complain_v that_o ordinary_a head_n be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v it_o he_o have_v get_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a zealous_a cruelty_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n to_o lay_v all_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o unsearchable_a mystery_n about_o the_o trinity_n which_o god_n either_o never_o reveal_v or_o never_o clear_o reveal_v or_o never_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o yet_o he_o persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v scripture-pâ—oof_a enough_o for_o these_o only_o the_o scripture_n spâ—â—e_v it_o but_o in_o the_o premise_n or_o in_o dark_a term_n and_o they_o must_v but_o gather_v into_o their_o creed_n the_o consequence_n and_o put_v it_o into_o plain_a expression_n which_o heretic_n may_v not_o so_o easy_o corrupt_a pervert_v or_o evade_v be_v not_o this_o reverend_a zeal_n and_o be_v not_o the_o devil_n seem_o now_o a_o christian_a of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o forward_a sort_n but_o what_o get_v he_o at_o this_o one_o game_n 1._o he_o necessitate_v implicit_a faith_n even_o in_o fundamental_o when_o he_o have_v get_v point_n beyond_o a_o vulgar_a reach_n among_o fundamental_o 2._o he_o necessitate_v some_o live_a judge_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o fundamental_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la though_o not_o in_o se_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o popish_a wickedness_n that_o be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o sense_n that_o the_o people_n must_v take_v for_o fundamental_o 3._o he_o get_v a_o stand_a verdict_n against_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o against_o christ_n his_o spirit_n his_o apostle_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v we_o so_o much_o as_o a_o creed_n or_o systeme_n of_o fundamental_o or_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o fit_a or_o tolerable_a phrase_n but_o we_o must_v mend_v the_o language_n at_o least_o 4._o he_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o humane_a addition_n at_o which_o he_o may_v afterward_o bring_v in_o more_o at_o his_o pleasure_n 5._o he_o frame_v a_o engine_n for_o a_o infallible_a division_n and_o to_o tear_v in_o piece_n the_o church_n cast_v out_o all_o as_o heretic_n that_o can_v not_o subscribe_v to_o his_o addition_n and_o necessitate_v separation_n by_o all_o dissenter_n to_o the_o world_n end_n till_o the_o devil_n engine_n be_v overthrow_v 6._o and_o hereby_o he_o lay_v a_o ground_n upon_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n to_o bring_v man_n into_o doubt_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o not_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_n 7._o and_o he_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o certain_a heartburning_n and_o mutual_a hatred_n contention_n revile_n and_o enmity_n be_v not_o here_o enough_o get_v at_o one_o cast_v do_v there_o need_v any_o more_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o hellish_a darkness_n do_v not_o this_o one_o act_n find_v the_o seat_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o the_o devil_n get_v more_o in_o his_o gown_n in_o a_o day_n than_o he_o can_v get_v by_o his_o sword_n in_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v they_o full_a warning_n of_o this_o beforehand_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o 3._o for_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n but_o i_o fear_v lest_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplitity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n rom._n 14.1_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n psal_n 19_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o these_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o with_o many_o the_o like_a this_o plot_n the_o serpent_n have_v find_v so_o successful_a that_o he_o have_v follow_v it_o on_o to_o this_o day_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a engine_n to_o get_v rome_n on_o his_o side_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o great_a divider_n of_o christ_n church_n he_o make_v the_o pope_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n believe_v that_o when_o they_o have_v own_v the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o church_n they_o must_v put_v in_o as_o many_o and_o more_o additional_a article_n of_o their_o own_o and_o anathematise_v all_o gainsayer_n and_o these_o addition_n must_v be_v the_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o their_o church_n as_o romish_n and_o then_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v that_o own_o not_o those_o superadd_v point_n be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o must_v be_v judge_n yea_o among_o ourselves_o have_v the_o devil_n use_v successful_o this_o plot_n what_o confession_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n have_v not_o some_o more_o than_o be_v in_o scripture_n the_o most_o modest_a must_v mend_v the_o phrase_n and_o speak_v plain_o and_o somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o in_o it_o not_o except_v our_o own_o most_o reform_a confession_n yea_o and_o where_o modesty_n restrain_v man_n from_o put_v all_o such_o invention_n and_o explication_n in_o their_o creed_n the_o devil_n persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o godly_a reverend_n divine_n no_o doubt_n to_o be_v reverence_v value_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v almost_o as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o dissent_v must_v be_v note_v with_o a_o black_a coal_n and_o you_o must_v disgrace_v he_o and_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o heretic_n hence_o late_o be_v your_o union_n communion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n lay_v upon_o certain_a unsearchable_a mystery_n about_o predestination_n the_o order_n and_o object_n of_o god_n decree_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n secret_a operation_n on_o the_o soul_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o will_n essential_a liberty_n and_o its_o power_n of_o self-determining_a the_o divine_a concourse_n determination_n or_o predestination_n of_o man_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n action_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v account_v a_o fit_a member_n for_o our_o fraternal_a communion_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o herein_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o one_o plot_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v be_v keep_v pure_a religion_n have_v be_v one_o the_o church_n have_v be_v one_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n have_v be_v more_o one_o then_o they_o be_v have_v not_o the_o devil_n turn_v orthodox_n he_o have_v not_o make_v so_o many_o true_a christian_n heretic_n as_o epiphamus_n and_o austin_n have_v enroll_v in_o the_o black_a list_n have_v not_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n get_v into_o the_o chair_n and_o make_v so_o pathetic_a a_o oration_n as_o to_o inflame_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v overzealous_a for_o it_o &_o to_o do_v too_o much_o we_o may_v have_v have_v truth_n and_o peace_n to_o this_o day_n yea_o still_o if_o he_o see_v any_o man_n of_o experience_n and_o moderation_n stand_v up_o to_o reduce_v man_n to_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n he_o present_o seem_v the_o most_o zealous_a for_o christ_n and_o tell_v the_o unexperienced_a leader_n of_o the_o flock_n that_o it_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o some_o heresy_n that_o such_o a_o man_n speak_v he_o be_v plot_v a_o carnal_a syncretism_n and_o attempt_v the_o reconcilement_n of_o christ_n and_o belial_n he_o be_v taint_v with_o popery_n or_o socinianism_n or_o arminianism_n or_o calvinism_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v make_v he_o odious_a with_o those_o he_o speak_v to_o o_o what_o the_o devil_n have_v get_v by_o overdoing_a and_o as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o doctrine_n so_o be_v it_o in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n and_o government_n when_o the_o serpent_n can_v not_o get_v the_o world_n to_o despise_v the_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o publish_v the_o gospel_n the_o devil_n be_v judge_v and_o the_o world_n convince_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o agent_n advocate_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n he_o will_v then_o be_v the_o forward_a to_o honour_n and_o promote_v they_o and_o if_o he_o can_v make_v constantine_n a_o persecutor_n of_o they_o he_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o raise_v they_o in_o worldly_a glory_n to_o the_o star_n and_o make_v they_o lord_n of_o rome_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o princely_a dignity_n and_o revenue_n and_o he_o have_v get_v as_o
draw_v back_o christ_n say_v his_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o even_o those_o that_o have_v endure_v the_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n be_v reproach_v and_o make_v a_o gazingstock_n and_o that_o have_v take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n in_o assurance_n of_o a_o better_a and_o endure_a substance_n have_v yet_o need_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o cast_v not_o away_o their_o confidence_n and_o draw_v not_o back_o to_o perdition_n and_o lose_v not_o the_o reward_n for_o want_v of_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n heb._n 10.22_o to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v this_o danger_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o take_v this_o advice_n 1._o look_v careful_o to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o their_o covenant-closure_n with_o christ_n see_v that_o you_o take_v he_o with_o the_o happiness_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o your_o all._n take_v heed_n of_o look_v after_o another_o felicity_n 〈◊〉_d cherish_v other_o hope_n or_o esteem_v too_o high_o any_o thing_n below_o be_v jealous_a and_o very_o jealous_a lest_o your_o heart_n shall_v close_v deceitful_o with_o christ_n maintain_v any_o secret_a reserve_v for_o your_o bodily_a safety_n either_o resolve_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o or_o not_o resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o most_o desolate_a distress_a condition_n that_o he_o shall_v lead_v you_o in_o count_n what_o it_o may_v cost_v you_o to_o get_v the_o crown_n study_v well_o his_o precept_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n there_o be_v no_o true_a hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v if_o you_o can_v cast_v overboard_o all_o worldly_a hope_n when_o the_o storm_n be_v such_o that_o you_o must_v hazard_v the_o one_o o_o how_o many_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v their_o chief_a hope_n who_o have_v leave_v christ_n though_o with_o sorrow_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o let_v go_v all_o 2._o every_o day_n renew_v your_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o promise_a felicity_n and_o of_o the_o delusory_a vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o let_v not_o heaven_n lose_v with_o you_o its_o attractive_a force_n through_o your_o forgetfulness_n or_o unbelief_n he_o be_v the_o best_a christian_a that_o know_v best_o why_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o he_o will_v most_o faithful_o seek_v and_o suffer_v that_o best_o know_v for_o what_o he_o do_v it_o value_v not_o wealth_n and_o honour_n above_o that_o rate_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a experience_a have_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o allow_v they_o no_o more_o of_o your_o affection_n then_o they_o deserve_v a_o mean_a wit_n may_v easy_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n look_v on_o all_o present_a action_n and_o condition_n with_o a_o remembrance_n of_o their_o end_n desire_v not_o a_o share_n in_o their_o prosperity_n who_o must_v pay_v as_o dear_a for_o it_o as_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v not_o ambitious_a of_o that_o honour_n which_o must_v end_v in_o confusion_n nor_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o those_o that_o god_n will_v call_v enemy_n how_o speedy_o will_v they_o come_v down_o and_o be_v level_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n that_o now_o seem_v so_o happy_a to_o the_o purblind_a world_n that_o can_v see_v the_o thing_n to_o come_v fear_v not_o that_o man_n that_o must_v short_o tremble_v before_o that_o god_n who_o all_o must_v fear_v 3._o be_v more_o