the_o visible_a church_n who_o because_o of_o their_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n look_v upon_o assurance_n as_o a_o unattainable_a thing_n as_o to_o the_o second_o observation_n the_o way_n to_o win_v to_o this_o assurance_n it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o text_n and_o it_o be_v by_o get_v a_o two_o fold_v testimony_n for_o our_o sonship_n the_o one_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o other_o from_o our_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n testify_v to_o our_o sonship_n one_a by_o give_v a_o external_n revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o penitent_a believer_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o 2_o the_o spirit_n concur_v with_o this_o testimony_n by_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v it_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o external_n revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o 3_o the_o spirit_n concur_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o sonship_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gracious_a sanctify_a presence_n in_o we_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n call_v he_o the_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n eph._n 1_o 13_o and_o god_n seal_v on_o we_o eph_n 4.30_o 4_o the_o spirit_n testify_v our_o sonship_n by_o give_v we_o this_o internal_a objective_n revelation_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v son_n and_o that_o we_o have_v these_o true_a grace_n in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o our_o adopt_a state_n and_o albeit_o we_o can_v discern_v a_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inject_v this_o thought_n in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v â—onâ—_n differ_v i_o say_v from_o the_o act_n of_o our_o conscience_n conclude_v our_o sonship_n from_o reflect_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o grace_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o the_o thought_n and_o persuasion_n inject_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o total_a expulsion_n of_o all_o fear_n whereas_o the_o act_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v some_o mixture_n of_o fear_n attend_v it_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o text_n which_o assert_n the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o co-witness_n with_o conscience_n testifie_v sonship_n it_o suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v this_o internal_a objective_n revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o a_o distinct_a testimony_n from_o that_o of_o the_o conscience_n for_o to_o say_v that_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v to_o assist_v the_o conscience_n conclude_v sonship_n from_o the_o discern_a of_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o renew_a state_n to_o say_v this_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o text_n for_o in_o that_o case_n the_o spirit_n help_v only_o the_o conscience_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n but_o he_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o testator_n himself_o yea_o also_o and_o another_o testator_n beside_o the_o conscience_n which_o the_o text_n do_v here_o assert_v neither_o do_v tâ—_n be_v assertion_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v this_o internal_a objective_n revelation_n anent_o the_o son_n ship_n of_o the_o saint_n take_v off_o believer_n from_o the_o write_a word_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o their_o life_n and_o expose_v believer_n to_o delusion_n by_o lead_v they_o to_o wait_v upon_o internal_a revelation_n differ_v from_o the_o revelation_n make_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o one_a because_o this_o internal_a revelation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture-revelation_n because_o it_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o sonship_n to_o a_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v all_o the_o scripture-mark_n of_o a_o adopt_a state_n neither_o be_v this_o internal_a revelation_n of_o sonship_n to_o a_o particular_a believer_n a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n add_v to_o the_o creed_n of_o other_o believer_n obliedge_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o same_o it_o be_v only_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o truth_n consonant_n to_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o a_o particular_a believer_n to_o his_o comfort_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o assert_v of_o such_o a_o revelation_n leave_v man_n at_o great_a uncertainty_n because_o they_o may_v take_v satan_n suggestion_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n conclude_v upon_o rational_a ground_n their_o sonship_n he_o be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v a_o co-witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n 2_o where_o it_o be_v it_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o disposition_n and_o promptitude_n for_o prayer_n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n 3_o it_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o holiness_n it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o give_v this_o testimony_n eph._n 1.13_o there_o be_v these_o three_o or_o four_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v win_v to_o this_o spirit_n testimony_n as._n one_a by_o exact_a walk_n god_n give_v it_o as_o a_o reward_n to_o his_o obedient_a child_n 2_o by_o be_v of_o a_o gospel-frame_n of_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o well_o in_o his_o comfort_a testimony_n as_o in_o his_o sanctify_a virtue_n by_o improve_n the_o gospel_n we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o that_o be_v by_o the_o acceptance_n and_o improve_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o 3d._a way_n we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v devout_a much_o give_v to_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n prompt_v we_o to_o pray_v be_v attend_v with_o this_o testimony_n as_o we_o see_v by_o their_o two_o verse_n join_v together_o a_o four_o way_n to_o win_v at_o it_o be_v labour_n for_o the_o constant_a witness_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n testify_v to_o our_o son_n ship_n and_o this_o be_v win_v at_o by_o study_v singleness_n and_o sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o see_v jobâ—_n experience_n 2_o we_o will_v labour_v for_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n for_o when_o grace_n be_v grow_v it_o be_v better_a see_v than_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a measure_n 3_o we_o will_v labour_v to_o have_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o our_o shortcome_v in_o some_o make_v we_o jealous_a we_o want_v all_o 4_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o self-denying_a act_n of_o obedience_n we_o will_v ready_o answer_v god_n call_v for_o if_o god_n take_v self-denying_a act_n of_o obedience_n