_o religion_n will_v thou_o profess_v in_o this_o great_a confusion_n to_o what_o church_n will_v thou_o adjoine_v thyself_o see_v one_o be_v contrary_a to_o another_o and_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a therefore_o keep_v thyself_o quiet_a and_o let_v all_o alone_a harken_v not_o to_o any_o of_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o over_o hasty_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v best_o stand_v with_o thy_o advantage_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v needs_o serve_v god_n follow_v thy_o own_o conscience_n have_v a_o good_a intention_n in_o that_o thou_o do_v and_o it_o be_v enough_o but_o profess_v not_o one_o religion_n more_o than_o another_o till_o thou_o see_v those_o who_o be_v learn_v agree_v among_o themselves_o for_o until_o then_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o thou_o profess_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v sect_n division_n 2.1_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o 1._o tim._n 4.1_o 2._o pet._n 2.1_o heresy_n &_o false_a teacher_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 11.19_o 1._o tim._n 4.1_o 2._o pet._n 2.1_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n both_o under_o the_o law_n &_o under_o the_o gospel_n may_v sufficient_o teach_v we_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v publish_v and_o preach_v there_o it_o be_v oppose_v by_o innumerable_a sectary_n and_o heretic_n which_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o impugn_v and_o discredit_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o satan_n can_v still_o keep_v we_o blindfould_v in_o ignorance_n and_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n till_o there_o be_v a_o general_a unity_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n without_o all_o opposition_n or_o gainsay_n than_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o desire_n for_o so_o shall_v we_o never_o join_v ourselves_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n nor_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n profess_v &_o practise_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o stir_v up_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n false_a prophet_n secraty_n and_o heretic_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v oppugn_v and_o contradict_v the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v sincere_o preach_v and_o make_v it_o fruitless_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o unbeliever_n see_v also_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o his_o church_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n which_o be_v assault_v and_o grievous_o vex_v not_o only_o with_o lion_n tiger_n and_o open_a enemy_n but_o also_o with_o fox_n and_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o secret_a enemy_n who_o under_o the_o show_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n seek_v to_o undermine_v and_o bring_v it_o to_o ruin_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o have_v forewarn_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o we_o 11.19_o 1._o cor._n 11.19_o that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o cor._n 11.19_o though_o therefore_o there_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o heresy_n many_o false_a religion_n and_o but_o one_o truth_n
fort_n we_o have_v bestow_v his_o rich_a treasure_n &_o therefore_o in_o his_o justice_n he_o send_v his_o sergeant_a death_n to_o arrest_v we_o and_o to_o cast_v we_o in_o the_o prison_n of_o utter_a darkness_n there_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o custody_n of_o sathan_n our_o most_o malicious_a jailer_n till_o we_o have_v full_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n which_o when_o we_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o perform_v it_o please_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a love_n towards_o we_o to_o become_v our_o surety_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o answer_v of_o our_o debt_n which_o he_o full_o discharge_v in_o as_o exact_v a_o manner_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n require_v for_o whereas_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n he_o perform_v it_o for_o we_o where_o as_o we_o for_o our_o disobedience_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n he_o be_v condemn_v for_o we_o and_o bear_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n a_o ignominious_a death_n whereas_o we_o deserve_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v keep_v prisoner_n in_o the_o grave_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o death_n he_o endure_v his_o father_n wrathful_a displeasure_n and_o himself_o be_v for_o a_o time_n hold_v captive_a of_o death_n in_o the_o grave_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n and_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o we_o owe_v christ_n discharge_v whatsoever_o we_o deserve_v he_o suffer_v if_o not_o in_o the_o self_n same_o punishment_n for_o he_o can_v not_o suffer_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n yet_o in_o proportion_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n give_v value_n unto_o his_o temporary_a punishment_n and_o make_v they_o of_o more_o value_n and_o worth_n then_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v suffer_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n see_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v full_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o father_n justice_n god_n can_v in_o equity_n exact_a of_o we_o a_o second_o payment_n no_o more_o than_o the_o creditor_n may_v just_o require_v that_o his_o debt_n shall_v be_v twice_o pay_v once_o of_o the_o surety_n and_o again_o of_o the_o principal_n neither_o now_o have_v god_n justice_n any_o thing_n to_o show_v against_o we_o for_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o hand_n write_v of_o ordinance_n which_o make_v against_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o bond_n whereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o god_n the_o father_n either_o to_o perform_v obedience_n or_o to_o undergo_v the_o penalty_n even_o everlasting_a death_n and_o condemnation_n be_v now_o cancel_v take_v away_o and_o fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v col._n 2.14_o so_o that_o now_o the_o lord_n can_v in_o his_o justice_n put_v we_o in_o suit_n nor_o recover_v any_o debt_n of_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o good_a and_o all_o sufficient_a surety_n have_v undertake_v the_o matter_n in_o our_o behalf_n discharge_v our_o debt_n to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n cancel_v the_o handwriting_n or_o bond_n in_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o by_o the_o law_n acquit_v we_o of_o all_o paimente_n which_o god_n justice_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n may_v require_v of_o us._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o merit_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o have_v our_o quietus_n est_fw-la and_o general_a acquittance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v pronounce_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o witness_n say_v this_o be_v may_v well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v that_o be_v in_o who_o i_o be_o delight_v &_o restful_o satisfy_v &_o well_o content_v mat._n 3.17_o chap._n xxxiiii_o of_o the_o three_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o three_o argument_n promise_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n whereby_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n &_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o all_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 1.7_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o apoc._n 1.7_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v be_v accomplish_v so_o that_o though_o the_o heaven_n decay_n and_o wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n though_o the_o sun_n lose_v his_o light_n and_o the_o moon_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n though_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n be_v move_v and_o shake_v yea_o though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v perish_v and_o pass_v away_o 1â—_n matth._n 5_o 1â—_n yet_o shall_v not_o one_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v most_o undoubted_o perform_v for_o he_o be_v jehova_n who_o have_v his_o essence_n and_o be_v in_o and_o from_o himself_o alone_o give_v be_v unto_o all_o thing_n else_o especial_o to_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n but_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o repentant_a sinner_n that_o he_o will_v in_o christ_n jesus_n pardon_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n true_o repent_v we_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a yet_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o but_o that_o the_o poor_a soul_n wound_v with_o sin_n and_o groan_v for_o weariness_n under_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n forgiveness_n that_o god_n regal_a stile_n assure_v we_o of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n may_v have_v some_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o rest_v when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v &_o some_o spiritual_a weapon_n whereby_o it_o may_v defend_v itself_o and_o beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n i_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o some_o among_o many_o of_o the_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n first_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n like_o a_o mighty_a