solicitous_a for_o the_o secure_n of_o your_o conscience_n and_o salvation_n then_o of_o your_o honour_n or_o estate_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v put_v upon_o consult_v first_o with_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v your_o daily_a and_o most_o serious_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o maintain_v your_o integrity_n and_o not_o a_o few_o careless_a thought_n or_o purpose_n conjunct_a with_o a_o mind_v of_o earthly_a thing_n 4_o deal_v faithful_o with_o every_o truth_n which_o you_o receive_v take_v heed_n of_o subject_v it_o to_o carnal_a interest_n if_o once_o you_o have_v affection_n that_o can_v master_v your_o understanding_n you_o be_v lose_v and_o know_v it_o not_o for_o when_o you_o have_v a_o resolution_n to_o cast_v off_o any_o dâ—ty_n you_o will_v first_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n and_o when_o you_o must_v change_v your_o judgement_n for_o carnal_a advantage_n you_o will_v make_v the_o change_n seem_v reasonable_a and_o right_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v prove_v good_a when_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o follow_v it_o 5._o make_v gospel-truths_n your_o own_a by_o daily_a humble_a study_n arise_v to_o such_o a_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v not_o need_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o trust_n lest_o if_o your_o guide_n shall_v miscarry_v you_o miscarry_v with_o they_o deliver_v not_o up_o your_o understanding_n in_o captivity_n to_o any_o 6._o yet_o do_v not_o overvalue_v your_o own_o understanding_n this_o pride_n have_v do_v that_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o all_o discern_a man_n be_v lament_v they_o that_o know_v but_o little_a see_v not_o what_o they_o want_v as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o have_v nor_o that_o imperfection_n in_o their_o knowledge_n which_o shall_v humble_v they_o nor_o that_o difficulty_n in_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o diligent_a and_o modest_a 7._o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o christ_n officer_n order_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o church_n pastor_n must_v guide_v you_o though_o not_o seduce_v you_o or_o lead_v you_o blindefold_o but_o choose_v if_o you_o may_v such_o as_o be_v judicious_a and_o not_o ignorant_a not_o rash_a but_o sober_a not_o formal_a but_o serious_a and_o spiritual_a not_o of_o carnal_a but_o heavenly_a conversation_n especial_o avoid_v they_o that_o divide_v and_o follow_v parâ—â—es_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v disciple_n to_o themselves_o &_o can_v sacrifice_v the_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n to_o their_o proud_a humour_n or_o carnal_a interest_n watch_v careful_o that_o no_o weakness_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v draw_v you_o to_o a_o disesteem_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o sad_a miscarriage_n of_o professor_n shall_v cause_v you_o to_o set_v less_o by_o truth_n or_o godliness_n wrong_n not_o christ_n more_o because_o other_o man_n have_v so_o wrong_v he_o quarrel_v more_o with_o your_o own_o unfitness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o ordinance_n then_o with_o other_o man_n it_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n that_o do_v more_o to_o help_v or_o hinder_v your_o comfort_n than_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o you_o join_v with_o to_o these_o few_o direction_n add_v to_o the_o rest_n in_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v subjoin_v my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o you_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n which_o you_o have_v own_v such_o stability_n in_o the_o faith_n such_o victory_n over_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n such_o direction_n in_o every_o strait_a and_o duty_n that_o you_o live_v upright_o dye_v peaceable_o and_o reign_v glorious_o amen_n may_v 9_o 1653._o your_o servant_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n rich._n baxter_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n my_o dear_o belove_a fellow-christians_a who_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o careful_a thought_n of_o attain_v and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o god_n who_o be_v vile_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o value_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o your_o redeemer_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o approach_a blessedness_n before_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n who_o be_v become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o you_o do_v i_o publish_v these_o follow_a direction_n and_o to_o you_o it_o be_v that_o i_o direct_v this_o preface_n the_o only_a glorious_a and_o infinite_a god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o uphold_v they_o by_o his_o word_n who_o be_v attend_v with_o million_o of_o his_o glorious_a angel_n and_o praise_v continual_o by_o his_o heavenly_a host_n who_o pull_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o scatter_v the_o proud_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v his_o enemy_n lick_v the_o dust_n to_o who_o the_o king_n and_o conqueror_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o the_o silly_a worm_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v nothing_o and_o light_a than_o vanity_n which_o he_o will_v short_o turn_v into_o flame_n before_o your_o eye_n this_o god_n have_v send_v i_o to_o you_o with_o that_o joyful_a message_n which_o need_v no_o more_o but_o your_o believe_a entertainment_n to_o make_v
saviour_n and_o can_v easy_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o willingness_n 3._o beside_o affiance_n be_v not_o the_o adequate_a act_n of_o faith_n suit_v to_o the_o object_n in_o that_o fullness_n as_o it_o must_v be_v receive_v but_o willingness_n or_o acceptance_n be_v christ_n be_v rest_v on_o only_o for_o ourselves_o as_o our_o deliverer_n but_o he_o be_v accept_v also_o for_o himself_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o full_a proof_n of_o these_o i_o have_v perform_v in_o other_o write_n and_o oft_o in_o your_o hear_n in_o public_a and_o therefore_o omit_v they_o now_o be_v sure_a then_o to_o fix_v this_o truth_n deep_a in_o your_o mind_n that_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o a_o assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n no_o nor_o a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v or_o pardon_v or_o that_o christ_n die_v more_o for_o we_o then_o for_o other_o nor_o yet_o be_v affiance_n or_o rest_a on_o christ_n the_o vital_a principal_a certain_a constant_a full_a act_n but_o it_o be_v the_o understanding_n belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o will_v his_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n offer_v to_o we_o therein_o which_o acceptance_n be_v but_o the_o hearty_a consent_n or_o willingness_n that_o he_o be_v you_o and_o you_o he_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o must_v justify_v and_o save_v you_o object_n but_o 1._o may_v not_o wicked_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v christ_n 2._o and_o do_v not_o you_o oft_o tell_v we_o that_o justify_v faith_n comprehend_v love_n to_o christ_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o lord_n to_o be_v obey_v as_o well_o as_o a_o deliverer_n and_o that_o repentance_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n answ_n i_o will_v give_v as_o brief_a a_o touch_n now_o on_o these_o as_o may_v be_v because_o i_o have_v handle_v they_o in_o sitter_n place_n 1._o wicked_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v remission_n justification_n and_o freedom_n from_o hell_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v unpardoned_a or_o to_o be_v damn_v but_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n himself_o in_o that_o nature_n and_o office_n which_o he_o must_v be_v accept_v that_o be_v as_o a_o holy_a head_n and_o husband_n to_o save_v they_o both_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o power_n and_o all_o defilement_n and_o abode_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n they_o may_v be_v perfect_o please_a and_o amiable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o enjoy_v he_o forever_o thus_o be_v christ_n offer_v and_o thus_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o no_o wicked_a man_n will_v accept_v he_o but_o when_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a 2._o to_o cut_v all_o the_o rest_n short_a in_o a_o word_n i_o say_v that_o in_o this_o fore-described_n willingness_n or_o acceptance_n repentance_n love_n thankfulness_n resolution_n to_o obey_v be_v all_o contain_v or_o near_o employ_v as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o manifest_v so_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v this_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n or_o willingness_n to_o have_v he_o to_o justify_v sanctify_v guide_n and_o govern_v you_o find_v but_o this_o willingness_n and_o you_o find_v all_o the_o rest_n whether_o you_o express_o see_v they_o or_o not_o so_o much_o for_o that_o direction_n direction_n ix_o 9_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o discover_v and_o improve_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o then_o in_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o give_v you_o right_o to_o the_o special_a mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n follow_v it_o your_o next_o work_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o actual_a believe_v your_o soul_n stand_v in_o extreme_a need_n of_o a_o saviour_n god_n offer_v you_o a_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n what_o then_o have_v you_o next_o to_o do_v but_o accept_v he_o believe_v that_o this_o offer_n be_v general_a and_o therefore_o to_o you_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v to_o sale_n nor_o do_v god_n require_v you_o to_o bring_v a_o price_n in_o your_o hand_n but_o only_o hearty_o and_o thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o what_o he_o free_o give_v you_o this_o must_v be_v do_v before_o you_o fall_v on_o try_v your_o grace_n to_o get_v assurance_n for_o you_o must_v have_v grace_n before_o you_o can_v discover_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o proper_a special_a save_a grace_n as_o it_o comprise_v that_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n which_o necessary_o go_v before_o it_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o method_n for_o those_o that_o yet_o never_o believe_v but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n believe_v again_o that_o you_o may_v know_v you_o do_v believe_v or_o at_o least_o may_v possess_v a_o accept_v saviour_n when_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n bid_v you_o take_v jesus_n christ_n and_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o what_o will_v you_o say_v to_o he_o if_o your_o heart_n answer_n lord_n i_o be_o willing_a i_o will_v accept_v of_o christ_n and_o be_v thankful_a why_o then_o the_o match_n be_v make_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o and_o the_o marriage_n covenant_n be_v true_o enter_v which_o none_o can_v dissolve_v if_o christ_n be_v not_o first_o willing_a he_o will_v not_o be_v the_o suitor_n and_o make_v the_o motion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o you_o be_v willing_a what_o can_v break_v the_o match_n if_o you_o will_v say_v i_o can_v believe_v if_o you_o understand_v what_o you_o say_v either_o you_o mean_v that_o you_o can_v believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v true_a or_o else_o that_o you_o can_v be_v willing_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v you_o if_o it_o be_v the_o former_a and_o you_o speak_v true_o than_o you_o be_v a_o flat_a infidel_n yet_o many_o temptation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n a_o true_a believer_n may_v have_v yea_o and_o actual_a doubt_n but_o his_o faith_n prevail_v and_o be_v victorious_a over_o they_o but_o if_o you_o real_o doubt_v whether_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a use_n god_n mean_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o its_o truth_n read_v what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n i_o will_v undertake_v now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o i_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n by_o plain_a full_a undeniable_a force_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o suppose_v this_o be_v none_o of_o your_o case_n if_o therefore_o when_o you_o say_v that_o you_o can_v believe_v you_o mean_v that_o you_o can_v