for_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n own_o conscience_n may_v safe_o take_v they_o for_o a_o sure_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o for_o god_n say_v gen._n 22._o that_o by_o abraham_n offer_v up_o of_o isaac_n he_o know_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n verse_n 17._o and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o here_o the_o apostle_n infer_v a_o certainty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o inheritance_n if_o child_n then_o hear_v and_o he_o commend_v that_o inheritance_n from_o these_o two_o ground_n as_o one_a it_o be_v a_o inheritance_n suitable_a to_o the_o giver_n they_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n 2d_o ground_n be_v it_o be_v the_o same_o inheritance_n possess_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v coheir_n with_o he_o the_o apostle_n here_o also_o prevent_v a_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n which_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o suffer_a lot_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o he_o turn_v the_o objection_n to_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n see_v 1_o pet._n 1.14_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o observe_v one_a from_o the_o text_n that_o god_n child_n shall_v certain_o possess_v the_o inheritance_n the_o one_a ground_n of_o this_o objective_a certainty_n be_v the_o oath_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n see_v heb._n 6._o 2d_o ground_n be_v the_o two_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n whereby_o they_o have_v right_o to_o this_o inheritance_n and_o these_o be_v one_a justification_n tit._n 3.6_o 2_o adoption_n see_v the_o text._n 3d._n ground_n be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o god_n confirm_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o inheritance_n to_o his_o people_n one_a seal_n be_v the_o internal_a seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 1.13_o 2d_o seal_n be_v the_o external_a seal_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n which_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o cup_n which_o we_o drink_v be_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o blood_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o we_o know_v
2_o 16._o 2ly_n by_o make_v christ_n resurrection_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.21_o 3_o by_o make_v his_o entry_n into_o heaven_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o heb._n 6._o last_o 4_o bâ—_n discern_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o precede_a verse_n 5_o by_o observe_v the_o victory_n over_o temptation_n that_o god_n afford_v we_o psal_n 73.24_o observe_v from_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o our_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v not_o present_o enjoy_v but_o defer_v one_a because_o christ_n mystical_a be_v not_o perfect_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o altar_n rev._n 6._o their_o cry_n be_v not_o answer_v until_o their_o brethren_n suffering_n be_v fulfil_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 2_o individual_a believer_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v free_a of_o sin_n and_o mortality_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 3ly_n god_n continue_v believer_n in_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o translate_v they_o to_o heaven_n present_o that_o they_o may_v beâ—_n light_n shine_v in_o the_o dark_a world_n by_o good_a example_n 4_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v off_o wrath_n from_o the_o society_n where_o they_o live_v if_o there_o have_v be_v ten_o righteous_a person_n in_o sodom_n it_o have_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v intercessor_n for_o the_o sinful_a â—orld_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v destroy_v as_o moses_n be_v â—r_o sinful_a israel_n ezod_n 32._o and_o 5_o it_o be_v defer_v â—at_a heaven_n may_v be_v the_o sweet_a when_o it_o come_v â—ope_v defer_v make_v the_o heart_n sick_a but_o when_o the_o â—re_n come_v it_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n prov_fw-mi 13.12_o use_v of_o caution_n beware_v of_o choose_v present_a pleaâ—res_n before_o a_o defer_a happiness_n for_o these_o pleaâ—res_n be_v insufficient_a eccl._n 2.1_o 2_o they_o be_v the_o â—easures_n of_o sin_n and_o very_o momentany_a heb_n 11.25_o â—y_a this_o defer_a happiness_n be_v very_o certain_a and_o â—ery_o near_o rom._n 13._o it_o be_v say_v our_o salvation_n be_v near_a â—en_n when_o we_o believe_v heb._n 10.37_o use_v 2d_o wonder_v not_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n delay_v the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o his_o kirk_n see_v he_o delay_n â—e_v complete_a delivery_n of_o it_o the_o church_n lie_v â—nder_o the_o egyptian_a and_o babilonish_a captivity_n be_v â—ong_o but_o see_v this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o saint_n their_o trial_n to_o have_v their_o partial_a and_o total_a deliverance_n deer_v we_o shall_v be_v prepare_v to_o bear_v it_o first_o by_o consider_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v come_v â—ly_o by_o consider_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v appoint_v â—he_v fit_a season_n for_o its_o come_n which_o will_v tend_v most_o â—o_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o comfort_n 3_o we_o shall_v comfort_v ourselves_o by_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v still_o at_o work_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n fulfil_v scripture-prediction_n use_v 3d._n that_o since_o this_o happiness_n be_v defer_v while_o we_o have_v time_n we_o shall_v improve_v it_o in_o make_v our_o title_n sure_a to_o it_o and_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o it_o observe_v next_o that_o since_o happiness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o hope_n we_o have_v no_o certainty_n for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v only_o knowable_a by_o supernatural_a revelation_n col._n 1.5_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o happiness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o mercy_n the_o act_n of_o which_o attribute_n be_v free_a and_o therefore_o only_o knowable_a by_o divine_a revelation_n though_o the_o act_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v necessary_a and_o so_o easy_o know_v by_o nature_n light_n 2_o this_o happiness_n be_v hide_v and_o veil_v to_o sense_n by_o many_o vail_n of_o sinfulness_n misery_n and_o mortality_n the_o difficulty_n of_o faith_n and_o unstability_n thereof_o in_o believer_n tell_v it_o have_v no_o sensible_a certainty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o total_a ignorance_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o this_o truth_n with_o the_o scant_a knowledge_n that_o those_o have_v of_o it_o that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a certainty_n for_o heaven_n use_v of_o caution_n let_v not_o the_o sensible_a certainty_n of_o allure_v present_a good_a be_v prefer_v