monarch_n will_v set_v out_o his_o own_o stile_n as_o it_o be_v in_o fair_a text_n letter_n to_o be_v read_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n he_o thus_o proclaym_v it_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n 7._o reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sinner_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o stile_n consist_v of_o his_o mercy_n gratiousnes_n long_o suffer_v goodness_n &_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n as_o therefore_o we_o can_v offer_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o a_o mighty_a prince_n then_o to_o deny_v or_o call_v into_o question_n any_o part_n of_o his_o title_n or_o regal_a stile_n so_o we_o can_v more_o dishonour_v the_o prince_n of_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a king_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n then_o by_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v any_o of_o these_o his_o title_n which_o in_o his_o own_o stile_n he_o have_v attribute_v unto_o himself_o see_v then_o he_o profess_v and_o proclaym_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a merciful_a long_a suffering_n god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o forgive_v repentant_a sinner_n when_o they_o implore_v his_o mercy_n let_v we_o not_o offer_v god_n that_o disgrace_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o glorious_a title_n nor_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v grant_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o moreover_o this_o be_v one_o main_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n sin_n that_o god_n â—ovenant_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n namely_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o jer._n 31.34_o the_o counterpane_n of_o which_o covenant_n we_o have_v heb._n 10.16.17_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o on_o our_o part_n perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n
be_v flat_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n either_o immediate_o suggest_v by_o himself_o or_o mediate_o by_o his_o messenger_n our_o corrupt_a flesh_n see_v then_o these_o suggestion_n come_v from_o satan_n who_o be_v our_o malicious_a enemy_n deceive_v joh._n 8.44_o satan_n either_o lie_v or_o else_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o deceive_v and_o a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n yea_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v gather_v certain_a assurance_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a for_o the_o speak_v only_a lie_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v us._n for_o example_n he_o tell_v the_o secure_a carnal_a may_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o high_o in_o god_n favour_n but_o unto_o the_o humble_a sinner_n he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobate_n &_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v damn_v unto_o the_o worldly_a secure_a man_n he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o true_a but_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o in_o his_o conscience_n because_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o taste_v thereof_o but_o to_o lull_v he_o a_o sleep_n with_o this_o sweet_a siren's_a song_n to_o his_o eternal_a perdition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o bruise_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n he_o tell_v he_o of_o nothing_o but_o of_o god_n exact_a justice_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v plunge_v he_o into_o utter_a desperation_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v either_o false_a in_o itself_o or_o if_o true_a in_o they_o yet_o false_a in_o hypocrisy_n if_o true_a in_o the_o general_a yet_o false_a in_o the_o particular_a application_n as_o what_o can_v be_v more_o true_a than_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o what_o more_o false_a than_o that_o he_o will_v excercise_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v repentant_a and_o humble_a sinner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o true_a than_o that_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o what_o more_o false_a than_o that_o he_o will_v show_v this_o his_o mercy_n be_v save_v those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n &_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o usual_a with_o satan_n to_o affirm_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o lie_v in_o both_o because_o he_o do_v misapply_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v satan_n do_v never_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o else_o do_v false_o apply_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o estate_n let_v we_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o his_o false_a language_n and_o so_o by_o hear_v his_o lie_n we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o example_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a that_o it_o be_v now_o too_o late_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o damn_a wretch_n we_o know_v that_o our_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o his_o lie_n do_v continual_o seek_v our_o destruction_n be_v contrariwise_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n far_o exceed_v our_o sin_n that_o now_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n and_o day_n of_o salvation_n if_o we_o will_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o hear_v his_o voice_n not_o harden_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n and_o belove_a child_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 4_o last_o those_o who_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n nation_n the_o last_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o pardon_v other_o and_o first_o of_o whole_a city_n and_o nation_n may_v gather_v unto_o themselves_o assurance_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n extend_v unto_o other_o repentant_a sinner_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v their_o sin_n never_o so_o heinous_a or_o innumerable_a who_o have_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v of_o our_o gracious_a god_n whensoever_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o may_v appear_v whether_o we_o consider_v whole_a city_n or_o nation_n or_o else_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a example_n in_o the_o israelite_n which_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o though_o they_o do_v many_o time_n negligent_o forget_v the_o great_a mercy_n and_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o god_n show_v to_o their_o forefather_n of_o which_o also_o themselves_o have_v be_v partaker_n though_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o even_o then_o when_o he_o most_o bind_v they_o unto_o he_o with_o multiply_v upon_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o though_o they_o let_v the_o reins_n lose_v unto_o all_o wickedness_n yea_o which_o be_v most_o abominable_a and_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o they_o worship_v and_o serve_v baal_n and_o asteroth_n and_o other_o idol_n of_o the_o curse_a nation_n for_o which_o horrible_a idolatry_n god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o they_o yet_o whensoever_o they_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o pardon_v their_o sin_n receive_v they_o into_o his_o former_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n 16._o the_o example_n of_o the_o israelit_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n esay_n 1.5_o to_o the_o 16._o to_o what_o a_o notorious_a height_n of_o wickedness_n be_v the_o same_o people_n grow_v as_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n do_v decipher_v and_o describe_v they_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 2._o ver_fw-la he_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v their_o horrible_a rebellion_n in_o the_o 3._o verse_n he_o show_v that_o their_o unthankfulness_n for_o all_o his_o mercy_n far_o exceed_v the_o ungratitude_n of_o bruit_n beast_n in_o the_o 4._o verse_n he_o exclaym_v out_o against_o they_o call_v they_o a_o sinfullnation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n a_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a corrupt_a child_n who_o have_v for_o saken_a the_o lord_n and_o provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o anger_n in_o the_o 5._o and_o 6._o verse_n he_o show_v their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o rebellion_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o though_o the_o lord_n send_v affliction_n &_o chastise_v mentes_fw-la upon_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v no_o whit_n reform_v but_o wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o some_o few_o but_o of_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o whole_a heart_n be_v heaute_n and_o that_o from_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n there_o be_v nothing_o sound_v therein_o but_o wound_n and_o swell_n and_o sore_n full_a of_o corruption_n the_o cure_n whereof_o they_o utter_o neglect_v in_o the_o 10._o verse_n he_o match_v the_o sin_n of_o both_o prince_n and_o people_n with_o those_o cry_a sin_n and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorah_n which_o bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o 11.12.13_o and_o 14._o verse_n he_o complain_v of_o their_o filthy_a hypocrisy_n in_o god_n outward_a worship_n join_v with_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o his_o spiritual_a service_n which_o cause_v the_o lord_n to_o detest_v all_o their_o sacrifice_n sabbothe_n and_o new_a moon_n so_o that_o their_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v great_a wickedness_n in_o any_o people_n respect_v those_o notable_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n continual_o grant_v unto_o they_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o their_o own_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o who_o will_v not_o have_v think_v their_o state_n to_o be_v most_o desperate_a who_o will_v not_o have_v look_v daily_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v consume_v they_o with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n or_o have_v cause_v the_o earth_n to_o have_v swallow_v they_o up_o alive_a as_o it_o do_v corah_n and_o he_o assotiat_v but_o behold_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n even_o when_o they_o wallow_v in_o this_o filthy_a sink_n of_o all_o impiety_n the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o when_o as_o they_o have_v forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v from_o he_o desire_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o make_v or_o meddle_v with_o he_o the_o lord_n
