we_o may_v infer_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v include_v particular_o our_o have_a light_n and_o walk_v in_o it_o holy_o and_o righteous_o there_o be_v other_o text_n that_o reach_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a direction_n full_o show_v not_o only_a that_o our_o holy_a endowment_n be_v make_v ready_a first_o in_o christ_n for_o we_o and_o receive_v from_o but_o that_o we_o receive_v they_o by_o union_n with_o christ_n col._n 3.10_o 11._o you_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n gal._n 2.20_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 1_o joh._n 5.11_o 12._o this_o be_v the_o recerd_a that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n can_v we_o desire_v that_o god_n shall_v more_o clear_o teach_v we_o that_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o new_a man_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o life_n whereby_o we_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o he_o so_o inseparable_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v they_o except_o we_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o have_v himself_o abide_v in_o we_o take_v heed_n lest_o through_o prejudice_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n in_o not_o believe_v this_o eminent_a record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o of_o his_o son_n second_o god_n be_v please_v to_o illustrate_v this_o mysterious_a manner_n of_o our_o sanctification_n by_o such_o variety_n of_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n as_o may_v put_v we_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o such_o a_o truth_n as_o we_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o contract_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o resemblance_n and_o the_o force_n of_o they_o brief_o into_o one_o sentence_n leave_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a to_o enlarge_v their_o meditation_n upon_o they_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o new_a holy_a frame_n and_o nature_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v for_o a_o holy_a practice_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o christ_n live_v in_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o father_n joh._n 6.57_o as_o we_o receive_v original_a sin_n and_o death_n propagate_v to_o we_o from_o the_o first_o adam_n rom._n 5.12_o 14_o 16_o 17._o as_o the_o natural_a body_n receive_v sense_n motion_n nourishment_n from_o the_o head_n col._n 2.19_o as_o the_o branch_n receive_v its_o sap_n juiceand_a fructify_a virtue_n from_o the_o vine_n jo._n 15.4_o 5_o as_o the_o wife_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n by_o virtue_n of_o her_o conjugal_a union_n with_o her_o husband_n rom._n 7.4_o as_o stone_n become_v a_o holy_a temple_n by_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o join_v with_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 6._o as_o we_o receive_v the_o nourish_a virtue_n of_o bread_n by_o eat_v it_o and_o of_o wine_n by_o drink_v it_o joh._n 6.51_o 55_o 57_o which_o last_o resemblance_n be_v use_v to_o seal_v to_o we_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n hear_v be_v seven_o resemblance_n instance_a whereof_o some_o do_v illustrate_v the_o mystery_n speak_v of_o more_o full_o than_o other_o all_o of_o they_o do_v some_o way_n intimate_v that_o our_o new_a life_n and_o holy_a nature_n be_v first_o in_o christ_n and_o then_o in_o we_o by_o a_o true_a proper_a union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o if_o any_o shall_v urge_v that_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o of_o marry_a couple_n do_v make_v rather_o for_o a_o relative_n than_o a_o real_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o all_o nation_n be_v real_o make_v of_o one_o blood_n which_o be_v first_o in_o adam_n act_v 17.26_o and_o that_o the_o first_o woman_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o adam_n and_o be_v real_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o by_o this_o first_o marry_v couple_v the_o mystical_a union_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v eminent_o resemble_v gen._n 2.22_o 23_o 24._o with_o ephes_n 5.30_o 31_o 32._o and_o yet_o it_o suppose_v both_o these_o resemblance_n in_o the_o nearness_n and_o fullness_n of_o it_o because_o those_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o one_o flesh_n but_o one_o spirit_n with_o he_o three_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v to_o prepare_v and_o form_v a_o holy_a nature_n and_o frame_n for_o we_o in_o himself_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o not_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o produce_v in_o ourselves_o the_o first_o original_a of_o such_o a_o holy_a nature_n by_o our_o own_o endeavour_n by_o his_o incarnation_n there_o be_v a_o man_n create_v in_o a_o new_a holy_a frame_n after_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n frame_n have_v be_v mar_v and_o abolish_v by_o the_o first_o transgression_n and_o this_o new_a frame_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o ever_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v because_o man_n be_v real_o join_v to_o god_n by_o a_o close_a inseparable_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o these_o nature_n have_v communion_n each_o with_o other_o in_o their_o act_n and_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o act_v in_o his_o humane_a nature_n by_o power_n proper_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n wherein_o he_o be_v one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n the_o word_n that_o he_o speak_v while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o by_o any_o mere_a humane_a power_n but_o the_o father_n that_o dwell_v in_o he_o he_o do_v the_o work_n joh._n 14.10_o why_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n set_v up_o the_o fall_a nature_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o holiness_n in_o bring_v of_o it_o to_o live_v and_o act_v by_o communion_n with_o god_n live_v and_o act_v in_o it_o one_o great_a end_n be_v that_o he_o may_v communicate_v this_o excellent_a frame_n to_o his_o seed_n that_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o in_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o last_o adam_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n that_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthly_a man_n so_o we_o may_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a 1_o cor._n 15.45_o 49._o in_o holiness_n here_o and_o in_o glory_n hereafter_o thus_o he_o be_v bear_v emanuel_n god_n with_o we_o because_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n with_o all_o holiness_n do_v first_o dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a even_o in_o his_o humane_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v up_o with_o that_o fullness_n in_o he_o mat._n 1.23_o col._n 2.9_o 10._o thus_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o live_a bread_n that_o as_o he_o live_v by_o the_o father_n so_o those_o that_o eat_v he_o may_v live_v by_o he_o joh._n 6.51_o 56._o by_o the_o same_o life_n of_o god_n in_o they_o that_o be_v first_o in_o he_o by_o his_o death_n he_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n impute_v to_o he_o and_o from_o all_o that_o innocent_a weakness_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o he_o have_v bear_v for_o a_o time_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o by_o free_v himself_o he_o prepare_v a_o freedom_n for_o we_o from_o our_o whole_a natural_a condition_n which_o be_v both_o weak_a as_o he_o be_v and_o also_o pollute_v with_o our_o gild_n and_o sinful_a corruption_n thus_o the_o corrupt_a natural_a state_n which_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v together_o with_o christ_n that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o it_o be_v destroy_v in_o we_o not_o by_o any_o wound_n that_o we_o ourselves_o can_v give_v to_o it_o but_o by_o our_o partake_n of_o that_o freedom_n from_o it_o and_o death_n unto_o it_o that_o be_v already_o wrought_v out_o for_o we_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v signify_v by_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o the_o application_n of_o his_o death_n to_o we_o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 10_o 11._o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n for_o sin_n or_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o margin_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o
without_o blemish_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n by_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o he_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n than_o which_o fill_v his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o its_o fullness_n afterward_o and_o raise_v it_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o give_v that_o spirit_n then_o to_o the_o church_n 1_o pet._n 1.11_o &_o 3.18_o 19_o now_o this_o spirit_n be_v able_a and_o effectual_a to_o unite_v those_o saint_n to_o that_o flesh_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o to_o give_v out_o to_o they_o that_o grace_n with_o which_o christ_n will_v afterward_o fill_v his_o flesh_n for_o their_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o therefore_o david_n account_v christ_n flesh_n to_o be_v his_o and_o speak_v of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o his_o own_o before_o hand_n as_o full_o as_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v since_o their_o accomplishment_n psal_n 16.9_o 10_o 11._o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n thou_o will_v show_v i_o the_o path_n of_o life_n yea_o and_o saint_n before_o david_n time_n do_v all_o eat_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n even_o of_o the_o same_o christ_n as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n of_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.3_o 4._o and_o when_o christ_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n all_o the_o saint_n depart_v who_o spirit_n be_v then_o make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v afterward_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o and_o comprehend_v in_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.10_o and_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o the_o build_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o and_o the_o apostle_n after_o his_o come_a being_n fit_o frome_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n ephes_n 2.20_o 21._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13.8_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o holiness_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o man_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o all_o saint_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v join_v together_o to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n direct_v iv_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accomplish_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o all_o holiness_n be_v the_o gospel_n whereby_o christ_n enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o faith_n whereby_o we_o actual_o receive_v christ_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o fullness_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n explication_n that_o which_o i_o assert_v in_o the_o forego_n direction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n in_o we_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o enable_v we_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n may_v put_v we_o to_o a_o stand_n in_o our_o endeavour_n for_o holiness_n because_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o our_o natural_a sphere_n to_o his_o glorious_a union_n and_o fellowship_n until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o spirit_n make_v we_o partaker_n of_o so_o high_a a_o privilege_n but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o go_v on_o forward_o by_o reveal_v two_o mean_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o his_o spirit_n accomplish_v the_o mystical_a union_n and_o fellowship_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o whereby_o rational_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v thereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o they_o one_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o god_n do_v make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n eph._n 3.8_o col._n 1.27_o and_o do_v also_o invite_v we_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o do_v encourage_v we_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n of_o that_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o act_v 16.31_o rom._n 10.9_o 11._o this_o be_v god_n own_o instrument_n of_o conveyance_n wherein_o he_o send_v christ_n to_o we_o to_o bless_v we_o with_o his_o salvation_n act_v 3.26_o it_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o 8_o 9_o faith_n come_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o rom._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o gal._n 4.19_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o we_o to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o bring_v christ_n down_o from_o above_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a to_o bring_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n for_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o to_o we_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o christ_n himself_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v come_v at_o he_o there_o without_o go_v any_o further_a if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o rom._n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o other_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v faith_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v our_o instrument_n of_o reception_n whereby_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v accomplish_v on_o our_o part_n by_o our_o actual_a receive_n of_o christ_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o fullness_n into_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o present_a explanation_n the_o faith_n which_o philosopher_n common_o treat_v of_o be_v only_o a_o habit_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o testimony_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testifier_n according_o some_o will_v have_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n in_o religion_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n testify_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v faith_n in_o christ_n blood_n rom._n 3.24_o 25._o not_o only_o in_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o testifier_n and_o though_o a_o mere_a assent_n to_o a_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_a faith_n for_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n aim_v at_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o design_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n testify_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o give_v by_o and_o with_o the_o promise_n therefore_o save_v faith_n must_v necessary_o contain_v two_o act_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o promise_v free_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o salvation_n by_o the_o one_o it_o receive_v the_o mean_n wherein_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o other_o it_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v one_o act_n to_o receive_v the_o breast_n or_o cup_n wherein_o milk_n or_o wine_n be_v convey_v and_o another_o act_n to_o suck_v the_o milk_n in_o the_o breast_n and_o to_o drink_v the_o wine_n in_o the_o cup_n and_o both_o these_o act_n must_v be_v perform_v hearty_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v our_o spiritual_a appetite_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v christ_n the_o food_n of_o life_n as_o a_o natural_a appetite_n be_v for_o bodily_a nourishment_n our_o assent_v unto_o or_o believe_v the_o gospel_n must_v not_o be_v force_v