to_o this_o happiness_n for_o the_o allure_a good_a of_o this_o world_n be_v uncertain_a and_o ensnare_a 2_o let_v not_o the_o sensible_a persecution_n of_o this_o world_n deter_v you_o from_o your_o duty_n so_o as_o to_o make_v you_o miss_v this_o happiness_n for_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o persecution_n be_v but_o chastisement_n heb._n 12._o it_o be_v limit_v psal_n 76._o jer._n 10._o it_o be_v mix_v with_o strong_a consolation_n 2_o cor._n 1.6_o it_o be_v light_a and_o momentany_a 2_o cor._n 4._o and_o penult_n a_o second_o use_v of_o trial_n see_v you_o want_v of_o sensible_a certainty_n of_o it_o try_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o it_o or_o no_o mark_n of_o it_o be_v first_o you_o will_v please_v god_n with_o enoch_n heb_n 11.6_o 2_o you_o will_v choose_v affliction_n before_o sin_n with_o moses_n heb._n 11.35_o 3_o you_o will_v be_v stranger_n oâ—_n the_o earth_n with_o the_o patriarth_n heb._n 11_o 13._o 4ly_n you_o will_v be_v hearty_a sufferer_n for_o christ_n heb._n 10.34_o 2_o tim._n 1_o 12._o a_o 5_o mark_n be_v you_o will_v be_v unwearied_a in_o diligence_n for_o do_v good_a 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o last_o you_o will_v be_v fearless_a of_o death_n phil_n 1.23_o 2_o cor._n 5.1_o 2._o a_o 3d._n use_v be_v an_o use_v of_o exhortation_n since_o you_o want_v the_o sensible_a certainty_n of_o your_o happiness_n labour_n for_o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o it_o for_o this_o effect_n labour_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o with_o christ_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n will_v draw_v with_o it_o the_o believe_a certainty_n of_o this_o happiness_n see_v eph._n 1.18_o 19_o 2ly_n meditate_v much_o on_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n christ_n tell_v the_o saducee_n that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n to_o life_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o 3d._n help_v to_o faith_n look_v on_o the_o spirit_n presence_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o earnest_n for_o so_o it_o call_v eph._n 1.2_o cor._n 5._o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v make_v we_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n 4_o we_o shall_v with_o abraham_n not_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n through_o unbelief_n we_o shall_v not_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o shall_v instant_o repel_v all_o thought_n of_o the_o improbability_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o promise_n abraham_n will_v not_o consider_v his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a we_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o obey_v this_o exhortation_n to_o have_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o happiness_n when_o we_o want_v the_o sensible_a certainty_n thereof_o the_o more_o need_n we_o have_v of_o it_o under_o the_o cross_n nor_o any_o other_o time_n because_o our_o sight_n by_o faith_n of_o heaven_n be_v dimn_v under_o cross_n for_o one_a our_o conscience_n accuse_v we_o of_o sin_n and_o for_o our_o gild_n then_o 2_o we_o become_v jealous_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o former_a experience_n of_o god_n love_n 3_o with_o hezekiah_n we_o become_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o growth_n and_o continuance_n of_o our_o trial_n isai_n 38._o from_o day_n until_o night_n thou_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o and_o because_o with_o the_o church_n lam._n 3._o he_o will_v reckon_v god_n his_o enemy_n and_o his_o case_n hopeless_a all_o which_o be_v cloud_n to_o dim_v our_o sight_n of_o heaven_n use_v of_o instruction_n this_o let_v we_o see_v first_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v need_n of_o save_v grace_n to_o help_v they_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o assent_n be_v no_o found_v on_o sensible_a certainty_n or_o rational_a evidence_n but_o upon_o divine_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n it_o most_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.10_o 2_o this_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o that_o be_v wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o call_v it_o be_v because_o they_o know_v not_o to_o set_v to_o their_o seal_n to_o god_n truth_n all_o that_o they_o win_v to_o be_v the_o improvemeâ—_n of_o their_o reason_n now_o follow_v the_o description_n of_o the_o affection_n oâ—_n hope_n it_o be_v call_v a_o patient_n wait_v for_o heaven_n whicâ—_n import_v first_o a_o longing_n for_o heaven_n 2_o tim._n 4._o â—_o rom._n 8_o 23_o phil._n 3_o last_o 2_o cor._n 4._o last_o and_o 5_o and_o 〈◊〉_d phil._n 1.23_o the_o excellency_n and_o eternity_n of_o the_o
believe_v that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o these_o privilege_n for_o this_o see_v mat._n 7.21_o aâ—_n rom._n 2.28_o 29._o 2d_o cause_o of_o this_o mistake_v 〈◊〉_d that_o people_n think_v that_o to_o whosoever_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v administer_v though_o they_o be_v voiâ—_n of_o christ_n spirit_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n against_o this_o see_v rom._n 2_o 2d_o if_o thou_o break_v the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n and_o luke_n 3.7_o 8._o also_o simon_n magus_n be_v baptize_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o baptism_n give_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v who_o be_v not_o ignorant_a oâ—_n scandalous_a a_o right_a to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o alâ—_n church-institution_n but_o it_o do_v not_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o right_n to_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n except_o they_o cordial_o receive_v christ_n offer_v therein_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v real_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o close_o particular_a and_o condescend_v good_a offer_v therein_o but_o it_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o give_v that_o good_a to_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o and_o will_v not_o cordial_o accept_v it_o a_o 3d._a cause_n of_o the_o mistake_n be_v they_o take_v morality_n for_o true_a grace_n so_o they_o think_v their_o morality_n evidence_v their_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o christ_n tell_v we_o mat._n 5.20_o that_o our_o righteousness_n must_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n otherways_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o four_o cause_o be_v they_o think_v the_o great_a and_o sole_a end_n of_o christ_n mission_n be_v to_o free_v they_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o they_o think_v though_o they_o be_v void_a of_o christ_n spirit_n they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o think_v christ_n be_v come_v to_o save_v they_o from_o wrath_n though_o they_o take_v liberty_n to_o live_v as_o they_o will_v so_o they_o make_v christ_n the_o minister_n of_o sin_n see_v gal._n 2.17_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o