apostle_n speak_v 1._o tim._n 2.4_o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 2.4_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o and_o come_v to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v thereunto_o pardonable_a the_o 2._o degree_n a_o persuasion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a the_o second_o degree_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o due_a consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n invaluable_a merit_n and_o indefinite_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v with_o out_o exception_n to_o ill_a repentant_a and_o believe_a sinner_n from_o whence_o also_o arise_v a_o general_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o hope_n be_v nourish_v and_o increase_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v we_o in_o his_o church_n and_o gracious_o grant_v unto_o we_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n wrought_v in_o we_o even_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o which_o only_a condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v and_o assure_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o three_o degree_n be_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n mercy_n grace_n the_o 3._o ddegree_n a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n but_o also_o after_o the_o mean_n and_o instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n be_v derive_v unto_o we_o namely_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n the_o which_o desire_v of_o grace_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n neither_o can_v we_o desire_v it_o till_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o body_n and_o fowl_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v many_o faculty_n or_o part_n be_v also_o regenerate_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o have_v his_o will_n renew_v and_o sanctify_v to_o desire_v that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v also_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v in_o his_o understanding_n affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n moreover_o as_o before_o i_o have_v deliver_v at_o large_a our_o desire_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o grace_n themselves_o which_o we_o desire_v at_o least_o in_o god_n acceptation_n who_o accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o of_o our_o affection_n for_o the_o action_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o repent_v &_o believe_v we_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v the_o like_a gracious_a promise_n to_o this_o earnest_a desire_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o find_v themselves_o plentiful_o endue_v with_o the_o grace_n themselves_o so_o matth._n 5.6_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v so_o the_o virgin_n marie_n say_v in_o her_o song_n luk._n 1.53_o 1.53_o luke_n 1.53_o that_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o send_v away_o the_o rich_a empty_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v satisfy_v they_o john_n 7.37_o revel_v 21.6_o and_o 22.17_o 7.37_o joh._n 7.37_o last_o whosoever_o feel_v this_o desire_n in_o he_o join_v with_o a_o careful_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o desire_n may_v be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o the_o will_n to_o desire_v will_v also_o in_o his_o good_a time_n work_v in_o he_o ability_n to_o perform_v and_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v for_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v also_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 145.19_o so_o psal_n 10.17_o 10.17_o psal_n 145.19_o &_o 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a thou_o prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o bende_v thy_o ear_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o grievous_a tentation_n we_o can_v cry_v out_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 38.9_o lord_n i_o pour_v my_o whole_a desire_n before_o thou_o 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o and_o my_o sigh_v be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v how_o miserable_a soever_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o shall_v have_v our_o desire_n satisfy_v for_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o we_o 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o will_v also_o in_o his_o good_a time_n finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 1.6_o §_o sect._n 5_o the_o four_o degree_n be_v a_o approach_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o humility_n confess_v our_o sin_n 4.16_o the_o 4._o degree_n a_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n 4.16_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n obtain_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 4.16_o let_v we_o therefore_o go_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 14.2_o o_o israel_n return_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o thou_o have_v fall_v by_o thy_o iniquity_n 3._o take_v unto_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 32.5_o then_o say_v he_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o 32.5_o psal_n 32.5_o neither_o hide_v i_o my_o iniquity_n for_o i_o think_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o wickedness_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o punishment_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o likewise_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v attain_v unto_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o desire_n of_o forgiveness_n resolve_v to_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o to_o say_v 15.18.19_o luk._n 15.18.19_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o &_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n luke_n 15.18.19_o §_o sect._n 6_o the_o five_o degree_n be_v a_o special_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o particular_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n promise_n the_o 5._o degree_n a_o special_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n &_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o merit_n righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2.20_o 2.20_o gala._n 2.20_o thus_o say_v he_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o now_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o this_o persuasion_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o sense_n and_o experience_n for_o first_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o resist_v diffidence_n and_o doubt_v and_o afterwards_o follow_v joyful_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n truth_n and_o goodness_n towards_o us._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o demonstration_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 29._o heb._n 11.1_o joh._n 20_o 29._o heb._n 11.1_o &_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n
joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o cananitish_a woman_n who_o though_o she_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n yea_o though_o she_o have_v many_o repulse_n yet_o believe_v and_o afterward_o to_o her_o comfort_n have_v joyful_a experience_n of_o they_o 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o an_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n which_o whosoever_o find_v in_o himself_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n if_o therefore_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n we_o have_v attain_v unto_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a principle_n thereof_o if_o we_o have_v give_v our_o assent_n unto_o this_o truth_n in_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v inform_v if_o hereby_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o this_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o have_v conceive_v some_o hope_n in_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o high_o esteem_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o we_o wish_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o desire_n we_o have_v be_v move_v to_o flee_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o there_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n have_v earnest_o desire_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n last_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v discern_v in_o in_o ourselves_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o have_v or_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o alone_a merit_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 8.15.26_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirie_n