we_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v sinner_n in_o the_o way_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.8_o 9_o and_o he_o command_v they_o that_o lack_v wisdom_n to_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o but_o however_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n guide_v we_o only_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o we_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o trust_v right_o on_o god_n for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o great_a work_n to_o help_v you_o herein_o i_o have_v give_v you_o before_o in_o this_o treatise_n a_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o have_v show_v that_o it_o contain_v two_o act_n in_o it_o the_o one_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n now_o your_o great_a endeavour_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v both_o these_o act_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v well_o furnish_v dispose_v and_o encourage_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o you_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o corrupt_a inclination_n that_o hinder_v a_o cheerful_a embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o any_o fail_n in_o the_o second_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o fail_n be_v common_o some_o defect_n in_o this_o first_o act._n there_o be_v some_o false_a imagination_n or_o other_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a hold_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o must_v be_v pull_v down_o before_o they_o can_v receive_v christ_n into_o their_o heart_n by_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o they_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o entertain_v such_o false_a imagination_n and_o to_o account_v many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n strange_a paradox_n yea_o foolish_a and_o pernicious_a because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n self-conceitedness_a guilty_a conscience_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o manifold_a error_n wherewith_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossess_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o satan_n labour_v to_o beguile_v we_o as_o he_o do_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v you_o some_o particular_a instruction_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o prevent_v such_o defect_n as_o we_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n 1._o you_o must_v believe_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o other_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n subject_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o insupportable_a misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o you_o can_v possible_o procure_v your_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n or_o any_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n by_o any_o endeavour_v to_o get_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o that_o you_o can_v find_v any_o way_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o supernatural_a revelation_n nor_o be_v free_v from_o it_o except_o by_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o raise_v the_o dead_a we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a as_o some_o be_v to_o know_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n neither_o must_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v ourselves_o better_a than_o we_o be_v but_o must_v be_v hearty_o desirous_a and_o glad_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o our_o own_o condition_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o worst_a that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o yea_o we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v and_o find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o this_o be_v all_o necessary_a to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a humiliation_n self-despair_n and_o self-loathing_a that_o we_o may_v high_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o make_v we_o sick_a of_o sin_n and_o sensible_a of_o our_o need_n of_o the_o great_a physician_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o any_o of_o his_o prescription_n whatsoever_o we_o suffer_v rather_o than_o to_o follow_v our_o own_o wisdom_n mat._n 9.12_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o humiliation_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n mat._n 21.31_o 2._o you_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v save_v without_o receive_v all_o the_o save_a benesit_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o merit_n sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o holiness_n whenas_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o none_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v holy_o i._n e._n not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.1_o it_o be_v also_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v only_a remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o we_o can_v never_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n except_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o live_v only_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n that_o receive_v not_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o christ_n will_v never_o sanctify_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o heavenly_a glory_n heb._n 12.14_o 3._o you_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o yourself_o and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o his_o blood_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1.7_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o horrible_a and_o continue_v in_o never_o so_o long_o yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o abominable_a wicked_a person_n have_v be_v save_v by_o he_o idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a covetous_a drunkard_n extortioner_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n such_o as_o have_v deny_v christ_n as_o peter_n and_o persecute_v and_o blasphame_v he_o as_o paul_n many_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o account_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a for_o their_o pardon_n and_o sanctification_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o live_v ezek._n 33.10_o this_o despair_n work_v secret_o in_o many_o soul_n without_o much_o trouble_n and_o horror_n and_o make_v they_o careless_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o devil_n sill_n some_o with_o horrid_a filthy_a blasphemous_a thought_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v think_v their_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v though_o common_o such_o thought_n be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v pester_v
by_o mere_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n such_o as_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o when_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o be_v false_a neither_o must_v our_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v only_o constrain_v for_o fear_n of_o damnation_n without_o any_o hearty_a love_n and_o desire_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o relish_v the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o esteem_v christ_n to_o be_v all_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n col._n 3.11_o in_o who_o all_o fullness_n do_v dwell_v col._n 1.19_o and_o this_o love_n must_v be_v to_o every_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n to_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v desire_v earnest_o that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o we_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o right_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o our_o sin_n psal_n 51.9_o 10._o not_o like_o many_o that_o care_n for_o nothing_o in_o christ_n but_o only_a deliverance_n from_o hell_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v terminate_v only_o on_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o save_a act_n if_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v because_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o latter_a act_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n with_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n will_v certain_o with_o the_o like_a heartiness_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n they_o that_o know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v certain_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n saving-faith_n be_v sometime_o describe_v by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a believe_v the_o gospel_n sometime_o by_o the_o latter_a as_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o in_o christ_n rom._n 10.9_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v 11_o the_o scripture_n say_v whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a 1_o john_n 5.1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 13_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n let_v it_o be_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o second_o and_o principal_a of_o it_o believe_v on_o christ_n include_v believe_v on_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a god_n and_o they_o all_o concur_v in_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o by_o he_o as_o mediator_n we_o believe_v on_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o trust_v on_o god_n or_o on_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o may_v easy_o appear_v by_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o cause_n effect_n object_n adjunct_n opposite_n and_o all_o the_o same_o circumstance_n except_v only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o christ_n as_o promise_v before_o his_o come_v and_o now_o it_o respect_v he_o as_o already_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o trust_v on_o his_o salvation_n be_v equivalent_a term_n that_o explain_v one_o another_o psal_n 78.22_o i_o confess_v that_o trust_v on_o thing_n see_v or_o know_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o on_o our_o own_o wisdom_n power_n riches_n on_o prince_n or_o any_o arm_n of_o flesh_n may_v not_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v believe_v on_o they_o but_o trust_v on_o a_o saviour_n as_o discover_v by_o a_o testimony_n be_v proper_o believe_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v express_v by_o the_o term_n of_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o expectation_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o hope_n though_o our_o believe_v and_o trust_v be_v for_o the_o present_a as_o well_o as_o future_a benefit_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o common_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o term_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n may_v be_v probable_o because_o when_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v there_o be_v cause_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o urge_v believe_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v then_o new_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o assert_v its_o proper_a use_n and_o office_n in_o our_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n this_o excellent_a use_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n be_v encounter_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o error_n man_n natural_o esteem_v that_o it_o be_v too_o small_a and_o slight_a a_o thing_n to_o produce_v so_o great_a effect_n as_o naaman_n think_v wash_v in_o jordan_n too_o small_a a_o matter_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o leprosy_n they_o contemn_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n because_o they_o seem_v too_o easy_a for_o such_o purpose_n and_o thereby_o they_o make_v the_o entrance_n not_o only_o difficult_a but_o impossible_a to_o themselves_o some_o will_v allow_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o sole_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o the_o instrument_n to_o receive_v it_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n maintain_v former_o by_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o effectual_a to_o sanctification_n but_o that_o it_o rather_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o procure_v a_o holy_a practice_n they_o commend_v this_o great_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n as_o a_o comfortable_a cordial_n for_o person_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o agony_n under_o terror_n of_o conscience_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o ordinary_a food_n and_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o seldom_o and_o spare_o and_o not_o without_o some_o antidote_n or_o corrective_a to_o prevent_v the_o licentiousness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v their_o common_a antidote_n or_o corrective_a be_v that_o sanctification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n and_o that_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n yet_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o our_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o they_o set_v up_o salvation_n by_o work_n and_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o not_o at_o all_o comfortable_a if_o it_o have_v indeed_o such_o a_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o can_v not_o be_v own_v as_o a_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o it_o afford_v must_v needs_o be_v ungrounded_a and_o deceitful_a this_o consequence_n be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o late_a refiner_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o new-model_n this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o make_v saving-faith_n to_o be_v only_o a_o condition_n to_o procure_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v perform_v before_o we_o can_v lay_v any_o good_a claim_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o before_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o actual_a receive_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o accept_n of_o or_o receive_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o conditional_a faith_n they_o will_v not_o have_v trust_v on_o god_n