person_n be_v evidence_v from_o this_o that_o christ_n errand_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n a_o 5_o cause_o of_o this_o mistake_n be_v that_o unrenewed_a folk_n take_v the_o challenge_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n for_o they_o conclude_v from_o have_v these_o challenge_n that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o altogether_o want_v he_o but_o to_o undeceive_v such_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o external_n conversation_n be_v regular_a although_o the_o inward_a frame_n with_o paul_n as_o rom._n 7._o may_v want_v some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n likeas_n the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o they_o be_v they_o oppose_v heart-evils_a as_o well_o as_o external-evils_a evil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o evil_n against_o the_o moral-law_n as_o this_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o that_o want_v christ_n spirit_n christ_n have_v no_o such_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o they_o as_o he_o have_v in_o believer_n so_o it_o plain_o suppose_v that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o have_v this_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o shall_v clear_v one_a that_o it_o be_v so_o 2_o confirm_v it_o by_o tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n from_o whence_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n flow_v 3_o what_o be_v the_o end_n and_o use_v for_o which_o god_n bestow_v this_o benefit_n on_o believer_n 4_o we_o shall_v exhort_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o improve_v this_o benefit_n and_o not_o to_o lie_v out_o in_o the_o use_n make_v of_o it_o and_o 5_o see_v all_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v the_o spirit_n and_o none_o other_o we_o will_v reprove_v those_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o question_n christ_n peculiar_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o he_o as_o for_o the_o first_o scripture_n show_v it_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n confirm_v it_o that_o believer_n have_v the_o spirit_n one_a their_o illumination_n clear_v it_o their_o distinct_a clear_a near_o and_o solid_a view_n of_o the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o god_n covenant_n that_o the_o sharp_a wit_n that_o want_v the_o spirit_n reckon_v foolishness_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o that_o illumination_n discover_v itself_o in_o a_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n discover_v it_o if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n the_o thorrowness_n of_o the_o change_n upon_o the_o whole_a faculty_n and_o the_o whole_a conversation_n the_o constancy_n of_o the_o change_n the_o suddenness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v carry_v over_o great_a and_o manifold_a obstruction_n from_o allurement_n and_o terror_n from_o bad_a counsel_n and_o bad_a custom_n from_o many_o false_a suggestion_n of_o a_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o subtle_a reason_n of_o a_o tempt_a devil_n 3_o the_o spirit_n consolation_n evince_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o gift_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o saint_n heart_n be_v keep_v up_o under_o fight_n without_o and_o terror_n within_o 4._o their_o devotion_n clear_v it_o if_o you_o consider_v their_o single_a humble_a fervent_a spiritual_a and_o confident_a desire_n persevere_v in_o notwithstanding_o of_o gild_n corruption_n misery_n and_o repulse_n sure_o such_o desire_n come_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o omnipotent_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o gift_n may_v be_v one_a the_o internal_a move_a cause_n be_v elect_v love_n 2ly_a the_o meritorious_a cause_n be_v christ_n satisfaction_n gal._n 3.13_o 14._o 3ly_n the_o procure_a cause_n be_v christ_n intercession_n john_n 14.16_o 4_o the_o dispense_v cause_n be_v christ_n himself_o john_n 16.7_o and_o 15.26_o 5ly_n the_o final_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o this_o gift_n be_v these_o following_z he_o be_v give_v one_a as_o a_o illuminator_fw-la to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o dubious_a case_n and_o lead_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o 2d_o end_n be_v to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n rom._n 8.26_o 3d._n be_v to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o trouble_n john_n 14.16_o a_o four_o be_v to_o sanctify_v we_o 1_o thess_n 4.7_o a_o 5_o be_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o to_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n thereof_o eph._n 1.19_o a_o 6_o end_n be_v he_o be_v god_n mark_n and_o seal_v upon_o we_o till_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n to_o obstruct_v the_o world_n calumny_n whereby_o they_o calumniate_v we_o as_o hypocrite_n and_o to_o hinder_v we_o to_o dispose_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o we_o be_v our_o own_o and_o 7_o that_o his_o presence_n may_v be_v a_o stand_a witness_n in_o and_o to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o as_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n how_o to_o improve_v this_o gift_n we_o have_v by_o promise_n from_o the_o father_n love_n christ_n merit_n and_o intercession_n one_a believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o this_o promise_a mercy_n eph._n 1.13_o 2_o we_o will_v pray_v for_o it_o luke_n 11.13_o 3_o we_o will_v obey_v the_o spirit_n motion_n gal._n 5._o penult_n 4_o grieve_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o meddle_v not_o with_o these_o sin_n mention_v eph._n 4.30_o 5_o savour_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o spiritual_a privilege_n rom._n 8.4_o a_o second_o use_n be_v since_o these_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v this_o gift_n and_o none_o other_o it_o reprove_v these_o that_o participate_v in_o part_n of_o this_o gift_n and_o question_n christ_n interest_n in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o he_o and_o that_o first_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o misery_n cross_n and_o mortality_n 2_o on_o account_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a infirmity_n 3_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o partial_a darkness_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 4_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o strong_a temptation_n from_o satan_n verse_n 10._o and_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n the_o apostle_n have_v apply_v to_o the_o roman_n the_o former_a privilege_n speak_v of_o in_o
