save_v knowledge_n a_o people_n may_v be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwitstand_v all_o this_o be_v void_a of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o arise_v clear_o and_o evident_o from_o the_o text_n these_o people_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n live_v under_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n and_o salvation_n in_o a_o sanctify_a and_o save_v manner_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v understanding_n themselves_o yet_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 13.14_o that_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n which_o say_v by_o hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v it_o be_v not_o any_o want_n of_o mean_n they_o can_v allege_v or_o that_o they_o lack_v the_o ordinance_n for_o they_o be_v always_o hear_v and_o hear_v they_o have_v all_o the_o light_n that_o can_v be_v afford_v they_o to_o guide_v their_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o no_o question_n but_o they_o wait_v upon_o those_o mean_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o inform_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o peace_n in_o a_o save_a manner_n they_o hear_v but_o understand_v not_o they_o see_v but_o perceive_v not_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n isai_n 42.19_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o his_o own_o servant_n those_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v near_o to_o he_o indeed_o who_o be_v blind_a but_o my_o servant_n or_o deaf_a as_o my_o messenger_n that_o i_o send_v who_o be_v blind_a as_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o blind_a as_o the_o lord_n servant_n see_v many_o thing_n but_o thou_o observe_v not_o open_v the_o ear_n but_o he_o hear_v not_o it_o be_v general_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n even_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o priesthood_n and_o be_v bring_v up_o especial_o for_o this_o service_n yet_o notwithstanding_o who_o so_o blind_a as_o they_o be_v and_o who_o so_o ignorant_a as_o the_o messenger_n he_o send_v it_o be_v also_o the_o apostle_n complaint_n of_o the_o hebrew_n that_o whereas_o for_o the_o time_n they_o may_v have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5.12_o have_v so_o long_o a_o while_n enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v so_o many_o gracious_a instruction_n and_o reproof_n sure_o they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o high_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v have_v be_v guider_n and_o teacher_n of_o other_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v need_v themselves_o to_o be_v teach_v the_o very_a first_o rudiment_n the_o very_a a_o b_o c._n of_o religion_n they_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n than_o with_o strong_a meat_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n the_o lord_n send_v the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a heart_a jew_n as_o it_o be_v to_o school_v to_o the_o creature_n the_o stork_n in_o the_o heaven_n know_v her_o appoint_a time_n and_o the_o turtle_n and_o the_o crane_n and_o the_o swallow_n observe_v the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n but_o my_o people_n know_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 8.7_o so_o isai_n 1.3_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n enjoy_v more_o mean_n than_o ever_o any_o people_n beside_o they_o have_v line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n isa_n 28_o 10.13_o from_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o josiah_n say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o be_v the_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o rise_v early_o and_o speak_v but_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v unto_o you_o all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n rise_v early_o and_o send_v they_o but_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v nor_o incline_v your_o ear_n to_o hear_v jer._n 25.3_o 4._o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n you_o see_v yet_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a under_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v help_n for_o knowledge_n yet_o grow_v not_o in_o knowledge_n the_o point_n than_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o people_n may_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n and_o yet_o remain_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n no_o more_o therefore_o for_o the_o proof_n thereof_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n a_o little_a you_o will_v ask_v be_v it_o it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o senseless_a ignorance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o any_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n shall_v yet_o remain_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n alas_o my_o brethren_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a we_o can_v speak_v of_o great_a matter_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o think_v we_o know_v something_o but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o though_o we_o have_v live_v long_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o have_v enjoy_v abundance_n of_o light_n yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n even_o in_o this_o city_n where_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a he_o shall_v find_v a_o marvellous_a poor_a deal_n of_o sanctify_v and_o save_v knowledge_n yea_o i_o do_v assure_v you_o of_o any_o reasonable_a common_a knowledge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o i_o will_v answer_v brief_o in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n the_o first_o cause_n why_o man_n get_v no_o more_o knowledge_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o understanding_n though_o they_o have_v all_o the_o outward_a help_n that_o any_o people_n have_v under_o heaven_n yet_o have_v a_o want_n in_o themselves_o and_o a_o weakness_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o natural_a principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o they_o shall_v receive_v any_o good_a by_o those_o mean_n this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v ephes_n 4.18_o why_o the_o gentile_n be_v estrange_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n namely_o because_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v and_o because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o skill_v not_o how_o bright_a and_o clear_a the_o sun_n shine_v if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o visive_a faculty_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v he_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o the_o great_a light_n in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v here_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v full_a of_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o their_o understanding_n though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o their_o very_a face_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n they_o benefit_v not_o thereby_o for_o alas_o they_o have_v no_o eye_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v light_a but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n be_v grow_v over_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o want_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a sight_n and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o the_o most_o excellent_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o as_o they_o have_v blindness_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o ignorance_n in_o their_o judgement_n so_o they_o be_v mere_a natural_a man_n and_o no_o further_a than_o god_n be_v please_v by_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n
hearken_v to_o any_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_a though_o they_o be_v back_v with_o never_o so_o many_o show_v of_o religion_n or_o learning_n but_o a_o question_n here_o may_v be_v demand_v shall_v not_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o hear_v better_a counsel_n happy_o then_o his_o own_o must_v he_o hear_v nothing_o at_o all_o against_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o practice_v as_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a truth_n and_o which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o those_o teacher_n he_o have_v depend_v upon_o who_o know_v not_o that_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v and_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o embrace_v error_n instead_o of_o truth_n my_o brethren_n by_o the_o cunning_a subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy_n this_o conceit_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o heretic_n that_o look_v what_o they_o once_o drink_v in_o they_o must_v ever_o retain_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n and_o never_o think_v of_o remove_v or_o unsettle_v from_o it_o this_o be_v a_o hook_n whereby_o the_o devil_n hold_v multitude_n of_o man_n in_o falsehood_n and_o error_n and_o in_o wicked_a course_n they_o will_v hear_v nothing_o against_o that_o which_o former_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o be_v persuade_v unto_o by_o those_o they_o depend_v upon_o this_o policy_n the_o devil_n use_v in_o popery_n and_o among_o the_o familist_n and_o anabaptist_n teach_v they_o to_o resolve_v to_o hold_v whatsoever_o they_o have_v receive_v either_o from_o themselves_o or_o other_o and_o here_o i_o say_v it_o be_v sinful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resolve_v to_o hear_v no_o counsel_n at_o all_o against_o his_o opinion_n but_o nevertheless_o this_o i_o say_v when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o opinion_n or_o course_n he_o take_v up_o be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o he_o out_o of_o his_o word_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v nothing_o against_o this_o but_o mere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n let_v nothing_o unsettle_v our_o judgement_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o reveal_v truth_n but_o only_o hold_v to_o that_o as_o i_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o truth_n so_o if_o ever_o i_o change_v my_o opinion_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o which_o shall_v reform_v i_o all_o the_o counsel_n i_o take_v up_o and_o all_o the_o opinion_n i_o hold_v shall_v be_v such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o and_o because_o my_o mind_n may_v be_v weak_a and_o my_o understanding_n frail_a and_o not_o able_a to_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o will_v hear_v nothing_o against_o a_o good_a course_n but_o only_o out_o of_o the_o word_n if_o my_o opinion_n and_o my_o course_n be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v the_o truth_n reveal_v out_o of_o the_o word_n howsoever_o i_o