accept_v a_o offer_a christ_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v he_o then_o i_o demand_v 1._o what_o be_v your_o reason_n the_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a there_o be_v something_o that_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v unwilling_a this_o reason_n must_v be_v from_o something_o real_a or_o else_o upon_o a_o mistake_n upon_o supposal_n of_o something_o that_o be_v not_o in_o be_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o mistake_n either_o it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o christ_n willingness_n to_o be_v you_o and_o if_o you_o think_v he_o do_v consent_n you_o will_v consent_v willing_o if_o this_o be_v it_o you_o do_v true_o believe_v while_o you_o think_v you_o do_v not_o for_o you_o do_v consent_n and_o that_o be_v all_o on_o your_o part_n to_o make_v the_o match_n and_o christ_n do_v certain_o consent_v though_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o case_n it_o concern_v you_o to_o understand_v better_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o then_o you_o will_v be_v past_a doubt_n of_o the_o willingness_n of_o christ_n and_o see_v that_o wherever_o the_o match_n break_v it_o be_v only_o for_o want_v of_o consent_n in_o man_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o suitor_n and_o have_v long_o ago_o in_o the_o covenant_n proclaim_v his_o consent_n to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o every_o sinner_n on_o condition_n they_o will_v but_o consent_v to_o be_v he_o if_o your_o mistake_n be_v from_o any_o false_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a saviour_n or_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o your_o comfort_n that_o he_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v then_o good_a if_o these_o mistake_n be_v prevalent_a than_o you_o do_v not_o know_v christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v present_o better_o study_v he_o in_o the_o gospel_n till_o you_o have_v prevail_v over_o such_o ignorant_a and_o blasphemous_a conceit_n but_o none_o of_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v
first_o by_o discern_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o deep_o root_v 1._o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o estimation_n 2._o or_o in_o their_o will_n and_o settle_a resolution_n second_o and_o by_o discern_v the_o unmortified_a lust_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o three_o sort_n of_o hearer_n liken_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n go_v further_a than_o these_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v by_o luk._n 8.14_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n however_o whether_o these_o go_v far_a than_o the_o other_o or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o also_o have_v their_o trial_n and_o â—ell_o in_o the_o trial_n the_o deceitfullness_n of_o riches_n overturn_v these_o as_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n overturn_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o prosperity_n put_v faith_n to_o the_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o adversity_n but_o mark_v the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o overthrow_n they_o that_o be_v overthrow_v by_o adversity_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o that_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n open_o but_o they_o that_o fall_v by_o prosperity_n be_v not_o say_v to_o fall_v away_o but_o only_o that_o the_o deceitfullness_n of_o riches_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n choke_v the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n for_o usual_o these_o do_v not_o open_o forsake_v christ_n but_o continue_v oft_o a_o unfruitful_a and_o hypocritical_a profession_n insomuch_o that_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o the_o word_n be_v choke_v and_o fruitless_a yet_o the_o blade_n of_o profession_n may_v be_v as_o green_a as_o ever_o and_o they_o may_v be_v so_o much_o in_o some_o duty_n and_o have_v such_o golden_a word_n and_o witty_a shift_n to_o plead_v for_o every_o covetous_a practice_n and_o put_v so_o fair_a a_o gloss_n on_o all_o their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o be_v very_o eminent_a christian_n so_o that_o if_o your_o grace_n can_v carry_v you_o well_o through_o prosperity_n you_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o prove_v true_a and_o save_a you_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v confident_a that_o it_o will_v hold_v out_o in_o adversity_n also_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o overcome_v the_o shake_n of_o tribulation_n i_o think_v most_o man_n be_v better_a in_o adversity_n than_o in_o prosperity_n though_o i_o confess_v no_o adversity_n be_v so_o shake_v as_o that_o which_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o man_n choice_n to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o by_o sin_v as_o for_o a_o man_n in_o health_n to_o be_v persecute_v and_o the_o persecutor_n to_o say_v if_o thou_o will_v turn_v to_o my_o side_n and_o way_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o thy_o life_n and_o preferment_n with_o it_o but_o sickness_n or_o other_o suffering_n impose_v only_o by_o god_n and_o which_o only_a god_n can_v take_v off_o be_v nothing_o so_o shake_v for_o as_o the_o former_a draw_v we_o to_o please_v man_n that_o they_o may_v deliver_v we_o so_o this_o draw_v even_o the_o wicked_a to_o think_v of_o please_a god_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v they_o 17._o observe_v that_o when_o i_o ask_v whether_o this_o resolution_n do_v already_o prevail_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o perfect_a prevail_a nay_o sin_n may_v prevail_v to_o draw_v you_o to_o a_o particular_a act_n and_o how_o many_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o tell_v you_o and_o yet_o still_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v conquer_v in_o the_o main_a for_o you_o will_v say_v that_o general_n and_o army_n get_v the_o victory_n who_o vanquish_v the_o other_o and_o win_v the_o field_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o a_o troop_n or_o regiment_n may_v be_v rout_v and_o many_o slay_v 18._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o your_o overcome_v all_o gross_a sin_n as_o i_o mean_v in_o ordinary_a not_o doubt_v but_o its_o too_o possible_a for_o a_o believer_n to_o commit_v a_o gross_a sin_n so_o i_o confess_v that_o its_o hard_a to_o tell_v just_a which_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v call_v gross_a and_o which_o infirmity_n only_o or_o as_o some_o speak_v which_o be_v mortal_a and_o which_o not_o and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n have_v some_o difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o right_n try_v by_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o 19_o yet_o i_o desire_v that_o you_o join_v they_o all_o together_o in_o trial_n see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o true_a and_o full_a description_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v contain_v the_o same_o description_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n presuppose_v his_o right_a belief_n i_o have_v draw_v up_o in_o our_o public_a church-profession_n which_o in_o this_o county_n the_o minister_n have_v agree_v on_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o consent_n in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v hearty_o take_v this_o one_o god_n for_o my_o only_a god_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o this_o jesus_n christ_n for_o my_o only_a lord-redeemer_n and_o saviour_n and_o this_o holy_a ghost_n for_o my_o sanctifier_n and_o the_o doctrine_n by_o he_o reveal_v and_o seal_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v i_o tâ—ke_v for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o repent_v unfeigned_o of_o my_o sin_n i_o do_v resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sincere_o to_o obey_v he_o both_o in_o holiness_n to_o god_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n and_o in_o special_a love_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o my_o own_o flesh_n and_o this_o to_o the_o death_n he_o that_o sincere_o can_v speak_v these_o word_n be_v a_o sincere_a christian_a 20._o last_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o those_o five_o which_o i_o lay_v you_o down_o be_v all_o true_a mark_n do_v but_o peruse_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n follow_v for_o the_o first_o psal_n 16.5_o 2._o and_o 73.24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o 4.6_o 7._o and_o 1.1_o 2_o 3._o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18_o 21_o 22_o 24._o mat._n 6.19_o 20_o 21._o rom._n 7.24_o and_o 8.17_o 18_o 23._o heb._n 11.10_o 15_o 16_o 25_o 26_o 27._o psal_n 16.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o the_o second_o see_v joh._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o joh._n 3.16_o mark_n 16.16_o act_n 16.31_o joh._n 14.21_o and_o 16.27_o rom._n 14.9_o luk._n 19.27_o jam._n 1.12_o mat._n 22.37_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o mat._n 10.37_o rev._n 22.14_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o the_o three_o most_o of_o the_o same_o will_v serve_v and_o heb._n 12.14_o mat._n 7.24_o psal_n 1.2_o 3._o mat._n 5.20_o act_n 10.35_o rom._n 7.22_o for_o the_o two_o last_o beside_o the_o former_a see_v heb._n 11.6_o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o 1._o to_o 14._o gal._n 5.17_o 24._o and_o 26.8_o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o luk._n 8.13_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o and_o 5.4_o 5._o jam._n 1.27_o and_o 4.4_o gal._n 6.14_o and_o 1.4_o rom._n 12.2_o tit._n 2.14_o mat._n 10_o 37._o rom._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o rev._n 14.13_o phil._n 2.14_o col._n 3.23_o 24._o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o 14._o joh._n 12.16_o 1_o joh._n 3.22_o 23._o gen._n 22.16_o mat._n 10_o 22._o and_o 24.13_o heb._n 3.6_o 14._o and_o 6.11_o rev._n 2.26_o 10._o and_o 12.11_o mat._n 16.25_o and_o 10.39_o mar._n 17.33_o rom._n 8.9_o 13._o luk._n 13.3_o 5._o rom._n 6.4_o 5_o 6_o 12_o 14_o 16_o 17_o 22._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o such_o mark_n as_o you_o may_v safe_o try_v yourself_o by_o and_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o you_o now_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o to_o this_o use_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o your_o serious_a self-examination_n try_v only_o by_o these_o and_o not_o by_o any_o uncertain_a mark_n i_o know_v there_o be_v promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o some_o particular_a duty_n and_o single_a qualification_n in_o scripture_n as_o to_o humility_n meekness_n almsdeed_n love_n to_o the_o godly_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v still_o both_o on_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o single_a in_o the_o person_n but_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o flow_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o god_n beforemention_v and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o prevail_a degree_n 2._o when_o ever_o any_o fresh_a doubt_n arise_v in_o you_o upon_o the_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o debility_n of_o grace_n still_o have_v recourse_n to_o these_o former_a mark_n and_o while_o you_o find_v these_o let_v not_o any_o thing_n cause_n you_o to_o pass_v wrong_a judgement_n on_o yourself_o lay_v these_o now_o to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o tell_v i_o be_v you_o not_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o make_v you_o so_o will_v you_o not_o be_v glad_a if_o your_o soul_n be_v more_o