the_o reality_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o this_o they_o will_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v god_n a_o four_o use_n be_v an_o use_v of_o trial_n to_o try_v if_o we_o bâ—_n the_o worse_a of_o affliction_n or_o not_o the_o first_o be_v if_o that_o rue_n in_o your_o religion_n mal._n 3_o 14._o 2ly_n when_o 〈◊〉_d reckon_v god_n former_a favour_n snare_n and_o entanglement_n jos_n 7_o 7._o 3ly_a when_o your_o affliction_n driâ—_n you_o to_o unlawful_a mean_n for_o your_o relief_n 1_o sam._n 27_o â—_o and_o when_o you_o use_v lawful_a mean_n without_o dependant_a on_o god_n 2_o chor_n 16_o 12._o 4ly_n when_o you_o continâ—_n in_o old_a sin_n 2_o cho_n 28_o 22._o â—ly_o when_o your_o repine_n against_o providence_n weaken_v your_o love_n to_o god_n anâ—_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o make_v you_o under_o value_n the_o present_a mercy_n of_o your_o lot_n as_o the_o child_n oâ—_n israel_n do_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 6_o when_o people_n stiâ—_n and_o refuse_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o word_n under_o their_o affliction_n exod_a 6_o 9_o 7ly_n when_o they_o weary_a of_o theâ—_n life_n with_o rachael_n gen_n 30_o 1._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v for_o good_a it_o may_v be_v take_v more_o general_o as_o take_v in_o prosperity_n alse_a well_o as_o adversity_n for_o prosperity_n mâ—_n through_o god_n blessing_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o believer_n for_o it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o charity_n humility_n sobriety_n and_o thankfulness_n use_v of_o reproof_n to_o these_o that_o censure_n providence_n which_o censure_n of_o providence_n arise_v from_o atheism_n 〈◊〉_d deny_v of_o providence_n 2_o it_o arise_v from_o unbeliâ—_n question_v of_o god_n love_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o providence_n to_o our_o advantage_n 3_o from_o sensuality_n the_o incline_v we_o to_o misconstruct_v all_o providence_n that_o do_v nâ—_n gratify_v the_o same_o 4_o from_o too_o hasty_a pass_a sentence_n upon_o providence_n before_o these_o signal_n period_n of_o 〈◊〉_d come_v that_o may_v manifest_v its_o meaning_n 5_o thâ—_n censure_n of_o providence_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n 〈◊〉_d the_o ill_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o how_o close_o these_o ill_n stick_v 〈◊〉_d we_o so_o much_o we_o have_v need_n of_o sharp_a cross_n to_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o 6_o the_o censure_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o narrow_a view_n of_o it_o that_o every_o stroke_n of_o providence_n have_v various_a effect_n upon_o various_a person_n in_o various_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 7_o it_o arise_v from_o not_o consider_v that_o god_n may_v send_v a_o lesser_a cross_n to_o prevent_v a_o great_a see_v jer._n 24.5_o now_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o consolation_n the_o apostle_n say_v they_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o one_a by_o scripture_n jer._n 24.5_o psal_n 34.20_o 2_o by_o experience_n and_o this_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o one_a that_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o experience_n of_o our_o advantage_n by_o the_o cross_n and_o 2_o we_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n upon_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o experience_n this_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o the_o world_n more_o inexcusable_a for_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n than_o those_o that_o be_v observer_n of_o former_a experience_n the_o use_n of_o exhortation_n be_v that_o they_o will_v remember_v how_o oft_o the_o cross_n have_v bear_v down_o their_o pride_n restrain_v their_o predominants_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o send_v they_o often_o to_o prayer_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v this_o observation_n of_o experience_n because_o if_o it_o be_v make_v and_o well_o improven_v the_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o turn_v now_o as_o argument_n for_o our_o unbelief_n will_v prove_v confirmation_n for_o our_o faith_n he_o describe_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o consolation_n belong_v from_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o this_o he_o do_v one_a because_o love_n be_v best_a try_v by_o the_o cross_n as_o to_o its_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n it_o be_v sincere_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o his_o spiritual_a benefit_n 2_o as_o to_o its_o constancy_n it_o be_v a_o constant_a love_n that_o incline_v a_o soul_n to_o take_v part_n with_o god_n under_o cross_n 2_o he_o describe_v their_o person_n from_o loâ—_n to_o god_n because_o love_n defend_v they_o from_o the_o snaâ—_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o use_v unlawful_a meâ—_n for_o our_o relief_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v discontent_a witâ—_n our_o lot_n as_o be_v content_a with_o god_n as_o our_o porticeâ—_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v misconstructer_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o we_o 2_o he_o describe_v their_o â—_z to_o who_o the_o consolation_n belong_v to_o be_v love_n of_o god_n because_o love_n further_v the_o accomplishmeâ—_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v design_v by_o god_n such_o 〈◊〉_d near_a communion_n with_o god_n hatred_n at_o sin_n a_o mourning_n for_o it_o use_v of_o instruction_n here_o we_o may_v see_v upon_o wâ—_n we_o may_v father_n the_o miss_n of_o the_o spiritual_a benefiâ—_n of_o the_o cross_n viz._n upon_o the_o want_n of_o love_n to_o goâ—_n use_v 2d_o of_o trial_n to_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v lover_n god_n or_o not_o try_v your_o reality_n of_o love_n by_o your_o delight_n in_o god_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o your_o obedient_a john_n 14.28_o use_v 3d._n of_o exhortation_n to_o laboâ—_n for_o love_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n believe_v god_n love_n 〈◊〉_d you_o 2_o consider_v the_o mercy_n of_o your_o lot_n anâ—_n 3_o repel_v these_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n thâ—_n satan_n make_v of_o he_o as_o though_o he_o be_v cruel_a because_o he_o be_v cross_v we_o verse_n 28._o to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n here_o a_o 2d_o description_n of_o these_o person_n to_o whoâ—_n all_o providence_n be_v profitable_a and_o it_o be_v froâ—_n their_o effectual_a call_v the_o phrase_n here_o use_v aboâ—_n this_o call_v import_v these_o four_n one_a the_o specialiâ—_n of_o this_o mercy_n 2_o that_o it_o flow_v from_o mere_a grace_n for_o where_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n that_o be_v a_o note_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o call_v that_o be_v according_a to_o work_n 2_o tim._n 1_o 9_o 3ly_n it_o import_v the_o effectualness_n of_o the_o call_v for_o god_n purpose_n be_v a_o stand_a purpose_n rom._n 9_o 11_o and_o 4_o it_o import_v the_o perseveringness_n of_o this_o call_v because_o it_o be_v a_o unalterable_a purpose_n for_o the_o one_a that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a call_n appear_v because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a call_v alone_o