that_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n but_o subject_a to_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o this_o he_o enforce_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o argument_n the_o one_o draw_v from_o his_o manifold_a corruption_n whereby_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n love_n the_o other_o from_o those_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o cross_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o life_n inflict_v on_o he_o both_o which_o he_o thus_o urge_v against_o he_o can_v thou_o vild_a wretch_n conceive_v the_o least_o hope_n that_o thou_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n why_o do_v but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o thyself_o and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o original_a corruption_n have_v overspread_v both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n like_o a_o filthy_a leprosy_n unto_o which_o thou_o have_v add_v actual_a transgression_n more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n or_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o daily_o nay_o hourly_o thou_o omitte_v some_o duty_n which_o thy_o god_n have_v command_v thou_o and_o commit_v some_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v can_v therefore_o the_o lord_n who_o abhor_v wickedness_n love_v the_o wicked_a can_v thou_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o but_o displease_v he_o he_o that_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o thou_o by_o transgress_v they_o all_o do_v show_v that_o thou_o love_v he_o not_o and_o will_v the_o lord_n love_v they_o who_o hate_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o can_v justice_n itself_o love_v wickedness_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n impure_a corruption_n no_o very_o for_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v threaten_v his_o wrath_n against_o all_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o he_o be_v no_o less_o true_a in_o his_o threaten_n then_o in_o his_o promise_n but_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n abhor_v thou_o yet_o at_o least_o be_v persuade_v by_o thy_o own_o experienc_n for_o have_v not_o thy_o just_a god_n begin_v already_o to_o make_v thou_o taste_v the_o cup_n of_o his_o wrath_n of_o which_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v drink_v in_o full_a measure_n have_v he_o not_o spoil_v thou_o of_o thy_o good_n take_v away_o thy_o good_a name_n make_v thou_o a_o abject_a among_o man_n afflict_v thou_o in_o body_n with_o grievous_a and_o continual_a sickness_n and_o fill_v thy_o soul_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o despair_n be_v not_o thy_o conscience_n sting_v with_o sin_n and_o have_v not_o the_o poison_n thereof_o drink_v up_o thy_o spirit_n do_v thou_o not_o plain_o apprehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o rack_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o thou_o either_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o full_a of_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n do_v not_o therefore_o fond_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o god_n love_n but_o believe_v if_o not_o my_o word_n yet_o at_o least_o thy_o own_o sense_n and_o see_v thou_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n love_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a love_n thyself_o follow_v thy_o pleasure_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o cheer_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o vain_o macerate_v and_o turmoil_n thyself_o in_o labour_v after_o impossibility_n and_o in_o strive_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n of_o which_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o can_v yet_o shall_v thou_o never_o be_v assure_v §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o satan_n temptation_n temptation_n how_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o former_a temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o must_v most_o careful_o arm_v ourselves_o as_o be_v most_o odious_a and_o injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o most_o pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o injurious_a unto_o god_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v he_o have_v give_v we_o innumerable_a pledge_n and_o most_o certain_a testimony_n thereof_o and_o omit_v nothing_o which_o may_v do_v we_o good_a he_o have_v create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n he_o have_v continual_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v we_o give_v we_o our_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o oft_o time_n have_v succour_v and_o defend_v we_o before_o we_o crave_v his_o help_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v give_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v a_o bitter_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n he_o our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n and_o lest_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v he_o have_v add_v to_o his_o word_n his_o sacrament_n which_o like_a seal_n may_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n what_o injury_n therefore_o shall_v we_o offer_v unto_o god_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n of_o which_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o by_o so_o many_o pledge_n testimony_n and_o seal_n we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a friend_n will_v take_v it_o most_o unkind_o if_o after_o he_o have_v heap_v upon_o a_o man_n innumerable_a benefit_n and_o show_v all_o testimony_n of_o true_a love_n he_o notwithstanding_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o suspect_v his_o friendship_n and_o so_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v it_o ill_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o think_v himself_o much_o abuse_v if_o after_o he_o have_v bestow_v such_o infinite_a benefit_n even_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o we_o now_o suspect_v his_o good_a will_n and_o grow_v jealous_a of_o his_o love_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 4.8_o §_o sect._n 5_o but_o against_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v two_o objection_n thereof_o that_o carnal_a man_n have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n though_o they_o boast_v thereof_o the_o first_o be_v make_v by_o the_o worldling_n the_o other_o by_o satan_n the_o worldly_a man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v he_o also_o partaker_n of_o all_o these_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o he_o shall_v doubt_v of_o his_o love_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v censure_v or_o condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o reprehend_v for_o his_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n nor_o for_o his_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n but_o for_o his_o boast_n of_o this_o faith_n persuasion_n and_o assurance_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o in_o truth_n but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n of_o faith_n carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n for_o true_a faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o it_o be_v plentiful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o not_o love_v he_o again_o it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o love_v god_n if_o we_o show_v no_o care_n in_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o let_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n nor_o any_o desire_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o word_n as_o it_o be_v john_n 14.23_o 24._o if_o therefore_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o show_v no_o zeal_n in_o glorify_v god_n name_n if_o our_o faith_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n then_o be_v our_o persuasion_n but_o fond_a presumption_n our_o assurance_n carnal_a security_n our_o faith_n dead_a and_o like_o a_o carcase_n which_o breathe_v not_o as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 2.26_o we_o do_v not_o then_o reprehend_v any_o for_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n gather_v his_o assurance_n out_o of_o god_n manifold_a mercy_n and_o innumerable_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n nay_o contrariwise_o we_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n yea_o and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n when_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o either_o in_o ourselves_o but_o this_o we_o maintain_v that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o assurance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n begin_v in_o he_o do_v true_o love_n
not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n for_o god_n election_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n merit_n which_o be_v in_o time_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o come_v after_o can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n neither_o can_v the_o effect_n produce_v the_o cause_n but_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n moreover_o we_o be_v not_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v choose_v for_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n eph._n 1.4_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o god_n eternal_a love_n be_v the_o cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v we_o by_o his_o death_n and_o not_o that_o his_o death_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o love_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o election_n the_o material_a cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o purpose_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n himself_o whereby_o he_o determine_v to_o elect_v us._n the_o formal_a cause_n be_v the_o sever_n and_o set_v apart_o of_o certain_a man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v save_v §_o sect._n 2_o select_v from_o the_o rest_n who_o be_v reject_v the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v twofold_a the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o by_o manifest_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o express_v rom._n 9.23_o namely_o that_o the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o eph._n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n and_o predestinate_v we_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o second_o end_n which_o be_v inferior_a and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o other_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o this_o also_o be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 9.23_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o elect_v be_v prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o act._n 13.48_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n thereby_o imply_v that_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n and_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n the_o effect_n which_o inseparable_o follow-hereupon_a be_v christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o our_o adoption_n effectual_a calling_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n and_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o election_n which_o be_v as_o well_o contain_v in_o god_n decree_n as_o our_o salvation_n itself_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o we_o be_v elect_v be_v christ_n jesus_n our_o mediator_n and_o head_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o deity_n alone_o for_o so_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n nor_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humanity_n alone_o but_o as_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o we_o be_v therefore_o elect_v in_o he_o both_o because_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o glorious_a dignity_n as_o also_o because_o he_o alone_o be_v a_o fit_a mediator_n in_o who_o we_o shall_v be_v elect_v see_v with_o our_o election_n there_o be_v a_o union_n &_o conjunction_n of_o we_o with_o god_n who_o have_v elect_v us._n the_o object_n of_o god_n election_n be_v all_o those_o who_o be_v preordain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v eternal_o save_v which_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v a_o great_a number_n but_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n but_o a_o small_a and_o little_a flock_n for_o though_o many_o be_v call_v yet_o few_o be_v choose_v as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v matth._n 22.14_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o definition_n be_v certain_a property_n attribute_v to_o god_n election_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v eternal_a free_a and_o immutable_a that_o this_o decree_n be_v eternal_a it_o appear_v eph._n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n so_o rom._n 9.11_o second_o that_o it_o be_v free_a and_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n it_o be_v manifest_a rom._n 9.18_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v so_o eph._n 1.11_o in_o who_o we_o be_v choose_v when_o we_o be_v predestinate_a according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o which_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n last_o that_o it_o be_v immutable_a and_o most_o firm_a and_o certain_a it_o plain_o appear_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n remain_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o immutabilitie_n and_o certainty_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o we_o or_o our_o perseverance_n but_o upon_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o foreknowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n in_o itself_o firm_a and_o stable_a and_o have_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o worthiness_n or_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n but_o of_o god_n foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o chap._n v._o satan_n temptation_n concern_v god_n election_n answer_v and_o first_o those_o wherewith_o he_o assault_v carnal_a worldling_n §_o sect._n 1_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v worldling_n that_o all_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v answer_v now_o concern_v this_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o satan_n temptation_n the_o first_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a worldling_n to_o nourish_v in_o they_o fond_a presumption_n and_o carnal_a security_n the_o other_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n whereby_o he_o move_v they_o to_o doubt_v &_o despair_v of_o their_o election_n to_o everlasting_a life_n the_o worldly_a man_n he_o assault_v with_o two_o principal_a temptation_n first_o he_o persuade_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o election_n at_o all_o or_o reprobation_n but_o that_o all_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o he_o may_v make_v more_o plausible_a and_o probable_a he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o general_a promise_n and_o consolation_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2.4_o ezech._n 13._o and_o 18._o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o will_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v in_o both_o place_n cunning_o dissemble_v that_o which_o follow_v for_o to_o the_o first_o place_n be_v add_v but_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o in_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v also_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o temptation_n be_v so_o palpable_o absurd_a that_o it_o become_v not_o satan_n policy_n to_o use_v it_o to_o any_o but_o those_o only_a who_o heart_n be_v harden_v their_o eye_n blind_v their_o conscience_n sear_v and_o who_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v strong_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o answer_v this_o temptation_n only_o let_v such_o man_n as_o be_v seduce_v with_o satan_n lie_n know_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n mercy_n be_v a_o just_a mercy_n as_o his_o justice_n be_v a_o merciful_a justice_n that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o both_o and_o no_o less_o glorify_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o let_v they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o general_a which_o be_v not_o limit_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o merciful_a but_o also_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v his_o will_n as_o well_o concern_v the_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a he_o have_v say_v 7.13_o matth._n 22.14_o and_o 7.13_o that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o straight_o that_o there_o be_v few_o who_o find_v it_o that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n go_v your_o way_n i_o know_v you_o not_o 23._o 23._o that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o separation_n between_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o one_o come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v you_o the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n 25.34.41_o mat._n 25.34.41_o