have_v be_v one_o occasion_n of_o the_o prevail_a of_o heathenish_a jewish_a and_o popish_a superslition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o popery_n fall_v in_o several_a nation_n in_o late_a year_n when_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o if_o these_o legal_a zealot_n be_v force_v by_o strong_a conviction_n to_o endeavour_v the_o practice_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o their_o guilty_a conscience_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o strive_v and_o labour_v earnest_o and_o even_o to_o macerate_v their_o body_n with_o fast_v that_o they_o may_v kill_v their_o lust_n but_o still_o their_o lust_n be_v alive_a and_o as_o strong_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o do_v show_v forth_o their_o enmity_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o inward_a fret_a repine_a and_o grudge_v at_o it_o as_o a_o grievous_a task-mastertho_a '_o a_o slavish_a fear_n restrain_v their_o gross_a outward_a act_n and_o if_o once_o these_o zealot_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n to_o discern_v that_o god_n reject_v all_o their_o slavish_a service_n and_o will_v not_o own_v it_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n than_o they_o fall_v into_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o they_o see_v they_o have_v fail_v in_o their_o high_a attempt_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o discover_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n swell_v in_o anger_n and_o manifest_a hatred_n against_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o prescribe_v such_o hard_a condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o can_v keep_v and_o yet_o expect_v to_o be_v damn_v eternal_o for_o break_v of_o they_o this_o fill_v they_o with_o blasphemous_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o they_o can_v hardly_o refrain_v from_o blaspheme_v with_o their_o tongue_n and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o horrible_a condition_n if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n discover_v to_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n through_o faith_n alone_o they_o will_v endeavour_v if_o they_o can_v to_o sear_v their_o conscience_n past_o feeling_n of_o sin_n and_o full_o to_o abandon_v all_o religion_n which_o have_v prove_v such_o a_o unsufferable_a torment_n to_o they_o or_o if_o they_o can_v sear_v their_o conscience_n some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o prevail_v over_o by_o satan_n rather_o to_o murder_v themselves_o than_o to_o live_v long_o in_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o continual_a horror_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o pestilent_a effect_n of_o legal-doctrine_n upon_o a_o carnal_a heart_n that_o do_v but_o rouse_v up_o and_o terrible_o enrage_v the_o sleep_a lion_n our_o sinful_a gorruption_n instead_o of_o kill_v of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o evident_a by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o many_o that_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o practise_v it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o show_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o be_v invent_v against_o antinomianism_n may_v well_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o worst_a antinomian_a error_n for_o my_o part_n i_o hate_v it_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o count_v it_o my_o enemy_n as_o i_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v and_o i_o have_v find_v by_o some_o good_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o lesson_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o way_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o mastery_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.15_o six_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o work_n be_v blast_v by_o the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o the_o first_o adam_n sin_n so_o that_o now_o it_o can_v work_v life_n in_o we_o or_o holiness_n but_o only_a death_n for_o the_o law_n which_o require_v both_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v know_v to_o adam_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o continue_v the_o happy_a life_n that_o be_v then_o bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v effectual_a for_o this_o end_n if_o he_o have_v not_o transgress_v in_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o bring_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n under_o the_o terrible_a sentence_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2.17_o all_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o his_o law_n that_o before_o wrought_v for_o continuance_n of_o life_n be_v turn_v by_o that_o curse_a sentence_n the_o contrary_a way_n to_o work_v for_o his_o death_n even_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o it_o quick_o move_v he_o to_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n it_o be_v as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v all_z the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v thy_o life_n or_o restore_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v rather_o tend_v to_o thy_o death_n therefore_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o natural_a state_n under_o the_o first_o adam_n gild_n and_o curse_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o all_o such_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n as_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n accurse_v to_o we_o and_o see_v man_n do_v not_o use_v his_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n aright_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o revenge_v the_o abuse_n of_o it_o by_o give_v we_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o it_o that_o seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o whole_o to_o abolish_v the_o way_n of_o live_v by_o any_o of_o our_o work_n or_o by_o any_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n that_o the_o naturalman_n can_v attain_v unto_o for_o it_o be_v write_v i_o will_v destrey_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20_o 21._o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o no_o truth_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v a_o effectual_a principle_n or_o motive_n to_o work_v holiness_n in_o we_o and_o gospel-principle_n and_o motive_n be_v but_o abuse_v when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o legal-way_n of_o salvation_n seven_o the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o holiness_n or_o salvation_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o perfect_a or_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o it_o though_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o way_n of_o salvation_n at_o that_o time_n it_o must_v have_v consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o a_o covenant_n there_o be_v another_o covenant_n make_v before_o that_o time_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n promise_v all_o blessing_n free_o through_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n by_o which_o only_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n be_v add_v that_o they_o might-see_a their_o sinfulness_n and_o subjection_n to_o death_n and_o wrath_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v to_o life_n or_o holiness_n by_o their_o work_n and_o be_v force_v to_o trust_v on_o the_o free_a promise_n only_o for_o all_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n may_v be_v restrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n until_o the_o come_n of_o that_o promise_a seed_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o more_o plentiful_a pour_v out_o of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n by_o he_o this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v large_o gal._n 3.15_o to_o 24._o rom._n 5.20_o 21._o &_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o none_o of_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ever_o save_v by_o the_o sinai-covenant_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o holiness_n by_o the_o term_n of_o it_o some_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o it_o sincere_o though_o imperfect_o but_o those_o be_v first_o justify_v and_o make_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o better_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o the_o new-covenant_n or_o testament_n establish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o better_a covenant_n the_o
righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o all_o salvation_n only_o by_o fellowship_n with_o he_o through_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o christ_n or_o slight_v and_o contemn_v of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v pollute_v sinner_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o affront_a and_o contemn_v of_o the_o saving-grace_n merit_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ourselves_o righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n loathe_v not_o to_o touch_v a_o leper_n and_o condescend_v to_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v wash_v and_o perfume_v before_o hand_n as_o some_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n be_v say_v to_o do_v when_o they_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o poor-man_n in_o imitate_v of_o christ_n three_o those_o that_o receive_v christ_n with_o a_o unfeigned_a faith_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o wedding_n garment_n to_o adorn_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n faith_n itself_o be_v very_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o most_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.1_o judas_n 20._o god_n love_v it_o because_o it_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n only_o to_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 4.16_o and_o renounce_v all_o dependence_n on_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o procure_v a_o right_n to_o christ_n or_o to_o make_v ourselves_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a love_n to_o christ_n as_o saviour_n and_o a_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a appetite_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mouth_n whereby_o the_o soul_n feed_v hungry_o upon_o he_o what_o wedding_n garment_n can_v sinner_n bring_v with_o they_o more_o delightful_a than_o this_o to_o their_o bountiful_a god_n who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o abundant_a riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n and_o bounty_n in_o this_o wedding_n feast_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v they_o because_o they_o love_v christ_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v out_o from_o god_n jo._n 16.27_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o it_o account_v not_o itself_o or_o any_o other_o work_n of_o we_o a_o sufficient_a ornament_n to_o make_v we_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v our_o wedding-garment_n itself_o but_o it_o buy_v of_o christ_n white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n may_v not_o appear_v rev._n 3.18_o though_o it_o love_v and_o desire_v the_o free-gift_n of_o holiness_n yet_o it_o abandon_v all_o thought_n of_o practise_v holiness_n immediate_o before_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o holy_a nature_n it_o put_v on_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n thus_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n rev._n 12.1_o even_o with_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v please_v to_o be_v himself_o both_o our_o wedding-garment_n and_o feast_n and_o all_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o the_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o consolation_n of_o those_o distress_a soul_n that_o lie_v under_o the_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o trust_v steadfast_o on_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n until_o they_o can_v find_v in_o themselves_o some_o change_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n i_o shall_v mention_v particular_o several_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o such_o will_v find_v in_o themselves_o and_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o partly_o comprehend_v in_o faith_n itself_o they_o be_v fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v rational_o expect_v before_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n first_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o repent_v before_o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n because_o repentance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n luke_n 13.3_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o christ_n place_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n before_o faith_n mar._n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o christ_n require_v repentance_n first_o as_o the_o end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o and_o though_o the_o end_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n yet_o the_o mean_n be_v first_o in_o practice_n and_o execution_n though_o both_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o what_o be_v repentance_n but_o a_o hearty_a turn_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o what_o way_n be_v there_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o through_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n joh._n 14.6_o and_o what_o way_n be_v there_o of_o come_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o faith_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v turn_v to_o god_n in_o the_o right_a way_n we_o must_v first_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o repentance_n as_o the_o great_a instrument_n afford_v we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o it_o repentance_n be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n which_o sinner_n owe_v natural_o to_o god_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o shall_v sinner_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o this_o question_n be_v resolve_v only_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v the_o way_n to_o repent_v be_v to_o begin_v with_o believe_v therefore_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o john_n in_o his_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act_v 19.4_o two_o regeneration_n also_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n joh._n 3_o 3._o and_o therefore_o many_o will_v find_v it_o wrought_v in_o themselves_o before_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o consider_v what_o regeneration_n be_v it_o be_v a_o new_a beget_n or_o create_v we_o in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o eph._n 2.10_o in_o who_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o unite_n grace_n whereby_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n wrought_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o you_o true_o believe_v you_o be_v regenerate_v and_o not_o till_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v christ_n by_o believe_v and_o those_o only_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o 13._o three_o they_o account_v it_o necessary_a to_o receive_v christ_n as_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o a_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o his_o government_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n before_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o saviour_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a lesson_n of_o the_o new_a divinity_n and_o such_o a_o receive_a christ_n as_o lord_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o great_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n without_o which_o such_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v whereby_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v reckon_v no_o better_a than_o gross_a presumption_n they_o teach_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o bestow_v his_o salvation_n on_o those_o that_o do_v not_o first_o yield_v their_o subjection_n to_o his_o kingly_a authority_n but_o he_o call_v they_o his_o enemy_n because_o they_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o require_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v and_o slay_v before_o he_o luke_n 19.27_o and_o i_o own_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o sincere_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o royal_a authority_n and_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o this_o holy_a resignation_n or_o to_o any_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n before_o they_o receive_v his_o salvation_n but_o rather_o by_o receive_v it_o man_n that_o be_v never_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a death_n in_o sin_n do_v easy_o bring_v themselves_o to_o resolve_v universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v on_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o any_o eminent_a danger_n or_o when_o they_o will_v prepare_v