for_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o restrict_v by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o calling_n according_a to_o purpose_n now_o all_o the_o external_o call_v be_v not_o thus_o internal_o call_v for_o many_o of_o the_o external_o call_v one_o be_v not_o convert_v see_v deut._n 29.5_o but_o all_o the_o internal_o call_v one_o be_v convert_v john_n 6.45_o beside_o this_o be_v not_o the_o simple_a external_a call_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o call_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect._n it_o be_v a_o call_v square_v by_o purpose_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o purpose_n of_o election_n and_o since_o there_o be_v a_o call_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o where_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o call_v and_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n go_v together_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o that_o call_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_a be_v mean_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o external_a call_n for_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o more_o than_o the_o elect_n by_o christ_n word_n many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o external_o call_v be_v internal_o call_v because_o the_o external_o call_v be_v say_v to_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n answ_n such_o may_v be_v say_v to_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o stephen_n hearer_n do_v act_v 7._o who_o resist_v his_o external_a call_n and_o who_o resist_v his_o common_a operation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o internal_a call_n be_v always_o attend_v on_o the_o external_a call_n because_o the_o spirit_n efficacy_n be_v join_v with_o the_o dâ—pensation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o promise_n make_v toâ—_n church_n isa_n 59_o last_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o proâ—_n do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o dispensation_n of_o the_o woâ—_n have_v the_o spirit_n attendance_n on_o it_o it_o say_v indeed_o thâ—_n the_o spirit_n presence_n never_o whole_o leave_v the_o visiâ—_n church_n neither_o will_v this_o opinion_n viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d external_a call_n may_v be_v
be_v oppress_v with_o his_o sickness_n and_o when_o he_o undelivered_a he_o can_v not_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sense_n he_o have_v of_o it_o 4_o he_o bring_v his_o people_n to_o this_o pass_n to_o try_v if_o they_o rue_v their_o former_a religion_n hezekiah_n be_v try_v whether_o he_o rue_v his_o reformation_n by_o the_o assyrian_a invasion_n 2_o chron._n 32.1_o 5_o he_o do_v it_o to_o make_v they_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n 2_o chron._n 20.12_o 6_o to_o try_v their_o integrity_n whether_o they_o shall_v take_v unlawful_a way_n for_o their_o relief_n 7_o this_o be_v to_o make_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n but_o in_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 8_o 9_o and_o 8_o this_o be_v do_v to_o punish_v their_o sin_n isa_n 59.10_o 11_o 12._o observe_v 3_o the_o saint_n may_v meet_v with_o exile_n or_o banishment_n the_o word_n here_o translate_v persecution_n may_v be_v mean_v of_o expulsion_n from_o the_o society_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n this_o be_v caseable_a to_o the_o saint_n as_o witness_v the_o case_n of_o david_n and_o of_o the_o captive_n in_o jeconiab_n day_n god_n tryst_n they_o with_o this_o one_a to_o awaken_v their_o longing_n after_o the_o ordinance_n psal_n 63.8_o psal_n 42._o 2ly_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o want_n of_o their_o company_n 3_o to_o convert_v the_o elect_a where_o they_o go_v act_v 11.19_o isa_n 66_o 19_o 4ly_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o great_a service_n by_o accustom_v they_o to_o bear_v hardship_n as_o he_o do_v with_o moses_n and_o david_n 5_o to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o their_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n 6_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o god_n fatherly_a provision_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n use_v if_o this_o may_v be_v their_o case_n prepare_v to_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o for_o this_o effect_n use_v your_o liberty_n and_o the_o company_n of_o your_o friend_n edifie_o that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o exile_n you_o may_v bear_v off_o your_o conscience-challenge_n for_o abuse_v of_o mercy_n 2_o use_v the_o world_n as_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o make_v heaven_n your_o home_n 3_o labour_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o whâ—_n you_o want_v the_o company_n of_o your_o friend_n you_o 〈◊〉_d have_v god_n company_n to_o make_v it_o up_o 4_o in_o tâ—_n midst_n of_o your_o prosperity_n acquaint_v yourself_o with_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n that_o whâ—_n you_o come_v to_o strait_n that_o life_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_a â—_o you_o 5_o acquaint_v yourself_o with_o the_o comfortabâ—_n allowance_n of_o god_n people_n under_o exile_n as_o one_a hâ—_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o ordinance_n to_o they_o ezek._n â—_o 16_o 2_o he_o provide_v friend_n to_o they_o where_o the_o go_v as_o he_o provide_v to_o joseph_n and_o daniel_n 3_o hâ—_n support_v they_o under_o that_o case_n 2_o cor._n 4_o 9_o 4ly_n theâ—_n be_v sure_a of_o a_o recompense_n mat._n 19_o â—9_n 5_o hâ—_n sanctify_v that_o condition_n to_o they_o jer._n 24.7_o 6_o he_o renew_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n covenant-promise_a gen._n 28_o and_o discover_v more_o of_o thâ—_n secret_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o at_o any_o â—ther_a time_n see_v his_o deal_n with_o the_o captive_n in_o baâ—lon_n and_o sometime_o he_o give_v they_o a_o foresight_n 〈◊〉_d the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o do_v to_o daniel_n observe_v 4_o that_o god_n people_n may_v be_v tryeâ—_n with_o famine_n god_n do_v this_o one_a to_o punish_v sensuality_n lam_n 4.5_o 2_o to_o humble_v they_o and_o â—_o prepare_v they_o for_o plenty_n deut._n 8_o 3_o 6._o 3ly_n to_o tâ—_n their_o faith_n and_o integrity_n as_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o wilderness_n 4_o to_o depend_v more_o upon_o providence_n than_o to_o trust_v what_o they_o present_o possess_v 5_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o god_n blessing_n their_o little_a use_v be_v comfort_v under_o this_o case_n when_o you_o faâ—_n in_o it_o for_o one_a christ_n be_v in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o may_v sympathize_v with_o you_o 2_o this_o case_n mâ—_n prevent_v the_o snare_n of_o plenty_n 3_o it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o god_n provide_v for_o you_o for_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o god_n give_v they_o a_o experience_n that_o he_o bless_v their_o little_a observe_v 