may_v be_v delude_v yet_o this_o i_o will_v attribute_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o opinion_n no_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o shall_v carry_v the_o truth_n from_o i_o but_o the_o word_n shall_v reform_v i_o as_o the_o word_n have_v perswadad_o i_o and_o as_o the_o word_n have_v reveal_v to_o i_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v to_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n mark_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o the_o philippian_n phil._n 1.27_o he_o desire_v this_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o will_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n reveal_v and_o to_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1.23_o continue_v say_v he_o in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v and_o be_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o which_o be_v preach_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o you_o have_v receive_v that_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o course_n you_o take_v be_v ground_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o move_v but_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o truth_n receive_v this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o when_o thus_o the_o soul_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o when_o the_o heart_n settle_v itself_o upon_o it_o and_o hear_v nothing_o against_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o manifest_v then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o soul_n must_v yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o not_o alone_o in_o do_v the_o thing_n god_n command_v but_o in_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o so_o do_v mark_v not_o alone_o i_o say_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o but_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n mere_o because_o god_n require_v it_o for_o these_o you_o must_v observe_v be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o of_o great_a difference_n a_o man_n may_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o never_o do_v god_n will_v but_o his_o own_o many_o a_o man_n come_v to_o church_n and_o there_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o remember_v and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v have_v he_o do_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o at_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o go_v to_o church_n because_o god_n require_v it_o but_o partly_o either_o because_o custom_n or_o shame_n or_o the_o law_n or_o somewhat_o else_o force_v he_o to_o it_o here_o therefore_o be_v the_o main_a pitch_n of_o our_o obedience_n not_o alone_o to_o perform_v what_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n but_o to_o let_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o service_n he_o call_v for_o at_o our_o hand_n to_o do_v what_o we_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o because_o he_o require_v it_o our_o saviour_n christ_n put_v these_o together_o in_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n luke_n 22.42_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a say_v he_o remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v but_o he_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o it_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o carrier_n and_o mover_n of_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v it_o be_v not_o my_o will_n that_o move_v i_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o my_o pleasure_n that_o provoke_v i_o to_o this_o service_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n requisite_a in_o our_o manner_n of_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n only_o let_v i_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o hence_o it_o follow_v clear_o that_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o god_n require_v it_o will_v obey_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v obey_v he_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o hard_a command_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o easy_a in_o that_o which_o most_o cross_v his_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o suitable_a thereunto_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o christian_a constant_a in_o his_o walk_n with_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n he_o meet_v withal_o when_o as_o other_o be_v fain_o to_o balk_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o perform_v for_o my_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n only_o take_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o matter_n in_o religion_n as_o suit_v with_o his_o own_o humour_n or_o ease_n or_o profit_n or_o the_o like_a when_o those_o fail_n his_o performance_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d fail_v also_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o carry_v he_o along_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o these_o outward_a and_o carnal_a consideration_n when_o they_o be_v go_v his_o service_n of_o god_n be_v go_v also_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o many_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o give_v we_o the_o hear_n they_o will_v come_v to_o church_n and_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o will_v take_v up_o no_o more_o they_o will_v be_v tie_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o no_o duty_n further_o than_o it_o stand_v with_o their_o own_o occasion_n and_o suit_v with_o their_o own_o sinful_a disposition_n but_o
now_o he_o that_o be_v carry_v along_o in_o all_o his_o service_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a mover_n of_o he_o in_o all_o his_o performance_n then_o when_o ever_o that_o will_n be_v reveal_v let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v let_v it_o cross_v he_o never_o so_o much_o or_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o disposition_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v in_o one_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v say_v act_n 3.22_o for_o moses_n true_o say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o like_v unto_o i_o he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o mark_v he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o that_o you_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n and_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o every_o performance_n then_o be_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v it_o cast_v the_o balance_n and_o command_v the_o soul_n willing_o to_o yield_v to_o what_o god_n require_v in_o every_o thing_n thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v thus_o much_o namely_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v so_o alone_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v that_o first_o of_o all_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v only_a and_o whole_o upon_o he_o for_o direction_n second_o that_o we_o must_v settle_v our_o heart_n and_o judgement_n upon_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o he_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o last_o that_o we_o must_v be_v move_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o duty_n because_o god_n require_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o our_o obedience_n be_v universal_a that_o we_o hear_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o a_o question_n may_v be_v here_o propound_v how_o shall_v a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n indeed_o happy_o may_v a_o carnal_a man_n say_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o immediate_o and_o his_o word_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o himself_o we_o will_v present_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o without_o any_o contradiction_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n therefore_o know_v when_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v know_v i_o answer_v brief_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o two_o way_n first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n ever_o have_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o word_n speak_v the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.2_o say_v that_o unto_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n what_o be_v those_o oracle_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o this_o everlasting_a truth_n this_o word_n of_o god_n right_o understand_v and_o true_o conceive_v always_o carry_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o saint_n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a 2_o pet._n 1.21_o say_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o penman_n thereof_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v or_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thereby_o intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o very_a breath_n as_o one_o may_v say_v of_o the_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o look_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v know_v to_o we_o god_n from_o heaven_n have_v speak_v it_o even_o as_o true_o and_o as_o real_o as_o though_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o immediate_o what_o the_o word_n say_v god_n himself_o say_v second_o whatsoever_o any_o faithful_a minister_n shall_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v also_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n the_o text_n be_v many_o that_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o touch_v but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 1â—_n 3_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n say_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o youward_n be_v not_o weak_a but_o be_v mighty_a in_o you_o imply_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o truth_n soever_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n christ_n himself_o speak_v in_o they_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v plain_a luke_n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n speak_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n himself_o speak_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v their_o ministry_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v require_v it_o even_o as_o if_o he_o himself_o shall_v speak_v from_o heaven_n and_o man_n shall_v reject_v his_o word_n the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n go_v and_o preach_v in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n to_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n 1_o pet._n 3.29_o to_o those_o people_n that_o be_v disobedient_a before_o the_o flood_n to_o who_o noah_n preach_v partly_o by_o his_o practice_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o direction_n christ_n himself_o speak_v even_o by_o that_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o quicken_v all_o thing_n so_o then_o the_o