in_o other_o place_n the_o unbeliever_n and_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n be_v flat_o exclude_v from_o the_o participation_n of_o they_o joh._n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v 3.18_o joh._n 3.18_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o 36._o vers_fw-la 36._o and_o vers_fw-la 36._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n 2.9_o rom._n 2.9_o but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o so_o rom._n 8.9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v not_o his_o and_o consequent_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o christ_n than_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n belong_v not_o unto_o he_o 3.8_o 1._o joh._n 3.8_o and_o the_o apostle_n 1._o joh._n 3.8_o plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o who_o commit_v sin_n that_o be_v he_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spirit_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v live_v not_o in_o his_o sin_n neither_o commit_v they_o with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n and_o paul_n will_v timothy_n to_o instruct_v his_o hearer_n 2.26_o 2._o tim._n 2.26_o that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o amendment_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o in_o who_o sin_n rain_v be_v not_o of_o christ_n but_o of_o satan_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o christ_n death_n they_o be_v still_o in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n till_o they_o come_v to_o amendment_n of_o life_n because_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o effectual_a to_o free_v any_o out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a bondage_n till_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o it_o appear_v by_o plain_a testimony_n universal_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o redemption_n be_v not_o universal_a that_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o faithful_a which_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n &_o bloodshed_n have_v their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o some_o measure_n mortify_v and_o not_o unto_o the_o wicked_a who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n now_o i_o will_v also_o confirm_v this_o truth_n by_o strong_a reason_n first_o those_o who_o be_v never_o know_v of_o christ_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o his_o be_v never_o redeem_v by_o his_o precious_a bloodshed_n neither_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o father_n will_v give_v his_o well-beloved_a son_n and_o that_o the_o son_n will_v give_v himself_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o those_o who_o in_o his_o eternal_a council_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o reject_v or_o as_o all_o confess_v who_o he_o foresee_v shall_v perish_v but_o our_o saviour_n will_v profess_v to_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o he_o never_o know_v they_o 7.23_o matth._n 7.23_o matth._n 7.23_o and_o therefore_o he_o never_o give_v himself_o for_o their_o redemption_n second_o for_o whomseover_o christ_n have_v offer_v a_o sacrifice_n unto_o his_o father_n for_o they_o also_o he_o make_v intercession_n and_o be_v become_v their_o advocate_n neither_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o christ_n will_v die_v for_o those_o for_o who_o he_o will_v not_o entreat_v and_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o body_n for_o those_o for_o who_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o lip_n beside_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o same_o high_a priest_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 2.1.2_o 1._o joh._n 2.1.2_o as_o appear_v 1._o joh._n 2.1.2_o where_o he_o be_v say_v as_o well_o to_o be_v our_o advocate_n as_o the_o propiciatory_a sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 8.35_o say_v 8.35_o rom._n 8.35_o that_o as_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o so_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n flat_o exclude_v from_o all_o participation_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n all_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v 17.9_o joh._n 17.9_o all_o mere_a worldling_n joh._n 17.9_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o as_o he_o perfect_o save_v 7.25_o heb._n 7.25_o so_o also_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o those_o who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n only_o and_o therefore_o for_o they_o alone_o he_o have_v offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o his_o father_n three_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o those_o alone_a in_o who_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o his_o death_n for_o whatsoever_o attain_v not_o his_o end_n be_v do_v in_o vain_a which_o argue_v want_n of_o wisdom_n or_o power_n in_o the_o agent_n and_o efficient_a neither_o of_o which_o without_o blasphemy_n can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v in_o both_o infinite_a but_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n death_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o those_o for_o who_o he_o die_v be_v attain_v unto_o only_o in_o the_o elect_a and_o faithful_a 3.36_o mark_n 16.16_o joh._n 3.36_o for_o as_o it_o be_v mark._n 16.16_o he_o that_o shall_v believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v and_o joh._n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o those_o alone_a who_o believe_v and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o obedience_n and_o not_o for_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o disobedient_a forthly_a if_o all_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n then_o shall_v they_o also_o be_v save_v for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v they_o from_o salvation_n who_o be_v redeem_v see_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o appear_v ephes_n 1.7_o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n 1.14_o eph._n 1.7_o col._n 1.14_o even_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n col._n 1.14_o and_o consequent_o whosoever_o be_v redeem_v be_v justify_v and_o also_o heir_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n for_o bless_a be_v those_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v 32.1_o psal_n 32.1_o and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v as_o it_o be_v psal_n 32.1_o see_v also_o christ_n who_o have_v redeem_v we_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o therefore_o all_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n conjoin_v together_o can_v pluck_v those_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n violent_o and_o against_o his_o will_n neither_o can_v we_o with_o any_o probable_a show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o he_o will_v willing_o lose_v those_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o the_o inestimable_a price_n of_o himself_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o impute_v the_o sin_n of_o any_o to_o their_o condemnation_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v full_o satisfy_v nor_o to_o exact_v that_o debt_n again_o which_o he_o have_v pay_v and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o all_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o save_o all_o and_o christ_n may_v well_o say_v to_o his_o father_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v i_o die_v if_o thou_o destroy_v those_o who_o i_o have_v save_v what_o profit_n be_v in_o my_o blood_n if_o thou_o condemne_v those_o who_o i_o have_v redeem_v last_o if_o he_o die_v and_o by_o his_o death_n redeem_v all_o then_o also_o he_o die_v for_o and_o redeem_v the_o pagan_n turk_n atheist_n and_o epicure_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o justification_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o god_n never_o receive_v into_o his_o covenant_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o who_o be_v save_v be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.47_o and_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v himself_o only_o for_o his_o church_n 5.25_o act._n 2.47_o eph._n 5.25_o eph._n 5.25_o yea_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o and_o by_o his_o death_n redeem_v they_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v redeem_v even_o those_o damn_a soul_n who_o be_v in_o hell_n before_o his_o come_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o be_v imagine_v for_o if_o they_o be_v redeem_v how_o do_v they_o again_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n see_v they_o be_v once_o become_v
be_v say_v i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a writer_n who_o in_o their_o several_a time_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o most_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o as_o we_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o a_o candle_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n which_o more_o sufficient_o show_v itself_o by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o this_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o infidel_n to_o confirm_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o infidelity_n and_o that_o noble_a learned_a and_o religious_a gentleman_n philip_n mornay_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o trunesse_fw-fr of_o christian_a religion_n have_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o labour_n from_o who_o never_o waste_v candle_n i_o have_v borrow_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o my_o light_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o question_n chap._n xxi_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v only_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n whereby_o all_o gainesaier_n may_v be_v convince_v who_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infallible_a truth_n but_o though_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o opposer_n and_o for_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o atheist_n epicure_n and_o mere_a natural_n yet_o notwithstanding_o not_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o all_o these_o be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o or_o to_o persuade_v he_o with_o full_a assurance_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v adjoin_v unto_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o do_v not_o only_o convince_v but_o also_o thorough_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o alone_a in_o itself_o be_v al-sufficient_a though_o we_o never_o hear_v any_o other_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n for_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o this_o truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a without_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n unsufficient_a that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v without_o this_o unsufficient_a hereby_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a in_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a nor_o many_o learned_a in_o the_o world_n do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o whereas_o if_o faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n or_o natural_a reason_n 11.25_o matth._n 11.25_o they_o who_o best_o conceive_v they_o will_v most_o easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o be_v reveal_v unto_o babe_n not_o by_o mean_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n neither_o can_v the_o natural_a man_n discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o those_o who_o eye_n be_v enlighten_v with_o god_n spirit_n yet_o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o be_v never_o anoint_v with_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o glorious_a light_n appear_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o sunshine_n to_o those_o who_o want_v their_o sight_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o grope_v at_o noon_n day_n and_o as_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o who_o seneca_n speak_v be_v sudden_o in_o the_o night_n strike_v with_o blindness_n desire_v the_o next_o day_n to_o undraw_v the_o curtain_n and_o open_a the_o window_n that_o she_o may_v see_v whereas_o the_o cause_n of_o she_o not_o see_v be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n but_o want_v of_o eye_n so_o these_o man_n who_o be_v strike_v with_o natural_a blindness_n complain_v that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o clear_v by_o take_v away_o the_o cloud_n of_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o shadow_v it_o and_o by_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o this_o glorious_a light_n which_o always_o shine_v but_o in_o their_o blindness_n who_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o pride_n self_n love_n and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o every_o one_o have_v of_o his_o own_o gift_n that_o they_o will_v soon_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n want_v light_a than_o they_o eye_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o §_o sect._n 2_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v persuade_v other_o argument_n convince_v but_o not_o persuade_v so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n and_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o to_o a_o doubtful_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o deed_n they_o may_v with_o the_o two_o disciple_n which_o travail_v to_o emaus_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v have_v their_o heart_n burn_v and_o throb_v within_o they_o imagine_v that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o his_o eye_n be_v a_o little_a illuminate_v by_o our_o saviour_n discern_v man_n not_o as_o man_n but_o as_o move_a tree_n so_o they_o may_v in_o some_o confuse_a manner_n know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o christ_n have_v full_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o precious_a eye-salue_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v dispel_v their_o natural_a blindness_n they_o will_v never_o certain_o be_v persuade_v nor_o assure_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o any_o neither_o be_v it_o ground_v upon_o any_o natural_a reason_n or_o persuasion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o it_o deliver_v as_o appear_v ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o 1.11_o ephes_n 2.8_o 2._o thes_n 1.11_o and_o when_o we_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v certain_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 2.15_o god_n spirit_n full_o persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n 1._o cor._n 2.15_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 2.15_o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n so_o 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o receive_v of_o he_o 2.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o verse_n 20._o 20._o verse_n 20._o but_o you_o have_v a_o ointment_n he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o you_o have_v know_v all_o thing_n where_o by_o he_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o so_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v a_o comforter_n unto_o we_o 7.13_o joh._n 16_o 7.13_o as_o it_o be_v john_n 16.7.13_o and_o in_o deed_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v indict_v and_o inspire_v or_o who_o can_v better_v judge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o witness_n nor_o any_o
intolerable_a to_o my_o afflict_a conscience_n i_o be_o fill_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n because_o by_o my_o former_a sin_n i_o have_v dishonour_v my_o gracious_a god_n and_o shall_v i_o continue_v more_o to_o dishonour_v he_o by_o doubt_v of_o and_o deny_v his_o mercy_n justice_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n i_o have_v heretofore_o with_o judas_n betray_v my_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o the_o death_n yea_o and_o with_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v whip_v mock_v and_o crucify_v he_o and_o now_o he_o have_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o my_o sin_n and_o call_v i_o unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o intolerable_a burchen_n shall_v i_o with_o judas_n refuse_v to_o come_v desperate_o cast_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o become_v my_o own_o hangman_n be_v it_o far_o from_o i_o nay_o as_o i_o hate_v all_o other_o sin_n so_o let_v i_o hate_v this_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o other_o my_o wickedness_n so_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o power_n resist_v satan_n when_o he_o seek_v to_o load_v i_o with_o this_o load_n of_o desperation_n as_o be_v far_o more_o intolerable_a heretofore_o i_o have_v dishonour_v god_n by_o my_o sin_n but_o now_o i_o will_v give_v he_o glory_n in_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o see_v by_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o add_v hereunto_o this_o outrageous_a wickedness_n to_o trample_v his_o precious_a blood_n under_o my_o filthy_a foot_n as_o a_o thing_n unholy_a and_o of_o no_o worth_n neither_o will_v i_o through_o my_o unbelief_n make_v it_o to_o be_v spill_v in_o vain_a but_o now_o with_o all_o care_n and_o conscience_n i_o will_v gather_v it_o up_o as_o a_o most_o precious_a balm_n and_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n apply_v it_o to_o those_o grisly_a gash_n and_o deep_a wound_n which_o sin_n have_v make_v in_o my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o with_o this_o spiritual_a laver_n i_o will_v wash_v my_o pollute_a soul_n till_o it_o be_v thorough_o purge_v from_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o see_v i_o have_v deprive_v my_o soul_n of_o that_o inherent_a righteousness_n wherewith_o it_o be_v endue_v by_o creation_n now_o i_o will_v apply_v thereunto_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a righteousness_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n wherewith_o be_v adorn_v i_o may_v bold_o offer_v myself_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n &_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n §_o sect._n 6_o last_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o desperation_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o it_o own_o nature_n most_o grievous_a pernicious_a that_o desperation_n be_v a_o sin_n most_o pernicious_a so_o also_o it_o be_v unto_o ourselves_o most_o pernicious_a for_o whereas_o other_o sin_n make_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o eternal_a condemnation_n this_o as_o it_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n intitle_v we_o unto_o the_o right_n of_o this_o hellish_a inheritance_n so_o also_o it_o enter_v we_o into_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o present_a possession_n thereof_o even_o while_o we_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o despair_a conscience_n