5_o they_o may_v be_v try_v with_o nakedness_n 2_o cor._n 11.27_o heb_n 11.37_o and_o this_o teach_v you_o not_o to_o be_v prodigal_a as_o to_o clothes_n you_o know_v not_o what_o may_v come_v 2_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v be_v comfort_v under_o this_o lot_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o singular_a case_n 2_o they_o have_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o cover_v their_o spiritual_a nakedness_n and_o may_v expect_v the_o garment_n of_o immortality_n observe_v 6_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o peril_n that_o may_v put_v their_o life_n in_o hazard_n to_o be_v take_v away_o sudden_o 2_o cor._n 11.26_o and_o this_o reprove_v the_o vulgar_a who_o censure_v the_o state_n of_o the_o godly_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o meeting_n with_o their_o peril_n see_v act_n 28.4_o 2_o it_o say_v the_o state_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v secure_a though_o they_o shall_v sudden_o be_v take_v away_o 3_o it_o bid_v they_o prepare_v for_o death_n lest_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o it_o 4_o it_o bid_v they_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o life_n see_v they_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o peril_n as_o may_v take_v it_o away_o observe_v next_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v try_v with_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n against_o they_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o this_o be_v do_v for_o the_o great_a trial_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o may_v suffer_v in_o their_o name_n alse_a well_o as_o in_o their_o body_n for_o when_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n persecute_v they_o they_o pretend_v their_o be_v guilty_a of_o crime_n that_o they_o be_v innocent_a of_o the_o apostle_n insist_o in_o this_o trial_n by_o cite_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o psal_n 44._o the_o word_n be_v as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v count_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v see_v one_a that_o the_o record_a persecution_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n be_v great_a comfort_n to_o the_o saint_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v 2_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n maâ—_n take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n truth_n wâ—_n not_o let_v they_o sin_n without_o a_o witness_n it_o awaken_v theâ—_n conscience_n against_o they_o these_o prophet_n torment_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n rev._n 11._o 2ly_n they_o persecute_v they_o because_o they_o oppose_v their_o wicked_a political_a design_n as_o jeroboam_n persecute_v amos_n god_n permit_v this_o that_o persecutor_n shall_v kilâ—_n they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o persecutor_n their_o enmity_n shall_v be_v better_o discover_v and_o their_o cup_n the_o soon_o fill_v that_o the_o saint_n faith_n may_v be_v better_o try_v and_o their_o corruption_n more_o purge_v and_o they_o make_v more_o heavenly_a and_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v purgeâ—_n out_o of_o the_o kirk_n by_o that_o soreness_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o see_v it_o enlarge_n of_o his_o church_n under_o that_o persecution_n as_o it_o be_v see_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n use_v since_o this_o be_v caseable_a god_n people_n will_v be_v comfort_v under_o this_o providence_n by_o these_o ground_n one_a it_o be_v a_o honour_n that_o they_o be_v to_o co-witness_n with_o christ_n to_o the_o truth_n 2_o truth_n will_v receive_v no_o damnage_n by_o this_o it_o be_v more_o clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o church_n receive_v no_o damnage_n by_o it_o it_o be_v more_o purify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o godly_a receive_v no_o damnage_n by_o it_o for_o they_o be_v bear_v up_o luke_n 21.14_o 15._o the_o lord_n take_v this_o way_n for_o to_o chastise_v their_o sin_n and_o that_o tend_v in_o the_o hinderend_a for_o their_o honour_n and_o he_o let_v they_o not_o want_v comfort_n and_o by_o this_o they_o have_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o grace_n next_o from_o this_o citation_n that_o we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o there_o be_v import_v one_a that_o persecutor_n malice_n be_v not_o soon_o satisfy_v the_o constancy_n of_o saint_n irritate_v their_o malice_n and_o former_a act_n of_o persecution_n give_v the_o devil_n access_n to_o hurry_v
they_o to_o more_o and_o they_o foolish_o dream_v that_o a_o continue_a persecution_n will_v reach_v their_o end_n 2_o we_o see_v that_o god_n may_v permit_v the_o persecution_n to_o last_v a_o long_a time_n for_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o witness_n and_o 3_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v lie_v under_o a_o uninterrupted_a persecution_n for_o a_o while_n to_o force_v they_o to_o self-denial_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n for_o when_o persecution_n relent_v they_o begin_v to_o make_v the_o world_n their_o home_n again_o next_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o persecutor_n when_o they_o inflict_v the_o great_a misery_n upon_o the_o lord_n people_n they_o do_v it_o with_o great_a contempt_n they_o count_v they_o as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n their_o power_n make_v they_o proud_a 2_o the_o saint_n mean_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n make_v they_o contemn_v they_o 3_o the_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o the_o justness_n of_o their_o persecution_n make_v they_o think_v light_n of_o they_o use_v saint_n will_v bear_v this_o contempt_n and_o will_v comfort_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o in_o god_n sight_n their_o blood_n be_v precious_a observe_v next_o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n trial_n tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v their_o love_n to_o christ_n it_o appear_v because_o unsound_a professor_n quite_o their_o love_n under_o such_o dispensation_n mat._n 24.12_o they_o be_v strong_a temptation_n to_o break_v our_o love_n because_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o christ_n love_n by_o his_o external_a favourable_a dispensation_n towards_o we_o as_o also_o they_o tempt_v we_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o confidence_n and_o so_o they_o tend_v to_o weaken_v our_o love_n use_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v fortify_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n under_o these_o dispensation_n of_o affliction_n because_o it_o be_v much_o put_v at_o and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o study_v self_n denial_n to_o our_o ease_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o by_o this_o you_o may_v know_v whether_o your_o trouble_n or_o affliction_n hurt_v you_o or_o benefit_n you_o whether_o they_o do_v crush_v or_o increase_v your_o love_n