rom._n 8.15.26_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.15_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v etc._n etc._n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whosoever_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v or_o have_v feel_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n powerful_a in_o they_o in_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o hearty_a prayer_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o consequent_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o for_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o among_o which_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v never_o sever_v moreover_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o his_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o life_n in_o which_o number_n faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a but_o those_o excellent_a joy_n in_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o which_o also_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o taste_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n last_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 2._o cor._n 1.22_o that_o god_n have_v seal_v we_o 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o and_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o ephe._n 1.13_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o beleeveà _fw-la 1.13_o ephe._n 1.13_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o possession_n purchase_v unto_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o therefore_o be_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o as_o a_o earnest_n or_o seal_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o also_o be_v faith_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v after_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v thus_o seal_v §_o sect._n 8_o the_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o conflict_n and_o fight_n which_o every_o christian_n feel_v in_o himself_o between_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n spirit_n the_o 3._o argument_n be_v the_o fight_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o combat_n which_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o be_v whole_o oversway_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o satan_n like_o a_o mighty_a tyrant_n hould_v we_o captive_a peaceable_o and_o without_o any_o resistance_n but_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n then_o begin_v a_o fierce_a battle_n which_o never_o end_v till_o by_o death_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n get_v a_o final_a overthrow_n though_o therefore_o this_o fight_n be_v most_o sharp_a and_o exceed_o troublesome_a to_o the_o poor_a christian_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o gather_v unto_o himself_o sound_a comfort_n and_o certain_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o when_o he_o discern_v that_o he_o be_v assault_v with_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n be_v disease_v of_o his_o quiet_a possession_n by_o a_o superior_a power_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n second_o by_o his_o assault_v it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o he_o find_v some_o resistance_n so_o as_o he_o can_v peaceable_o reenter_v three_o that_o howsoever_o our_o faith_n seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o weak_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o strengthen_v continual_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o sathan_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v such_o weakness_n withstand_v such_o might_n last_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o assi_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v satan_n we_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v obtain_v victory_n unless_o we_o will_v fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v strong_a than_o god_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n more_o forcible_a to_o destroy_v we_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v we_o for_o now_o they_o have_v join_v battle_n and_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v thrust_v out_o sathan_n or_o satan_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v we_o doubt_v of_o conquest_n see_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n can_v take_v the_o foil_n for_o his_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v satan_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n and_o of_o his_o will_n we_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o question_n for_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o his_o glory_n to_o receive_v a_o repulse_n by_o give_v satan_n place_n after_o that_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o protection_n §_o sect._n 9_o spirit_n how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o combat_n be_v fight_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o how_o will_v thou_o know_v that_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v in_o thou_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o fight_v in_o thou_o against_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o not_o rather_o thou_o own_o tumultuous_a passion_n and_o perturbation_n and_o diverse_a tentation_n suggest_v by_o the_o same_o devil_n to_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v answer_n for_o neither_o do_v
intolerable_a to_o my_o afflict_a conscience_n i_o be_o fill_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n because_o by_o my_o former_a sin_n i_o have_v dishonour_v my_o gracious_a god_n and_o shall_v i_o continue_v more_o to_o dishonour_v he_o by_o doubt_v of_o and_o deny_v his_o mercy_n justice_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n i_o have_v heretofore_o with_o judas_n betray_v my_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o the_o death_n yea_o and_o with_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v whip_v mock_v and_o crucify_v he_o and_o now_o he_o have_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o my_o sin_n and_o call_v i_o unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o intolerable_a burchen_n shall_v i_o with_o judas_n refuse_v to_o come_v desperate_o cast_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o become_v my_o own_o hangman_n be_v it_o far_o from_o i_o nay_o as_o i_o hate_v all_o other_o sin_n so_o let_v i_o hate_v this_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o other_o my_o wickedness_n so_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o power_n resist_v satan_n when_o he_o seek_v to_o load_v i_o with_o this_o load_n of_o desperation_n as_o be_v far_o more_o intolerable_a heretofore_o i_o have_v dishonour_v god_n by_o my_o sin_n but_o now_o i_o will_v give_v he_o glory_n in_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o see_v by_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o add_v hereunto_o this_o outrageous_a wickedness_n to_o trample_v his_o precious_a blood_n under_o my_o filthy_a foot_n as_o a_o thing_n unholy_a and_o of_o no_o worth_n neither_o will_v i_o through_o my_o unbelief_n make_v it_o to_o be_v spill_v in_o vain_a but_o now_o with_o all_o care_n and_o conscience_n i_o will_v gather_v it_o up_o as_o a_o most_o precious_a balm_n and_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n apply_v it_o to_o those_o grisly_a gash_n and_o deep_a wound_n which_o sin_n have_v make_v in_o my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o with_o this_o spiritual_a laver_n i_o will_v wash_v my_o pollute_a soul_n till_o it_o be_v thorough_o purge_v from_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o see_v i_o have_v deprive_v my_o soul_n of_o that_o inherent_a righteousness_n wherewith_o it_o be_v endue_v by_o creation_n now_o i_o will_v apply_v thereunto_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a righteousness_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n wherewith_o be_v adorn_v i_o may_v bold_o offer_v myself_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n &_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n §_o sect._n 6_o last_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o desperation_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o it_o own_o nature_n most_o grievous_a pernicious_a that_o desperation_n be_v a_o sin_n most_o pernicious_a so_o also_o it_o be_v unto_o ourselves_o most_o pernicious_a for_o whereas_o other_o sin_n make_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o eternal_a condemnation_n this_o as_o it_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n intitle_v we_o unto_o the_o right_n of_o this_o hellish_a inheritance_n so_o also_o it_o enter_v we_o into_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o present_a possession_n thereof_o even_o while_o we_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o despair_a conscience_n but_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o what_o be_v their_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o utter_v against_o god_n and_o their_o impatient_a curse_n of_o their_o accurse_a self_n but_o the_o yell_a cry_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v not_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o jaw_n of_o hell_n if_o we_o will_v not_o while_o we_o live_v begin_v to_o die_v a_o everlasting_a death_n let_v we_o in_o no_o case_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v plunge_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n into_o this_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o utter_a desperation_n §_o sect._n 7_o yea_o will_v the_o afflict_a soul_n say_v but_o how_o shall_v i_o avoid_v it_o belief_n