of_o these_o consolation_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n beside_o the_o gospel_n propose_v peace_n and_o comfort_n free_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o holiness_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v heart_n to_o receive_v it_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o sin_n to_o righteness_n when_o the_o apostle_n enter_v into_o a_o house_n they_o be_v first_o to_o say_v peace_n be_v to_o the_o house_n luke_n 10.5_o at_o their_o very_a first_o preach_v to_o sinner_n they_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o every_o one_o that_o will_v receive_v it_o as_o a_o free-gift_n by_o faith_n act_v 3.26_o &_o 13.26_o 32_o 38._o &_o 16.30_o 31._o they_o assure_v they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o trust_v hearty_o on_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n they_o shall_v have_v it_o although_o they_o be_v at_o present_a the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n which_o be_v comfort_n sufficient_a for_o all_o that_o due_o esteem_v spiritual_a comfort_n hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o method_n agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o advance_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n god_n will_v give_v we_o his_o consolation_n before_o our_o good_a work_n as_o well_o as_o after_o they_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n and_o not_o through_o the_o procurement_n of_o our_o work_n 2_o thess_n 2.16_o four_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n require_v a_o comfortable_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v sufficient_o that_o they_o require_v a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o strength_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n joshuah_n must_v be_v strong_a and_o very_a courageous_a that_o he_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n that_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n command_v he_o josh_n 1.7_o i_o shall_v instance_n brief_o in_o the_o comfort_n without_o which_o several_a great_a duty_n can_v be_v sincere_o perform_v can_v we_o love_v god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o our_o everlasting_a enemy_n and_o apprehend_v no_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o he_o towards_o we_o that_o may_v render_v he_o a_o suitable_a good_a for_o we_o and_o lovely_a in_o our_o eye_n what_o doleful_a melody_n will_v the_o heart_n make_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o praise_n if_o we_o account_v that_o all_o those_o perfection_n for_o which_o we_o praise_v he_o will_v rather_o aggravate_v our_o misery_n than_o make_v we_o happy_a what_o a_o heartless_a work_n will_v it_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n if_o we_o have_v no_o comfortable_a hope_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v we_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o cark_n care_n by_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o he_o care_v for_o we_o can_v we_o be_v patient_a in_o affliction_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o under_o persecution_n except_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o what_o reason_n can_v persuade_v we_o to_o submit_v willing_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n to_o the_o stroke_n of_o present_a death_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lay_v it_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o have_v no_o comfort_n to_o relieve_v we_o against_o the_o horrible_a fear_n of_o intolerable_a torment_n in_o hell_n for_o ever_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o our_o ancestor_n in_o this_o nation_n have_v do_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o abandon_v the_o late_a upstart_n notion_n that_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o a_o time_n of_o ease_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o former_a protestant_n which_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n make_v so_o many_o courageous_a and_o joyful_a martyr_n five_o the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v from_o sin_n to_o godliness_n require_v necessary_o that_o after_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o vnnity_n of_o their_o former_a false_a confidence_n and_o of_o their_o deadness_n in_o original-sin_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o supply_n of_o new_a gospel_n comfort_n afford_v to_o encourage_v their_o faint_a soul_n to_o holy_a practice_n how_o little_o do_v many_o physician_n of_o soul_n consider_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o unconverted_a patient_n that_o be_v altogether_o without_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n and_o be_v or_o must_v be_v convince_v he_o that_o prescribe_v bodily_a exercise_n to_o a_o man_n lie_v bedridden_a under_o a_o dead_a palsy_n before_o any_o effectual_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o strengthen_v he_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o merciless_a insult_a tormentor_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o tender-hearted_a physician_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o prescribe_v the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o out_o of_o love_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n for_o those_o that_o see_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n and_o enmity_n in_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o work_v without_o strength_n promise_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v strength_n when_o his_o work_n be_v do_v for_o comfort_n and_o fortitude_n be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n oblige_v they_o to_o obedience_n but_o our_o merciful_a god_n expect_v no_o sincere_a performance_n of_o his_o law_n from_o such_o impotent_a miserable_a wretch_n in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n till_o he_o have_v first_o deliver_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o those_o discomfort_n slavish_a fear_n and_o despondency_n that_o hold_v they_o captive_a under_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n we_o may_v require_v a_o strong_a healthy_a person_n first_o to_o work_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v meat_n drink_v and_o wage_n but_o a_o faint_a famish_a person_n must_v first_o have_v food_n or_o a_o revive_a cordial_n to_o strengthen_v his_o heart_n before_o he_o can_v work_v six_o both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v his_o people_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v bring_v under_o terror_n for_o a_o while_n that_o sin_n may_v be_v the_o more_o embitter_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n render_v more_o precious_a and_o acceptable_a to_o they_o yet_o such_o be_v again_o deliver_v from_o their_o terror_n by_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n salvation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o holiness_n and_o general_o a_o holy_a life_n begin_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o it_o god_n give_v to_o adam_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n the_o comfort_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o paradise_n to_o encourage_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o when_o he_o have_v leave_v those_o comfort_n by_o the_o fall_n he_o be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o obey_v until_o he_o be_v restore_v by_o new_a comfort_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n christ_n the_o second_o adam_n set_v god_n always_o before_o his_o face_n and_o he_o know_v that_o because_o god_n be_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v therefore_o his_o heart_n be_v glad_a and_o his_o glory_n rejoice_v psal_n 16.8_o 9_o this_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o bear_v his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n and_o to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n god_n draw_v the_o israelite_n to_o obedience_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n by_o take_v off_o the_o yoke_n on_o their_o jaw_n and_o lay_v meat_n before_o they_o hos_n 11.4_o david_n tell_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n how_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v before_o my_o eye_n and_o i_o have_v walk_v in_o thy_o truth_n psal_n 26.3_o lord_n i_o have_v hope_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o do_v thy_o commandment_n psal_n 119.166_o we_o have_v several_a example_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o joy_n that_o sinner_n have_v in_o the_o first_o receive_v of_o christ_n act_v 2.41_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n first_o come_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n in_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thess_n 1.4_o 5._o
be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.5_o they_o that_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v not_o indeed_o solicitous_a about_o earn_v their_o salvation_n by_o their_o own_o legal_a work_n and_o satan_n be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v to_o they_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sinful_a carelessness_n and_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n but_o they_o that_o will_v believe_v this_o false_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o love_n and_o that_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o to_o all_o their_o obedience_n by_o the_o bit_n and_o bridle_n of_o slavish_a fear_n as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n psal_n 32.9_o three_o beware_v of_o think_v so_o high_o of_o this_o assurance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o any_o doubt_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n a_o great_a reason_n why_o many_o protestant_n have_v recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n in_o this_o point_n be_v because_o they_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o any_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n as_o they_o find_v many_o be_v who_o they_o can_v but_o own_o as_o true_a believer_n and_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n true_a indeed_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v contrary_a to_o doubt_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n it_o will_v exclude_v all_o doubt_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o do_v now_o exclude_v in_o some_o degree_n but_o be_v there_o not_o flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n in_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n gal._n 5.17_o be_v there_o not_o a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n rom._n 7.23_o may_v not_o one_o that_o true_o believe_v say_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_v 9.24_o can_v any_o on_o earth_n say_v they_o have_v receive_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o assurance_n can_v be_v true_a except_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o free_a the_o soul_n from_o all_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n account_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o they_o have_v much_o assurance_n intimate_v that_o some_o true_a assurance_n may_v be_v in_o a_o less_o degree_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o peter_n have_v some_o good_a assurance_n of_o christ_n help_n when_o he_o walk_v on_o the_o water_n at_o christ_n command_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o doubtfulness_n in_o he_o as_o his_o fear_n show_v when_o he_o see_v the_o wind_n boisterous_a he_o have_v some_o faith_n contrary_a to_o doubt_v though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a as_o christ_n word_n to_o he_o show_v o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v matth._n 14.29_o 30_o 31._o it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o oppose_v a_o true_a assurance_n and_o assault_v it_o with_o doubting_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v sometime_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v a_o assurance_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v his_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o as_o some_o scoff_o object_n that_o he_o will_v say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o any_o assurance_n that_o he_o have_v of_o be_v there_o and_o need_v diligent_a self-examination_n to_o find_v it_o out_o yet_o if_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v blame_v his_o soul_n for_o doubt_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o psal_n 42.11_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v his_o doubt_n as_o sinful_a and_o say_v with_o himself_o this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n psal_n 77.10_o these_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o still_o endeavour_v to_o call_v god_n father_n and_o complain_v to_o he_o that_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v his_o father_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n which_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o and_o dispel_v those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v some_o true_a assurance_n though_o he_o must_v strive_v to_o grow_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o can_v not_o rational_o condemn_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o sinful_a neither_o can_v he_o rational_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o his_o father_n or_o that_o god_n will_v assure_v he_o of_o that_o