point_n be_v evident_a but_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v stoop_v to_o the_o voice_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n first_o he_o that_o alone_o have_v command_v over_o we_o and_o right_a to_o require_v service_n at_o our_o hand_n him_z only_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v now_o christ_n alone_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n eli_n join_v these_o together_o in_o his_o direction_n to_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 3_o 9_o thou_o shall_v say_v say_v he_o speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v if_o christ_n alone_o therefore_o be_v our_o lord_n who_o else_o shall_v we_o hear_v unto_o who_o else_o shall_v we_o attend_v and_o yield_v obedience_n second_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a look_v what_o counsel_n the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v we_o may_v build_v upon_o it_o as_o for_o other_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o teach_v some_o negligent_a and_o idle_a and_o will_v not_o teach_v some_o corrupt_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o may_v infect_v we_o but_o christ_n be_v knowledge_n itself_o and_o truth_n itself_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v make_v know_v we_o may_v rest_v upon_o it_o and_o whatsoever_o course_n we_o take_v up_o upon_o his_o direction_n we_o may_v undoubted_o persuade_v our_o selut_n that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o we_o in_o the_o issue_n our_o saviour_n join_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o his_o exhortation_n mat._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n what_o then_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n that_o man_n give_v they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o they_o can_v give_v a_o man_n any_o rest_n but_o the_o counsel_n that_o i_o give_v and_o those_o direction_n that_o i_o reveal_v unto_o you_o out_o of_o my_o word_n what_o ever_o soul_n embrace_v they_o what_o ever_o heart_n entertain_v they_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o comfort_n to_o itself_o for_o ever_o let_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n speak_v will_v not_o sail_v we_o there_o be_v none_o that_o trust_v upon_o he_o that_o even_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a his_o counsel_n be_v seasonable_a and_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v bless_v of_o god_n three_o christ_n only_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v we_o man_n may_v teach_v the_o care_n but_o the_o lord_n only_o can_v frame_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o obedience_n that_o place_n luke_n 24.32.45_o be_v worth_a the_o remember_n verse_n 32._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n open_v to_o the_o disciple_n the_o scripture_n and_o verse_n 45._o that_o he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n man_n can_v only_o reveal_v truth_n to_o we_o but_o never_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o persuade_v our_o heart_n and_o put_v understanding_n into_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o open_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o he_o give_v we_o mind_n to_o know_v and_o heart_n to_o embrace_v
he_o will_v say_v whether_o he_o will_v speak_v comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n or_o no_o and_o then_o away_o with_o carnal_a reason_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n my_o brethren_n you_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n go_v to_o god_n and_o advise_v with_o he_o and_o hear_v what_o his_o good_a pleasure_n be_v towards_o you_o and_o never_o inquire_v of_o your_o own_o carnal_a reason_n again_o there_o be_v oft_o another_o great_a fault_n in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o as_o they_o go_v not_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n when_o they_o have_v it_o they_o rest_v not_o upon_o it_o many_o a_o one_o there_o be_v who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v convince_v evident_o and_o clear_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n right_o and_o strong_o apply_v that_o his_o estate_n be_v good_a before_o god_n and_o that_o his_o conscience_n be_v sincere_a his_o heart_n upright_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v begin_v a_o everlasting_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o oftentimes_o relinquish_v that_o ground_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o stand_v upon_o and_o let_v go_v that_o hold_n that_o have_v be_v reach_v out_o from_o heaven_n for_o he_o to_o sustain_v himself_o by_o and_o return_v home_o again_o to_o a_o view_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n he_o forsake_v his_o own_o mercy_n and_o grow_v forgetful_a of_o his_o former_a comfort_n the_o consolation_n of_o the_o almighty_a seem_v small_a unto_o he_o he_o will_v not_o quiet_v himself_o in_o that_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v nor_o rest_n upon_o his_o word_n as_o he_o require_v yea_o but_o the_o soul_n repli_v alas_o shall_v a_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o a_o blind_a persuasion_n that_o his_o estate_n be_v good_a and_o not_o try_v his_o title_n to_o heaven_n or_o search_v whether_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o deceive_v he_o at_o the_o last_o i_o say_v yes_o a_o man_n shall_v look_v into_o himself_o and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o but_o always_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v judge_n let_v his_o word_n only_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o thou_o never_o judge_v thyself_o bare_o by_o what_o either_o satan_n seem_v to_o suggest_v or_o thy_o own_o sinful_a weakness_n will_v persuade_v thou_o unto_o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v and_o his_o truth_n manifest_v unto_o thou_o when_o the_o minister_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v settle_v thy_o conscience_n and_o declare_v thy_o case_n good_a by_o such_o assure_a evidence_n as_o thou_o may_v safe_o build_v upon_o then_o hold_v there_o and_o believe_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a search_v yourselves_o but_o still_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o this_o course_n be_v take_v and_o well_o observe_v where_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o complaint_n among_o christian_n there_o will_v be_v scarce_o one_o for_o my_o brethren_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o feebleness_n and_o distrust_n and_o distemper_n lie_v especial_o in_o this_o that_o we_o neglect_v our_o ground_n and_o do_v not_o fix_v upon_o those_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o either_o public_o or_o private_o hold_v this_o therefore_o for_o ever_o as_o the_o best_a direction_n i_o can_v give_v thou_o if_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v condemn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v condemn_v it_o if_o i_o must_v judge_v myself_o to_o have_v no_o grace_n the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v say_v it_o if_o i_o must_v conclude_v salvation_n as_o yet_o belong_v not_o unto_o i_o it_o shall_v be_v because_o the_o word_n say_v so_o and_o not_o because_o satan_n or_o my_o own_o imagination_n say_v so_o this_o carry_v thousand_o of_o poor_a soul_n into_o manifold_a distemper_n because_o they_o settle_v not_o themselves_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o always_o stand_v as_o mount_v zion_n unmoveable_a and_o will_v make_v they_o rest_v in_o abundance_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o those_o disquiet_n that_o be_v raise_v by_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o distrustful_a heart_n last_o in_o a_o word_n do_v the_o lord_n himself_o call_v for_o and_o require_v this_o at_o our_o hand_n the_o lord_n i_o say_v who_o only_o have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o do_v he_o enjoin_v we_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v oh_o now_o therefore_o though_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n can_v persuade_v you_o to_o yield_v up_o yourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n yet_o let_v the_o lord_n himself_o prevail_v with_o you_o and_o woe_n to_o that_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o place_n before_o allege_a act_v 3.23_o every_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n let_v every_o one_o therefore_o now_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n observe_v that_o which_o christ_n himself_o injoyn_v and_o so_o often_o call_v for_o in_o the_o second_o and_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o same_o now_o to_o every_o soul_n in_o this_o place_n let_v every_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o not_o only_o now_o but_o hereafter_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v any_o of_o his_o counsel_n to_o he_o for_o his_o direction_n labour_v to_o bring_v your_o heart_n to_o that_o temper_n we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v in_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o he_o have_v gather_v together_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o saint_n peter_n ministry_n act_v 10.33_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v come_v mark_v what_o cornelus_fw-la say_v to_o he_o we_o be_v all_o here_o present_a before_o god_n to_o hear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v thou_o of_o god_n my_o brethren_n the_o same_o frame_n of_o spirit_n ought_v we_o to_o have_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v unto_o we_o we_o must_v hear_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o not_o only_o in_o some_o easy_a kind_n of_o duty_n such_o as_o every_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v but_o in_o every_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o cross_a to_o carnal_a reason_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o the_o lord_n teach_v we_o must_v bring_v docile_a heart_n heart_n enlarge_v to_o hear_v and_o entertain_v his_o doctrine_n heart_n willing_a to_o be_v mould_v into_o that_o good_a word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v to_o we_o neither_o must_v we_o think_v this_o duty_n tedious_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o observe_v what_o christ_n say_v luke_n 10.24_o many_o prophet_n and_o king_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o what_o thing_n even_o those_o that_o be_v preach_v unto_o you_o and_o make_v know_v from_o day_n to_o day_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v now_o publish_v in_o open_a view_n great_a man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o eminency_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n who_o spirit_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n look_v long_o for_o christ_n day_n abraham_n see_v it_o afar_o off_o his_o eye_n dazzle_v in_o behold_v of_o it_o if_o they_o rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o nay_o the_o bless_a angel_n come_v down_o and_o delight_n to_o pore_v into_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n that_o be_v now_o reveal_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o those_o bless_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o joy_n and_o happiness_n be_v so_o ravish_v with_o those_o glorious_a mystery_n that_o they_o be_v content_v to_o come_v to_o our_o congregation_n not_o a_o step_n or_o two_o as_o we_o do_v who_o assoon_o almost_o as_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o door_n be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o a_o great_a journey_n even_o from_o heaven_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o like_n and_o complacency_n they_o behold_v the_o service_n of_o god_n people_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o see_v a_o poor_a soul_n convert_v and_o report_v it_o again_o in_o heaven_n rejoice_v there_o together_o that_o a_o sinner_n be_v turn_v unto_o god_n my_o brethren_n think_v of_o it_o shall_v we_o now_o that_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o attend_v these_o thing_n they_o be_v that_o upon_o which_o our_o everlasting_a salvation_n depend_v be_v utter_o careless_a of_o they_o alas_o the_o