that_o we_o must_v hope_v against_o hope_n &_o believe_v against_o belief_n see_v i_o be_o forcible_o press_v into_o it_o with_o the_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n feel_v no_o comfort_n nor_o assurance_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v receive_v pardon_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o in_o no_o case_n they_o be_v to_o despair_v but_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n to_o cast_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n into_o heaven_n lay_v hold_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v neither_o with_o the_o bodily_a eye_n nor_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n seem_v often_o to_o hate_v those_o who_o in_o truth_n he_o dear_o love_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v either_o pardon_v or_o at_o least_o pardonable_a there_o be_v certain_a comfort_n but_o when_o as_o all_o hope_n be_v cast_v of_o and_o that_o we_o reject_v all_o god_n promise_n through_o unbelief_n and_o fall_n into_o utter_a desperation_n there_o nothing_o remain_v but_o most_o certain_a destruction_n when_o sin_n lie_v upon_o we_o it_o no_o question_v exceed_o vex_v we_o with_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o we_o despair_v we_o present_o in_o stead_n of_o obtain_v ease_n cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v ease_v of_o this_o burden_n but_o despair_n stay_v we_o in_o the_o midway_n and_o utter_o debar_v we_o from_o ever_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a yet_o let_v we_o be_v content_v to_o bear_v it_o till_o we_o come_v unto_o christ_n for_o ease_n let_v we_o beware_v in_o any_o case_n that_o we_o do_v not_o faint_v through_o impatiency_n and_o want_n of_o hope_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o desperation_n for_o so_o shall_v we_o but_o increase_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o exceed_a measure_n which_o already_o we_o think_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o consequent_o our_o horror_n of_o conscience_n so_o shall_v we_o bring_v ourselves_o from_o a_o doubtful_a or_o rather_o hopeful_a state_n to_z most_o certain_a and_o present_a destruction_n so_o shall_v we_o change_v our_o temporary_a grief_n for_o that_o which_o be_v everlasting_a and_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n so_o shall_v that_o which_o we_o most_o fear_v and_o flee_v present_o overtake_v and_o overwhelm_v we_o for_o while_o in_o a_o horrible_a manner_n we_o fear_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n we_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o they_o by_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n shall_v cut_v his_o own_o throat_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o hang_v shall_v drink_v some_o deadly_a poison_n whereby_o they_o be_v present_o torment_v with_o that_o which_o they_o fearful_o abhor_v and_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o evil_n they_o fear_v than_o any_o long_a to_o endure_v the_o fear_n itself_o which_o howsoever_o it_o may_v carry_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o undergo_n a_o momentany_a and_o temporary_a death_n wherein_o oftentimes_o the_o fear_n be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o pain_n fear_v yet_o it_o be_v extreme_a madness_n to_o plunge_v a_o man_n self_n body_n and_o soul_n into_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n rather_o than_o for_o a_o time_n to_o endure_v the_o horror_n thereof_o see_v this_o horror_n and_o fear_n be_v but_o a_o small_a flea-bite_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o hellish_a punishment_n and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o smoke_n of_o that_o eternal_a fire_n chap._n xlvi_o satan_n tentation_n concern_v smallness_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n doubt_v there_o be_v no_o such_o perfect_a faith_n which_o be_v not_o assault_v with_o doubt_v whereby_o satan_n labour_v to_o persuade_v the_o afflict_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o small_a if_o it_o be_v any_o at_o all_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o doubt_v so_o unfruitful_a and_o so_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n that_o it_o will_v
enemy_n who_o labour_n to_o hinder_v our_o salvation_n for_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o mighty_a to_o save_v 63.1_o esa_n 63.1_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 63.1_o and_o though_o through_o our_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n we_o may_v continual_o be_v vanquish_v and_o draw_v from_o god_n yet_o now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n hereof_o see_v we_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n 1.5_o 1._o pet._n 1.5_o but_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 1.5_o though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v impotent_a and_o feeble_a yet_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n 11._o eph._n 6.10_o 11._o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 6.10_o 11._o though_o we_o be_v of_o little_a force_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o able_a to_o do_v nothing_o yet_o be_v we_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v we_o as_o it_o be_v philip._n 4.13_o though_o we_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o and_o unable_a to_o stand_v yet_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v establish_v for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o stand_v rom._n 14.4_o in_o a_o word_n 14.4_o rom._n 14.4_o though_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n be_v strong_a than_o we_o yet_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v we_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o father_n which_o give_v we_o to_o he_o be_v great_a than_o all_o 29._o joh._n 10.28_o 29._o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v we_o out_o of_o the_o father_n hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n reason_v john_n 10.28_o 29._o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v discourage_v and_o ready_a to_o faint_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o our_o enemy_n mighty_a power_n let_v we_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 1.12_o 2._o tim._n 1.12_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o tim._n 1.12_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o five_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n 16.17_o the_o five_o reason_n groundad_o on_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o covenant_n apoc._n 1.5_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o luke_n 16.17_o which_o be_v so_o infallible_a that_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v speak_v promise_v or_o covenant_v that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o perform_v for_o god_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n apoc._n 1.5_o and_o all_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2._o corinth_n 1.20_o so_o that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o than_o that_o one_o title_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v fall_v unaccomplish_v luke_n 16.17_o but_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n have_v assure_v all_o that_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v uphold_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n against_o all_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n in_o general_a and_o also_o by_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a concern_v the_o first_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n esa_n 59.21_o i_o will_v say_v he_o make_v this_o my_o covenant_n with_o they_o 59.21_o esa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o thy_o seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o even_o for_o ever_o if_o therefore_o god_n spirit_n never_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o they_o for_o ever_o confess_v and_o profess_v his_o word_n and_o truth_n then_o certain_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o nor_o loose_v their_o heavenly_a inheritance_n for_o 8.11_o rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o we_o he_o shall_v also_o quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n because_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.11_o 11.14.â—7_n rom._n 8_o 11.14.