from_o principle_n that_o be_v know_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o conclusion_n which_o by_o reason_v we_o gather_v from_o those_o principle_n though_o yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v as_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o believe_v as_o reveal_v immediate_o of_o supernatural_o and_o so_o we_o both_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n 4._o but_o our_o assurance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o knowledge_n participate_v of_o faith_n and_o internal_a sense_n or_o knowledge_n reflect_v for_o divine_a faith_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v internal_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o say_v but_o i_o believe_v reason_n or_o discursive_a knowledge_n say_v therefore_o i_o be_o justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v only_o i_o must_v advise_v you_o that_o you_o be_v not_o trouble_v when_o you_o meet_v with_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o in_o any_o great_a divine_n for_o it_o be_v only_o our_o former_a divine_n who_o judgement_n be_v partly_o hurt_v by_o hot_a disputation_n with_o the_o papist_n herein_o and_o partly_o not_o come_v to_o that_o maturity_n as_o other_o since_o they_o have_v have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o such_o like_a passage_n in_o the_o text_n they_o eager_o insist_v on_o it_o that_o when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a every_o man_n be_v to_o profess_v that_o he_o believe_v that_o his_o own_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v life_n everlasting_a himself_o but_o our_o late_a divine_v and_o special_o the_o english_a and_o most_o especial_o these_o that_o deal_v most_o in_o practical_o do_v see_v the_o mistake_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o i_o teach_v you_o here_o god_n bid_v we_o not_o believe_v as_o from_o he_o more_o than_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o only_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n testimony_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o write_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v nor_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o thing_n equivalent_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v either_o of_o these_o how_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v these_o i_o have_v full_o tell_v you_o already_o in_o our_o creed_n therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n death_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o give_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o on_o condition_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n himself_o for_o remission_n but_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v actual_o and_o full_o pardon_v my_o end_n in_o tell_v you_o this_o again_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o elsewhere_o be_v this_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v as_o i_o find_v abundance_n of_o poor_a trouble_a soul_n to_o do_v that_o faith_n much_o less_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o believe_v that_o you_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o fall_v a_o condemn_v your_o self_n unjust_o every_o time_n that_o you_o doubt_v of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o think_v that_o so_o much_o as_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o so_o much_o unbelief_n you_o have_v and_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n complain_v that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o but_o little_a and_o that_o they_o can_v believe_v because_o they_o believe_v not_o their_o own_o faith_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o when_o they_o whole_o judge_v themselves_o unsanctified_a than_o they_o call_v that_o desperation_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n these_o be_v dangerous_a error_n all_o arise_v from_o that_o one_o error_n which_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n do_v carry_v some_o good_a man_n to_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o belief_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v by_o christ_n indeed_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n to_o themselves_o but_o that_o application_n consist_v in_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o so_o to_o i_o and_o then_o in_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n as_o a_o offer_a gift_n and_o after_o this_o in_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n hence_o therefore_o you_o may_v best_o see_v what_o unbelief_n and_o desperation_n be_v and_o how_o far_o man_n may_v charge_v themselves_o with_o they_o when_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o promise_v be_v true_a or_o when_o you_o refuse_v to_o accept_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n offer_v in_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o trust_v he_o as_o one_o that_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v you_o if_o you_o do_v assent_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o accept_v he_o this_o be_v unbelief_n but_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v hearty_o willing_a to_o accept_v christ_n as_o offer_v in_o it_o and_o only_o doubt_v whether_o your_o belief_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o so_o whether_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v not_o unbelief_n but_o ignorance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o its_o consequent_n nay_o and_o though_o that_o affiance_n be_v want_v which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o hinder_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a condition_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o affiance_n in_o the_o habit_n and_o virtual_o be_v there_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o formal_o distrust_v or_o unbelief_n any_o more_o than_o your_o not_o trust_v god_n in_o your_o sleep_n be_v distrust_n if_o a_o friend_n do_v promise_n to_o give_v you_o a_o hundred_o pound_n on_o condition_n that_o you_o thankful_o accept_v it_o if_o you_o now_o do_v believe_v he_o and_o do_v thankful_o accept_v it_o but_o yet_o through_o some_o vain_a scruple_n shall_v think_v my_o thankfulness_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a and_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v i_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o condition_n and_o so_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o gift_n in_o this_o case_n now_o you_o do_v believe_v your_o friend_n and_o you_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o proper_o but_o you_o distrust_v yourself_o that_o you_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n and_o this_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o confidence_n or_o affiance_n in_o your_o friend_n which_o be_v habitual_o and_o virtual_o in_o you_o just_o so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o desperation_n which_o be_v a_o privation_n of_o hope_n when_o we_o have_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o accept_v christ_n offer_v we_o be_v then_o bind_v to_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o the_o benefit_n promise_v so_o hope_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o desirous_a expectation_n of_o the_o good_a so_o promise_v and_o believe_v now_o if_o you_o begin_v to_o distrust_v whether_o god_n will_v make_v good_a this_o promise_n or_o no_o either_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a or_o he_o be_v not_o able_a or_o have_v change_v his_o mind_n since_o the_o make_n of_o it_o and_o on_o these_o ground_n you_o let_v go_v your_o hope_n this_o be_v despair_n if_o because_o that_o christ_n seem_v to_o delay_v his_o come_n we_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v wait_v in_o hope_n till_o now_o but_o now_o i_o be_o out_o of_o hope_n that_o ever_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o glorify_v believer_n i_o will_v expect_v it_o no_o long_o this_o be_v despair_n and_o it_o have_v its_o several_a degree_n more_o or_o less_o as_o unbelief_n have_v indeed_o the_o schoolman_n say_v that_o affiance_n be_v nothing_o but_o strengthen_v hope_n affiance_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o hope_n only_o it_o more_o express_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o promiser_n and_o indeed_o be_v faith_n and_o hope_v express_v both_o together_o in_o one_o word_n so_o that_o what_o i_o say_v before_o of_o distrust_n be_v true_a of_o despair_n if_o you_o do_v continue_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o christ_n come_v and_o glorify_v his_o saint_n and_o yet_o you_o think_v he_o will_v not_o glorify_v you_o because_o you_o think_v that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n or_o saint_n this_o be_v not_o desperation_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n for_o desperation_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o hope_n where_o the_o formal_a cause_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v want_v but_o you_o have_v here_o hope_v in_o the_o habit_n and_o virtual_o do_v hope_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o act_n of_o it_o as_o to_o your_o own_o
particular_a salvation_n be_v hinder_v upon_o a_o accidental_a mistake_n in_o the_o forementioned_a example_n if_o your_o friend_n promise_v to_o give_v you_o a_o hundred_o pound_n on_o condition_n of_o your_o thankful_a acceptance_n and_o promise_v to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o hour_n and_o bring_v it_o you_o if_o now_o you_o stay_v till_o the_o hour_n be_v almost_o come_v and_o then_o say_v i_o â—m_n out_o of_o hope_n of_o his_o come_n now_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o despair_n in_o your_o friend_n but_o if_o you_o only_o think_v that_o you_o have_v overstay_v the_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v past_a and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o gift_n this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o despair_n of_o the_o event_n and_o a_o despair_n of_o yourself_o but_o not_o proper_o a_o despair_n in_o your_o friend_n only_o the_o act_n of_o hope_v in_o god_n be_v hinder_v as_o be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o despair_n in_o themselves_o but_o not_o to_o despair_n in_o god_n except_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o such_o despair_n be_v there_o present_a and_o except_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o it_o by_o not_o believe_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o despair_n be_v express_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n luke_n 24.21_o we_o trust_v that_o this_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v redeem_v israel_n only_o it_o be_v but_o imperfect_a despair_n else_o it_o have_v be_v damnable_a their_o hope_n be_v shake_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v only_o this_o proper_a despair_n in_o god_n which_o be_v the_o damnable_a desperation_n which_o be_v threaten_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o former_a and_o that_o if_o a_o poor_a soul_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n without_o any_o actual_a hope_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n mere_o because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n that_o this_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v and_o prove_v a_o true_a believer_n for_o all_o this_o alas_o the_o great_a sin_n that_o god_n threaten_v be_v our_o distrust_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o not_o the_o doubt_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o distrust_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o know_v they_o to_o be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o god_n where_o find_v you_o in_o scripture_n that_o any_o be_v condemn_v for_o hard_a thought_n of_o themselves_o or_o for_o not_o know_v themselves_o to_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o for_o think_v they_o have_v none_o it_o be_v true_a unbelief_n in_o god_n promise_v that_o man_n be_v condemn_v for_o even_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o aversion_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v ask_v be_v doubt_v of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n no_o sin_n i_o answer_v doubt_v be_v either_o take_v in_o opposition_n to_o believe_v or_o in_o opposition_n to_o know_v or_o to_o conjecture_v 1._o doubt_v as_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o not-believing_a that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v no_o sin_n still_o remember_v that_o i_o take_v believe_v in_o the_o strict_a proper_a sense_n for_o the_o credit_v of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o assertion_n for_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o ordinary_o to_o believe_v either_o of_o these_o i_o say_v ordinary_o as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n before_o because_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o tell_v a_o man_n personal_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o whether_o he_o mean_v only_o as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n inflict_v for_o they_o or_o also_o all_o punishment_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v not_o now_o discuss_v so_o nathan_n from_o god_n tell_v david_n his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v but_o these_o be_v privilege_n only_o to_o these_o person_n and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v either_o that_o all_o man_n sin_n be_v actual_o forgive_v or_o that_o you_o or_o