and_o his_o truth_n in_o profane_v his_o day_n blaspheme_v his_o name_n contemn_v his_o word_n despise_v his_o minister_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o present_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o what_o will_v you_o make_v pagan_n of_o we_o what_o do_v you_o think_v we_o be_v heathen_n have_v we_o not_o receive_v christian_a baptism_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o bottom_n that_o bear_v up_o many_o but_o oh_o poor_a silly_a creature_n this_o will_v not_o do_v it_o be_v not_o deceive_v you_o will_v shrink_v under_o this_o shelter_n you_o will_v fall_v notwithstanding_o these_o prop_n when_o you_o come_v to_o trial_n you_o may_v have_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o perish_v this_o will_v not_o make_v you_o saint_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n you_o that_o be_v tradesman_n be_v it_o a_o good_a argument_n that_o because_o have_v good_a ware_n in_o your_o shop_n therefore_o you_o have_v no_o refuse_n no_o drug_n commodity_n or_o you_o that_o be_v husbandman_n because_o some_o good_a corn_n grow_v upon_o your_o ground_n be_v it_o therefore_o all_o good_a corn_n who_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v cockle_n among_o corn_n and_o bad_a ware_n even_o in_o your_o best_a shop_n so_o it_o be_v true_a here_o as_o there_o be_v many_o hearer_n in_o hell_n and_o many_o receiver_n in_o hell_n so_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o god_n people_n that_o shall_v never_o receive_v good_a by_o all_o that_o they_o partake_v of_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v trust_v not_o to_o these_o lie_a word_n and_o vain_a hope_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n i_o say_v trust_v not_o to_o these_o lie_a vanity_n a_o man_n may_v as_o judas_z not_o only_o have_v the_o sacrament_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o go_v to_o hell_n notwithstanding_o alas_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o this_o lord_z i_o be_v a_o hearer_n of_o thy_o word_n a_o receiver_n at_o thy_o table_n a_o frequenter_a of_o thy_o house_n thou_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v thou_o not_o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n that_o have_v circumcision_n only_o but_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o second_o place_n here_o be_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o we_o ought_v hereby_o to_o be_v instruct_v and_o provoke_v to_o stir_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o or_o settle_v ourselves_o in_o these_o outward_a shadow_n but_o to_o labour_v to_o go_v further_o and_o beyond_o all_o that_o these_o outward_a privilege_n bare_o as_o outward_a privilege_n can_v make_v we_o not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v these_o but_o to_o strive_v to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o not_o only_o to_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o improve_v they_o to_o get_v more_o than_o the_o outward_a shell_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o kernel_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o therefoee_o i_o will_v advise_v a_o christian_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o continue_v help_n and_o mean_n to_o he_o as_o to_o esteem_v they_o great_a privilege_n for_o so_o they_o be_v so_o not_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o outward_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o but_o to_o call_v upon_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v inward_a to_o see_v what_o the_o heart_n say_v outward_a thing_n will_v not_o do_v the_o deed_n look_v we_o therefore_o for_o somewhat_o more_o that_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n when_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o his_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n thorough_o to_o purge_v his_o floor_n and_o to_o make_v a_o division_n between_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o chaff_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o therefore_o and_o understand_v for_o your_o spiritual_a good_a when_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v thy_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o thy_o ear_n to_o listen_v to_o the_o word_n think_v with_o thyself_o i_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o o_o heart_n what_o say_v thou_o have_v i_o embrace_v these_o promise_n have_v i_o close_v with_o those_o precept_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v have_v i_o eat_v christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n have_v my_o faith_n pitch_v on_o he_o exhibit_v there_o under_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n how_o often_o have_v i_o already_o live_v under_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v reject_v it_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o yet_o humble_v i_o only_o come_v and_o hear_v and_o return_v without_o any_o benefit_n therefore_o now_o i_o will_v go_v further_o and_o dig_v deep_o that_o my_o heart_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n mark_n what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n faith_n joh._n 6_o 49_o provoke_v the_o jew_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o to_o receive_v mercy_n by_o he_o he_o speak_v on_o this_o manner_n force_v they_o to_o go_v further_o than_o outward_a thing_n your_o father_n say_v he_o eat_v manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o be_v dead_a who_o be_v those_o father_n those_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a jew_n that_o fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o enter_v not_o because_o of_o unbelief_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n now_o christ_n say_v your_o father_n eat_v manna_n and_o be_v dead_a he_o mean_v be_v damn_v for_o he_o say_v afterward_o verse_n 51._o if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o thereby_o show_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o faithful_a and_o unbeliever_n though_o both_o die_v a_o natural_a death_n i_o say_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v your_o father_n eat_v manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o type_n and_o a_o sacrament_n indeed_o to_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o but_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o deed_n though_o the_o manna_n come_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n it_o can_v not_o free_v they_o from_o eternal_a death_n but_o here_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o believe_a and_o of_o right_a receive_n he_o that_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v bread_n but_o christ_n he_o that_o eat_v this_o food_n this_o bread_n he_o shall_v never_o die_v any_o more_o he_o can_v perish_v labour_v therefore_o for_o this_o evermore_o as_o when_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n hear_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o live_a water_n that_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o she_o cry_v out_o present_o oh_o sir_n give_v i_o of_o this_o water_n that_o i_o thirst_v no_o more_o joh._n 4.15_o so_o labour_n for_o this_o food_n above_o all_o labour_v to_o settle_v your_o soul_n and_o to_o rest_v your_o heart_n still_o upon_o these_o resolution_n oh_o what_o have_v i_o that_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v not_o have_v what_o do_v i_o that_o that_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v do_v i_o will_v have_v a_o christian_a man_n to_o go_v beyond_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v therefore_o let_v this_o be_v the_o question_n and_o examine_v thy_o heart_n what_o do_v i_o more_o than_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n have_v do_v i_o pray_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n knock_v too_o i_o preach_v so_o do_v judas_n do_v i_o reform_v many_o thing_n so_o do_v herod_n be_v i_o baptize_v so_o be_v simon_n magnus_n in_o a_o word_n be_o i_o resolve_v to_o confess_v my_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o they_o alas_o judas_n do_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n he_o sorrow_v and_o repent_v and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o godly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n he_o repent_v only_o for_o the_o gall_n of_o sin_n not_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o sin_n labour_v we_o therefore_o and_o let_v we_o every_o one_o provoke_v another_o to_o go_v further_o than_o ever_o reprobate_n go_v in_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o profess_v labour_n for_o something_o that_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v roll_v together_o as_o a_o scroll_n isai_n 34.4_o that_o we_o may_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v a_o reward_n from_o he_o in_o his_o appoint_a time_n and_o season_n so_o much_o for_o the_o negative_a part._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o affirmative_a who_o those_o be_v that_o may_v and_o do_v indeed_o receive_v benefit_n as_o abraham_n do_v the_o text_n say_v they_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o