â—7_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 14._o and_o if_o we_o be_v child_n we_o be_v also_o heir_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 17._o so_o jerem._n 32.38_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n â—0_n â—er_n 32.38_o 39_o â—0_n verse_n 39_o and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o wealth_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o 40._o and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v never_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o etc._n etc._n if_o therefore_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v fear_v he_o for_o ever_o if_o his_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a if_o he_o will_v never_o depart_v from_o they_o nor_o they_o from_o he_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o perseverance_n 31.31.32_o â—er_n 31.31.32_o and_o chapter_n 31.31.32_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o church_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o their_o father_n 33._o but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o in_o which_o word_n the_o lord_n covenant_v that_o his_o law_n shall_v ever_o remain_v so_o deep_o engrave_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o nothing_o shall_v blot_v it_o out_o &_o that_o they_o shall_v continual_o meditate_v and_o delight_v themselves_o therein_o 3.2_o rom._n 2.15_o 2._o cor._n 3.2_o for_o thus_o this_o phrase_n of_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v usual_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o he_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o perpetual_a pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o that_o their_o sin_n shall_v never_o make_v frustrate_v that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o they_o 2.19.20_o hos_fw-la 2.19.20_o so_o hos_n 2.19_o and_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n 20._o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o thou_o shall_v know_v the_o lord_n if_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v marry_v unto_o he_o for_o ever_o in_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n then_o can_v neither_o their_o faith_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o god_n nor_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o fail_v but_o both_o shall_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n see_v then_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o do_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o our_o perseverance_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o holy_a obedience_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o his_o love_n or_o our_o fall_v away_o for_o though_o the_o mountain_n remove_v and_o the_o hill_n fall_v down_o yet_o shall_v not_o his_o mercy_n depart_v from_o his_o child_n neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o his_o peace_n fall_v away_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o protest_v esa_n 54.10_o 54.10_o esa_n 54.10_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n answer_v a_o objection_n take_v from_o our_o faltinesse_n answer_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n for_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o also_o promise_v to_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o see_v the_o whole_a contain_v all_o his_o part_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n that_o also_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o member_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o howsoever_o this_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n be_v firm_a and_o eternal_a yet_o by_o our_o fault_n and_o transgression_n it_o may_v
90.11_o because_o that_o make_v quite_o against_o he_o or_o if_o he_o recite_v they_o right_o he_o will_v wrest_v the_o word_n unto_o another_o sense_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v write_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v deceive_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o error_n chap._n xix_o how_o satan_n allure_v we_o into_o sin_n by_o degree_n and_o draw_v we_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v at_o large_a satan_n first_o politic_a stratagem_n which_o he_o use_v to_o circumvent_v we_o by_o fit_v his_o temptation_n according_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o disposition_n or_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n a_o second_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o circumvent_v we_o be_v this_o if_o he_o can_v at_o the_o first_o entice_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o outrageous_a wickedness_n degree_n satan_n labour_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o outrageous_a sin_n by_o degree_n he_o will_v seek_v to_o draw_v we_o thereunto_o by_o degree_n begin_v at_o the_o least_o and_o so_o bring_v we_o from_o that_o to_o a_o great_a till_o at_o last_o we_o come_v to_o the_o high_a step_n of_o wickedness_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o those_o who_o walk_v to_o the_o top_n of_o a_o high_a hill_n who_o ascent_n arise_v by_o little_a and_o little_a come_v to_o the_o top_n without_o weariness_n before_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o they_o do_v ascend_v so_o they_o who_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n by_o degree_n do_v without_o any_o controlment_n or_o check_n of_o conscience_n climb_v up_o to_o the_o high_a top_n thereof_o whence_o satan_n cast_v they_o down_o headlong_o into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o example_n if_o he_o see_v a_o professor_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o way_n he_o do_v not_o usual_o seek_v at_o first_o to_o draw_v he_o into_o heinous_a sin_n unless_o the_o cord_n of_o his_o temptation_n be_v exceed_o strong_a but_o first_o he_o allure_v he_o to_o come_v into_o the_o company_n of_o wicked_a man_n by_o offer_v some_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o by_o occasion_n of_o affinity_n and_o marriage_n join_v he_o if_o he_o can_v with_o such_o a_o yoke-fellow_n as_o will_v draw_v he_o fast_o back_o than_o he_o can_v draw_v she_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o thus_o far_o prevail_v than_o he_o tempt_v he_o to_o wink_v at_o their_o sin_n which_o in_o conscience_n he_o condemn_v that_o he_o may_v still_o enjoy_v his_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n or_o continue_v in_o their_o love_n and_o favour_n then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o move_v he_o to_o think_v they_o tolerable_a sin_n which_o they_o commit_v and_o nothing_o so_o outrageous_a as_o other_o fall_v into_o and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o progress_n than_o he_o entice_v he_o to_o taste_v of_o sin_n which_o he_o so_o sweeten_v with_o the_o sugar_a delight_n of_o this_o vain_a world_n that_o he_o swallow_v it_o down_o without_o all_o loathsomnesse_n and_o never_o taste_v the_o bitterness_n thereof_o till_o the_o heat_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v cause_n it_o work_v in_o his_o conscience_n so_o as_o he_o be_v never_o at_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v cast_v it_o up_o again_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n otherwise_o if_o he_o be_v not_o prevent_v thus_o by_o god_n spirit_n satan_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n cause_v his_o conscience_n to_o swallow_v and_o to_o digest_v such_o loathsome_a sin_n which_o in_o former_a time_n he_o abhor_v to_o see_v other_o commit_v and_o as_o those_o who_o from_o their_o infancy_n be_v accustom_v to_o take_v poison_n in_o small_a quantity_n do_v enable_v their_o stomach_n to_o digest_v more_o till_o by_o long_a custom_n and_o increase_v the_o quantity_n by_o degree_n it_o become_v so_o familiar_a to_o their_o stomach_n that_o instead_o of_o poison_v they_o they_o be_v nourish_v thereby_o as_o history_n do_v record_n of_o some_o of_o the_o indian_a king_n so_o satan_n entice_v we_o to_o swallow_v down_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n at_o the_o first_o in_o such_o small_a quantity_n that_o our_o conscience_n may_v not_o be_v sick_a thereof_o but_o have_v well_o digest_v the_o least_o he_o increase_v the_o measure_n till_o by_o long_a custom_n he_o have_v make_v it_o so_o familiar_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o those_o sin_n be_v even_o meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o we_o which_o at_o the_o first_o we_o loathe_v as_o deadly_a poison_n now_o if_o we_o will_v defeat_v this_o policy_n of_o satan_n we_o must_v continual_o watch_v over_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o pull_v they_o back_o when_o we_o see_v that_o they_o but_o incline_v unto_o any_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o light_o esteem_v of_o any_o sin_n nor_o willing_o give_v entertainment_n to_o the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n for_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o heinous_a yet_o it_o will_v enlarge_v our_o conscience_n and_o make_v room_n for_o a_o great_a till_o at_o last_o we_o keep_v open_a house_n ready_a to_o receive_v all_o wickedness_n which_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v the_o sin_n themselves_o so_o with_o as_o much_o diligence_n we_o be_v to_o shun_v the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v draw_v or_o entice_v thereunto_o but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 2_o a_o three_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o circumvent_v we_o another_o satan_n three_o policy_n in_o draw_v man_n out_o of_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v the_o vileness_n of_o prodigality_n so_o as_o we_o will_v no_o long_o be_v possess_v of_o that_o vice_n then_o will_v satan_n make_v it_o as_o odious_a as_o he_o can_v and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o extreme_a hatred_n thereof_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o contrary_a vice_n of_o covetousness_n if_o he_o can_v any_o long_o keep_v we_o asleep_a in_o sin_n by_o rock_v we_o in_o the_o cradle_n of_o carnal_a security_n and_o sing_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a tune_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n they_o will_v he_o labour_v to_o plunge_v we_o in_o despair_n by_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o heynousnesse_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n the_o thunder_a threaten_n of_o the_o law_n if_o he_o can_v any_o long_o nuzzle_v we_o in_o superstition_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o place_v all_o our_o religion_n in_o ceremony_n and_o in_o restrain_v ourselves_o of_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a he_o will_v draw_v we_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a by_o move_v we_o to_o think_v all_o ceremony_n unlawful_a and_o to_o practice_v all_o licenciousnes_n under_o pretence_n of_o christian_n liberty_n if_o he_o can_v no_o long_o persuade_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v not_o rely_v on_o christ_n