but_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o what_o be_v their_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o utter_v against_o god_n and_o their_o impatient_a curse_n of_o their_o accurse_a self_n but_o the_o yell_a cry_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v not_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o jaw_n of_o hell_n if_o we_o will_v not_o while_o we_o live_v begin_v to_o die_v a_o everlasting_a death_n let_v we_o in_o no_o case_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v plunge_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n into_o this_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o utter_a desperation_n §_o sect._n 7_o yea_o will_v the_o afflict_a soul_n say_v but_o how_o shall_v i_o avoid_v it_o belief_n that_o we_o must_v hope_v against_o hope_n &_o believe_v against_o belief_n see_v i_o be_o forcible_o press_v into_o it_o with_o the_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n feel_v no_o comfort_n nor_o assurance_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v receive_v pardon_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o in_o no_o case_n they_o be_v to_o despair_v but_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n to_o cast_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n into_o heaven_n lay_v hold_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v neither_o with_o the_o bodily_a eye_n nor_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n seem_v often_o to_o hate_v those_o who_o in_o truth_n he_o dear_o love_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v either_o pardon_v or_o at_o least_o pardonable_a there_o be_v certain_a comfort_n but_o when_o as_o all_o hope_n be_v cast_v of_o and_o that_o we_o reject_v all_o god_n promise_n through_o unbelief_n and_o fall_n into_o utter_a desperation_n there_o nothing_o remain_v but_o most_o certain_a destruction_n when_o sin_n lie_v upon_o we_o it_o no_o question_v exceed_o vex_v we_o with_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o we_o despair_v we_o present_o in_o stead_n of_o obtain_v ease_n cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v ease_v of_o this_o burden_n but_o despair_n stay_v we_o in_o the_o midway_n and_o utter_o debar_v we_o from_o ever_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a yet_o let_v we_o be_v content_v to_o bear_v it_o till_o we_o come_v unto_o christ_n for_o ease_n let_v we_o beware_v in_o any_o case_n that_o we_o do_v not_o faint_v through_o impatiency_n and_o want_n of_o hope_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o desperation_n for_o so_o shall_v we_o but_o increase_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o exceed_a measure_n which_o already_o we_o think_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o consequent_o our_o horror_n of_o conscience_n so_o shall_v we_o bring_v ourselves_o from_o a_o doubtful_a or_o rather_o hopeful_a state_n to_z most_o certain_a and_o present_a destruction_n so_o shall_v we_o change_v our_o temporary_a grief_n for_o that_o which_o be_v everlasting_a and_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n so_o shall_v that_o which_o we_o most_o fear_v and_o flee_v present_o overtake_v and_o overwhelm_v we_o for_o while_o in_o a_o horrible_a manner_n we_o fear_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n we_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o they_o by_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n shall_v cut_v his_o own_o throat_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o hang_v shall_v drink_v some_o deadly_a poison_n whereby_o they_o be_v present_o torment_v with_o that_o which_o they_o fearful_o abhor_v and_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o evil_n they_o fear_v than_o any_o long_a to_o endure_v the_o fear_n itself_o which_o howsoever_o it_o may_v carry_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o undergo_n a_o momentany_a and_o temporary_a death_n wherein_o oftentimes_o the_o fear_n be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o pain_n fear_v yet_o it_o be_v extreme_a madness_n to_o plunge_v a_o man_n self_n body_n and_o soul_n into_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n rather_o than_o for_o a_o time_n to_o endure_v the_o horror_n thereof_o see_v this_o horror_n and_o fear_n be_v but_o a_o small_a flea-bite_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o hellish_a punishment_n and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o smoke_n of_o that_o eternal_a fire_n chap._n xlvi_o satan_n tentation_n concern_v smallness_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n doubt_v there_o be_v no_o such_o perfect_a faith_n which_o be_v not_o assault_v with_o doubt_v whereby_o satan_n labour_v to_o persuade_v the_o afflict_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o small_a if_o it_o be_v any_o at_o all_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o doubt_v so_o unfruitful_a and_o so_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n that_o it_o will_v
be_v able_a to_o separate_v they_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 §_o sect._n 7_o but_o against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v object_v ansiver_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o former_a reason_n ansiver_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v provoke_v the_o lord_n unto_o anger_n and_o move_v he_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o in_o his_o just_a displeasure_n and_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o his_o wont_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o see_v sin_n separate_v they_o from_o god_n love_n it_o may_v also_o plunge_v they_o into_o condemnation_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o themselves_o deserve_v the_o everlasting_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a death_n if_o they_o be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o christ_n who_o have_v by_o his_o precious_a bloodshed_n satisfy_v his_o father_n justice_n and_o that_o even_o now_o they_o so_o offend_v by_o their_o sin_n their_o gracious_a father_n that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o renew_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o sensible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n be_v displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n according_a to_o that_o esa_n child_n esa_n 64.5_o how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o child_n 64.5_o behold_v thou_o be_v angry_a for_o we_o have_v sin_v but_o this_o anger_n do_v not_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o his_o love_n see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o anger_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o of_o a_o gracious_a father_n who_o be_v not_o angry_a with_o their_o person_n to_o destroy_v they_o but_o with_o their_o sin_n to_o convert_v and_o save_v they_o as_o therefore_o child_n with_o their_o fault_n provoke_v their_o parent_n to_o anger_n and_o move_v they_o to_o turn_v their_o fatherly_a smile_n into_o bitter_a frown_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o love_n into_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n in_o outward_a show_n as_o namely_o severe_a countenance_n sharp_a reproof_n and_o rigorous_a chastizement_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o outward_a sign_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o anger_n they_o be_v usual_o say_v to_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n and_o in_o their_o father_n displeasure_n howsoever_o in_o truth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o entire_o love_v they_o and_o use_v all_o this_o wholesome_a severity_n not_o because_o they_o hate_v but_o because_o they_o will_v reform_v they_o so_o god_n child_n when_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v offend_v he_o and_o provoke_v his_o anger_n against_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n not_o that_o god_n do_v ever_o change_v his_o fatherly_a affection_n or_o purpose_v utter_o to_o reject_v they_o but_o because_o he_o change_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n into_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n in_o outward_a show_n as_o when_o inward_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v vex_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o outward_o whip_v and_o scourge_v they_o with_o temporary_a affliction_n all_o which_o he_o do_v not_o for_o any_o hatred_n to_o their_o person_n for_o he_o never_o hate_v those_o who_o he_o have_v once_o love_v in_o christ_n but_o for_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o the_o sinner_n who_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o bring_v by_o the_o rough_a and_o unpleasant_a way_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o eternal_a pleasure_n of_o his_o kingdom_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n love_n and_o anger_n may_v stand_v together_o gift_n our_o perseverance_n prove_v by_o god_n immutabilitie_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o his_o momentanie_n displeasure_n his_o love_n may_v be_v eternal_a now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o god_n be_v immutable_a in_o his_o love_n so_o also_o in_o his_o gift_n as_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v affiance_n charity_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 11.29_o 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o diverse_a caution_n for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o temporary_a gift_n nor_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o wicked_a with_o the_o godly_a for_o these_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o christian_a nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o lord_n give_v or_o take_v away_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o think_v best_a neither_o yet_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o all_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o elect_a for_o some_o also_o of_o these_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n but_o only_a effect_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o he_o take_v away_o from_o his_o child_n for_o a_o time_n as_o namely_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o peace_n which_o do_v accompany_v it_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 15._o psal_n 51.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 15._o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n patience_n the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a because_o his_o love_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v stand_v with_o the_o want_n of_o these_o gift_n for_o a_o time_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o action_n and_o sensible_a fruit_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o these_o also_o have_v their_o intermission_n the_o grace_n themselves_o notwithstanding_o remain_v for_o as_o the_o sun_n do_v always_o shine_v and_o yet_o sometime_o the_o beam_n thereof_o be_v not_o discern_v be_v hinder_v from_o spread_v themselves_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o cloud_n or_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n do_v continue_v light_n and_o hot_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o be_v cover_v with_o ash_n do_v give_v neither_o light_n nor_o heat_n to_o the_o stander_n by_o so_o these_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n faith_n hope_n affiance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a may_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o substance_n habitual_o remain_v in_o we_o and_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n not_o send_v forth_o the_o light_n and_o heat_n of_o joy_n comfort_n peace_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o though_o they_o retain_v their_o nature_n still_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v hinder_v from_o exercise_v their_o action_n and_o function_n as_o namely_o when_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v wound_v with_o some_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o knowledge_n or_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a last_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o measure_n and_o degree_n for_o these_o grace_n have_v their_o full_a and_o wain_n their_o ebb_n and_o tide_n their_o perfect_a strength_n and_o their_o faint_a languish_v but_o of_o their_o substance_n and_o true_a be_v in_o which_o respect_n they_o never_o utter_o fail_v but_o continue_v without_o intermission_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n so_o all_o other_o the_o like_a grace_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o john_n 6.29_o and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o of_o this_o 6.29_o john_n 6.29_o that_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o we_o will_v also_o finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v philip._n 1.6_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o four_o and_o five_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n ground_v upon_o god_n power_n and_o truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o four_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o god_n omnipotency_n and_o almighty_a power_n omnipotency_n the_o four_o reason_n ground_v upon_o god_n omnipotency_n for_o if_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n be_v willing_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o be_v immutable_a also_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n and_o will_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a able_a to_o effect_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v then_o sure_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o love_n be_v most_o willing_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n he_o be_v able_a continual_o to_o uphold_v we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o frustrate_v and_o defeat_v all_o the_o malice_n and_o might_n of_o all_o our_o
careful_a in_o withstand_v this_o dangerous_a assault_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o temptation_n wherewith_o satan_n prevail_v more_o than_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o civil_a kind_n of_o honesty_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o civil_a honesty_n sever_v from_o true_a piety_n be_v but_o glorious_a iniquity_n for_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n thereof_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v in_o this_o age_n of_o corruption_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a in_o diverse_a duty_n of_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o have_v excel_v in_o these_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n and_o consequent_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o best_a we_o shall_v be_v but_o honest_a infidel_n and_o good_a nature_a worldling_n if_o we_o do_v not_o join_v thereunto_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o how_o goodly_a a_o show_n soever_o our_o work_n make_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n and_o commandment_n but_o in_o ignorance_n and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o invention_n and_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o our_o blind_a understanding_n if_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o acceptable_a obedience_n but_o from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o do_v in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n for_o what_o soever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n be_v sin_n 11.6_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 14.23_o and_o therefore_o can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o historical_a faith_n whereby_o we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o those_o work_n we_o do_v be_v command_v in_o god_n word_n but_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n which_o do_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o god_n merciful_a promise_n make_v in_o he_o for_o that_o our_o work_n may_v be_v acceptable_a before_o god_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o our_o person_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n we_o do_v please_v he_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n in_o which_o state_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v in_o christ_n our_o mediator_n as_o appear_v rom._n 5.10_o 1.20_o rom._n 5.10_o col._n 1.20_o now_o unless_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n nor_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o consequent_o we_o remain_v god_n enemy_n who_o can_v do_v nothing_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n second_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o can_v abide_v the_o examination_n of_o god_n exact_a justice_n till_o their_o imperfection_n be_v cover_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o their_o corruption_n wash_v away_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n now_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n can_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n last_o if_o all_o our_o work_n and_o honest_a deal_n be_v not_o do_v in_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n &_o refer_v to_o this_o end_n that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v magnify_v they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a before_o god_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o will_v have_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n be_v that_o he_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v be_v glorify_v 3.16_o matth._n 3.16_o as_o it_o be_v matth_n 5._o 16._o and_o the_o main_a and_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o we_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o our_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 2.12_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n deceive_v we_o in_o persuade_v we_o to_o rest_v in_o civil_a honesty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v sever_v from_o true_a piety_n from_o save_v