london_n print_v by_o g._n d._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o marigold_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o culpable_a ignorance_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o ignorance_n under_o mean_n sermon_n vi._n isai_n 27.11_o for_o it_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n if_o you_o cast_v your_o eye_n my_o brethren_n upon_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n you_o shall_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v discover_v the_o fierce_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o people_n vers_fw-la 1._o he_o do_v from_o the_o second_o verse_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o so_o afterward_o make_v know_v god_n gracious_a affection_n towards_o his_o own_o faithful_a servant_n as_o also_o his_o deal_n with_o those_o curse_a hypocrite_n that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v to_o deliver_v to_o you_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_v first_o with_o his_o own_o people_n and_o then_o with_o other_o that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o communicate_v his_o ordinance_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o be_v god_n special_a care_n of_o and_o his_o tender_a love_n and_o fatherly_a affection_n to_o those_o that_o love_n and_o fear_v his_o name_n that_o labour_n to_o approve_v their_o heart_n and_o way_n to_o he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o walk_v answerable_o thereunto_o and_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o seven_o verse_n namely_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v keep_v they_o and_o water_v they_o every_o moment_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v they_o night_n and_o day_n etc._n etc._n second_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v god_n special_a care_n of_o his_o servant_n so_o withal_o he_o manife_v a_o secret_a kind_n of_o displeasure_n that_o be_v in_o god_n even_o towards_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o he_o because_o of_o the_o carelessness_n and_o fruitlessness_n that_o be_v among_o they_o therefore_o he_o be_v please_v to_o lay_v his_o correct_a hand_n upon_o they_o yet_o still_o in_o measure_n with_o abundance_n of_o patience_n and_o in_o much_o compassion_n towards_o they_o and_o all_o for_o their_o special_a good_a not_o to_o confound_v but_o to_o humble_a and_o better_v they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v from_o the_o 7_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 9_o verse_n where_o the_o prophet_n show_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n to_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o god_n by_o this_o therefore_o shall_v the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n be_v purge_v and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o fruit_n to_o take_v away_o his_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v howsoever_o the_o lord_n love_v his_o vineyard_n yet_o he_o will_v prune_v it_o not_o to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o fruitful_a he_o only_o will_v take_v away_o the_o superfluous_a branch_n those_o inordinate_a lust_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o life_n of_o his_o servant_n this_o be_v the_o main_a issue_n and_o special_a benefit_n of_o affliction_n to_o the_o godly_a to_o subdue_v their_o corruption_n to_o purge_v they_o to_o make_v they_o walk_v more_o circumspect_o before_o god_n three_o the_o prophet_n have_v thus_o declare_v god_n care_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o his_o fatherly_a chastisement_n of_o they_o in_o the_o last_o place_n from_o the_o 9_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o he_o declare_v his_o proceed_n also_o against_o the_o curse_a hypocrite_n that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n against_o those_o that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n only_o but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o that_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o appear_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o if_o they_o will_v do_v great_a matter_n for_o he_o yet_o their_o heart_n be_v naught_o and_o the_o lord_n see_v they_o and_o threaten_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o according_o and_o in_o conclusion_n denounce_v a_o utter_a overthrow_n a_o universal_a ruin_n and_o confusion_n unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o their_o estate_n shall_v be_v altogether_o helpless_a for_o their_o defence_a city_n shall_v be_v desolate_a and_o their_o habitation_n forsake_v and_o leave_v like_o a_o wilderness_n yea_o so_o helpless_a shall_v they_o be_v that_o if_o a_o poor_a silly_a woman_n come_v by_o she_o shall_v spoil_v they_o the_o woman_n come_v and_o set_v they_o on_o fire_n now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o lord_n do_v deal_v thus_o fierce_o with_o carnal_a sinful_a man_n see_v though_o they_o have_v no_o strength_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n yet_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n the_o reason_n be_v render_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o it_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v do_v you_o inquire_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o deep_o displease_v with_o hypocrite_n that_o live_v in_o thou_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o he_o threaten_v to_o proceed_v so_o severe_o with_o they_o alas_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n what_o show_v soever_o they_o make_v though_o they_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n yet_o they_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a for_o god_n spiritual_a building_n they_o be_v only_o fit_a for_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o mercy_n and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o bestow_v any_o favour_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a first_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o this_o people_n second_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o judgement_n or_o thus_o first_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o people_n second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n because_o of_o that_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v they_o have_v no_o understanding_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n because_o of_o that_o sin_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n first_o you_o see_v the_o people_n offend_v they_o want_v sanctify_v and_o save_v knowledge_n they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n you_o see_v again_o the_o lord_n observe_v this_o and_o proceed_v severe_o against_o they_o because_o of_o this_o therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n first_o of_o the_o former_a touch_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n only_o thus_o much_o observe_v brief_o it_o be_v a_o people_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n what_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v it_o even_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o enjoy_v all_o the_o help_n and_o encouragement_n that_o a_o people_n can_v desire_v that_o have_v a_o outward_a call_n and_o be_v count_v the_o people_n of_o god_n those_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n howsoever_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o enlarge_v himself_o towards_o they_o to_o bestow_v many_o outward_a privilege_n upon_o they_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v many_o singular_a help_n howsoever_o they_o be_v those_o to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o mean_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n yet_o they_o remain_v unfruitful_a and_o unprofitable_a they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o have_v no_o depth_n of_o reach_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o point_n observable_a from_o hence_o be_v thus_o much_o that_o people_n may_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o withstand_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o profit_n by_o they_o but_o remain_v void_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o this_o knowledge_n be_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o will_v open_v unto_o you_o afterward_o only_o thus_o much_o take_v along_o with_o you_o for_o the_o present_a that_o by_o knowledge_n here_o i_o mean_v save_v knowledge_n knowledge_n no_o doubt_n this_o people_n have_v and_o happy_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o understanding_n they_o may_v know_v many_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n yet_o for_o the_o main_a for_o the_o substance_n and_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o
judas_n may_v thus_o far_o have_v his_o understanding_n enlighten_v concern_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v either_o discover_v or_o make_v know_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o to_o perceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v set_v down_o and_o understand_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n therein_o contain_v and_o that_o more_o free_o and_o abundant_o in_o outward_a appearance_n than_o many_o of_o the_o dear_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2.20_o such_o a_o one_o have_v only_o get_v religion_n by_o rote_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v like_o a_o child_n that_o happy_o may_v be_v teach_v a_o sillogisme_n or_o some_o form_n of_o a_o argument_n he_o may_v say_v it_o without_o book_n but_o understand_v it_o not_o so_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v a_o form_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o outside_n of_o knowledge_n but_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o bottom_n concern_v the_o savingnesse_n and_o holiness_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v never_o a_o carnal_a person_n under_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o can_v talk_v of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o faith_n that_o either_o know_v god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o way_n towards_o he_o or_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o god_n that_o be_v a_o strange_a passage_n concern_v hazael_n 2_o king_n 8_o when_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n settle_v his_o countenance_n upon_o he_o and_o weep_v hazael_n say_v why_o weep_v my_o lord_n and_o he_o answer_v because_o i_o know_v the_o evil_a that_o thou_o will_v do_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n their_o strong_a hold_n will_v thou_o set_v on_o fire_n and_o their_o young_a man_n will_v thou_o stay_v with_o the_o sword_n and_o will_v dash_v their_o child_n and_o rip_v up_o their_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o hazael_n say_v but_o what_o be_v thy_o servant_n a_o dog_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v this_o great_a thing_n he_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o himself_o he_o perceive_v not_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o hazael_n so_o it_o be_v with_o every_o wicked_a man_n under_o heaven_n further_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v he_o he_o neither_o know_v what_o he_o be_v himself_o nor_o what_o god_n be_v talk_v of_o it_o he_o may_v but_o can_v apprehend_v