merit_n and_o righteousness_n he_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o utter_a dislike_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o show_v we_o the_o absurdity_n thereof_o that_o he_o may_v draw_v we_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a namely_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v if_o he_o can_v hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n the_o shine_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o cast_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o cloud_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n than_o he_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o look_v on_o they_o through_o the_o spectacle_n of_o self_n love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v imagine_v they_o much_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o so_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n and_o too_o secure_o rest_v in_o those_o gift_n we_o have_v not_o seek_v for_o increase_v if_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o to_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n he_o will_v move_v we_o to_o tempt_v god_n upon_o no_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o thus_o he_o deal_v with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o first_o he_o tempt_v he_o to_o distrust_v god_n providence_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o himself_o by_o turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n but_o when_o he_o can_v not_o so_o prevail_v he_o move_v he_o to_o make_v a_o unnecessary_a experiment_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n by_o cast_v himself_o down_o headlong_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whereas_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v descend_v now_o the_o end_n why_o satan_n use_v this_o policy_n be_v more_o violent_o to_o cast_v we_o into_o one_o extreme_a of_o sin_n when_o with_o full_a swinge_n of_o will_v we_o do_v avoid_v the_o other_o as_o also_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o latter_a temptation_n be_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v it_o be_v clean_o
contrary_a to_o the_o former_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o unlike_a child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n §_o sect._n 3_o the_o danger_n of_o which_o tentation_n if_o we_o will_v avoid_v mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v the_o former_a temptation_n by_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o golden_a mean_n we_o must_v keep_v we_o in_o the_o golden_a mean_a avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a in_o travayl_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o every_o hour_n ready_a to_o take_v the_o byway_n of_o error_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n let_v we_o use_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o guide_n and_o as_o the_o israelite_n travayl_v towards_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o cloud_n and_o pillar_n of_o fire_n going_z forward_z when_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o pitch_v their_o tent_n where_o that_o stay_v so_o let_v we_o constant_o and_o bold_o travail_v in_o our_o christian_n pilgrimage_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o direction_n not_o stay_v where_o it_o bid_v go_v nor_o go_v when_o it_o stay_v let_v this_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o discern_v the_o golden_a truth_n from_o the_o drossy_a extreme_n on_o either_o side_n let_v it_o be_v the_o line_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n let_v it_o be_v the_o star_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o tedious_a journey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o now_o lie_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mother_n but_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o all_o glory_n power_n and_o majesty_n and_o because_o we_o be_v unskilful_a pilot_n in_o fail_v the_o dangerous_a sea_n of_o this_o tempestuous_a world_n readid_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n while_o we_o avoid_v the_o sand_n lot_n god_n word_n be_v our_o card_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a land_n otherwise_o satan_n will_v raise_v against_o we_o such_o stormy_a tempest_n and_o contrary_a blast_n of_o temptation_n that_o our_o soul_n will_v suffer_v shipwreck_n upon_o the_o rock_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v drown_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o destruction_n chap._n xx._n of_o three_o other_o stratagem_n which_o satan_n use_v §_o sect._n 1_o a_o four_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o entrap_v we_o in_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n be_v this_o action_n how_o satan_n move_v we_o to_o propound_v bad_a end_n to_o good_a action_n when_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n he_o can_v altogether_o restrain_v we_o from_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a then_o he_o will_v tempt_v we_o to_o do_v good_a action_n to_o bad_a end_n in_o give_v of_o alm_n he_o will_v move_v man_n to_o propound_v this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n in_o do_v of_o good_a work_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o forget_v god_n glory_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o as_o their_o main_a end_n of_o all_o their_o good_a action_n the_o merit_v of_o heaven_n and_o if_o man_n will_v needs_o appear_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a he_o will_v entice_v they_o to_o use_v outward_a virtue_n as_o a_o cloak_n to_o hide_v their_o inward_a vice_n and_o religion_n as_o a_o fair_a vizard_n to_o cover_v their_o foul_a impiety_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o use_v all_o outward_a show_n of_o humility_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v the_o better_a disguise_n their_o hide_a pride_n and_o ambition_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o absalon_n and_o all_o compliment_n of_o courtesy_n and_o love_n as_o a_o mask_n to_o hide_v their_o envy_n and_o malice_n and_o thus_o he_o allure_v man_n to_o profess_v religion_n hear_v sermon_n and_o use_v glorious_a speech_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v religious_a and_o man_n of_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o shop_n the_o better_a custom_a and_o their_o word_n credit_v and_o so_o have_v the_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o deceive_v they_o who_o for_o their_o profession_n repose_v trust_n in_o they_o §_o sect._n 2_o a_o five_o policy_n whereby_o he_o seek_v to_o surprise_v we_o be_v by_o tempt_a man_n to_o use_v wicked_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o good_a end_n and_o to_o do_v evil_a thâ—â—_n good_a may_v come_v thereof_o end_n how_o satan_n move_v we_o to_o use_v evil_a mean_n for_o the_o effect_v good_a end_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v saul_n to_o transgress_v god_n commandment_n in_o reserve_v the_o fat_a of_o the_o cattle_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v sacrifice_v therewith_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o isaac_n to_o say_v that_o rebecca_n be_v his_o sister_n to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o peter_n to_o use_v dissimulation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v the_o jew_n 2._o galat._n 2._o and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o tell_v officious_a and_o profitable_a lie_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o great_a evil_n he_o move_v servant_n to_o give_v their_o master_n good_n to_o the_o poor_a without_o their_o privity_n or_o like_n and_o so_o to_o commit_v theft_n that_o they_o may_v give_v alm_n he_o tempt_v non-residents_a to_o possess_v many_o live_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v good_a hospitality_n and_o so_o starve_v the_o foul_a to_o feed_v the_o body_n and_o citizen_n to_o use_v all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o their_o family_n which_o policy_n of_o satan_n be_v exceed_v dangerous_a for_o hardly_o can_v we_o escape_v they_o both_o namely_o do_v good_a thing_n to_o bad_a end_n or_o use_v of_o evil_a mean_n for_o the_o achieve_v of_o good_a purpose_n but_o the_o more_o difficult_a the_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a must_v be_v our_o care_n the_o more_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a satan_n ambushment_n be_v the_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchfulness_n must_v we_o use_v in_o avoid_v they_o in_o all_o our_o action_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o propound_v unto_o ourselves_o good_a end_n and_o use_v good_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o our_o honest_a and_o godly_a purpose_n for_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o first_o we_o shall_v bewray_v our_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n if_o the_o latter_a we_o shall_v pollute_v a_o fair_a work_n with_o filthy_a tool_n and_o show_v our_o diffidence_n in_o god_n in_o not_o dair_v to_o use_v those_o godly_a and_o honest_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o commend_v we_o unless_o we_o bolster_v and_o prop_v they_o up_o by_o our_o own_o foolish_a invention_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o whensoever_o we_o be_v move_v to_o propound_v evil_a end_n of_o our_o good_a action_n or_o to_o use_v evil_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o good_a end_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n at_o least_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o end_n or_o mean_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o