love_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v true_a do_v but_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n thus_o to_o resist_v and_o struggle_v with_o slavish_a fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o you_o grant_v in_o effect_n that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v something_o of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o save_v faith_n whereby_o it_o resist_v doubt_n and_o you_o be_v in_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o i_o in_o the_o assertion_n however_o strange_a my_o expression_n seem_v to_o you_o if_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v our_o imperfection_n in_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o grace_n be_v well_o consider_v this_o ancient_a protestant_a doctrine_n will_v be_v free_v much_o from_o prejudice_n and_o gain_v more_o esteem_n among_o we_o four_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n free_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o we_o particular_o be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n before_o we_o believe_v it_o but_o because_o it_o become_v a_o certain_a truth_n when_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v never_o be_v true_a except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v and_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a promise_n or_o declaration_n in_o scripture_n that_o god_n certain_o will_n or_o do_v give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o any_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a neither_o do_v we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a already_o by_o scripture_n or_o sense_n or_o reason_n before_o we_o assure_v ourselves_o absolute_o of_o it_o yea_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n salvation_n at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n only_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o believe_v a_o lie_n but_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o matth._n 9.29_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o assurance_n far_o different_a from_o other_o ordinary_a kind_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v find_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o it_o be_v assault_v with_o many_o doubt_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v other_o thing_n on_o the_o clear_a evidence_n we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o will_v remain_v true_a whether_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o no_o so_o that_o we_o can_v deny_v our_o assent_n without_o rebel_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o conscience_n but_o here_o our_o assurance_n be_v not_o impress_v on_o our_o thought_n by_o any_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v work_v it_o out_o in_o ourselves_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o we_o bring_v our_o own_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n none_o but_o god_n can_v just_o require_v of_o we_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n because_o he_o only_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o he_o only_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o thing_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o and_o make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a upon_o our_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v not_o true_a before_o he_o only_o can_v make_v good_a that_o promise_n what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o mark_v 11.24_o who_o be_v he_o that_o say_v and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o lord_n command_v it_o not_o lament_v 3.37_o therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o great_o redownd_v to_o his_o glory_n man_n will_v often_o require_v a_o believe_a something_o like_o it_o as_o when_o one_o say_v i_o will_v forgive_v your_o offence_n
and_o be_v your_o friend_n if_o i_o can_v find_v that_o you_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o you_o take_v i_o for_o a_o friend_n but_o their_o fallible_a word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o absolute_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v their_o promise_a favour_n the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n assure_v they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o who_o have_v power_n give_v they_o of_o work_v they_o that_o the_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v if_o they_o believe_v without_o doubt_v of_o the_o event_n mark_v 11._o and_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o this_o resemblance_n because_o the_o end_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o the_o scripture_n clear_o show_v and_o indeed_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o very_a great_a miracle_n it_o be_v report_v that_o wizard_n do_v often_o require_v those_o that_o come_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v their_o desire_n whereby_o the_o devil_n the_o master_n of_o those_o wizard_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n ape_n and_o that_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v that_o honour_n and_o glory_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o assurance_n which_o i_o have_v direct_v unto_o i_o shall_v now_o produce_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n or_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o saving-faith_n itself_o first_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o description_n before_o give_v of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n into_o our_o heart_n i_o describe_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n and_o i_o show_v in_o the_o explanation_n that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_n like_o that_o description_n the_o better_a because_o faith_n be_v there_o describe_v by_o term_n that_o be_v ordinary_o use_v even_o by_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o assurance_n but_o those_o ordinary_a term_n do_v sufficient_o include_v assurance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o can_v stand_v without_o it_o and_o this_o show_v that_o many_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n implicit_o and_o profess_v it_o though_o they_o think_v the_o contrary_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n as_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o must_v needs_o include_v a_o dependence_n on_o christ_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o salvation_n shall_v be_v free_o give_v as_o it_o be_v free_o promise_v to_o we_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n ground_v on_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o free-promise_n if_o it_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n exclude_v a_o mere_a suspense_n and_o waver_a opinion_n or_o conjecture_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v so_o call_v some_o may_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v only_o a_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n if_o we_o perform_v such_o condition_n as_o he_o require_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v leave_v we_o where_o it_o find_v we_o as_o to_o any_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n until_o those_o condition_n be_v perform_v but_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v such_o a_o absurdity_n by_o show_v that_o this_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v itself_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o also_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o actual_o receive_v it_o believe_v being_n the_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o same_o contrary_n to_o it_o as_o stagger_v rom._n 4.20_o waver_a heb._n 10.29_o doubt_v matth._n 14.31_o fear_v mark_v 5.36_o these_o contrary_n do_v much_o illustrate_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v show_v that_o believe_a must_v have_v some_o confidence_n in_o it_o else_o it_o will_v have_v doubt_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o for_o what_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o preciousness_n of_o his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o his_o danger_n of_o lose_v it_o can_v ever_o avoid_v fear_n doubt_v and_o trouble_v of_o heart_n by_o any_o believe_v whereby_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o assure_v himself_o of_o his_o salvation_n the_o other_o term_n of_o trust_v and_o rest_v on_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o faith_n be_v often_o describe_v by_o orthodox_n teacher_n must_v include_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n because_o they_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o believe_v on_o christ_n the_o soul_n must_v have_v its_o sufficient_a support_n to_o beat_v it_o up_o against_o oppress_v fear_n trouble_n care_n despair_n that_o it_o may_v thus_o trust_v and_o rest_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o trust_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o assure_v ourselves_o against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o god_n and_o he_o be_v become_v our_o salvation_n i_o trust_v on_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n psal_n 31.14_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o strength_n in_o who_o i_o will_v trust_v psal_n 18.2_o behold_v god_n be_v my_o salvation_n i_o will_v trust_v and_o not_o be_v afraid_a isa_n 12.2_o o_o my_o soul_n hope_v thou_o in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n psal_n 42.16_o true_a hope_n be_v ground_v on_o god_n only_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o anchor_n for_o the_o soul_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a heb._n 6.17.18_o 19_o if_o you_o trust_v rely_v and_o stay_v yourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o hope_v in_o he_o without_o assure_v yourselves_o at_o all_o of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o make_v no_o better_o use_v of_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o if_o you_o will_v stay_v yourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v look_v on_o he_o as_o your_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n isai_n 50._o 10._o if_o you_o will_v rest_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o deal_v bountiful_o with_o you_o psal_n 116.7_o or_o else_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o make_v your_o bed_n in_o hell_n and_o you_o will_v show_v little_a regard_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o dare_v to_o rest_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n without_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o sure_a interest_n in_o christ_n people_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o such_o a_o trust_n or_o rest_v etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v at_o ease_n but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n it_o vanish_v away_o and_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o true_a faith_n but_o be_v turn_v into_o shame_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o such_o waver_a and_o doubt_v concern_v salvation_n do_v not_o stay_v itself_o nor_o rest_n at_o all_o but_o be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v he_o be_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n jam._n 1.6_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n your_o desire_n to_o trust_v be_v but_o a_o lazy_a would_n without_o any_o fix_a resolution_n and_o you_o dare_v not_o yet_o venture_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o steadfast_o if_o you_o call_v it_o only_o your_o desire_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v on_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v answer_v that_o you_o can_v do_v thus_o much_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n except_o you_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o persuade_v and_o assure_v yourselves_o of_o your_o salvation_n by_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cause_n that_o you_o have_v to_o doubt_v and_o fear_v the_o contrary_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o may_v trust_v on_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o effect_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v on_o but_o we_o must_v understand_v by_o it_o not_o only_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n but_o also_o of_o goodwill_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v more_o with_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n power_n than_o fall_v angel_n without_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o and_o if_o
without_o any_o further_a ado_n and_o with_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v i_o free_o if_o i_o do_v it_o doubt_o i_o disparage_v the_o honesty_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o donor_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o fear_v to_o be_v too_o confident_a lest_o we_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o christ_n doubt_o and_o in_o mere_a suspense_n whether_o we_o shall_v be_v free_o entertain_v after_o all_o god_n free_a invitation_n and_o promise_n shall_v we_o not_o disparage_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o the_o apostle_n john_n teach_v because_o of_o our_o not_o believe_v the_o record_n which_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o 11._o and_o what_o if_o the_o salvation_n promise_v be_v not_o absolute_o intend_v for_o all_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o god_n give_v we_o his_o faithful_a word_n that_o they_o that_o believe_v shall_v have_v it_o and_o none_o else_o and_o have_v absolute_o intend_v to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n that_o none_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lie_n to_o they_o and_o have_v join_v believe_v and_o salvation_n together_o inseparable_o on_o this_o ground_n god_n may_v just_o cause_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o salvation_n to_o be_v publish_v to_o all_o and_o may_v just_o require_v all_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o assure_o for_o their_o own_o salvation_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o they_o will_v give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o he_o may_v just_o reject_v they_o and_o punish_v they_o severe_o for_o dishonour_v he_o by_o their_o unbelief_n in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n but_o to_o his_o reveal_v promise_n and_o command_n thus_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o will_v fight_v for_o they_o against_o their_o enemy_n and_o require_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v or_o be_v discourage_v that_o so_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v fulfil_v to_o they_o yet_o god_n never_o absolute_o decree_v or_o intend_v that_o those_o israelite_n shall_v enter_v in_o as_o the_o event_n do_v quick_o manifest_a deut._n 1.20_o 21_o 29.30_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o bind_v in_o this_o case_n to_o trust_v confident_o in_o god_n to_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n have_v they_o not_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o just_a with_o god_n to_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o their_o