it_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o the_o general_a he_o may_v speak_v of_o it_o but_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a he_o can_v 2._o for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o their_o very_a knowledge_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o and_o those_o holy_a and_o godly_a too_o that_o wicked_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n may_v go_v as_o far_o as_o any_o saint_n under_o heaven_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o no_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v common_a to_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o reprobate_n but_o the_o work_n of_o save_a understanding_n and_o illumination_n be_v a_o work_n of_o sanctification_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o go_v no_o further_o but_o to_o the_o naked_a consideration_n of_o a_o man_n bare_a understanding_n when_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o work_v effectual_o upon_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v a_o sanctify_a work_n on_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o will_n now_o that_o work_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o true_o differ_v from_o the_o enlighten_v of_o a_o carnal_a hypocrite_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o saint_n from_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n not_o sanctify_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o say_v have_v a_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a work_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n child_n so_o also_o have_v he_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n wicked_a man_n have_v no_o work_n of_o sanctification_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o knowledge_n again_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_a enough_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v before_o a_o man_n can_v discern_v spiritual_a object_n he_o must_v have_v spiritual_a light_n therefore_o wicked_a man_n be_v as_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v but_o bare_a nature_n and_o want_v spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perceive_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n so_o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o broad_a difference_n between_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o carnal_a hypocrite_n in_o the_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n now_o then_o for_o the_o point_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n take_v it_o my_o brethren_n thus_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o only_o apprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o the_o reason_n therein_o contain_v but_o they_o discern_v also_o the_o spiritualnesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o same_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n and_o then_o reason_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o last_o a_o spiritual_a work_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v in_o those_o reason_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n alone_o see_v the_o spiritualnesse_n of_o the_o work_n that_o be_v manifest_v and_o communicate_v in_o that_o reason_n there_o set_v down_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 25.14_o wicked_a man_n may_v know_v repentance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a of_o repentance_n which_o the_o godly_a only_o have_v wicked_a man_n may_v pray_v but_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a spiritualnesse_n and_o close_n with_o the_o lord_n a_o secret_a humble_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o the_o godly_a only_o have_v wicked_a man_n i_o say_v can_v pray_v and_o hear_v and_o discourse_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o the_o like_a but_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o all_o these_o and_o a_o spiritual_a work_n derive_v into_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o which_o the_o saint_n only_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v take_v but_o a_o apple_n there_o be_v never_o a_o man_n under_o heaven_n can_v tell_v what_o taste_v it_o be_v of_o whether_o sweet_a or_o sour_a until_o he_o have_v taste_v of_o it_o he_o see_v the_o colour_n and_o the_o quantity_n of_o it_o but_o know_v not_o the_o taste_n so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n under_o heaven_n discern_v more_o of_o grace_n than_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v talk_v of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o obedience_n yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o sappinesse_n which_o i_o call_v the_o spiritualnesse_n in_o these_o bless_a work_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v and_o understand_v but_o only_o those_o that_o indeed_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n the_o work_n in_o themselves_o we_o use_v to_o say_v and_o we_o say_v true_o that_o no_o woman_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mother_n before_o she_o have_v be_v a_o mother_n so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o a_o man_n must_v have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o no_o man_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o childlike_a affection_n towards_o god_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o find_v and_o feel_v this_o in_o some_o measure_n wrought_v in_o himself_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v that_o text_n rev._n 2.17_o i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o but_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n intend_v there_o which_o make_v for_o my_o present_a purpose_n name_v there_o signify_v adoption_n and_o the_o white_a stone_n absolution_n the_o lord_n will_v absolve_v and_o acquit_v he_o of_o all_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o withal_o he_o will_v give_v he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o son_n the_o lord_n seal_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n that_o he_o be_v god_n
reconcile_v to_o he_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n find_v this_o and_o the_o like_a and_o withal_o have_v a_o inward_a work_n which_o though_o happy_o he_o can_v discover_v the_o manner_n and_o order_n thereof_o nor_o express_v it_o to_o other_o yet_o he_o know_v more_o thereof_o then_o any_o man_n under_o heaven_n ask_v a_o child_n how_o do_v you_o know_v such_o a_o man_n be_v your_o father_n alas_o he_o can_v tell_v you_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a affection_n towards_o he_o above_o all_o other_o and_o feel_v in_o himself_o such_o a_o lean_v in_o his_o affection_n towards_o he_o as_o another_o feel_v not_o so_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bring_v before_o solomon_n have_v no_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v the_o child_n to_o be_v she_o but_o the_o yern_v of_o her_o bowel_n and_o relent_v of_o her_o spirit_n towards_o the_o child_n prove_v it_o sufficient_o so_o there_o be_v in_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n a_o inward_a tenderness_n of_o affection_n a_o lean_v of_o his_o soul_n towards_o god_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o if_o a_o curious_a workman_n after_o he_o have_v make_v a_o clock_n or_o a_o watch_n show_v the_o frame_n thereof_o to_o a_o man_n ignorant_a of_o that_o art_n and_o declare_v to_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o make_v it_o happy_o he_o will_v conceive_v his_o word_n and_o his_o reason_n and_o perceive_v that_o he_o say_v truth_n but_o he_o can_v make_v such_o another_o because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o art_n itself_o of_o clock-making_a my_o brethren_n so_o it_o be_v here_o there_o be_v a_o curious_a frame_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a of_o grace_n of_o faith_n of_o repentance_n of_o holiness_n of_o love_n patience_n and_o the_o like_a a_o bless_a disposition_n of_o heart_n whereby_o the_o soul_n run_v right_a towards_o god_n and_o every_o holy_a duty_n and_o strike_v right_a as_o i_o may_v say_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o frame_n rear_v up_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_n now_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o have_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o wrought_v in_o he_o can_v tell_v the_o nature_n of_o hope_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o of_o repentance_n but_o i_o that_o read_v what_o he_o have_v write_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o natural_a man_n though_o happy_o i_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o apprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n or_o faith_n or_o hope_v i_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o so_o long_o as_o i_o remain_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n even_o as_o a_o ignorant_a man_n can_v conceive_v the_o art_n of_o watchmaking_a in_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o artist_n himself_o understand_v it_o so_o can_v i_o discern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o the_o heart_n further_o than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o teach_v i_o this_o skill_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n within_o myself_o when_o i_o find_v my_o own_o heart_n wrought_v upon_o than_o i_o can_v best_o discover_v it_o to_o another_o then_o do_v i_o know_v that_o which_o before_o i_o never_o understand_v though_o happy_o i_o can_v discourse_v something_o concern_v such_o thing_n and_o understand_v the_o outside_n as_o it_o be_v yet_o that_o be_v all_o i_o never_o know_v the_o bottom_n as_o i_o do_v now_o you_o see_v then_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o knowledge_n of_o hypocrite_n that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n elect_n or_o save_v knowledge_n now_o for_o the_o use_v of_o all_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o if_o this_o be_v so_o that_o man_n may_v live_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n have_v no_o save_a knowledge_n than_o my_o brethren_n here_o be_v a_o word_n of_o reproof_n to_o check_v all_o those_o conceit_n and_o pull_v down_o all_o those_o silly_a imagination_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a carnal_a creature_n that_o live_v here_o among_o we_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n who_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o place_n where_o the_o truth_n be_v plain_o teach_v and_o preach_v present_o persuade_v their_o own_o soul_n that_o they_o have_v wise_a doom_n and_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n if_o happy_o you_o come_v to_o any_o of_o these_o man_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v enlarge_v in_o those_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o his_o child_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o