knowledge_n from_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n justify_v faith_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n it_o will_v not_o be_v acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n namely_o to_o obtain_v praise_n or_o profit_n thereby_o §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o civil_a worldling_n but_o if_o those_o which_o he_o incounter_v be_v professor_n of_o religion_n religion_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o professor_n of_o religion_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o outward_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o public_a and_o private_a call_n upon_o god_n name_n the_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o they_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v tip_v their_o tongue_n with_o godliness_n then_o they_o may_v live_v how_o they_o listen_v among_o their_o brethren_n neglect_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o they_o outward_o observe_v the_o first_o for_o though_o they_o be_v barren_a of_o good_a work_n destitute_a of_o charity_n fill_v with_o pride_n addict_v to_o covetousness_n oppression_n and_o all_o deceitful_a deal_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n for_o their_o outward_a profession_n sake_n but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n to_o our_o destruction_n inseparable_a that_o piety_n and_o honesty_n be_v inseparable_a which_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v and_o avoid_v let_v they_o consider_v that_o piety_n and_o charitable_a honesty_n be_v two_o such_o twin_n as_o be_v bear_v live_v and_o die_v both_o together_o that_o they_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v sever_v that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o the_o good_a tree_n to_o bring_v forth_o bad_a fruit_n for_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v without_o heat_n and_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o be_v void_a of_o good_a work_n true_a profession_n to_o be_v sever_v from_o holy_a practice_n and_o justification_n before_o god_n from_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n before_o man_n that_o whosoever_o brag_v of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o love_v not_o his_o brethren_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o that_o though_o they_o profess_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o love_v their_o brethren_n they_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.13_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o rom._n 2.13_o as_o appear_v 1._o joh._n 3.10_o that_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o be_v justify_v rom._n 2.13_o that_o not_o every_o one_o who_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 7.21_o matth._n 7.21_o but_o they_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 7.21_o that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n 1.22_o jam._n 1.22_o if_o they_o practise_v not_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v jam._n 1.22_o for_o in_o stead_n thereof_o they_o shall_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o deep_a condemnation_n for_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12.47_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 11.21_o mat._n 11.21_o who_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n preach_v among_o they_o nor_o see_v christ_n miracle_n than_o for_o corazin_n and_o bethsaida_n which_o enjoy_v both_o matth._n 11.21_o for_o there_o as_o he_o give_v great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n there_o he_o expect_v great_a fruit_n in_o practice_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v in_o all_o so_o especial_o in_o those_o that_o come_v nigh_o unto_o he_o as_o it_o be_v levit._n 10.3_o last_o 10.3_o leu._n 10.3_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v according_a to_o our_o word_n and_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n and_o the_o holy_a practice_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o
undoubted_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n delude_v we_o 25._o matth._n 25._o by_o persuade_v swade_v we_o that_o piety_n without_o honesty_n profession_n without_o practice_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a professor_n christian_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o sincere_a professor_n and_o first_o with_o the_o weak_a christian_n than_o he_o observe_v whether_o they_o be_v babe_n or_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o find_v they_o babe_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o abuse_v their_o simplicity_n by_o draw_v they_o either_o into_o error_n and_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o into_o blind_a zeal_n and_o superstition_n if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n do_v discover_v his_o error_n and_o lie_n give_v light_n to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n whereby_o their_o foot_n be_v guide_v into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n by_o aggravate_v the_o odiousnes_n of_o their_o rebellion_n and_o huge_a multitude_n of_o their_o outrageous_a transgression_n by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o his_o infinite_a and_o exact_a justice_n which_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o damn_a but_o if_o he_o can_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n which_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o make_v of_o they_o such_o a_o huge_a mountain_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o he_o add_v unto_o they_o his_o own_o sin_n by_o cast_v into_o their_o mind_n outrageous_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o such_o horrible_a suggestion_n of_o impiety_n as_o it_o will_v make_v their_o hair_n to_o stand_v on_o end_n when_o they_o do_v but_o think_v of_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o thought_n and_o therefore_o horrible_a sin_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o his_o suggestion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v repel_v and_o reject_v they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o tempter_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o fault_n if_o a_o thief_n entice_v we_o to_o steal_v so_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v his_o motion_n but_o show_v our_o detestation_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v if_o we_o present_o do_v repel_v the_o suggestion_n and_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o not_o free_a from_o satan_n suggestion_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o diffidence_n to_o tempt_a god_n yea_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o resist_v satan_n suggestion_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n who_o example_n if_o we_o imitate_v satan_n blasphemous_a temptation_n shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n although_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o god_n grace_n to_o resist_v they_o but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 7_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o can_v overthrow_v their_o faith_n &_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_n ignorance_n how_o satan_n entice_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n than_o he_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o simplicity_n by_o entice_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o example_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a nay_o expedient_a to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o tempt_v they_o to_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v more_o easy_o deceive_v they_o he_o will_v set_v a_o fair_a gloss_n upon_o foul_a sin_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v they_o by_o god_n word_n apparel_v vice_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o most_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v tempt_v to_o covetousness_n under_o show_n of_o frugality_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o provide_v not_o for_o their_o family_n be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n and_o to_o prodigality_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberality_n allege_v that_o they_o who_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o he_o will_v allure_v they_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o neglect_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v grant_v they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mean_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o careful_a providence_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o propound_v this_o end_n of_o their_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o they_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o or_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v which_o temptation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v labour_v after_o true_a save_a knowledge_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n truth_n and_o error_n that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o unlawful_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o lawful_a to_o this_o end_n use_v diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n which_o tend_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o the_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n be_v dispel_v with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n we_o may_v discover_v satan_n delusion_n and_o deceit_n otherwise_o if_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o may_v easy_o seduce_v we_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o weak_a christian_a but_o if_o he_o find_v those_o who_o he_o assault_v strong_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o can_v take_v any_o advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n christian_a how_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o strong_a christian_a nor_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wound_v their_o conscience_n by_o commit_v sin_n of_o presumption_n against_o their_o knowledge_n use_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mislead_v their_o judgement_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o temptation_n david_n well_o discern_v by_o his_o own_o woeful_a experience_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o and_o thus_o have_v satan_n prevail_v with_o so_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n that_o he_o dare_v therewith_o assault_v our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o by_o offer_v he_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o his_o affection_n tickle_v with_o ambition_n may_v move_v he_o to_o commit_v this_o sin_n for_o the_o satisfy_a his_o desire_n but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v 11.14_o 2._o cor._n 11.14_o he_o will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o less_o good_a that_o they_o may_v neglect_v a_o great_a or_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o command_v in_o his_o due_a time_n &_o place_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o unreasonable_o when_o as_o other_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a occasion_n be_v more_o necessary_a and_o so_o use_v one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n to_o shoulder_v another_o &_o thrust_v it_o disorderly_o out_o of_o it_o own_o place_n and_o stand_v for_o example_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n meditation_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v distract_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v without_o profit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o recall_v to_o their_o memory_n some_o profitable_a instruction_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o sermon_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v disturb_v they_o in_o that_o holy_a exercise_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n whole_o unto_o god_n moreover_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n he_o will_v allege_v scripture_n but_o then_o either_o he_o deprave_v the_o place_n by_o add_v or_o distract_n as_o when_o he_o allege_v scripture_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 4_o 6._o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o leave_v out_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o place_n he_o quote_v psal_n
loss_n or_o cross_n make_v i_o mourn_v weep_v and_o wail_v when_o by_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v offend_v god_n i_o can_v shed_v a_o tear_n nor_o show_v any_o true_a sign_n of_o hearty_a sorrow_n and_o such_o be_v my_o untowardnes_n and_o corruption_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o forsake_v my_o sin_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o fall_v again_o upon_o the_o next_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v have_v any_o faith_n or_o full_a assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n make_v in_o christ_n see_v they_o be_v all_o limit_a and_o restrain_v to_o those_o sinner_n which_o repent_v and_o amend_v desire_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v accept_v for_o the_o grace_n which_o we_o desire_v that_o therefore_o these_o mourn_a soul_n may_v receive_v some_o comfort_n let_v they_o know_v first_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n grace_n if_o they_o have_v a_o good_a purpose_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o corruption_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v pray_v unto_o god_n desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o they_o may_v more_o and_o more_o mortify_v the_o old_a man_n and_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o if_o they_o hate_v the_o sin_n they_o commit_v and_o love_v the_o good_a which_o they_o can_v do_v if_o they_o can_v grieve_v because_o they_o be_v no_o more_o grieve_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o because_o their_o sin_n do_v no_o more_o displease_v they_o then_o may_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v god_n child_n who_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o respect_v not_o so_o much_o our_o action_n as_o our_o affection_n nor_o our_o work_n as_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n so_o that_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v righteous_a be_v righteous_a he_o that_o will_v repent_v do_v repent_v he_o that_o strive_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n he_o repâ—teth_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o they_o that_o will_v never_o fall_v nor_o be_v foil_v by_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n god_n esteem_v as_o his_o invincible_a soldier_n and_o valiant_a worthy_n who_o be_v never_o vanquish_v for_o the_o lord_n accept_v the_o desire_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n 8.12_o 2._o cor._n 8.12_o it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 8.12_o so_o he_o be_v account_v bless_a not_o who_o have_v attain_v unto_o perfect_a inherent_a righteousness_n indeed_o 5.6_o matth._n 5.6_o but_o he_o who_o hunger_v after_o righteousness_n matth._n 5.6_o that_o be_v who_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o withal_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v his_o want_n supply_v §_o sect._n 3_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v acceptable_a the_o condition_n require_v unto_o that_o desire_n which_o be_v acceptable_a that_o every_o flicker_a and_o unconstant_a desire_n proceed_v from_o sudden_a passion_n and_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n for_o so_o every_o worldling_n may_v imagine_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o unto_o this_o desire_n i_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n require_v as_o first_o that_o this_o desire_n be_v join_v with_o a_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o earnest_n strive_v and_o labour_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o those_o grace_n which_o we_o do_v desire_v for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o wish_v for_o faith_n repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n unless_o we_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n careful_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_v our_o desire_n second_o this_o desire_n must_v not_o be_v sudden_a like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n vanish_v away_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o enter_v into_o we_o but_o we_o must_v constant_o persevere_v in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v satisfy_v three_o it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o slight_a and_o indifferent_a desire_n as_o though_o we_o will_v have_v these_o grace_n if_o we_o can_v easy_o attain_v unto_o they_o otherwise_o we_o do_v not_o great_o care_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o or_o no_o but_o it_o must_v be_v very_o earnest_a at_o least_o sometime_o though_o not_o always_o so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n my_o soul_n long_v after_o thou_o o_o lord_n as_o the_o thirsty_a land_n psal_n 63.1_o and_o as_o the_o hart_n bray_v for_o the_o river_n of_o water_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n as_o it_o be_v psal_n 42.1_o four_o this_o desire_n be_v true_a and_o please_v unto_o god_n when_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o penury_n in_o regard_n whereof_o we_o be_v true_o humble_v and_o hereof_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v in_o which_o two_o thing_n concur_v first_o a_o sense_n of_o want_n which_o affict_v we_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o have_v it_o supply_v five_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o have_v a_o continual_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o salvation_n unless_o we_o desire_v as_o earnest_o the_o subordinate_a cause_n and_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o namely_o vocation_n justification_n sanctification_n faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o even_o balaam_n himself_o