encreâ—ed_a love_n have_v zeal_n with_o it_o for_o the_o public_a good_a repentance_n for_o former_o commit_v gild_n and_o much_o long_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o love_n be_v weaken_v by_o cross_n it_o make_v we_o dislike_v the_o lord_n way_n because_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o â—ue_v our_o religion_n because_o the_o lord_n disappoint_v our_o foolish_a expectation_n from_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o last_o thing_n that_o over_o all_o these_o cross_v the_o saint_n be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o you_o consider_v the_o advantage_n that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o general_a of_o all_o those_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n one_a because_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n purify_n from_o hypocrite_n ezek._n 20â—_n 38_o 2ly_n it_o contribute_v to_o the_o church_n unity_n act_v 4.32_o 3_o it_o contribute_v to_o the_o addition_n of_o near_a member_n to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 16.9_o 4_o truth_n be_v more_o clear_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o diligence_n and_o painfulness_n of_o the_o persecute_v member_n of_o the_o church_n 5_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v convince_v more_o in_o these_o time_n of_o god_n own_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 3.9_o 6ly_n persecution_n make_v way_n many_o time_n for_o the_o church_n resurrection_n mic._n 4.10_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o deliverance_n be_v because_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o church_n psal_n 46.5_o the_o bush_n be_v not_o burn_v because_o god_n dwell_v in_o it_o exod_a 6._o use_v this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o as_o to_o that_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o put_v his_o church_n under_o persecution_n 2_o it_o reprove_v they_o that_o repine_v at_o this_o providence_n and_o scar_n at_o it_o but_o 2_o private_a christian_n be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n in_o their_o persecution_n if_o you_o look_v to_o the_o advantage_n they_o meet_v with_o under_o that_o dispensation_n as_o one_a they_o be_v more_o purge_v from_o sin_n dan_o 10.35_o isa_n 4.4_o their_o faith_n be_v more_o establish_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n act_v 2.42_o great_a affection_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n ibid._n more_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 13._o last_o they_o be_v more_o wean_v from_o other_o help_n and_o lean_a to_o god_n psal_n 44.8_o their_o love_n be_v warm_v to_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.7_o 8._o they_o have_v a_o more_o public_a spirit_n psal_n 137._o and_o 2_o as_o their_o advantage_n be_v great_a so_o satan_n be_v much_o disappoint_v of_o his_o intendment_n by_o persecution_n whereby_o he_o intend_v to_o ruin_v the_o people_n of_o god_n faith_n but_o that_o fail_v he_o to_o make_v they_o rue_v their_o religion_n and_o other_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o reject_v of_o it_o and_o so_o do_v that_o fail_v he_o also_o and_o likeways_o that_o of_o he_o to_o make_v the_o saint_n life_n bitter_a with_o persecution_n but_o the_o sweet_a joy_n they_o meet_v with_o make_v he_o get_v a_o disappointment_n there_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n be_v because_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n life_n upon_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.8_o 9_o from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v their_o own_o difficulty_n in_o this_o contest_v and_o no_o wonder_n because_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o affliction_n that_o they_o be_v without_o interruption_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n and_o without_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o outgate_n isai_n 42.27_o they_o be_v chastisement_n for_o sin_n heb._n 12._o they_o surprise_v they_o as_o they_o do_v job_n they_o irritate_fw-la our_o corruption_n therefore_o call_v temptation_n they_o be_v such_o cross_n as_o ready_o we_o will_v never_o choice_n therefore_o our_o self-denial_n be_v most_o try_v with_o they_o where_o there_o be_v a_o conquest_n there_o there_o have_v be_v a_o contest_v this_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n life_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o a_o fight_a life_n under_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v much_o to_o the_o christian_n to_o overcome_v his_o unbelief_n impenitence_n selfishness_n use_v 2d_o of_o consolation_n albeit_o the_o christian_a have_v his_o own_o difficulty_n in_o this_o fight_n yet_o he_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n that_o be_v his_o victory_n be_v not_o dubious_a but_o manifest_a for_o albeit_o he_o have_v his_o own_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n yet_o the_o devil_n be_v evident_o disappoint_v and_o this_o victory_n can_v be_v lose_v again_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a continue_a victory_n for_o whatever_o scaith_v the_o church_n or_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v receive_v by_o a_o particular_a assault_n from_o a_o cross_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o sure_a they_o shall_v have_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a victory_n in_o the_o close_a verse_n 38._o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v verse_n 39_o nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n here_o the_o apostle_n bring_v in_o his_o own_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o other_o may_v imitate_v he_o for_o this_o persuasion_n be_v for_o imitation_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o make_v the_o constancy_n of_o god_n love_v not_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o himself_o but_o common_a to_o he_o with_o other_o see_v verse_n last_o he_o propose_v i_o say_v this_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n in_o its_o constancy_n to_o clear_v that_o believer_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o want_n of_o assistance_n to_o make_v they_o overcome_v all_o their_o tribulation_n constant_a love_n will_v make_v constant_a assistance_n for_o constant_a victory_n and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o conjectural_a but_o a_o certain_a assurance_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n here_o translate_v persuade_v 2_o tim._n 1.12_o 2_o his_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v a_o alteration_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o he_o and_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v constant_a first_o then_o consider_v how_o god_n persuade_v his_o people_n of_o his_o love_n 2_o when_o he_o do_v it_o and_o 2_o how_o god_n people_n may_v come_v by_o this_o persuasion_n first_o he_o do_v persuade_v they_o by_o give_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o filial_a prayer_n v_o 15.16_o 2_o by_o enable_v they_o to_o