catechise_v their_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v skilful_a in_o the_o art_n of_o humble_v their_o soul_n before_o god_n in_o private_a converse_v and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o he_o alas_o they_o will_v answer_v you_o that_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o unable_a for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o well_o but_o prove_v they_o again_o afterward_o when_o they_o have_v continue_v a_o long_a time_n under_o the_o mean_n and_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o they_o have_v better_v themselves_o what_o strength_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v attain_v unto_o by_o no_o mean_n you_o must_v meddle_v with_o they_o what_o they_o have_v not_o live_v so_o long_o in_o a_o good_a parish_n under_o a_o panfull_a minister_n and_o go_v so_o often_o to_o church_n but_o sure_o they_o have_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o although_o they_o can_v do_v so_o and_o so_o though_o they_o can_v give_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o make_v no_o question_n but_o to_o speed_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a man_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o have_v and_o enjoy_v the_o help_n god_n vouchsafe_v and_o bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n to_o be_v often_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o so_o rest_v themselves_o content_v and_o there_o set_v up_o their_o staff_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o remain_v as_o blind_v and_o ignorant_a and_o as_o carnal_a as_o ever_o my_o brethren_n be_v not_o deceive_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o often_o hearer_n to_o have_v his_o heart_n now_o and_o then_o enlarge_v to_o give_v assent_n to_o the_o truth_n deliver_v to_o conceive_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v able_a happy_o to_o discourse_v of_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n oh_o look_v further_o he_o that_o have_v save_v knowledge_n indeed_o go_v far_o beyond_o all_o this_o you_o that_o be_v tradesman_n or_o you_o that_o have_v child_n will_v any_o man_n say_v my_o child_n be_v a_o good_a scholar_n for_o he_o have_v go_v so_o long_o to_o school_v or_o my_o apprentice_n have_v good_a skill_n in_o his_o trade_n because_o he_o have_v serve_v i_o so_o many_o year_n it_o be_v true_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o he_o have_v have_v such_o and_o such_o help_n and_o live_v so_o long_o under_o they_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v so_o so_o it_o be_v here_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o ground_v his_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n on_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o mean_n or_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v wrought_v merciful_o for_o he_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n which_o accompany_v life_n and_o happiness_n because_o of_o his_o long_a live_n under_o a_o good_a ministry_n no_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n among_o we_o and_o to_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o save_a knowledge_n you_o may_v have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o blind_a and_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n second_o this_o be_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n to_o we_o we_o be_v hence_o give_v to_o understand_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o our_o mind_n see_v a_o man_n may_v have_v all_o the_o mean_n under_o heaven_n and_o yet_o all_o prove_v unprofitable_a to_o he_o may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o help_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o people_n soul_n and_o yet_o receive_v no_o good_a by_o they_o what_o a_o strange_a heart_n be_v we_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v even_o among_o many_o of_o we_o in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o most_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n i_o fear_v i_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v from_o heart_n to_o heart_n and_o observe_v every_o one_o particular_a
careful_a fear_n the_o lord_n do_v keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o fall_v and_o another_o end_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n the_o world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v curse_v and_o hate_v of_o god_n and_o intend_v to_o damnation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n hate_v and_o abhor_v and_o have_v appoint_v to_o wrath_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o hate_n god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o occasion_n whereby_o they_o may_v reproach_n god_n and_o religion_n and_o may_v harden_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_v of_o religion_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o desperate_a wretch_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v it_o that_o in_o all_o age_n some_o professor_n shall_v fall_v scandalous_o that_o they_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v their_o heart_n harden_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v have_v they_o harden_v with_o a_o vengeance_n that_o even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v run_v in_o a_o way_n and_o another_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v he_o fall_v cast_v some_o stone_n or_o block_n before_o he_o that_o may_v make_v he_o stumble_v and_o fall_v even_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n see_v man_n desperate_o cavil_v against_o religion_n study_v how_o to_o harden_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v his_o own_o child_n sometime_o to_o fall_v though_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o common_a but_o ordinary_o hypocrite_n to_o fall_v and_o lie_v in_o their_o way_n as_o stone_n that_o they_o may_v stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o perish_v for_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o they_o that_o take_v scandal_n all_o profane_a one_o that_o will_v stumble_v at_o religion_n and_o reproach_n professor_n and_o profession_n because_o of_o scandal_n there_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o they_o and_o what_o woe_n even_o this_o that_o those_o scandal_n be_v as_o so_o many_o stone_n tumble_v in_o the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o break_v their_o neck_n in_o the_o pit_n of_o everlasting_a perdition_n and_o therefore_o thus_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o usual_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v any_o long_a time_n and_o people_n have_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o a_o powerful_a profession_n of_o religion_n you_o shall_v usual_o find_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v some_o professor_n or_o other_o in_o these_o place_n to_o fall_v scandalous_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o city_n and_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v my_o brethren_n think_v of_o it_o as_o you_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v harden_v and_o to_o have_v a_o blackness_n upon_o you_o of_o god_n wrath_n take_v heed_n of_o make_v this_o use_n of_o the_o fall_v and_o scandal_n of_o any_o to_o harden_v your_o heart_n against_o religion_n or_o to_o tip_v your_o tongue_n with_o reproach_n against_o the_o gospel_n and_o professor_n and_o so_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o use_v you_o be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o be_v this_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v be_v one_o fall_v take_v heed_n thou_o do_v not_o fall_v also_o and_o to_o the_o end_n thou_o do_v not_o fall_v have_v a_o care_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v thyself_o look_v to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o sure_a stand_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o make_v use_n of_o this_o looking-glass_n take_v this_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o it_o try_v yourselves_o if_o you_o be_v right_a christ_n be_v in_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o there_o be_v a_o death_n or_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n in_o a_o word_n and_o that_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o terror_n be_v it_o so_o that_o those_o that_o have_v christ_n in_o they_o have_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n then_o here_o be_v comfort_n to_o some_o of_o you_o and_o terror_n to_o other_o of_o you_o comfort_n to_o all_o such_o of_o you_o as_o find_v in_o yourselves_o this_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o life_n of_o righteousness_n do_v thou_o find_v that_o there_o be_v this_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o this_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o oh_o then_o be_v comfort_v for_o thou_o have_v christ_n in_o thou_o and_o thou_o be_v certain_o in_o christ_n god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o thou_o thy_o person_n be_v justify_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o thy_o soul_n must_v be_v everlasting_o save_v therefore_o be_v thou_o comfort_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o as_o there_o be_v in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o thou_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v not_o so_o full_a a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o as_o there_o be_v in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o thou_o if_o there_o be_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n christ_n be_v in_o thou_o though_o thou_o come_v short_a of_o that_o death_n and_o life_n that_o be_v in_o other_o i_o pray_v be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o true_o in_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n as_o in_o that_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v and_o grow_v to_o some_o strength_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o true_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o sickly_a man_n as_o in_o a_o strong_a and_o lusty_a man_n be_v not_o the_o life_n and_o sap_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o a_o plant_n that_o be_v true_o ingraft_v though_o but_o new_o and_o stand_v in_o a_o manner_n loose_a and_o scarce_o bud_v or_o blossome_v be_v it_o not_o as_o true_o in_o that_o graft_n as_o in_o a_o graft_n that_o be_v grow_v strong_a and_o have_v bear_v much_o fruit_n even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o thou_o and_o therefore_o be_v comfort_v i_o desire_v to_o joy_n and_o glad_a your_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n in_o you_o and_o i_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o better_a subject_n to_o pitch_v upon_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o comfort_n because_o i_o know_v this_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o your_o