do_v wish_v that_o he_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o he_o wish_v not_o also_o to_o live_v their_o life_n he_o desire_v to_o die_v like_o they_o that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v but_o he_o desire_v not_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n whereby_o he_o may_v have_v be_v assure_v of_o salvation_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v have_v our_o desire_n acceptable_a to_o god_n they_o must_v be_v join_v with_o a_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o obtain_v those_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o we_o do_v desire_n they_o must_v be_v constant_a earnest_a and_o proceed_v from_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o want_n and_o be_v refer_v as_o well_o to_o the_o mean_n as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o the_o desire_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grace_n itself_o the_o desire_n of_o faith_n be_v faith_n the_o desire_n of_o repentance_n be_v repentance_n not_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n but_o in_o god_n acceptation_n who_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n §_o sect._n 4_o and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o our_o righteousness_n perfection_n the_o christian_n perfection_n consist_v in_o desire_v and_o labour_v after_o perfection_n when_o as_o we_o feel_v our_o imperfection_n and_o labour_v earnest_o after_o more_o perfection_n for_o christiani_n sumus_fw-la potius_fw-la affectu_fw-la quà m_fw-la effectu_fw-la we_o be_v christian_n rather_o in_o our_o affection_n and_o desire_n than_o in_o our_o work_n and_o ability_n neither_o do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n the_o full_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o in_o this_o life_n but_o only_o the_o first_o fruit_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o handful_n of_o corn_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a field_n and_o the_o earnest_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v but_o as_o a_o penny_n in_o respect_n of_o many_o thousand_o which_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o thereby_o 5.5_o rom._n 8.23.2_o cor._n 1.22_o and_o 5.5_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.23.2_o cor._n 1.22_o and_o 5.5_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o god_n bestow_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o upon_o some_o of_o his_o child_n in_o great_a measure_n and_o upon_o some_o in_o less_o even_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n may_v be_v a_o great_a or_o lesser_a handful_n and_o the_o earnest_n be_v sometime_o a_o penny_n and_o sometime_o a_o shilling_n sometime_o more_o and_o sometime_o less_o but_o yet_o the_o great_a measure_n which_o any_o receive_v be_v but_o as_o a_o handful_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o a_o earnest_a penny_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o main_a sum_n and_o full_a measure_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v hereby_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o least_o earnest_n have_v as_o full_a and_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o the_o whole_a bargain_n which_o god_n have_v covenant_v to_o make_v good_a unto_o we_o as_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o great_a according_a to_o the_o
in_o the_o chain_n of_o sin_n than_o another_o but_o none_o have_v escape_v altogether_o and_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o grievous_a hurt_n so_o they_o have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v those_o wound_n heal_v which_o sin_n have_v make_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o renew_v the_o fight_n against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o christ_n the_o good_a samaritane_n and_o their_o most_o careful_a captain_n will_v power_n the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o precious_a balm_n of_o his_o blood_n into_o their_o wound_n which_o will_v as_o easy_o cure_v they_o though_o they_o be_v many_o and_o grisly_a as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o small_a scratch_n §_o sect._n 10_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o consolation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o comfort_v and_o raise_v up_o of_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v permission_n that_o satan_n prevail_v against_o we_o not_o by_o his_o absolute_a power_n but_o by_o god_n permission_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o satan_n foyl_v we_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n not_o at_o his_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o his_o own_o absolute_a power_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v thus_o prevail_v for_o the_o further_a manifestation_n of_o my_o glory_n for_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v his_o child_n sometime_o to_o themselves_o so_o that_o be_v assault_v by_o satan_n they_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o bewray_v their_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v show_v hereby_o and_o declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o so_o manifest_o appear_v and_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v 12.8.9_o 2._o cor._n 12.8.9_o 2._o cor._n 12.8.9.10_o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o do_v buffet_v he_o but_o the_o lord_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o power_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o weakness_n after_o which_o answer_n receive_v the_o apostle_n quiet_v himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o infirmity_n nay_o glori_v in_o they_o rather_o than_o in_o his_o revelation_n as_o he_o profess_v say_v very_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rejoice_v rather_o in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o i_o humiliation_n that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o of_o his_o own_o power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o for_o our_o humiliation_n though_o then_o our_o infirmity_n be_v great_a and_o our_o fall_n many_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o discourage_v thereby_o see_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v thus_o bewray_v our_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n to_o the_o end_n his_o power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n may_v be_v make_v the_o more_o manifest_a and_o that_o both_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o unto_o other_o for_o such_o be_v our_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o secret_a pride_n that_o if_o we_o shall_v always_o alike_o withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n without_o receive_v any_o foil_n and_o never_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n we_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o we_o stand_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o so_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n of_o victory_n to_o ourselves_o thereby_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o he_o and_o also_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rely_v upon_o ourselves_o rather_o than_o on_o the_o lord_n assistance_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a unto_o god_n nor_o pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o when_o as_o in_o the_o spiritual_a combat_n of_o temptation_n we_o sometime_o stand_v and_o sometime_o fall_v sometime_o resist_v those_o assault_n which_o be_v strong_a and_o violent_a and_o another_o time_n faint_a and_o yield_v in_o the_o light_a trial_n this_o make_v it_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o power_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_a at_o all_o time_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o sustain_v we_o sometime_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o discourage_v and_o sometime_o withdraw_v itself_o that_o we_o may_v by_o receive_v foil_n learn_v to_o know_v our_o infirmity_n and_o whole_o to_o rely_v ourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n assistance_n return_v all_o the_o praise_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o only_o have_v sustain_v us._n as_o therefore_o our_o infirmity_n in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o shall_v serve_v to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a humiliation_n and_o utter_a despare_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n so_o in_o respect_n that_o they_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o lord_n power_n support_v we_o they_o shall_v the_o rather_o encourage_v we_o to_o fight_v the_o spiritual_a combat_n with_o assure_a hope_n of_o victory_n see_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o stand_v not_o by_o our_o own_o power_n which_o like_o a_o break_a staff_n or_o crack_a weapon_n will_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o do_v most_o trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o it_o but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n against_o which_o neither_o satan_n nor_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v any_o jot_n prevail_v and_o in_o this_o regard_n we_o may_v well_o rejoice_v in_o our_o infirmity_n with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o more_o manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o which_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v we_o from_o satan_n malice_n and_o violent_a rage_n not_o only_a when_o we_o stand_v manful_o in_o the_o encounter_n but_o also_o when_o we_o be_v foil_v and_o put_v to_o the_o worst_a §_o sect._n 11_o yea_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o more_o weak_a and_o full_a of_o infirmity_n the_o poor_a christian_n be_v weakness_n god_n power_n most_o clear_o appear_v in_o our_o weakness_n the_o more_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n glorious_a might_n manifest_v and_o magnify_v for_o when_o satan_n who_o be_v so_o malicious_a puissant_a and_o politic_a a_o enemy_n have_v long_o time_n assault_v a_o silly_a weak_a man_n or_o owman_n and_o yet_o can_v whole_o prevail_v but_o return_v away_o foil_v and_o overcome_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v by_o some_o superior_a power_n which_o far_o excel_v satan_n in_o strength_n and_o policy_n whereas_o it_o seem_v no_o such_o wonder_n when_o as_o the_o strong_a christian_n who_o have_v obtain_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o other_o grace_n give_v satan_n the_o repulse_n neither_o be_v man_n so_o ready_a to_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o lord_n because_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o help_a hand_n do_v not_o so_o manifest_o appear_v although_o in_o truth_n their_o victory_n also_o come_v whole_o from_o he_o for_o without_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n they_o be_v as_o feeble_a and_o unable_a to_o stand_v as_o the_o weak_a but_o yet_o the_o weak_a and_o small_a the_o mean_n be_v the_o more_o manifest_a be_v the_o lord_n power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o hereby_o do_v accomplish_v thing_n which_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o example_n the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v great_a when_o as_o he_o provide_v for_o we_o food_n convenient_a and_o give_v strength_n thereto_o to_o nourish_v and_o sustain_v we_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o manifest_a when_o as_o he_o so_o strenthen_v we_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o meal_n that_o we_o need_v no_o more_o in_o forty_o day_n as_o he_o do_v elias_n but_o than_o it_o shine_v as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n when_o as_o he_o sustain_v we_o without_o any_o food_n at_o all_o as_o he_o do_v moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n so_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a when_o as_o he_o give_v we_o victory_n over_o our_o enemy_n though_o there_o be_v some_o equality_n in_o the_o number_n and_o other_o preparation_n 144.1_o psal_n 144.1_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o teach_v our_o hand_n to_o war_n and_o our_o finger_n to_o fight_v but_o it_o be_v more_o evident_a when_o as_o our_o number_n be_v small_a as_o when_o he_o deliver_v the_o israelite_n by_o gedeon_n and_o his_o three_o hundred_o man_n from_o a_o innumerable_a army_n and_o overcome_v the_o whole_a host_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la by_o the_o weak_a mean_n of_o jonathan_n and_o his_o armour-bearer_n but_o than_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o manifest_a when_o as_o he_o ourcom_v our_o enemy_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a power_n as_o he_o do_v the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o the_o
be_v refute_v and_o repel_v chap._n i._o answer_v to_o those_o temptation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v carnal_a man_n of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o common_a affection_n of_o the_o christian_a conflict_n salvation_n that_o satan_n temptation_n impugn_v all_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n namely_o his_o manful_a withstand_v satan_n encounter_n and_o also_o his_o faint_a and_o fall_v into_o sin_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o special_a temptation_n themselves_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v against_o they_o where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o satan_n temptation_n be_v not_o always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o neither_o impugn_v one_o or_o two_o point_n only_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v manifold_a so_o also_o do_v he_o gather_v manifold_a objection_n against_o every_o one_o of_o they_o if_o they_o true_o appertain_v unto_o we_o that_o so_o he_o may_v impugn_v and_o raze_v our_o faith_n or_o else_o do_v fill_v we_o with_o vain_a presumption_n persuade_v we_o that_o all_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n concur_v together_o in_o we_o when_o as_o in_o truth_n we_o be_v void_a and_o destitute_a of_o they_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v of_o the_o several_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o observe_v what_o temptation_n satan_n sugge_v in_o our_o mind_n against_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v god_n eternal_a love_n and_o immutable_a goodwill_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v his_o creature_n from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v the_o which_o love_n and_o goodwill_n in_o himself_o do_v move_v he_o to_o elect_v they_o to_o salvation_n who_o he_o so_o love_v without_o any_o desert_n in_o themselves_o for_o how_o can_v they_o deserve_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n have_v before_o they_o be_v or_o what_o good_a can_v the_o lord_n foresee_v in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n he_o purpose_v to_o bestow_v and_o impart_v unto_o they_o god_n satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v carnal_a man_n that_o they_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n first_o therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o those_o temptation_n which_o concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o vain_a presumption_n and_o carnal_a security_n the_o other_o to_o horror_n and_o desperation_n for_o if_o satan_n see_v man_n live_v in_o carnal_a security_n freeze_v in_o the_o dregs_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o as_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n he_o will_v persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o run_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v do_v thou_o not_o perceive_v will_n he_o say_v that_o god_n dear_o love_v thou_o why_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v make_v thou_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a creature_n whereas_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o toad_n or_o serpent_n he_o have_v also_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n preserve_v and_o nourish_v thou_o from_o thy_o infancy_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v send_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o thou_o and_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o thou_o among_o many_o other_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n where_o thou_o injoye_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o end_n thou_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o thy_o salvation_n without_o all_o question_n or_o doubt_v never_o therefore_o take_v care_n nor_o trouble_v thyself_o concern_v thy_o salvation_n use_v not_o such_o strictness_n and_o preciseness_n of_o life_n but_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o follow_v those_o delight_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bestow_v upon_o thou_o as_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n for_o thou_o be_v not_o now_o a_o slave_n but_o a_o son_n and_o therefore_o may_v more_o free_o follow_v thy_o own_o desire_n and_o use_v thy_o liberty_n cast_v away_o all_o servile_a fear_n which_o make_v thou_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o salvation_n for_o thou_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o principal_a namely_o of_o god_n love_n and_o therefore_o thou_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o rest_n nor_o to_o debar_v thyself_o of_o thy_o pleasure_n spend_v thy_o time_n in_o fear_n and_o care_n to_o the_o end_n thou_o may_v get_v the_o assurance_n of_o that_o which_o thou_o need_v not_o to_o call_v into_o question_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o devil_n fill_v man_n with_o presumption_n and_o lull_v they_o asleep_a in_o carnal_a security_n to_o their_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o circumvent_v and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o god_n love_n go_v not_o alone_o neither_o be_v it_o idle_a in_o those_o who_o he_o love_v but_o as_o the_o first_o link_n of_o a_o chain_n