i_o by_o name_n be_v forgive_v but_o only_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v forgive_v which_o suppose_v they_o to_o believe_v before_o they_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o they_o be_v forgive_v before_o they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o believe_a that_o they_o be_v forgive_v but_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n else_o man_n must_v believe_v a_o untruth_n to_o make_v it_o become_v true_a by_o their_o believe_v it_o 2._o but_o now_o doubt_v as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o remission_n and_o justification_n in_o those_o that_o be_v justify_v be_v a_o sin_n for_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n for_o a_o unjustified_a person_n to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unjustified_a but_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o godly_a and_o what_o manner_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v part_n of_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n and_o original_a depravedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o a_o fruit_n hereof_o and_o of_o our_o strangeness_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o of_o their_o deep_a deceitfulness_n confusion_n mutability_n or_o negligence_n 2._o and_o further_o as_o all_o these_o be_v increase_v by_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_v and_o so_o the_o discern_a of_o our_o state_n be_v become_v more_o difficult_a it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a sin_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o any_o particular_a sin_n by_o which_o we_o have_v obscure_v our_o own_o grace_n and_o provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o so_o all_o ignorance_n of_o any_o truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v be_v a_o sin_n so_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o own_o regeneration_n and_o sincerity_n be_v a_o sin_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o great_a condemn_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o christ_n threaten_v in_o his_o new_a law_n that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a or_o most_o heinous_a sort_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o infirmity_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o let_v i_o further_o acquaint_v you_o with_o this_o difference_n between_o these_o doubt_n and_o your_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o though_o the_o doubt_v itself_o be_v your_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o care_n that_o follow_v it_o may_v be_v your_o duty_n yet_o respective_o and_o by_o remote_a participation_n even_o these_o also_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v sinful_a even_o as_o our_o prayer_n for_o that_o pardon_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o know_v it_o not_o may_v by_o remote_a participation_n be_v call_v sinful_a because_o if_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v ignorant_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v doubt_v of_o the_o least_o true_a grace_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o so_o doubt_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v fear_v or_o sorrow_v or_o pray_v for_o that_o remission_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o yet_o though_o these_o may_v be_v call_v sinful_a as_o they_o come_v from_o sin_n yet_o more_o near_o and_o in_o themselves_o consider_v on_o supposition_n of_o our_o present_a estate_n they_o be_v all_o duty_n and_o great_a duty_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n you_o may_v say_v to_o a_o thief_n that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o steal_v thou_o have_v not_o need_v to_o have_v beg_v pardon_n yet_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v steal_v it_o may_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o beg_v pardon_n and_o so_o you_o may_v say_v to_o a_o poor_a fear_v soul_n that_o fear_v damnation_n and_o god_n wrath_n thou_o need_v not_o fear_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o sin_v but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o by_o sin_n obscure_v his_o evidence_n and_o necessitate_v doubt_v then_o be_v fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o pray_v for_o justification_n and_o pardon_n his_o duty_n and_o indeed_o not_o fit_o to_o be_v call_v sin_n but_o rather_o a_o fruit_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o so_o have_v some_o participation_n in_o it_o but_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n command_n in_o another_o respect_n and_o so_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o redeemer_n for_o you_o may_v say_v to_o any_o sinner_n thou_o need_v not_o to_o have_v
rise_v from_o their_o sin_n it_o seem_v at_o present_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v actual_o predominant_a when_o no_o reason_n or_o conviction_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o contradict_v it_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v sound_a comfort_n then_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o spare_v not_o the_o flesh_n when_o you_o have_v sin_v you_o must_v rise_v again_o or_o perish_v if_o you_o can_v rise_v without_o fast_v without_o free_a confess_v without_o the_o utter_a shame_n of_o yourselves_o without_o restitution_n never_o stick_v at_o it_o this_o be_v your_o hour_n of_o trial_n o_o yield_v not_o in_o the_o conflict_n the_o dear_a the_o victory_n cost_v you_o the_o great_a will_v be_v your_o peace_n try_v it_o and_o if_o you_o find_v it_o not_o so_o i_o be_o mistake_v yet_o if_o you_o have_v sin_v so_o that_o the_o open_n of_o it_o may_v more_o discredit_v the_o gospel_n than_o your_o confession_n will_v honour_v it_o and_o yet_o your_o conscience_n be_v unquiet_a and_o urge_v you_o to_o confess_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v first_o well_o inform_v and_o proceed_v wary_o and_o upon_o deliberation_n and_o first_o open_v the_o case_n to_o some_o faithful_a minister_n or_o able_a christian_a in_o secret_a that_o you_o may_v have_v good_a advice_n 3._o the_o same_o counsel_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o your_o duty_n a_o magistrate_n be_v convince_v he_o must_v punish_v sinner_n and_o put_v down_o alehouse_n and_o be_v true_a to_o every_o just_a cause_n but_o then_o he_o must_v steel_n his_o face_n against_o all_o man_n reproach_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o all_o friend_n a_o minister_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o must_v teach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o well_o as_o public_o if_o he_o be_v able_a and_o that_o he_o must_v deal_v plain_o with_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o condition_n yea_o and_o require_v the_o church_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o they_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o evil_a after_o other_o sufficient_a mean_n but_o then_o he_o shall_v lose_v the_o love_n of_o his_o people_n and_o be_v account_v proud_a precise_a rigid_a lordly_a and_o perhaps_o lose_v his_o maintenance_n obey_v god_n now_o and_o the_o dear_a it_o cost_v you_o the_o more_o peace_n and_o protection_n and_o the_o large_a blessing_n may_v you_o expect_v from_o god_n for_o you_o do_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v god_n the_o more_o to_o stick_v to_o you_o as_o you_o will_v take_v yourself_o oblige_v to_o own_o and_o bear_v out_o and_o reward_v those_o that_o hazard_n state_n and_o credit_n and_o life_n for_o you_o and_o if_o you_o can_v obey_v god_n in_o such_o a_o trial_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a sign_n of_o a_o false-hearted_a hypocrite_n except_o your_o fall_n be_v only_o in_o a_o temptation_n from_o which_o you_o rise_v with_o renew_a repentance_n and_o resolution_n which_o will_v conquer_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o peter_n who_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o for_o a_o example_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o that_o christ_n may_v have_v no_o friend_n to_o stick_v by_o he_o when_o he_o suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n yet_o present_o weep_v bitter_o and_o afterward_o spend_v his_o strength_n and_o time_n in_o preach_v christ_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o martyrdom_n for_o he_o so_o perhaps_o many_o a_o poor_a servant_n or_o hard_a labourer_n have_v scarce_o any_o time_n except_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o pray_v or_o read_v let_v such_o pinch_n the_o flesh_n a_o little_a the_o more_o so_o they_o do_v not_o overthrow_v their_o health_n and_o either_o work_n the_o hard_a or_o fare_v the_o hard_a or_o be_v clothe_v the_o more_o mean_o or_o especial_o break_v a_o little_a of_o their_o sleep_n that_o they_o may_v find_v some_o time_n for_o these_o duty_n and_o try_v whether_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v not_o recompense_n it_o never_o any_o man_n be_v a_o loser_n for_o god_n so_o private_a christian_n can_v conscionable_o discharge_v the_o great_a plain_a duty_n of_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n lovingly_z yet_o plain_o tell_v their_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o danger_n and_o duty_n but_o they_o will_v turn_v friend_n into_o foe_n and_o possible_o set_v all_o the_o town_n on_o their_o head_n but_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v then_o trust_v god_n with_o the_o issue_n and_o do_v your_o work_n and_o see_v whether_o he_o will_v suffer_v you_o to_o be_v loser_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o if_o christian_n take_v god_n work_n before_o they_o and_o spare_v the_o flesh_n less_o and_o trust_v themselves_o and_o all_o to_o christ_n alone_o and_o do_v not_o balk_v all_o the_o troublesome_a costly_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o most_o cross_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o will_v be_v more_o ordinary_a with_o they_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o to_o have_v such_o full_a and_o frequent_a view_n both_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o evidence_a grace_n and_o of_o god_n reconcile_v face_n as_o will_v banish_v their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o their_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n then_o much_o other_o labour_n do_v prove_v if_o you_o flinch_v not_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o company_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o it_o if_o you_o flinch_v not_o the_o prison_n and_o stock_n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v as_o paul_n and_o silas_n do_v if_o you_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v stone_v with_o stephen_n you_o may_v perhaps_o see_v heaven_n open_v as_o he_o do_v if_o you_o think_v these_o comfort_n so_o dear_o buy_v that_o you_o will_v rather_o venture_v without_o they_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o may_v take_v your_o course_n but_o the_o end_n will_v convince_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o your_o choice_n never_o then_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n remember_v you_o may_v have_v have_v it_o and_o will_v not_o and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o this_o with_o you_o you_o will_v short_o find_v though_o worldly_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n be_v some_o slight_a salve_n to_o your_o molest_a conscience_n here_o yet_o there_o will_v no_o cure_n nor_o ease_n for_o it_o be_v find_v hereafter_o your_o merry_a hour_n will_v then_o all_o be_v go_v and_o your_o worldly_a delight_n forsake_v you_o in_o distress_n but_o these_o solid_a comfort_n which_o you_o judge_v too_o dear_a will_v have_v end_v in_o the_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o glory_n when_o man_n do_v flinch_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o strait_n and_o juggle_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o will_v take_v out_o all_o the_o honourable_a easy_a cheap_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o religion_n of_o that_o by_o itself_o leave_v out_o all_o the_o disgraceful_a difficult_a chargeable_a self-denying_a part_n and_o hereupon_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o the_o world_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o religiousness_n and_o take_v themselves_o injure_v if_o man_n question_v their_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o faith_n these_o man_n be_v notorious_a self-deceiver_n mere_a hypocrite_n and_o in_o plain_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a description_n by_o which_o damnable_a hypocrite_n be_v know_v from_o sound_a christian_n the_o lord_n open_a man_n eye_n to_o see_v it_o in_o time_n while_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v yea_o and_o the_o near_o any_o true_a christian_a do_v come_v to_o this_o sin_n the_o more_o do_v he_o disoblige_v god_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n and_o darken_v his_o own_o evidence_n and_o destroy_v his_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o create_v unavoidable_a trouble_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o estrangedness_n betwixt_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n avoid_v this_o therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v peace_n direction_n xxv_o 25._o my_o next_o advice_n shall_v be_v somewhat_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o former_a if_o you_o will_v learn_v the_o most_o expeditious_a way_n to_o peace_n and_o settle_a comfort_n study_v well_n the_o art_n of_o do_v good_a &_o let_v it_o be_v your_o every-day_n contrivance_n care_n and_o business_n how_o you_o may_v lay_v out_o all_o that_o god_n have_v trust_v you_o with_o to_o the_o great_a please_v of_o god_n and_o to_o your_o most_o comfortable_a account_n still_o remember_v lest_o any_o antinomian_a shall_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o savour_n of_o popery_n and_o trust_v for_o peace_n to_o our_o own_o work_n 1._o that_o you_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v any_o of_o christ_n honour_n or_o office_n to_o your_o best_a work_n you_o must_v not_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