unbelief_n let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o enter_v into_o this_o everlasting_a rest_n through_o christ_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.1_o 11._o four_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a godliness_n that_o we_o read_v of_o through_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v common_o profess_v their_o assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o true_a saint_n have_v still_o some_o true_a assurance_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o judge_v that_o this_o assurance_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o own_o good_a qualification_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o ordinary_a profession_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o saint_n by_o some_o instance_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o profession_n that_o the_o church_n make_v when_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a at_o its_o first_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n when_o few_o of_o they_o can_v assure_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o good_a qualification_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o which_o many_o now_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o assurance_n even_o in_o that_o corrupt_a time_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n sing_v that_o triuphant_a song_n of_o moses_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o strength_n and_o my_o song_n and_o he_o be_v become_v my_o salvation_n he_o be_v my_o god_n etc._n etc._n exod._n 15.2_o moses_n teach_v they_o in_o this_o song_n to_o assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a interest_n in_o the_o salvation_n and_o he_o guide_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o do_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o moses_n as_o some_o do_v with_o minister_n in_o these_o day_n for_o put_v they_o to_o express_v more_o confidence_n in_o their_o song_n than_o they_o can_v find_v ground_n for_o in_o their_o qualification_n but_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n agreeable_o to_o the_o song_n and_o doubtless_o this_o faith_n be_v unfeigned_a in_o some_o sew_v of_o they_o though_o but_o feign_v in_o other_o for_o it_o be_v testify_v of_o they_o that_o then_o they_o believe_v his_o word_n they_o sing_v his_o praise_n psal_n 106.12_o several_a other_o psalm_n and_o song_n that_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n in_o common_a use_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v as_o clear_v a_o evidence_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v of_o that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v common_o profess_v and_o that_o people_n be_v general_o bind_v to_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o psal_n 23._o &_o 27._o &_o 46._o many_o other_o psalm_n or_o expression_n in_o psalm_n may_v be_v allege_v the_o spirit_n of_o few_o in_o comparison_n can_v have_v thorough_o comply_v with_o such_o psalm_n though_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n if_o all_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n we_o have_v a_o great_a cloud_n of_o witness_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n heb._n 11._o who_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n by_o faith_n who_o example_n be_v produce_v on_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n heb._n 10.39_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o example_n particular_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v evident_o guide_v we_o to_o such_o a_o save_a faith_n as_o have_v a_o assurance_n of_o the_o effect_v contain_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o confess_v we_o read_v several_a time_n of_o the_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o we_o read_v also_o how_o their_o faith_n oppose_v such_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o how_o they_o themselves_o condemn_v they_o as_o contrary_a to_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o psalm_n psal_n 42.11_o psal_n 31.22_o &_o 77.7_o 10._o the_o most_o mournful_a psalm_n in_o scripture_n begin_v with_o a_o expression_n of_o some_o assurance_n psal_n 88.1_o and_o we_o may_v note_v that_o the_o doubt_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v common_o occasion_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a affliction_n or_o some_o heinous_a transgression_n not_o by_o common_a fail_n or_o the_o common_a original_a depravation_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o election_n or_o any_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v humility_n to_o doubt_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v confident_a of_o god_n salvation_n because_o then_o many_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v any_o of_o these_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v grow_v so_o rise_v among_o we_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v well_o expect_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n grow_v high_a because_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n pour_v forth_o plentiful_o and_o the_o church_n make_v free_a from_o its_o former_a bondage_n under_o the_o terrify_a legal_a covenant_n paul_n can_v prove_v to_o primitive_a christian_n by_o appeal_n to_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n or_o bear_v our_o spirit_n witness_v as_o the_o syriaok_n and_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o and_o as_o the_o like_a greek_a phrase_n be_v render_v rom._n 9.1_o that_o
from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o christ_n testify_v that_o he_o will_v often_o have_v gather_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.4_o you_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o persuasion_n what_o if_o few_o be_v save_v thy_o salvation_n will_v not_o make_v the_o number_n too_o great_a for_o few_o will_v follow_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v what_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o thou_o in_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o the_o word_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v thou_o and_o christ_n seem_v to_o reckon_v thou_o no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n as_o he_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.26_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v thou_o to_o christ_n as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a dispensation_n of_o they_o rom._n 10.4_o if_o a_o prophet_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n send_v of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n be_v declare_v against_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o timely_a warning_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o thou_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o up_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o himself_o teach_v they_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 11._o jonah_n preach_v nothing_o but_o certain_a destruction_n of_o nineveh_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o within_o 40_o day_n chap._n 3.4_o yet_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o terrible_a message_n be_v that_o those_o heathenish_a people_n may_v escape_v destruction_n by_o repentance_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v always_o understand_v with_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o by_o his_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v escape_v they_o by_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n take_v heed_n of_o foster_a any_o thought_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o show_v no_o save_a mercy_n to_o you_o or_o that_o you_o have_v already_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v because_o god_n will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o it_o if_o such_o thought_n prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v than_o the_o worst_a blasphemous_a thought_n that_o terrify_v you_o or_o any_o of_o the_o gross_a abomination_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o because_o they_o obstruct_v your_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v christ_n say_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o hinder_v our_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o very_o sinful_a and_o pernicious_a arise_v in_o we_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n delusion_n and_o utter_o opposite_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o entertain_v such_o unbelieve_a thought_n have_v god_n make_v we_o of_o his_o privy-council_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o damnation_n before_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n as_o for_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n it_o consist_v in_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o account_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o be_v most_o rancorous_a persecutor_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o they_o that_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n continue_v implacable_a malicious_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n to_o the_o end_n without_o any_o repentance_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v that_o you_o desire_v serious_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v that_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o that_o you_o want_v faith_n love_n and_o true_a obedience_n yea_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o malicious_o bend_v to_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o prefer_v atheism_n licentiousness_n or_o any_o false_a religion_n before_o it_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 6._o add_v to_o all_o these_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o incomparable_a glorious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a salvation_n and_o true_a happiness_n and_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o have_v in_o it_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v make_v our_o cup_n to_o run_v over_o with_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.8_o incline_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o never_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o christ_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o his_o incomparable_a preciousness_n and_o excellency_n induce_v they_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.46_o this_o make_v they_o to_o say_v lord_z evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.32_o 33_o 68_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o good_a ointment_n his_o name_n be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v he_o cant._n 1.3_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.8_o 10._o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a beauty_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n draw_v worshipper_n to_o god_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o unparalleled_a excellency_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o temple_n do_v more_o powerful_o draw_v believer_n in_o these_o gospel-day_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o our_o salvation_n to_o discern_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v he_o make_v it_o his_o great_a work_n to_o eclipse_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o until_o he_o see_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o
misspend_v the_o precious_a time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n which_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n they_o high_o provoke_v god_n never_o to_o give_v they_o time_n or_o grace_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o other_o imagine_v that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n they_o may_v lawful_o defer_v the_o believe_v of_o it_o until_o they_o have_v sufficient_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o other_o different_a doctrine_n or_o until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o assure_v they_o full_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o they_o that_o be_v call_v seeker_n misspend_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v so_o clear_o evidence_n its_o self_n by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o if_o people_n do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o blind_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o the_o image_n of_o his_o grace_n mercy_n power_n justice_n and_o holiness_n appear_v manifest_o engrave_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n people_n be_v proud_a when_o they_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_o incline_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o will_v know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o joh._n 7.17_o they_o will_v quick_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o whatever_o other_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 16.31_o another_o sort_n of_o people_n there_o be_v that_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n instead_o of_o any_o endeavour_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o they_o call_v wait_v upon_o god_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o right_n wait_v on_o god_n require_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v rather_o disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o appointment_n which_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o jam._n 1.22_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o spiritual_a feast_n luke_n 14.23_o and_o not_o only_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n or_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lest_o christ_n repute_v we_o no_o better_o than_o eve-dropper_n that_o holy_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n commend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o believe_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o depend_v thereon_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 23.13_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o quiet_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 3.26_o what_o be_v it_o that_o these_o delude_a one_o wait_n for_o before_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v be_v it_o for_o more_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o way_n to_o increase_v thy_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o talon_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v receive_v already_o believe_v hearty_o on_o christ_n for_o all_o thy_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o little_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o thou_o have_v and_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o knowledge_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.34_o be_v it_o for_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n that_o thou_o wait_v then_o thou_o wait_v as_o those_o impotent_a folk_n lie_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n wait_v for_o the_o season_n when_o the_o angel_n will_v come_v down_o and_o move_v the_o water_n know_v then_o that_o if_o thou_o enter_v into_o christ_n now_o by_o faith_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o