draw_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chain_n with_o it_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v accompany_v with_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n which_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o for_o who_o god_n love_v they_o he_o elect_v who_o he_o elect_v those_o in_o his_o good_a time_n he_o call_v who_o he_o effectual_o call_v they_o he_o justifi_v and_o who_o he_o justifi_v those_o he_o sanctifi_v if_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o sanctify_v we_o be_v not_o justify_v if_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v we_o be_v not_o call_v if_o we_o be_v not_o call_v we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v nor_o yet_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o consequent_o whosoever_o live_v in_o their_o blind_a ignorance_n in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o wallow_v themselves_o in_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o true_a sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o any_o good_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o be_v rather_o just_o to_o fear_v lest_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v eternal_o reject_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o their_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a estate_n §_o sect._n 2_o neither_o let_v satan_n bewitch_v they_o with_o that_o vain_a opinion_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o they_o love_n temporal_a benefit_n no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n love_n because_o of_o those_o general_a benefit_n which_o like_o the_o rain_n and_o sunshine_n be_v bestow_v both_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o what_o in_o this_o respect_n can_v they_o promise_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o esau_n and_o saul_n be_v not_o they_o create_v man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o likeness_n be_v they_o not_o preseur_v and_o nourish_v by_o god_n and_o that_o more_o liberal_o than_o many_o god_n own_o child_n for_o esau_n have_v so_o much_o the_o he_o profess_v to_o his_o brother_n jacob_n that_o he_o have_v enough_o and_o be_v attend_v upon_o by_o four_o hundred_o man_n and_o be_v not_o saul_n a_o mighty_a king_n who_o have_v all_o at_o command_n be_v not_o all_o these_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o outward_o enjoy_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o god_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o hate_v esau_n and_o have_v reject_v saul_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o never_o brag_v of_o our_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n because_o of_o these_o outward_a and_o common_a benefit_n which_o he_o indifferent_o bestow_v both_o upon_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v assure_v indeed_o of_o god_n love_n let_v we_o look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v if_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o his_o spiritual_a grace_n faith_n hope_n patience_n love_n of_o he_o and_o our_o brethren_n true_a repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v sanctify_v and_o consequent_o justify_v call_v elect_v and_o eternal_o love_v of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n false_o persuade_v the_o carnal_a man_n that_o he_o be_v high_o in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n god_n how_o satan_n persuade_v weak_a christian_n that_o thâ—y_o be_v not_o belous_a of_o god_n but_o contrariwise_o when_o he_o assault_v the_o weak_a christian_a he_o change_v his_o copy_n and_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v he_o
god_n again_o and_o earnest_o labour_v after_o mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n love_n and_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o purpose_n to_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o may_v well_o brag_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o in_o very_a truth_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o nothing_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o love_n that_o every_o particular_a christian_n may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n love_n the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v all_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o that_o it_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v assure_v thereof_o but_o as_o for_o particular_a man_n they_o notwithstanding_o may_v just_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n see_v they_o have_v no_o special_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a of_o objection_n for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n saint_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n which_o be_v particular_a christian_n how_o therefore_o can_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n if_o all_o the_o several_a member_n doubt_v thereof_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a part_n as_o though_o a_o whole_a city_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o prince_n favour_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o city_n shall_v think_v themselves_o in_o his_o displeasure_n saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n in_o his_o own_o person_n say_v 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o he_o say_v not_o who_o have_v love_v and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o church_n but_o for_o himself_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v this_o by_o revelation_n whereby_o he_o may_v extraordinary_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n but_o he_o use_v for_o his_o argument_n a_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n namely_o that_o god_n love_v he_o because_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o believe_v with_o paul_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v also_o with_o he_o of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 7_o second_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v we_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n for_o he_o have_v profess_v his_o love_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o his_o word_n neither_o do_v he_o require_v any_o condition_n at_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o merciful_a promise_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o for_o their_o unworthiness_n but_o for_o their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o that_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n see_v then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n require_v but_o faith_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n sure_o most_o desperate_o do_v we_o sin_v against_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o most_o blasphemous_o against_o god_n if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n confirm_v by_o his_o seal_n no_o not_o his_o oath_n whereby_o he_o have_v ratify_v his_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o we_o but_o make_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o a_o liar_n a_o covenant_n breaker_n yea_o a_o perjure_a person_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n witness_v of_o his_o son_n though_o therefore_o we_o sin_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o thus_o blaspheme_v though_o we_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n and_o unworthy_a god_n love_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o add_v this_o to_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o distrust_v god_n truth_n in_o his_o gracious_a promise_n for_o if_o we_o put_v all_o our_o other_o sin_n into_o the_o one_o school_n and_o this_o alone_a into_o the_o other_o yet_o will_v it_o weigh_v down_o all_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v we_o damn_v for_o our_o other_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o add_v unto_o they_o infidelity_n for_o whereas_o the_o precious_a balm_n of_o our_o saviour_n blood_n be_v a_o sovereign_a salve_n to_o cure_v all_o other_o sore_n of_o sin_n yet_o this_o it_o can_v help_v because_o it_o do_v refuse_v the_o cure_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v off_o this_o precious_a plaster_n when_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o §_o sect._n 8_o but_o as_o this_o distrust_v and_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o ourselves_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n pernicious_a unto_o ourselves_o so_o also_o it_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o first_o it_o torment_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v our_o conscience_n upon_o the_o rack_n when_o as_o we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o so_o often_o as_o we_o fall_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n come_v before_o our_o eye_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o god_n love_n but_o our_o own_o desert_n we_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v like_o a_o ship_n toss_v with_o the_o billow_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o end_n sink_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n be_v over_o balance_v and_o too_o heavy_o lade_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o goodwill_n ground_v on_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o not_o on_o our_o worthiness_n if_o we_o do_v fall_v we_o will_v be_v grieve_v in_o deed_n even_o at_o the_o very_a heart_n because_o we_o have_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n but_o yet_o our_o sin_n will_v not_o make_v we_o despair_v or_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o because_o it_o have_v not_o it_o ground_n on_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o god_n own_o free_a mercy_n grace_n and_o good_a will_n us._n that_o we_o can_v love_v god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o us._n second_o if_o we_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o love_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n for_o who_o love_v he_o entire_o of_o who_o love_n he_o be_v not_o persuade_v or_o who_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o hate_v and_o abhor_v he_o cos_n amoris_fw-la amor_fw-la love_n be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a among_o man_n then_o much_o more_o between_o god_n and_o we_o 4.19_o 1._o joh._n 4.19_o for_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o joh._n 4.19_o as_o therefore_o the_o cold_a stone_n can_v of_o itself_o cast_v forth_o no_o heat_n till_o it_o be_v first_o warm_v by_o the_o sun_n beam_n and_o then_o it_o reflectsth_n again_o some_o of_o the_o heat_n which_o it_o receive_v so_o no_o more_o can_v our_o cold_a heart_n cast_v any_o beam_n of_o hearty_a love_n towards_o god_n till_o they_o be_v warm_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o return_v some_o spark_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n after_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n clear_o shine_v in_o they_o unless_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n we_o can_v love_v he_o 13.8_o rom._n 13.8_o and_o consequent_o can_v perform_v any_o duty_n of_o love_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 13.8_o so_o the_o want_n of_o love_n be_v the_o transgress_a of_o all_o the_o commandment_n for_o all_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o a_o spring_n issue_v from_o it_o nay_o when_o we_o despair_v of_o god_n love_n then_o do_v we_o despair_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o this_o life_n will_v afford_v unto_o we_o give_v ourselves_o over_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o all_o the_o filthy_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spend_v our_o
a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v condemn_v in_o god_n word_n though_o the_o papist_n high_o commend_v it_o so_o matth._n 14.31_o our_o saviour_n reprehend_v peter_n for_o his_o doubt_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n 14.31_o matth._n 14.31_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v and_o luk._n 12.29_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o stand_v in_o doubt_n or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v be_v not_o like_a unto_o meteor_n which_o be_v carry_v about_o in_o the_o air_n with_o every_o wind_n 12.29_o luk._n 12.29_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1.7_o jam._n 1.7_o 1.7_o compare_v he_o that_o waver_v or_o doubt_v to_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v of_o the_o wind_n and_o carry_v away_o and_o paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o commend_v doubt_v for_o a_o virtue_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o sin_n in_o itself_o but_o also_o as_o a_o cause_n which_o make_v our_o action_n which_o be_v indifferent_a or_o good_a in_o themselves_o to_o become_v sin_n so_o the_o eat_n of_o this_o or_o that_o meat_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o lawful_a if_o it_o be_v reccive_v with_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 14.23_o that_o he_o who_o doubt_v be_v condemn_v if_o he_o eat_v 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o and_o he_o render_v this_o reason_n because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o that_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o he_o who_o doubt_v eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o faith_n be_v sin_n see_v therefore_o doubt_v be_v oppose_v unto_o faith_n and_o be_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o also_o a_o cause_n of_o sin_n let_v we_o not_o entertain_v it_o though_o it_o bring_v letter_n commendatorie_a from_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o his_o shaveling_n but_o labour_v to_o banish_v it_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o strive_v after_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o though_o we_o find_v our_o great_a unworthiness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n and_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o why_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o let_v we_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o believe_v against_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n leave_v to_o our_o choice_n but_o enjoin_v we_o by_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o main_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o reason_n and_o dispute_v let_v we_o resolve_v to_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o than_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o full_a of_o corruption_n 15.9_o act._n 15.9_o yet_o will_v this_o faith_n purify_v we_o though_o we_o be_v most_o backward_o in_o perform_v any_o good_a work_n yet_o will_v it_o be_v fruitful_a in_o we_o 6._o galat._n 5_o 6._o and_o will_v work_v by_o love_n though_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a it_o will_v make_v we_o more_o worthy_a by_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o bloodshed_n which_o will_v not_o only_o free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n but_o will_v also_o purge_v we_o from_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n themselves_o §_o sect._n 4_o three_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n may_v be_v prove_v notion_n three_o faith_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o not_o a_o doubtful_a opinion_n or_o general_a notion_n by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o a_o doubtful_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n not_o a_o general_a notion_n but_o a_o particular_a assurance_n whereby_o we_o do_v apply_v and_o appropriate_v unto_o ourselves_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v believe_v whosoever_o therefore_o have_v true_a faith_n he_o do_v certain_o believe_v and_o be_v particular_o assure_v of_o his_o election_n justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o certain_a persuasion_n it_o may_v appear_v first_o by_o those_o property_n and_o name_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o word_n heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o a_o subsistence_n or_o present_a be_v of_o thing_n hope_v for_o so_o that_o hope_n wait_v for_o they_o in_o time_n to_o come_v but_o faith_n enjoy_v they_o as_o be_v present_a namely_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o certain_a assurance_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n unto_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v 5.13_o 1._o joh._n 5.13_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v know_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v but_o that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1._o joh._n 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o 5.13_o not_o in_o possession_n but_o in_o assurance_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o place_n which_o word_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o doubt_v as_o signify_v a_o manifest_a demonstration_n which_o do_v not_o only_o show_v a_o thing_n probable_o but_o also_o do_v convince_v with_o strong_a argument_n and_o make_v that_o truth_n clear_a and_o manifest_a which_o be_v otherwise_o obscure_a and_o secret_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v call_v a_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o there_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o it_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n heb._n 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o 10.22_o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o also_o boldness_n with_o confident_a trust_n eph._n 3.12_o eph._n 3.12_o 3.12_o by_o who_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o entrance_n with_o confidence_n not_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o full_a assurance_n boldness_n and_o confidence_n we_o can_v not_o have_v if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n but_o remain_v doubtful_a whether_o we_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o elect_a or_o no._n to_o these_o name_n and_o property_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v add_v some_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o clear_o show_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o doubtful_a hope_n but_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n 1._o john_n 3.14_o 3.14_o 1._o joh._n 3.14_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n not_o by_o revelation_n but_o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o note_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n rom._n 3.2_o the_o apostle_n say_v 5.2_o rom._n 5.2_o that_o by_o christ_n we_o have_v access_n through_o faith_n unto_o god_n grace_n wherein_o we_o stand_v and_o rejoice_v under_o hope_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v glory_n and_o triumph_v with_o joy_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o waver_v and_o stagger_v but_o stand_v firm_o through_o faith_n we_o do_v not_o fear_v and_o timorous_o hope_v but_o even_o glory_n and_o triumph_n in_o our_o rejoice_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.33_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n choose_v 38._o rom._n 8.33_o 34.35_o 38._o it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v 34._o who_o shall_v condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n which_o be_v dead_a yea_o or_o rather_o which_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v also_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v request_n also_o for_o us._n 35._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v manifold_a our_o unworthiness_n great_a and_o our_o faith_n weak_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v also_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n because_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o god_n free_a justify_n and_o accept_v of_o we_o as_o righteous_a in_o christ_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o and_o upon_o christ_n death_n resurrection_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o unto_o god_n his_o father_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a foundation_n that_o can_v fail_v in_o deed_n if_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o anchor_n of_o our_o hope_n do_v pitch_n rest_n and_o fasten_v itself_o upon_o the_o light_n and_o hollow_a sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n the_o surge_a wave_n and_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o satan_n temptation_n will_v disanchor_v and_o toss_v we_o too_o and_o fro_o till_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o rock_n of_o despair_n but_o see_v we_o take_v hold_v and_o rest_n upon_o the_o firm_a and_o sure_o anchorhold_a christ_n jesus_n his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n