passion_n by_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o by_o put_v both_o promise_n and_o dreadful_a threaten_n into_o his_o word_n i_o say_v if_o god_n by_o all_o these_o mean_n have_v give_v you_o several_a motive_n to_o obedience_n take_v heed_n of_o separate_v they_o do_v not_o once_o ask_v your_o heart_n such_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o will_v obey_v if_o there_o be_v no_o threaten_v and_o be_v no_o â—ear_n nor_o on_o the_o otherside_n do_v not_o let_v fear_n do_v all_o without_o love_n doubtless_o the_o more_o love_n constrain_v to_o duty_n the_o better_a it_o be_v and_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o your_o might_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v more_o of_o the_o force_n of_o love_n in_o your_o duty_n but_o do_v you_o not_o mark_v how_o you_o cherish_v that_o corruption_n that_o you_o complain_v of_o your_o doubt_n and_o torment_a fear_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o love_n shall_v cast_v out_o why_o then_o do_v you_o entertain_v they_o if_o you_o say_v i_o can_v help_v it_o why_o then_o do_v you_o cherish_v they_o and_o own_v they_o and_o plead_v and_o dispute_v for_o they_o and_o say_v you_o do_v well_o to_o doubt_v and_o you_o have_v cause_n will_v this_o ever_o cast_v out_o torment_v fear_n do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o way_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v they_o by_o distrustful_a thought_n or_o word_n but_o to_o see_v their_o sinfulness_n and_o abhor_v they_o and_o to_o get_v more_o high_a thought_n of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n that_o he_o have_v manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o you_o that_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o advance_v and_o powerful_a in_o your_o soul_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v out_o your_o torment_a fear_n why_o do_v you_o not_o do_v this_o instead_o of_o doubt_v if_o torment_v fear_n and_o doubt_n be_v a_o sin_n why_o do_v you_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o they_o and_o bewail_v it_o that_o you_o have_v be_v so_o guilty_a of_o they_o will_v you_o therefore_o doubt_v because_o you_o have_v slavish_a fear_n why_o that_o be_v to_o doubt_v because_o you_o doubt_v and_o to_o fear_v because_o you_o fear_v and_o so_o to_o sin_v still_o because_o you_o have_v sin_v consider_v well_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o course_n doubt_v vii_o but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o believe_v and_o without_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o please_a god_n nor_o hope_v of_o salvation_n i_o fear_v unbelief_n will_v be_v my_o ruin_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v answer_v this_o doubt_n full_o before_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n you_o think_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o you_o be_v justify_v but_o proper_o this_o be_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a assurance_n which_o be_v sometime_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o never_o in_o this_o life_n obtain_v by_o a_o believer_n faith_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v which_o immediate_o produce_v a_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o consent_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o and_o resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o which_o in_o the_o full_a sense_n be_v also_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v you_o not_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v therein_o if_o you_o be_v true_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v i_o dare_v say_v you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n if_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a for_o shame_n never_o complain_v man_n use_v rather_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o they_o be_v unwilling_a of_o then_o complain_v of_o their_o absence_n and_o that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v they_o 2._o however_o see_v you_o complain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cherish_v it_o and_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o by_o your_o own_o cogitation_n fetch_v in_o daily_a matter_n to_o feed_v it_o but_o do_v more_o in_o detestation_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o complain_v doubt_v viii_o but_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n answer_n 1._o feed_v your_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n and_o argue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o get_v the_o testimony_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o study_v with_o all_o saint_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n to_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o love_n and_o seek_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v you_o of_o god_n acknowledge_v god_n general_a love_n to_o mankind_n both_o in_o his_o gracious_a nature_n and_o common_a providence_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o deny_v not_o his_o special_a mercy_n to_o yourself_o but_o dwell_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o what_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mistake_n herein_o if_o you_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o you_o know_v it_o or_o not_o 3._o if_o by_o your_o own_o doubt_n you_o have_v deprive_v yourself_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bewail_v it_o and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v you_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n often_o work_v regeneration_n and_o holiness_n before_o he_o work_v any_o sensible_a joy_n 4._o you_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n leave_v in_o you_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o utter_a despair_n and_o be_v it_o no_o comfort_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v yet_o any_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o quite_o past_a all_o remedy_n it_o may_v be_v your_o sorrow_n may_v so_o cloud_v it_o that_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o know_v you_o can_v have_v the_o least_o hope_n without_o some_o answerable_a comfort_n and_o may_v not_o that_o comfort_n â—e_v true_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5._o and_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o have_v you_o no_o recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o your_o strait_n do_v you_o not_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n of_o your_o life_n have_v you_o receive_v no_o holy_a desire_n or_o other_o grace_n from_o he_o nay_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o how_o can_v you_o then_o say_v that_o you_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o he_o can_v there_o be_v communication_n of_o prayer_n and_o obedience_n from_o you_o yea_o your_o own_o self_n deliver_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o a_o communication_n of_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o this_o without_o communion_n it_o can_v be_v many_o a_o soul_n have_v most_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o know_v it_o not_o doubt_v ix_o i_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n when_o i_o shall_v pour_v out_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n i_o have_v neither_o bold_a access_n nor_o matter_n of_o prayer_n nor_o word_n answer_n do_v you_o know_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v it_o contain_v 1._o desire_v of_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o thing_n we_o want_v especial_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n 2._o an_z addressing_z ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o these_o desire_n that_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o relief_n from_o he_o have_v not_o you_o both_o these_o do_v you_o not_o desire_n christ_n and_o grace_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n do_v you_o not_o look_v to_o god_n as_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v your_o want_n and_o bid_v you_o ask_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v do_v you_o utter_o despair_v of_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o none_o or_o do_v you_o make_v your_o address_n by_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o look_v at_o word_n and_o matter_n to_o dilate_v upon_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o long_a speech_n to_o god_n and_o you_o think_v that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o in_o god_n word_n i_o confess_v that_o in_o many_o and_o most_o the_o spirit_n which_o help_v to_o desire_n do_v also_o help_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o
he_o to_o have_v die_v and_o satisfy_v in_o vain_a you_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o not_o a_o christian_a and_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o paul_n so_o much_o dispute_v against_o that_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n nay_o you_o must_v not_o to_o much_o as_o once_o imagine_v that_o all_o your_o own_o work_n can_v be_v any_o part_n of_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n to_o you_o only_a christ_n satisfaction_n and_o merit_n be_v in_o stead_n of_o this_o our_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o worthiness_n god_n never_o give_v christ_n and_o mercy_n to_o any_o but_o the_o unworthy_a in_o this_o sense_n if_o you_o know_v not_o yourself_o to_o be_v unworthy_a and_o unrighteous_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n you_o can_v know_v what_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v do_v christ_n come_v to_o save_v any_o but_o sinner_n and_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v what_o need_v you_o a_o saviour_n if_o you_o be_v not_o condemn_v and_o how_o come_v you_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o you_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a and_o unworthy_a but_o then_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o evangelical_n personal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n bestow_v christ_n righteousness_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o all_o have_v that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v that_o why_o it_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o condition_n and_o worthiness_n require_v to_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o pardon_n of_o all_o your_o sin_n past_a and_o your_o adoption_n and_o justification_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o your_o hearty_a thankful_a acceptance_n of_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v free_o give_v you_o of_o god_n by_o his_o covenant-grant_a that_o be_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o 1_o john_n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o there_o be_v no_o worthiness_n require_v in_o you_o before_o faith_n as_o a_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n will_v give_v you_o faith_n but_o only_o certain_a mean_v you_o be_v appoint_v to_o use_v for_o the_o obtain_n it_o and_o faith_n itself_o be_v but_o