he_o water_n of_o life_n and_o the_o spirit_n move_v they_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o quicken_a of_o thy_o soul_n god_n have_v appoint_v by_o his_o word_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v that_o the_o present_a time_n shall_v be_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n heb._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o thou_o shall_v never_o know_v at_o what_o time_n god_n have_v purpose_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o thou_o until_o thou_o do_v actual_o believe_v do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o manifestation_n or_o flow_n in_o of_o god_n save_v love_n to_o thy_o soul_n then_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v sill_z thou_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15.13_o thou_o have_v sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thy_o soul_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v but_o trust_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o thy_o god_n when_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n of_o sensible_a comfort_n any_o other_o way_n otherwise_o thou_o wait_v for_o comfort_n in_o vain_a and_o this_o thou_o shall_v have_v at_o the_o lord_n hand_n thou_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50.10_o 11._o do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o qualification_n to_o prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a qualification_n thou_o can_v not_o have_v they_o before_o faith_n but_o they_o be_v either_o include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o they_o be_v fruit_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v large_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v wait_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o no_o more_o strange_a than_o true_a some_o foolish_o wait_v to_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o despair_a thought_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o spiritual_a death_n and_o bring_v forth_o hatred_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o prevent_v they_o by_o believe_v god_n love_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o wait_v for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n make_v these_o despair_a thought_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sin_n work_n for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o to_o prize_n christ_n the_o more_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o yet_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n without_o they_o by_o god_n give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o of_o christ_n salvation_n together_o several_a example_n of_o these_o be_v above_o mention_v who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o desire_v or_o wait_v for_o any_o evil_n of_o sin_n such_o as_o these_o despair_a thought_n be_v that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o neither_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v worse_a before_o we_o be_v better_o when_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a present_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n 4._o in_o the_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o may_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o when_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o thereby_o be_v beget_v anew_o in_o christ_n our_o name_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o perfect_a we_o may_v lie_v in_o bed_n till_o noon_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o
or_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o 8._o rom._n 1.16_o 7._o for_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n you_o be_v to_o consider_v not_o only_o these_o endowment_n privilege_n and_o property_n of_o their_o new_a state_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o forcible_a to_o enable_v you_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o universal_a obedience_n but_o also_o those_o that_o have_v a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o aptitude_n suitable_a to_o the_o special_a nature_n of_o such_o duty_n and_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o assure_v yourselves_o of_o they_o by_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v be_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v to_o perform_v the_o duty_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o manner_n of_o practice_n in_o several_a duty_n whereby_o you_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v how_o to_o guide_v yourselves_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n if_o you_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o a_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n you_o must_v do_v it_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n concern_v your_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o will_v you_o perform_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o trust_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n ea_v your_o care_n upon_o he_o and_o commit_v the_o disposal_n of_o yourself_o to_o he_o in_o all_o your_o concern_v persuade_v yourself_o through_o christ_n that_o god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n will_v never_o fail_v you_o nor_o forsake_v you_o that_o he_o take_v a_o fatherly_a care_n of_o you_o that_o he_o will_v withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o you_o and_o will_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o work_v for_o your_o good_a and_o thus_o you_o will_v be_v strong_a and_o courageous_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n whereas_o if_o you_o live_v in_o a_o mere_a suspense_n concern_v your_o interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n you_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o carnal_a fear_n carp_a care_n in_o despite_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o you_o will_v be_v prone_a to_o trust_v on_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n though_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o plain_o that_o in_o so_o do_v you_o incur_v the_o heinous_a guilt_n of_o idolatry_n will_v you_o be_v strengthen_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n with_o a_o cheerful_a patience_n in_o bear_v any_o affliction_n and_o death_n itself_o the_o way_n to_o fortify_v yourselves_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o your_o affliction_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n do_v work_n for_o you_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o christ_n be_v your_o gain_n in_o death_n and_o life_n that_o his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o and_o his_o strength_n make_v perfect_a in_o your_o weakness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a and_o will_v at_o last_o make_v you_o more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o evil_a until_o you_o attain_v to_o such_o persuasion_n as_o these_o you_o will_v be_v prone_a to_o fret_v and_o murmur_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o use_v indirect_a mean_n to_o deliver_v yourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a conviction_n to_o the_o contrary_n will_v you_o limit_v yourselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n own_o institution_n in_o his_o worship_n believe_v that_o you_o be_v complete_a in_o christ_n and_o have_v all_o perfection_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o he_o and_o that_o god_n will_v build_v you_o up_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n this_o will_v make_v you_o account_v his_o ordinance_n sufficient_a and_o man_n tradition_n and_o invention_n needless_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o if_o you_o do_v not_o apprehend_v all_o fullness_n in_o christ_n you_o will_v be_v like_o the_o papist_n prone_a to_o catch_v at_o every_o straw_n and_o to_o multiply_v superstitious_a observation_n without_o end_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o your_o spiritual_a want_n will_v you_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n pray_v to_o he_o and_o praise_v he_o hearty_o for_o his_o benefit_n will_v you_o praise_v he_o for_o affliction_n as_o well_o as_o prosperity_n believe_v assure_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v your_o sin_n through_o christ_n that_o you_o be_v make_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v spiritual_a sacrisices_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o that_o god_n hear_v your_o prayer_n and_o will_v fulfil_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a for_o you_o and_o that_o all_o god_n way_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n towards_o you_o whether_o he_o prosper_v or_o afflict_v you_o in_o this_o life_n if_o you_o be_v altogether_o in_o doubt_n or_o otherwise_o persuade_v concern_v these_o privilege_n all_o your_o confession_n prayer_n and_o praise_n will_v be_v but_o heartless_a lip-labour_n slavish_a or_o pharisaical_a work_n in_o like_a manner_n you_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o meditate_v on_o it_o with_o delight_n and_o you_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o strictness_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v your_o way_n impartial_o by_o they_o if_o you_o believe_v assure_o that_o the_o word_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v your_o great_a physician_n willing_a and_o able_a to_o heal_v you_o be_v the_o case_n never_o so_o bad_a and_o where_o your_o sin_n abound_v his_o grace_n towards_o you_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o abound_v whereas_o without_o these_o comfortable_a apprehension_n all_o the_o work_n of_o hear_v meditation_n self-examination_n will_v be_v but_o uncouth_a heartless_a work_n and_o they_o will_v be_v perform_v negligent_o and_o by_o half_n or_o hypocritical_o and_o out_o of_o slavish_a fear_n with_o much_o reluctancy_n without_o any_o good_a will_n or_o readiness_n of_o mind_n so_o also_o for_o the_o right_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n you_o will_v find_v yourselves_o much_o strengthen_v by_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o that_o you_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o your_o holy_a thing_n and_o to_o make_v you_o for_o ever_o accept_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o same_o way_n you_o be_v to_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o all_o duty_n towards_o your_o neighbour_n require_v in_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n by_o act_v in_o a_o persuasion_n of_o such_o privilege_n of_o your_o new_a estate_n as_o have_v a_o peculiar_a force_n to_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v you_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v love_v your_o neighbour_n as_o yourself_o and_o do_v to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o you_o will_v he_o shall_v do_v to_o you_o without_o partiality_n and_o self-seeking_a that_o you_o may_v give_v he_o his_o due_a honour_n and_o abstain_v from_o injure_v he_o in_o his_o life_n chastity_n worldly_a estate_n good_a name_n or_o from_o covet_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o according_a to_o the_o several_a command_n in_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n you_o must_v walk_v in_o a_o persuasion_n not_o only_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v just_a and_o equitable_a towards_o your_o fellow-creature_n and_o that_o you_o be_v strict_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o will_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n that_o have_v beget_v you_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o have_v give_v you_o his_o spirit_n that_o you_o may_v be_v like-minded_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o you_o in_o he_o that_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v kind_a tender-hearted_a long-suffering_a full_a of_o goodness_n to_o man_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a friend_n or_o enemy_n poor_a or_o rich_a and_o that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o save_v and_o that_o you_o be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o you_o by_o your_o neighbour_n can_v do_v you_o no_o harm_n and_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v any_o good_a for_o yourselves_o by_o injure_v they_o because_o you_o have_v all_o desirable_a happiness_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o thing_n though_o intend_v by_o your_o enemy_n for_o your_o hurt_n certain_o work_v for_o your_o good_a through_o christ_n such_o apprehension_n as_o these_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n do_v certain_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o spirit_n thorough_o furnish_v for_o every_o good_a work_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n
the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o joh._n 3.19_o 21._o that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o strong_o comfort_v by_o faith_n and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o if_o our_o way_n be_v evil_a we_o may_v turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n through_o christ_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n lam._n 3.40_o joh._n 14.6_o but_o your_o great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v in_o many_o instead_o of_o promote_a it_o therefore_o beware_v lest_o you_o trust_v upon_o your_o self-examination_n rather_o than_o upon_o christ_n as_o some_o do_v that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n mere_o because_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o upon_o their_o sickbed_n or_o before_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o they_o have_v find_v themselves_o stark_o nought_o and_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o christ_n to_o make_v they_o better_o but_o on_o their_o own_o deceitful_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v begin_v this_o work_n with_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v extend_v mercy_n to_o you_o and_o save_v you_o and_o that_o you_o must_v leave_v this_o a_o question_n whole_o under_o debate_n until_o you_o have_v find_v out_o how_o to_o resolve_v it_o by_o self-examination_n this_o be_v a_o common_a and_o very_a pernicious_a error_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o work_n which_o be_v hereby_o lay_v in_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o prevail_v do_v by_o its_o great_a influence_n dash_v and_o obscure_v all_o inward_a gracious_a qualification_n of_o peace_n hope_n joy_n love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n before_o they_o be_v at_o all_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v give_v any_o good_a evidence_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o it_o make_v people_n willing_a to_o think_v their_o own_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o thus_o it_o whole_o mar_v the_o good_a work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v it_o destructive_a to_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a tit._n 1.15_o you_o shall_v rather_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o much_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a at_o present_a