sin_n shall_v have_v they_o remit_v and_o be_v make_v a_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o particular_a hearer_n do_v true_o assume_v that_o he_o believe_v and_o repent_v the_o minister_n have_v authority_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o make_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v thou_o assure_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o in_o christ_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o undoubted_a heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n second_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v offer_v unto_o we_o his_o gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n so_o do_v we_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o general_o in_o the_o word_n offer_v these_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o that_o will_v receive_v they_o but_o also_o particular_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o every_o faithful_a receiver_n for_o in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o must_v consider_v a_o relation_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o outward_a sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v as_o therefore_o the_o minister_n do_v offer_v and_o give_v and_o i_o receive_v and_o eat_v the_o outward_a sign_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n so_o be_o i_o as_o certain_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v offer_v and_o give_v and_o that_o i_o do_v receive_v and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n with_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o nourish_a of_o my_o particular_a soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n as_o my_o body_n be_v nourish_v with_o these_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n last_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o faith_n we_o have_v entrance_n unto_o god_n with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n 3.12_o eph._n 3.12_o and_o therefore_o by_o faith_n the_o believer_n be_v particular_o persuade_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n for_o with_o what_o boldness_n or_o confidence_n can_v the_o poor_a sinner_n come_v before_o god_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o selfe-guiltinesse_n if_o he_o be_v not_o particular_o assure_v that_o his_o curse_n be_v bear_v by_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v forgive_v the_o whole_a debt_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n what_o assure_a comfort_n can_v he_o receive_v if_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v elect_v peter_n and_o paul_n and_o all_o his_o church_n if_o he_o be_v not_o also_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v in_o this_o number_n if_o a_o whole_a city_n shall_v rebel_v and_o commit_v high_a treason_n against_o a_o prince_n and_o the_o prince_n shall_v send_v out_o a_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o upon_o some_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n with_o what_o boldness_n or_o confidence_n can_v any_o in_o this_o city_n come_v before_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v perform_v these_o condition_n but_o this_o be_v our_o case_n we_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o he_o have_v proclaim_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o we_o lay_v hold_v upon_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n if_o therefore_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n merciful_a promise_n belong_v particular_o unto_o we_o with_o what_o boldness_n or_o confidence_n can_v we_o come_v before_o he_o but_o the_o apostle_n faith_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o have_v this_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o particular_a election_n §_o sect._n 7_o four_o that_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o four_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n not_o to_o confirm_v god_n promise_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v so_o undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o need_v no_o confirmation_n but_o to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o full_a assurance_n that_o they_o belong_v particular_o unto_o us._n for_o whereas_o in_o the_o word_n the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v general_o propound_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o doubt_v be_v remoove_v they_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v particular_o unto_o themselves_o now_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o doubt_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o this_o doubt_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v then_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o word_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v that_o general_a faith_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o doubt_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o do_v further_o assure_v we_o and_o apply_v unto_o we_o god_n promise_n will_v be_v rather_o hurtful_a than_o profitable_a because_o they_o take_v away_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o virtue_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o we_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o god_n truth_n namely_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v we_o doubt_v of_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o only_o write_v his_o covenant_n but_o also_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o his_o seal_n and_o have_v thereby_o particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o every_o one_o who_o receive_v it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o because_o thereby_o as_o by_o a_o seal_n abraham_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o assure_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n do_v belong_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_a to_o this_o sacrament_n be_v baptism_n wherein_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v in_o he_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o the_o party_n baptize_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o where_o the_o apostle_n compare_v christ_n to_o a_o garment_n which_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n be_v put_v on_o by_o every_o particular_a believer_n so_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v particular_o deliver_v unto_o all_o the_o communicant_n to_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o every_o one_o who_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n do_v receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n whereby_o his_o soul_n be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v faith_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o receive_v christ_n and_o whosoever_o receive_v christ_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v those_o 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o even_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n as_o it_o be_v joh._n 1.12_o and_o whosoever_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n 6.54.47_o joh._n 6.54.47_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 6.54_o now_o if_o we_o will_v know_v how_o we_o feed_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o expound_v himself_o vers_n 47._o §_o sect._n 8_o five_o 5.14.15_o the_o five_o argument_n take_v from_o prayer_n 1._o joh._n 5.14.15_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o 0198_o 0153_o nay_o we_o ought_v steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o joh._n 5.14_o this_o be_v the_o assurance_n that_o we_o have_v in_o he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v us._n 15._o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o have_v desire_v of_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n will_v have_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o faith_n without_o waver_v 6.12_o jam._n 1.5_o mat._n 6.12_o that_o be_v not_o doubt_v to_o receive_v that_o we_o
unrepentancie_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n last_o presumption_n no_o long_o persuade_v man_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n than_o they_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a benefit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n lay_v upon_o they_o any_o grievous_a affliction_n either_o outward_o in_o body_n and_o state_n or_o inward_o in_o mind_n then_o this_o persuasion_n vanish_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o common_o end_v in_o utter_a despair_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o howsoever_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o violent_a noise_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o at_o some_o time_n yet_o afterward_o again_o it_o cry_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o see_v we_o have_v it_o not_o natural_o in_o ourselves_o how_o may_v we_o attain_v unto_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n 11.13_o jam._n 1.17_o matth._n 7.7_o luk._n 11.13_o from_o who_o descend_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n have_v our_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n namely_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o more_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11.13_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manife_v his_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o believe_v and_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o whereby_o also_o he_o ordinary_o beget_v this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o all_o his_o child_n for_o howsoever_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n alone_o give_v the_o increase_n yet_o god_n blessing_n ordinary_o accompany_v his_o own_o ordinance_n make_v it_o effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o and_o though_o the_o word_n may_v long_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n before_o it_o pierce_v the_o heart_n or_o beget_v any_o save_a grace_n in_o we_o unless_o the_o lord_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n fruitful_a yet_o those_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o may_v become_v profitable_a to_o their_o salvation_n may_v constant_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o they_o careful_o use_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n whereas_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v god_n word_n have_v no_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o beget_v faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n in_o us._n though_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o after_o long_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n feel_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o give_v it_o over_o but_o expect_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o wait_v his_o leisure_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v make_v this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n effectual_a for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o three_o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o frequent_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v the_o in_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v add_v these_o seal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o thorough_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o conscionable_o frequent_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o lord_n will_v bless_v also_o this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n moreover_o they_o who_o worthy_o receive_v these_o holy_a mystery_n do_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o they_o more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v for_o he_o that_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o 6.56_o joh._n 6.56_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.56_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom_n 8.1_o 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n 2._o the_o four_o mean_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n zanch._n the_o attrib_n l._n 5._o c._n 2._o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n predestination_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sign_n thereof_o for_o the_o effect_n argue_v the_o cause_n as_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o natural_a thing_n but_o also_o in_o those_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o as_o certain_o as_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v fire_n because_o it_o cast_v forth_o heat_n and_o the_o son_n by_o his_o cast_v forth_o of_o bright_a ray_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v lighten_v and_o that_o a_o tree_n be_v good_a by_o the_o good_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o also_o may_v we_o as_o certain_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v these_o effect_n bare_a sign_n only_o of_o our_o election_n but_o also_o manifest_a seal_n which_o by_o their_o plain_a impression_n do_v evident_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o know_v god_n election_n predestination_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o god_n himself_o elect_v predestinate_v and_o decree_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v apparent_a seal_n and_o impression_n hereof_o in_o ourselves_o lively_o resemble_v that_o which_o be_v secret_a in_o god_n hide_a council_n and_o as_o we_o not_o see_v the_o seal_n which_o make_v the_o impression_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o form_n fashion_n and_o quantity_n thereof_o by_o the_o print_n which_o it_o have_v make_v so_o we_o not_o see_v god_n secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n may_v notwithstanding_o attain_v to_o the_o evedent_a knowledge_n thereof_o by_o that_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v in_o us._n this_o also_o may_v further_o be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n namely_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o bright_a beam_n do_v imprint_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o be_v reflect_v back_o again_o to_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v before_o all_o eternity_n be_v secret_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v not_o understand_v it_o direct_o but_o yet_o while_o god_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o elect_a he_o do_v express_v the_o image_n and_o form_n of_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v whereby_o we_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v he_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v elect_v we_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o our_o god_n and_o father_n we_o also_o know_v his_o foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o first_o god_n know_v we_o and_o then_o by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o knowledge_n communicate_v unto_o we_o he_o inlightn_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o