the_o acceptance_n of_o a_o free_a gift_n god_n require_v you_o not_o to_o bring_v any_o other_o worthiness_n or_o price_n in_o your_o hand_n but_o that_o you_o consent_v unfeigned_o to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v and_o to_o the_o end_n and_o use_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v that_o be_v as_o one_o that_o have_v satisfy_v for_o you_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o merit_n to_o put_v away_o your_o sin_n and_o as_o one_o that_o must_v illuminate_v and_o teach_v you_o sanctify_v and_o guide_n and_o govern_v you_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o as_o king_n and_o judge_n will_v full_o and_o final_o justify_v you_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o give_v you_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n christ_n on_o his_o part_n 1._o have_v merit_v your_o pardon_n by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o proper_o by_o his_o sanctify_v you_o 2._o and_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o rule_v you_o by_o his_o law_n and_o not_o direct_o by_o his_o bloodshed_n 3._o and_o he_o will_v justify_v you_o at_o judgement_n as_o king_n and_o judge_n and_o not_o as_o satisfier_n or_o sanctifier_n but_o the_o condition_n on_o your_o part_n of_o obtain_v interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v that_o our_o faith_n which_o accept_v he_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n both_o as_o king_n priest_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o all_o these_o end_n conjunct_o but_o then_o 2._o the_o condition_n and_o worthyness_n require_v to_o the_o continuation_n and_o consummate_v on_o of_o your_o pardon_n justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n be_v both_o the_o continuance_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o your_o sincere_a obedience_n even_o your_o keep_n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n that_o you_o make_v with_o christ_n by_o your_o parent_n and_o the_o covenant_n which_o you_o in_o your_o own_o person_n make_v with_o he_o in_o your_o first_o true_a believe_v these_o indeed_o be_v call_v worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n frequent_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v no_o worthiness_n consist_v in_o any_o such_o work_n which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v of_o debt_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n of_o which_o paul_n speak_v but_o only_a in_o faith_n and_o such_o gospel_n work_v as_o james_n speak_v of_o which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v whole_o of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n now_o if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v unworthy_a in_o this_o evangelical_n sense_n than_o you_o must_v mean_v if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v a_o infidel_n or_o unbeliever_n or_o a_o impenitent_a obstinate_a rebel_n that_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o he_o for_o the_o gospel_n call_v none_o unworthy_a as_o non-performer_n of_o its_o condition_n but_o only_o these_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o dare_v not_o charge_v yourself_o with_o such_o infidelity_n and_o wilful_a rebellion_n doubt_v xii_o though_o god_n have_v keep_v i_o from_o gross_a sin_n yet_o i_o find_v such_o a_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o little_a averseness_n from_o sin_n in_o my_o mind_n iâ—_n that_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o shall_v commit_v it_o if_o i_o lie_v under_o temptation_n and_o also_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o in_o trial_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v death_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o endure_v mere_o for_o want_n of_o a_o temptation_n be_v no_o true_a obedience_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v full_o answer_v this_o before_o if_o you_o can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v distrustful_o whether_o you_o shall_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o adversity_n and_o if_o god_n give_v you_o grace_n to_o avoid_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o fly_v occasion_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v and_o to_o overcome_v they_o where_o you_o can_v avoid_v they_o you_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o distrust_v his_o preservation_n of_o you_o and_o your_o steadfastness_n thereby_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o great_a temptation_n indeed_o if_o you_o feel_v not_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o to_o possess_v you_o with_o some_o sensible_a hatred_n of_o it_o you_o have_v need_n to_o look_v to_o your_o heart_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o that_o belief_n and_o hatred_n and_o fear_v your_o heart_n with_o a_o godly_a preserve_a jealousy_n but_o not_o with_o torment_v disquiet_v doubt_n whatever_o your_o passionate_a hatred_n be_v if_o you_o have_v a_o settle_a well-grounded_n resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o death_n you_o may_v confident_o &_o comfortable_o trust_v he_o for_o your_o preservation_n who_o give_v you_o those_o resolution_n 2._o and_o the_o last_o sentence_n of_o this_o doubt_n have_v need_n of_o great_a caution_n before_o you_o conclude_v it_o a_o certain_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o obedience_n which_o by_o a_o ordinary_a temptation_n such_o as_o man_n may_v expect_v will_v be_v overthrow_v be_v not_o well_o ground_v and_o root_v before_o it_o be_v overthrow_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o degree_n of_o temptation_n possible_a which_o will_v overcome_v the_o resolution_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a have_v such_o assistance_n as_o the_o spirit_n usual_o give_v believer_n in_o temptation_n and_o whether_o some_o temptation_n which_o overcome_v not_o a_o strong_a christian_a will_v not_o overcome_v a_o weak_a one_o who_o yet_o have_v true_a grace_n i_o conclude_v nothing_o of_o these_o doubt_n but_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o trouble_v yourself_o upon_o confident_a conclusion_n on_o so_o doubtful_a ground_n this_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o 1._o that_o the_o strong_a christian_n shall_v take_v heed_n of_o temptation_n and_o not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o presume_v on_o god_n preservation_n while_o he_o wilful_o cast_v himself_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o danger_n nor_o to_o be_v encourage_v hereunto_o upon_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o his_o fall_v away_o o_o the_o fall_v the_o fearful_a fall_n that_o i_o have_v know_v alas_o how_o often_o the_o eminent_a man_n for_o godliness_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o by_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o temptation_n i_o confess_v i_o will_v never_o be_v confident_a of_o that_o man_n perseverance_n be_v he_o the_o best_a that_o i_o know_v on_o earth_n who_o cast_v himself_o upon_o violent_a temptation_n espeâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—mptations_n of_o sensuality_n prosperity_n and_o seducement_n 2._o i_o know_v god_n have_v teach_v we_o daily_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a i_o never_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o petition_n feel_o till_o i_o see_v the_o example_n of_o these_o
we_o doubt_n we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o doubt_n i_o know_v you_o may_v easy_o tell_v a_o long_a and_o a_o sad_a story_n of_o your_o sin_n how_o you_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o and_o that_o and_o many_o a_o distemper_n and_o weak_a and_o want_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o have_v commit_v many_o sin_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n learn_v therefore_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o every_o sin_n but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n for_o every_o sin_n direction_n xxx_o 30._o whatsoever_o new_a doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o your_o soul_n see_v that_o you_o careful_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o general_n grace_n or_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o especial_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o when_o you_o want_v or_o lose_v your_o certainty_n of_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n you_o have_v present_o recourse_n to_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o lose_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o or_o if_o you_o shall_v lose_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o probability_n of_o special_a grace_n yet_o see_v that_o you_o have_v recourse_n at_o the_o utmost_a to_o general_n grace_n and_o never_o let_v go_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o rule_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a necessity_n and_o use_n for_o your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n here_o be_v three_o several_a degree_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n it_o be_v exceed_a weakness_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o of_o these_o hold_v therefore_o to_o let_v go_v the_o other_o too_o and_o because_o he_o can_v have_v the_o high_a degree_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o complain_n still_o remember_v the_o two_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o 1._o all_o doubt_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o have_v the_o same_o cure_n let_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v upon_o every_o doubt_n be_v this_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vnbelieving_a or_o low_a apprehension_n of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o from_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fit_a remedy_n for_o one_o of_o these_o will_v do_v little_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o your_o doubt_v be_v only_o whether_o you_o be_v sincere_a in_o believe_v love_a hope_v repent_v and_o obey_v then_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v this_o doubt_n though_o you_o discern_v never_o so_o much_o of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o christ_n gracious_a office_n or_o the_o universal_a sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n for_o i_o profess_v considerate_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o all_o the_o body_n of_o popery_n concern_v merit_n justification_n humane_a satisfaction_n assurance_n or_o any_o other_o point_n about_o grace_n for_o which_o we_o unchurch_n they_o that_o they_o err_v half_a so_o dangerous_o as_o saltmarsh_n and_o such_o antinomian_o do_v in_o this_o one_o point_n when_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o meaning_n it_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o must_v no_o more_o question_v our_o own_o faith_n than_o we_o must_v question_v christ_n the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o save_a plea_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o say_v though_o i_o repent_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o yet_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a or_o christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v for_o i_o or_o god_n make_v i_o a_o free_a promise_n and_o gift_n of_o salvation_n if_o i_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v what_o comfort_n will_v such_o a_o answer_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v now_o to_o quiet_a any_o know_a christian_a against_o those_o doubt_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o particular_a evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n though_o in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereto_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o any_o defect_n in_o your_o apprehension_n of_o general_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o your_o look_v after_o mark_v in_o yourself_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o resolve_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n lie_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o square_a foundation_n which_o will_v bear_v up_o all_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n first_o god_n merciful_a and_o unconceivable_o good_a and_o gracious_a nature_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n second_o the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n and_o man_n with_o his_o most_o gracious_a undertake_v office_n of_o save_v and_o reconcile_n three_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v accept_v he_o and_o his_o grace_n i_o put_v it_o in_o term_n beyond_o