as_o many_o of_o god_n choice_a servant_n do_v often_o find_v yet_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_a for_o you_o and_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o save_v you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o his_o grace_n through_o christ_n i_o have_v former_o show_v that_o this_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n shine_v forth_o in_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n if_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o this_o confidence_n it_o will_v make_v we_o impartial_a and_o not_o afraid_a to_o find_v out_o the_o worst_a by_o ourselves_o and_o willing_a to_o judge_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o holy_a qualification_n this_o confidence_n will_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v clear_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n mark_v well_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v gracious_o accept_v and_o save_v i_o though_o a_o vile_a sinner_n through_o christ_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o whether_o i_o be_o already_o bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v resolve_v affirmative_o by_o a_o confident_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o latter_a only_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o self-examination_n misspend_a not_o your_o time_n as_o many_o do_v in_o pore_v upon_o your_o heart_n to_o find_v whether_o you_o be_v good_a enough_o to_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n nor_o to_o find_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n before_o you_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o act_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o know_v that_o though_o you_o can_v find_v that_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n or_o holiness_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v now_o believe-on_a he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a it_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o you_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n 4.5_o and_o if_o you_o love_v christ_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n misspend_v not_o your_o time_n in_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n except_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o assure_v yourself_o more_o and_o more_o that_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a thereof_o for_o any_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o point_n will_v but_o harden_v you_o in_o unbelief_n remember_v well_o that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v resolve_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o resolve_v it_o you_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o best_a by_o yourself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o humility_n bind_v you_o to_o overlook_v your_o good_a qualification_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o your_o corruption_n but_o your_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o find_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o drop_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o ocean_n of_o your_o corruption_n and_o it_o will_v consist_v well_o with_o humility_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o own_o any_o spark_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v in_o you_o because_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o god_n phil._n 1.11_o and_o you_o must_v try_v inherent_a grace_n by_o the_o touchstone_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n by_o its_o nature_n not_o its_o degree_n not_o deny_v any_o lusting_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o because_o of_o the_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n nor_o deny_v that_o you_o be_v spiritual_a in_o some_o degree_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o carnal_a in_o a_o more_o prevail_a degree_n and_o the_o old_a man_n big_a than_o the_o new_a gal._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o especial_o you_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o prove_v whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o if_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o you_o will_v certain_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o qualification_n and_o will_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v mere_o carnal_a and_o counterfeit_n because_o it_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n that_o to_o the_o vnbelieve_v there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a and_o that_o all_o that_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o godly_a 2_o cor._n 13.5_o tit._n 1.15_o and_o let_v not_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n depend_v at_o all_o upon_o your_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n when_o or_o of_o the_o sermon_n conference_n or_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o you_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n though_o that_o be_v good_a to_o know_v too_o if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o some_o who_o have_v former_o live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o manifest_a opposition_n to_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n may_v know_v such_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o may_v reflect_v upon_o they_o comfortable_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v who_o be_v turn_v of_o a_o sudden_a from_o his_o persecute_v rage_n to_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o other_o sincere_a believer_n may_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n luk._n 1.15_o and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o religious_o and_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o childhood_n as_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 3.15_o yea_o and_o many_o that_o be_v first_o turn_v from_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n to_o some_o external_a reformation_n and_o then_o in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o insensible_a degree_n before_o they_o be_v real_o new_a beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v also_o some_o that_o deceive_v their_o soul_n by_o imagine_v that_o
revolt_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o follow_v it_o how_o ancient_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o the_o israelitish_n church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o it_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o many_o by_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n fall_v from_o christ_n phil._n 3.6_o act_n 6.13_o 14._o &_o 21.28_o we_o be_v indeed_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n but_o not_o every_o one_o that_o call_v itself_o so_o nor_o none_o any_o surth_a than_o it_o speak_v as_o a_o true_a church_n according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.27_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o but_o must_v give_v up_o yourselves_o first_o to_o christ_n absolute_o and_o to_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n mat._n 15._o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n whatever_o authority_n they_o pretend_v to_o act_v 17.11_o a_o unlimited_a follow_a church-guides_a bring_v the_o church_n into_o babylon_n and_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o abomination_n you_o be_v not_o baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.13_o 3._o do_v not_o think_v that_o you_o must_v attain_v this_o or_o that_o degree_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o join_v yourself_o in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o when_o you_o have_v give_v up_o yourself_o to_o christ_n and_o learn_v the_o duty_n of_o communion_n give_v up_o yourself_o unto_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o you_o find_v much_o weakness_n and_o inability_n for_o church_n ordinance_n of_o special_a communion_n serve_v to_o strengthen_v you_o and_o how_o can_v you_o get_v heat_n be_v alone_o the_o disciple_n as_o soon_o as_o convert_v embrace_v all_o fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o and_o church_n that_o they_o may_v forward_o holiness_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n weak_a one_o and_o to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n as_o well_o as_o better_v grow_v sheep_n and_o bear_v they_o on_o their_o side_n isa_n 66.12_o how_o else_o shall_v christ_n weak_a one_o grow_v strong_a by_o that_o nourishment_n that_o other_o part_n supply_v they_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o expect_v that_o christian_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o church_n fellowship_n to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o grace_n as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o those_o pasture_n of_o tender_a grass_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v any_o that_o they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v occasion_n to_o bear_v with_o whereas_o bear_v and_o long-suffering_a be_v great_a duty_n of_o church-fellowship_n eph._n 4.2_o 3._o rom._n 14.1_o the_o weak_a have_n most_o need_v to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o church-communion_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v we_o rom._n 15.7_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o separate_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.23_o 24._o but_o put_v more_o honour_n and_o comeliness_n on_o they_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n be_v gain_v upon_o profession_n with_o a_o show_n of_o seriousness_n though_o tare_n get_v in_o among_o the_o wheat_n and_o many_o scandal_n arise_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a strictness_n will_v not_o keep_v out_o all_o hypocrite_n yet_o the_o best_a care_n must_v be_v take_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o truth_n of_o grace_n 4._o keep_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o zech._n 8.23_o therefore_o you_o must_v keep_v communion_n in_o christ_n pure_a way_n only_o and_o in_o they_o seek_v christ_n by_o faith_n that_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o advantage_n you_o may_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n formention_v and_o aim_v at_o spiritual_a flourish_a and_o growth_n in_o grace_n choose_v therefore_o fellowship_n with_o the_o most_o spiritual_a church_n judge_v of_o church_n and_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.16_o 17._o and_o try_v they_o rev._n 2.2_o and_o 3.9_o otherwise_o a_o church_n may_v corrupt_v you_o see_v that_o thy_o communion_n answer_v its_o end_n tend_v to_o thy_o edification_n not_o to_o destruction_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o you_o be_v a_o member_n but_o by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n as_o occasional_o providence_n cast_v you_o among_o they_o for_o your_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n oblige_v to_o communion_n with_o all_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o way_n as_o you_o be_v call_v thereto_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n to_o say_v we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o london_n and_o therefore_o refuse_v fellowship_n with_o a_o church_n in_o the_o country_n see_v if_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o another_o whether_o single_a person_n or_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o place_n where_o you_o live_v that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o more_o sequent_a and_o constant_a communion_n onesimus_n though_o convert_v at_o rome_n must_v be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n because_o he_o live_v there_o col._n 4.9_o compare_v with_o philemon_n 10._o the_o union_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o in_o distinct_a society_n according_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v be_v the_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o can_v be_v violate_v without_o sin_n such_o can_v best_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v comfort_n and_o edify_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o communion_n and_o they_o indeed_o destroy_v communion_n that_o seek_v a_o communion_n where_o they_o can_v have_v this_o benefit_n i_o only_o add_v to_o this_o head_n that_o church-fellowship_n without_o practise_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o conspiracy_n to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o a_o counterfeit_a church-fellowship_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v impudence_n for_o such_o to_o invite_v other_o to_o their_o communion_n tyranny_n to_o compel_v they_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o seek_v a_o better_a church-fellowship_n by_o reformation_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o christ_n church_n who_o inquire_v be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n a_o churchway_n be_v appoint_v to_o enjoy_v christ_n therein_o 5._o especial_o leave_v not_o the_o church_n in_o persecution_n when_o you_o need_v its_o help_n most_o and_o be_v then_o most_o try_v whether_o you_o will_v cleave_v to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o apostasy_n heb._n 10.25_o 26._o mat._n 24.9.10_o 12_o 13._o we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o one_o another_o as_o one_o flesh_n even_o to_o prison_n and_o death_n or_o else_o we_o deny_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n mat._n 25.43_o direct_v fourteen_o that_o you_o may_v seek_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n only_o by_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o former_a direction_n take_v encouragement_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o this_o way_n and_o excellent_a property_n of_o it_o explanation_n this_o direction_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o epilogue_n or_o conclusion_n by_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o lively_a and_o cheerful_a embrace_v these_o gospel_n rule_v foremention_v by_o several_a weighty_a motive_n as_o many_o be_v keep_v from_o seek_v godliness_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o it_o or_o the_o way_n that_o they_o think_v of_o seem_v uncouth_a unpleasant_a disadvantageous_a and_o full_a of_o discouragement_n like_o the_o way_n through_o the_o wilderness_n to_o canaan_n which_o weary_v the_o isralite_n and_o occasion_v their_o many_o murmur_n num._n 21.4_o but_o this_o be_v a_o way_n so_o good_a and_o excellent_a that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o desire_v hearty_o to_o be_v godly_a can_v dislike_v it_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o several_a particular_n but_o you_o shall_v first_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v teach_v viz._n union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n not_o by_o the_o law_n or_o in_o a_o natural_a condition_n or_o by_o think_v to_o get_v it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o procure_v christ_n by_o it_o which_o be_v strive_v against_o the_o stream_n but_o that_o we_o must_v first_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o that_o by_o confident_a faith_n and_o then_o walk_v by_o