purge_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o dross_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o those_o end_n and_o by_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v §_o sect._n 3_o a_o sixth_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v virtue_n how_o satan_n tempt_v we_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o our_o virtue_n be_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o our_o virtue_n to_o plunge_v we_o headlong_o into_o vice_n for_o example_n when_o we_o have_v mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o be_v plentiful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o puff_n we_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v yea_o if_o we_o be_v so_o humble_a that_o he_o can_v make_v we_o proud_a of_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o make_v we_o proud_a of_o our_o humility_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v reckless_a and_o secure_a but_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o our_o heart_n even_o in_o our_o good_a action_n and_o when_o we_o entertain_v any_o excellent_a virtue_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n least_o pride_n thrust_v in_o with_o it_o see_v most_o common_o it_o attend_v upon_o virtue_n and_o take_v up_o his_o stand_n where_o it_o lodge_v for_o we_o be_v not_o quite_o at_o liberty_n and_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o satan_n thraldom_n so_o long_o as_o pride_n like_o a_o jailer_n attend_v on_o us._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o satan_n fight_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v satan_n stratagem_n and_o warlike_a policy_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o fight_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v most_o cruel_a and_o cowardly_a for_o he_o observe_v no_o compliment_n of_o true_a valour_n valour_n that_o satan_n observe_v no_o compliment_n of_o true_a valour_n but_o
believe_v indeed_o yea_o as_o much_o more_o certain_a be_v this_o knowledge_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n which_o be_v infallible_a be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v often_o deceive_v furthermore_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n then_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o cor._n 13.5_o 13.5_o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o try_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o impli_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n or_o else_o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n be_v vain_a nay_o he_o plain_o say_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v faith_n for_o this_o only_a be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o apply_v christ_n unto_o we_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n 11.28_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o so_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o so_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a guest_n in_o which_o examination_n the_o chief_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o feed_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v faith_n when_o we_o be_v true_o endue_v therewith_o this_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n neither_o can_v we_o have_v any_o assurance_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v worthy_a guest_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o consequent_o we_o rest_v doubtful_a whether_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o our_o spiritual_a good_a and_o salvation_n or_o to_o our_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n three_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o by_o god_n word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o if_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o our_o best_a action_n our_o call_n upon_o god_n name_n our_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n be_v any_o better_a than_o sin_n and_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n whereof_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o action_n how_o good_a so_o ever_o in_o themselves_o will_v be_v do_v of_o we_o in_o doubt_v because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o be_v do_v doubt_o they_o become_v sin_n indeed_o and_o therefore_o displease_v in_o god_n sight_n last_o if_o i_o can_v know_v whether_o i_o believe_v a_o man_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o whether_o i_o trust_v and_o rely_v myself_o upon_o his_o promise_n or_o no_o why_o may_v i_o not_o much_o more_o know_v whether_o i_o believe_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n unto_o myself_o namely_o that_o for_o the_o obedience_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n see_v this_o faith_n be_v not_o out_o of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v not_o idle_a in_o we_o for_o it_o purifi_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n it_o move_v we_o to_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o those_o sin_n we_o have_v love_v and_o to_o embrace_v and_o love_v that_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n which_o heretofore_o have_v be_v loathsome_a unto_o us._n as_o therefore_o the_o fire_n be_v know_v by_o his_o heat_n the_o sun_n by_o the_o light_n the_o good_a tree_n by_o his_o fruit_n so_o when_o our_o cold_a heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n when_o our_o blind_a understanding_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n when_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o profession_n in_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_n life_n then_o may_v we_o certain_o know_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n and_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n answer_v a_o temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o assurance_n of_o faith_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n see_v he_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o nor_o discern_v these_o sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o to_o this_o suggestion_n we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v assure_v at_o all_o time_n that_o he_o have_v faith_n by_o his_o present_a sense_n for_o first_o when_o we_o be_v new_o convert_v and_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o do_v not_o present_o discern_v it_o but_o as_o the_o corn_n which_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v and_o after_o spring_v up_o the_o blade_n and_o then_o the_o ear_n so_o faith_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n which_o first_o like_o fallow_a ground_n be_v plough_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v harrow_v and_o break_v with_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n due_a unto_o our_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o contrition_n lie_v cover_v so_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o till_o be_v more_o and_o more_o water_v with_o the_o water_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o heavenly_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n like_o sweet_a dew_n and_o pleasant_a shower_n distil_v upon_o it_o it_o send_v forth_o the_o blade_n namely_o a_o holy_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o afterward_o the_o fruit_n even_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n and_o second_o sometime_o after_o that_o faith_n be_v begin_v in_o we_o and_o we_o have_v see_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o to_o our_o comfort_n it_o be_v after_o hide_v from_o we_o again_o as_o when_o either_o we_o wound_n our_o conscience_n by_o commit_v some_o grievous_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n witting_o and_o willing_o or_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v we_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n for_o then_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o cloud_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n do_v so_o overshadow_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n shine_v upon_o we_o although_o when_o the_o conflict_n be_v end_v our_o faith_n again_o flame_v out_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o love_a countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v gracious_o upon_o we_o when_o these_o cloud_n of_o temptation_n be_v overpast_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o either_o soon_o after_o our_o conversion_n or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n yet_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v we_o because_o these_o be_v no_o fit_a time_n to_o judge_v thereof_o only_o when_o we_o want_v this_o knowledge_n and_o full_a assurance_n let_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v thereunto_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o or_o recover_v and_o again_o renew_v it_o if_o after_o we_o have_v once_o have_v it_o we_o lose_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n thereof_o either_o by_o fall_v into_o heinous_a sin_n or_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n temptation_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n prove_v by_o diverse_a argument_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n elect_v first_o because_o the_o gospel_n manifest_o show_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v that_o we_o may_v infallible_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n now_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o strong_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n first_o therefore_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whatsoever_o be_v manifest_o show_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v but_o