dispute_n because_o i_o will_v not_o build_v up_o believer_n comfort_n on_o point_n which_o godly_a divine_n do_v contradict_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o doubt_n myself_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o all_o and_o that_o no_o man_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n but_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v it_o or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o yield_v to_o recover_v grace_n the_o four_o be_v the_o universal_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o right_o to_o salvation_n on_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n or_o overlook_v of_o any_o of_o these_o to_o these_o must_v you_o have_v recourse_n for_o your_o cure_n where_o note_n that_o all_o those_o doubt_n which_o come_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n as_o such_o that_o you_o think_v will_v not_o therefore_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o come_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o a_o legal_a sense_n or_o want_v of_o merit_n in_o yourself_o and_o all_o your_o doubt_n whether_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v and_o forgive_v you_o though_o you_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o any_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v by_o christ_n for_o your_o sin_n i_o say_v all_o these_o come_v from_o your_o ignorance_n or_o unbelief_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o four_o general_a ground_n here_o mention_v and_o from_o they_o must_v be_v cure_v note_v also_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o four_o general_a ground_n and_o your_o particular_a evidence_n in_o point_n of_o certainty_n for_o these_o four_o corner-stone_n be_v fast_o found_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o removal_n so_o that_o they_o be_v always_o of_o as_o undoubted_a certainty_n as_o that_o the_o heaven_n be_v over_o your_o head_n and_o they_o be_v immutable_a still_o the_o same_o these_o you_o be_v command_v strict_o to_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v the_o clear_o reveal_v truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o yet_o they_o remain_v firm_a and_o true_a and_o your_o unbelief_n shall_v not_o make_v void_a the_o universal_a promise_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o your_o own_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a so_o clear_a or_o so_o immutable_a nor_o be_v you_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o but_o to_o search_v after_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v they_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o any_o word_n of_o god_n strict_o to_o believe_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v or_o repent_v but_o to_o try_v and_o discern_v it_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o direction_n that_o you_o always_o discover_v whether_o your_o trouble_n arise_v from_o low_a unbelieving_a or_o ignorant_a thought_n of_o god_n mercifulness_n christ_n gracious_a nature_n and_o office_n general_n satisfaction_n or_o the_o universal_a promise_n or_o whether_o they_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o yourself_o and_o according_o in_o your_o thought_n apply_v the_o remedy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o hold_v fast_a probability_n of_o special_a grace_n when_o you_o lose_v your_o certainty_n and_o that_o you_o hold_v fast_o your_o general_n ground_n when_o you_o lose_v both_o the_o former_a never_o forget_v this_o in_o any_o of_o your_o doubt_n you_o say_v your_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v such_o breach_n and_o sad_a defect_n in_o they_o that_o you_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v sincere_a suppose_v it_o be_v so_o do_v you_o see_v
policy_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o their_o minister_n be_v too_o stout_a and_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o a_o compassionate_a hear_n of_o their_o case_n especial_o if_o minister_n carry_v themselves_o strange_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o their_o people_n i_o will_v earnest_o entreat_v all_o minister_n therefore_o to_o be_v as_o familiar_a and_o as_o much_o with_o their_o people_n as_o they_o can_v papist_n and_o other_o seducer_n will_v insinuate_v themselves_o into_o their_o familiarity_n if_o we_o be_v strange_a if_o you_o teach_v they_o not_o in_o their_o house_n these_o will_n creep_v into_o their_o house_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_n i_o persuade_v other_o of_o my_o brethren_n to_o that_o which_o myself_o be_o disable_v from_o perform_v be_v by_o constant_a weakness_n beside_o unavoidable_a business_n confine_v to_o my_o chamber_n but_o those_o that_o can_v perform_v it_o will_v find_v this_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a work_n and_o let_v not_o poor_a people_n believe_v the_o devil_n who_o tell_v they_o that_o minister_n be_v so_o proud_a only_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o seek_v their_o advice_n go_v try_v they_o once_o before_o you_o believe_v it_o last_o remember_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o once_o open_v your_o case_n to_o your_o pastor_n but_o do_v it_o as_o often_o as_o necessity_n urge_v you_o to_o call_v for_o his_o advice_n though_o not_o on_o every_o light_a occasion_n live_v in_o such_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o advice_n and_o guidance_n of_o your_o pastor_n under_o christ_n for_o your_o soul_n as_o you_o do_v on_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o physician_n for_o your_o body_n read_v mal._n 2.7_o and_o let_v minister_n read_v 6_o 8_o 9_o direction_n xxxii_o 32._o as_o ever_o you_o will_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o understand_v and_o deep_o consider_v wherein_o the_o height_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v consist_v to_o wit_n in_o a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o then_o make_v this_o your_o constant_a aim_n and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o it_o and_o let_v all_o other_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o this_o this_o one_o rule_n well_o practise_v will_v do_v wonder_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o poor_a christian_n in_o dispel_v all_o their_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o help_v not_o only_o to_o a_o settle_a peace_n but_o to_o live_v in_o the_o most_o comfortable_a state_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o earth_n write_v therefore_o these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n and_o memory_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n be_v best_a please_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o endeavour_v be_v a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v no_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o subserve_v misapprehend_v the_o state_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v needs_o make_v sad_a distemper_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o conversation_n many_o christian_n look_v upon_o broken-heartedness_n and_o much_o grieve_v and_o weep_v for_o sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o and_o require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o bend_v all_o their_o endeavour_n this_o way_n and_o be_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o heart_n to_o break_v they_o more_o and_o wring_v their_o conscience_n to_o squeeze_v out_o some_o tear_n and_o they_o think_v no_o sermon_n no_o prayer_n no_o meditation_n speed_v so_o well_o with_o they_o as_o that_o which_o can_v help_v they_o to_o grieve_v or_o weep_v i_o be_o far_o from_o persuade_v man_n against_o humiliation_n &_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sore_a error_n that_o you_o lay_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o overlook_v that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n and_o state_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n have_v any_o pleasure_n in_o your_o sorrow_n as_o such_o do_v it_o do_v he_o good_a to_o see_v you_o deject_v afflict_a and_o torment_v alas_o it_o be_v only_o as_o your_o sorrow_n do_v kill_v your_o sin_n and_o mortify_v your_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o prepare_v for_o your_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o god_n regard_v they_o because_o god_n do_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o trouble_v droop_a spirit_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o contrite_a and_o love_v the_o humble_a and_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a therefore_o man_n misunderstanding_n he_o do_v think_v they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o be_v still_o break_v their_o own_o heart_n whereas_o god_n speak_v it_o but_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o hatred_n to_o the_o proud_a and_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o humble_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overwhelm_v or_o despair_v but_o o_o christian_n understand_v and_o consider_v that_o all_o your_o sorrow_n be_v but_o preparative_n to_o your_o joy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o sweet_a work_n that_o god_n call_v you_o to_o and_o will_v have_v you_o spend_v your_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o be_v love_n a_o work_n that_o be_v wage_n to_o itself_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v know_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o torment_a and_o discontent_a life_n 2._o the_o next_o part_n be_v delight_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n and_o fore-thought_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n psal_n 37.4_o delight_n thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v it_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v bend_v your_o study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delight_n itself_o in_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n be_v thankfulness_n and_o praise_n though_o i_o say_v not_o as_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o no_o fear_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v of_o god_n but_o act_n only_o from_o thankfulness_n as_o though_o we_o have_v all_o that_o we_o expect_v already_o yet_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o gospel-obedience_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o the_o regenerate_v after_o faith_n but_o even_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o who_o be_v call_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o glad_a and_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n offer_v they_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n be_v fall_v under_o god_n wrath_n and_o deserve_a condemnation_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v become_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o so_o bring_v all_o from_o that_o legal_a necessity_n of_o perish_v which_o they_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o this_o be_v glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o they_o and_o the_o very_o justify_v act_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v thankful_o to_o accept_v christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v already_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v save_v they_o if_o they_o accept_v he_o and_o will_v follow_v his_o save_a counsel_n and_o use_v his_o save_a mean_n and_o the_o save_a work_n which_o they_o must_v proceed_v in_o be_v thankfulness_n to_o obey_v that_o redeemer_n who_o they_o believe_v in_o so_o that_o as_o general_a redemption_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o new_a world_n and_o its_o government_n so_o thankfulness_n for_o this_o redemption_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o therefore_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o universal_a redemption_n as_o to_o the_o price_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v both_o disable_v wicked_a man_n if_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v with_o his_o benefit_n and_o this_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o die_v for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o for_o what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o pardon_v and_o save_v we_o and_o it_o do_v disable_v all_o true_a believer_n from_o gospel_n grateful_a obedience_n when_o ever_o they_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o alas_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o with_o they_o for_o when_o they_o can_v have_v special_a grace_n in_o their_o eye_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o according_a to_o