discomfort_n a_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o not_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o show_v you_o your_o face_n in_o this_o looking-glass_n if_o then_o you_o find_v in_o you_o a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o minister_n from_o the_o scripture_n do_v open_a to_o you_o clear_a sign_n and_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o your_o estate_n if_o you_o put_v away_o comfort_n then_o you_o put_v away_o comfort_n when_o god_n speak_v to_o you_o you_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v when_o the_o lord_n will_v comfort_v you_o you_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o word_n therefore_o take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v if_o by_o these_o sign_n or_o any_o such_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o find_v your_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a know_v then_o and_o assure_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o a_o man_n can_v try_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deceitful_a that_o minister_n can_v try_v other_o man_n heart_n none_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v only_o able_a to_o know_v the_o heart_n none_o but_o the_o king_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o man_n that_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n you_o may_v pass_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o king_n and_o be_v let_v in_o to_o the_o feast_n yet_o notwithstanding_o though_o neither_o man_n himself_o nor_o minister_n be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o heart_n yet_o this_o i_o confident_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n himself_o and_o a_o minister_n also_o may_v know_v and_o try_v the_o heart_n of_o people_n if_o so_o be_v they_o deal_v faithful_o and_o plain_o with_o he_o though_o no_o man_n can_v discover_v the_o secret_a wind_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v this_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o lay_v down_o infallible_a sign_n whereby_o people_n may_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v lay_v down_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v those_o sign_n or_o no_o therefore_o if_o people_n will_v in_o the_o humility_n of_o their_o soul_n naked_o so_o far_o as_o they_o know_v their_o own_o
heart_n open_o and_o plain_o and_o particular_o judge_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o and_o their_o deal_n with_o god_n and_o according_o apply_v the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o be_o confident_a by_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n people_n may_v come_v to_o discern_v their_o own_o heart_n not_o by_o any_o virtue_n or_o skill_n of_o their_o own_o but_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o skill_n of_o god_n who_o power_n go_v along_o with_o his_o word_n it_o be_v true_a a_o hypocrite_n may_v deceive_v the_o quickest-eyed_n minister_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v not_o open_o lay_v his_o heart_n before_o he_o and_o therefore_o good_a minister_n oftentimes_o speak_v peace_n to_o they_o to_o who_o no_o peace_n belong_v yet_o they_o speak_v the_o truth_n according_a to_o those_o evidence_n that_o be_v express_v to_o they_o be_v not_o the_o wise_a virgin_n deceive_v in_o the_o foolish_a be_v not_o david_n deceive_v in_o achitophel_n be_v not_o the_o disciple_n deceive_v in_o judas_n yet_o notwithstanding_o as_o i_o say_v if_o people_n will_v sincere_o deal_v with_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n and_o with_o their_o minister_n and_o when_o god_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o try_v themselves_o if_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o inside_n outward_a if_o they_o will_v naked_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n so_o clear_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v speak_v assure_v peace_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o these_o thing_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o assurance_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o so_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n if_o by_o observe_v and_o try_v we_o may_v not_o come_v to_o discern_v the_o estate_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o for_o such_o of_o you_o as_o in_o truth_n find_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o know_v you_o that_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o comfort_n for_o your_o soul_n and_o as_o this_o be_v ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o you_o that_o have_v these_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v ground_n of_o terror_n to_o those_o that_o want_v they_o i_o know_v you_o be_v almost_o all_o frequenter_n of_o the_o word_n speaker_n well_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n happy_o you_o have_v some_o reformation_n in_o you_o happy_o you_o have_v some_o minister_n that_o speak_v peace_n to_o you_o happy_o there_o be_v no_o disturbance_n in_o your_o conscience_n happy_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o you_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n but_o my_o brethren_n whatever_o there_o be_v that_o can_v be_v in_o you_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o you_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o you_o neither_o be_v you_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n you_o may_v go_v on_o and_o please_v yourselves_o with_o dream_n of_o a_o happy_a estate_n because_o of_o such_o and_o such_o appearance_n of_o grace_n yet_o this_o i_o assure_v you_o if_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o in_o you_o and_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o you_o nor_o never_o will_v be_v for_o you_o again_o therefore_o be_v amaze_v and_o tremble_v and_o fear_v and_o cast_v away_o your_o vain_a hope_n all_o you_o that_o have_v not_o find_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n of_o righteousness_n be_v assure_v of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n speak_v in_o john_n 12._o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v shall_v judge_v you_o at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v judge_v your_o estate_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a trial_n as_o these_o be_v at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o if_o you_o can_v be_v find_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n by_o the_o minister_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n faithful_o dispense_v from_o the_o scripture_n you_o shall_v never_o be_v find_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o so_o as_o the_o word_n judge_v god_n judge_v and_o as_o the_o minister_n judge_v while_o he_o keep_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n so_o that_o you_o see_v here_o be_v comfort_n for_o some_o and_o terror_n for_o other_o comfort_n for_o such_o as_o have_v a_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o life_n of_o righteousness_n though_o there_o be_v much_o corruption_n though_o there_o be_v much_o weakness_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o yet_o here_o be_v comfort_n for_o you_o and_o terror_n for_o all_o other_o whatever_o their_o moral_a virtue_n and_o common_a grace_n or_o their_o restrain_v gift_n or_o outward_a profession_n be_v well_o then_o what_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o be_v all_o exhort_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o labour_v to_o increase_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n of_o righteousness_n in_o we_o they_o be_v but_o imperfect_a in_o the_o best_a of_o we_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o make_v they_o both_o more_o perfect_a to_o perfect_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n why_o so_o because_o that_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n of_o righteousness_n they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o estate_n therefore_o the_o more_o these_o be_v the_o more_o be_v our_o evidence_n of_o our_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a will_v our_o comfort_n be_v and_o we_o shall_v make_v more_o sure_a our_o call_n and_o election_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n mean_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v he_o to_o make_v your_o vall_v and_o election_n sure_a but_o how_o be_v that_o do_v by_o make_v sure_o those_o thing_n in_o yourselves_o that_o be_v the_o token_n and_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n election_n how_o shall_v this_o be_v do_v say_v the_o text_n there_o add_v one_o grace_n to_o another_o to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n love_n perfect_a your_o grace_n increase_v the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n perfect_a in_o you_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n increase_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o old_a man_n the_o more_o you_o increase_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o you_o increase_v your_o evidence_n of_o your_o part_n in_o christ_n what_o can_v you_o desire_v that_o be_v able_a to_o administer_v to_o you_o so_o much_o comfort_n to_o provide_v so_o good_a a_o help_n for_o you_o against_o those_o fear_n we_o have_v so_o long_o just_o fear_v what_o can_v prepare_v you_o for_o those_o ensue_a calamity_n that_o be_v approach_v as_o your_o evidence_n of_o a_o part_n in_o christ_n but_o nothing_o can_v give_v you_o so_o much_o evidence_n of_o a_o part_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n of_o righteousness_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o study_n above_o all_o thing_n what_o ever_o else_o you_o neglect_v to_o increase_v and_o perfect_a in_o you_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n of_o righteousness_n that_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o time_n and_o text._n finis_fw-la grace._n magnify_v or_o the_o privilege_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n by_o that_o reverend_n divine_a thomas_n hooker_n late_a preacher_n in_o new_a england_n tit._n 2._o 11._o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o g._n d._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o marigold_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o grace._n magnify_v or_o the_o privile_v ge_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n sermon_n iii_o rom._n 6._o 14._o for_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o for_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n the_o bless_a apostle_n saint_n paul_n have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a verse_n exhort_v the_o roman_n to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o let_v sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n nor_o yield_v their_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n unto_o sin_n he_o come_v in_o this_o verse_n to_o prevent_v a_o