ephes_n 4.14_o therefore_o without_o holiness_n there_o be_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v see_v he_o have_v swear_v that_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o save_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n hell_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n 75._o luk._n 1.74_o 75._o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n what_o hope_v of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n can_v they_o conceive_v who_o live_v in_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n see_v by_o god_n oath_n they_o be_v exclude_v from_o both_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o sign_n and_o infallible_a note_n of_o our_o election_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n salvation_n the_o first_o sign_n a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o some_o special_a sign_n which_o be_v infallible_a note_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v the_o first_o sign_n be_v a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o a_o conscionable_a endeavour_n in_o use_v they_o after_o we_o enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n be_v never_o separate_v in_o god_n decree_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o example_n the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o as_o thereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n so_o also_o it_o be_v that_o bread_n of_o life_n wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n so_o that_o whosoever_o god_n have_v elect_v those_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o call_v ordinary_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o same_o also_o to_o furnish_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v call_v whosoever_o therefore_o labour_v to_o purchase_v this_o precious_a pearl_n whosoever_o hunger_n after_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o be_v content_a to_o enjoy_v it_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v good_a cheap_a but_o also_o when_o it_o be_v very_o chargeable_a whosoever_o enjoy_v it_o do_v attentive_o and_o diligent_o hear_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o with_o delight_n they_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v elect_v for_o the_o mean_n &_o the_o end_n go_v together_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o god_n child_n it_o appear_v joh._n 10.3_o 4._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n 10.3.4_o joh._n 10.3.4_o and_o matth._n 13.45_o he_o compare_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o merchant_n 13.45_o matth._n 13.45_o who_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v want_v the_o precious_a pearl_n of_o god_n word_n sell_v all_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v it_o those_o therefore_o who_o make_v this_o precious_a account_n of_o god_n word_n and_o careful_o diligent_o and_o attentive_o hear_v it_o when_o they_o enjoy_v it_o may_v to_o their_o comfort_n assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o election_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o it_o than_o enjoy_v it_o those_o who_o will_v bestow_v no_o cost_n to_o obtain_v it_o nor_o forgo_v any_o pleasure_n or_o commodity_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v it_o nor_o when_o they_o do_v hear_v it_o be_v affect_v with_o any_o delight_n but_o be_v glut_v with_o loathe_v satietic_n hear_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n with_o any_o pleasure_n but_o the_o conclusion_n only_o they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n because_o they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o end_n in_o god_n eternal_a decree_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v of_o other_o mean_n as_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n meditate_v in_o god_n word_n the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o rest_n §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o sign_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v supplication_n the_o second_o sign_n the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n when_o as_o they_o can_v pour_v forth_o their_o soul_n in_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v in_o we_o which_o we_o can_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n attain_v unto_o for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v a_o most_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o god_n spirit_n certain_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n and_o adoption_n for_o it_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 16._o verse_n 16._o as_o it_o be_v vers_n 16._o so_o rom._n 10.13_o it_o be_v say_v 10.13_o rom._n 10.13_o that_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o this_o prayer_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o with_o deceitful_a lip_n for_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n 29.13_o esa_n 29.13_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o esa_n 29.13_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o sign_n of_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n thing_n the_o three_o sign_n be_v when_o we_o be_v wean_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n heavenly_a thing_n be_v when_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v somewhat_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o seat_v in_o heaven_n mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o when_o their_o tongue_n be_v set_v a_o work_n by_o the_o heart_n do_v glad_o entertain_v godly_a and_o religious_a conference_n for_o there_o as_o the_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v the_o heart_n be_v also_o and_o with_o whatsoever_o the_o heart_n be_v affect_v the_o tongue_n be_v delight_v now_o that_o these_o holy_a meditation_n and_o religious_a discourse_n be_v sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n hereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o which_o they_o be_v irksome_a and_o tedious_a but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o lead_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.14_o 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o he_o that_o be_v right_a heir_n to_o a_o royal_a kingdom_n and_o not_o yet_o possess_v thereof_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o think_v on_o it_o nor_o glut_v with_o such_o discourse_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o extol_v the_o riches_n and_o glory_n which_o there_o attend_v he_o or_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v to_o come_v into_o speedy_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o his_o right_n and_o so_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v by_o god_n and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v never_o satisfy_v in_o meditate_v and_o speak_v of_o the_o riches_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n or_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v undoubted_o to_o obtain_v it_o whereas_o those_o who_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n nor_o hope_n think_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o loathsome_a weariness_n as_o be_v matter_n not_o concern_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o such_o thought_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n they_o vanish_v as_o sudden_o as_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o any_o spiritual_a discourse_n the_o time_n seem_v long_o and_o they_o sit_v upon_o thorn_n until_o they_o be_v end_v and_o they_o remain_v dumb_a as_o though_o they_o be_v tongue-tied_a unless_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o interrupt_v such_o holy_a conference_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o to_o some_o worldly_a affair_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n it_o the_o four_o sign_n be_v the_o sight_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o that_o be_v bewail_v those_o
of_o faith_n concern_v our_o particular_a election_n &_o salvation_n i_o answer_v though_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o no_o particular_a promise_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o that_o which_o be_v equal_o effectual_a and_o of_o like_a force_n namely_o his_o general_a promise_n without_o any_o limitation_n exception_n or_o condition_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o commandment_n to_o apply_v the_o same_o and_o because_o natural_o we_o be_v unable_a in_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v this_o therefore_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o he_o make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o repentance_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o general_a promise_n belong_v unto_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o particular_o and_o by_o name_n repentance_n §._o sect._n 8._o that_o our_o assurance_n of_o election_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n six_o they_o object_n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a assurance_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n i_o answer_v this_o reason_n be_v good_a if_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o the_o worthiness_n or_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o see_v that_o they_o depend_v not_o thereupon_o but_o upon_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o the_o worthiness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n merit_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a and_o our_o repentance_n but_o in_o small_a measure_n yet_o so_o they_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a not_o dissemble_v and_o hypocritical_a we_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o a_o weak_a faith_n do_v apply_v christ_n &_o all_o his_o benefit_n unto_o we_o as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a though_o not_o in_o so_o strong_a and_o perfect_a a_o manner_n as_o shall_v appear_v hereafter_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n but_o labour_v to_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o we_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n seventh_o election_n §._o sect._n 9_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o imperfection_n no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o election_n they_o object_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o doubt_v so_o long_o as_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o christ_n obedience_n and_o merit_n yet_o at_o least_o there_o be_v cause_n of_o doubt_v when_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o find_v our_o great_a indisposition_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v of_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o our_o manifold_a imperfection_n and_o great_a unworthines_n of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n and_o thus_o these_o juggler_n play_v fast_o and_o loose_a make_v their_o faith_n like_a unto_o the_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la or_o go_v fire_n which_o interchangeable_o sometime_o shine_v clear_o and_o sometime_o vanish_v and_o leave_v behind_o it_o nothing_o but_o black_a darkness_n but_o let_v we_o constant_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o such_o inconstancy_n and_o in_o no_o wise_n admit_v of_o such_o mutable_a variety_n in_o our_o faith_n which_o make_v it_o more_o changeable_a than_o the_o moon_n which_o one_o while_n shine_v with_o full_a bringhtnesse_n and_o in_o small_a distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v discern_v and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o know_v first_o that_o though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n yet_o our_o unworthines_n make_v we_o not_o uncapable_a of_o the_o great_a for_o all_o god_n benefit_n be_v his_o free_a gift_n which_o he_o promise_v and_o bestow_v without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o worthiness_n or_o desert_n of_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o undeserued_a love_n and_o therefore_o as_o when_o we_o be_v most_o worthy_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v presume_v the_o more_o so_o when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o unworthy_a there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v hope_v the_o less_o or_o be_v more_o weak_o assure_v of_o god_n promise_n for_o as_o they_o be_v not_o make_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o worthiness_n so_o they_o be_v not_o disannul_v and_o make_v void_a by_o our_o unworthiness_n otherwise_o no_o man_n live_v can_v have_v assurance_n of_o they_o see_v all_o man_n live_v be_v unworthy_a of_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o his_o promise_n unto_o we_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v send_v to_o be_v our_o mediator_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o who_o be_v altogether_o unworthy_a in_o ourselves_o may_v be_v make_v worthy_a in_o he_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n with_o a_o true_a though_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o repentance_n they_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o unworthiness_n second_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o respect_v ourselves_o in_o ourselves_o neither_o be_v we_o the_o object_n thereof_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n and_o obedience_n who_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o behold_v stand_v aloof_o of_o as_o the_o papist_n dream_v but_o as_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o we_o and_o become_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n so_o as_o now_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o but_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o despair_v not_o because_o now_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o we_o and_o lay_v upon_o christ_n who_o have_v full_o satisfy_v his_o father_n justice_n by_o his_o alone_a and_o al-sufficient_a sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o imperfection_n we_o doubt_v not_o of_o god_n promise_n because_o they_o be_v cover_v with_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v not_o discourage_v see_v by_o communicate_v of_o christ_n worthiness_n we_o be_v make_v worthy_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a condemnation_n we_o be_v nevertheless_o assure_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n because_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n who_o have_v take_v away_o our_o curse_n and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n bear_v his_o father_n displeasure_n to_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v condemn_v and_o suffer_v death_n to_o free_v we_o from_o death_n and_o condemnation_n and_o to_o make_v we_o heir_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n so_o that_o now_o we_o behold_v the_o huge_a debt_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v discharge_v and_o cancel_v with_o his_o merit_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o behold_v our_o imperfection_n but_o as_o perfect_v by_o his_o perfection_n we_o look_v upon_o our_o unworthiness_n but_o as_o it_o be_v ennoble_v with_o his_o worthiness_n when_o we_o set_v before_o we_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n we_o consider_v they_o as_o take_v away_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o christ_n death_n and_o full_a obedience_n because_o now_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v become_v we_o that_o we_o may_v become_v he_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o worthiness_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o god_n have_v wise_o join_v together_o let_v not_o our_o faith_n fond_o separate_v for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a in_o carnal_a marriage_n then_o much_o more_o in_o the_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o as_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o then_o our_o self-worthiness_n of_o hell_n and_o destruction_n will_v not_o abate_v our_o assurance_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n eight_o believe_v §._o sect._n 10._o heretic_n and_o worldling_n boast_v of_o faith_n no_o cause_n why_o those_o shall_v doubt_v who_o true_o believe_v they_o object_n that_o every_o heretic_n epicure_n and_o worldling_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n may_v fain_o unto_o themselves_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o election_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o
of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v act._n 2.41_o where_o 2.41_o act._n 2.41_o by_o one_o sermon_n three_o thousand_o soul_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o beget_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n profess_v himself_o the_o father_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 4.15_o 4.15_o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o and_o without_o this_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n none_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n show_v we_o joh._n 3.5_o three_o 3.5_o joh._n 3.5_o unless_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v we_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o never_o find_v the_o hard_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o heavenly_a light_n which_o shine_v unto_o we_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 1.79_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n 13.47_o luk._n 1.79_o matth._n 5.14_o act._n 13.47_o god_n minister_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n math._n 5.14_o act._n 13.47_o because_o as_o light_n they_o guide_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o great_a light_n even_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n christ_n jesus_n four_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v ephes_n 2.8_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a 2.8_o eph._n 2.8_o that_o without_o say_v we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o they_o 11.6_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o 3.16.18_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o 3.16.18_o moreover_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o appear_v rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v 10.17_o rom._n 10.17_o and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n they_o refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v without_o faith_n all_o they_o do_v be_v sin_n and_o can_v please_v god_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n or_o their_o own_o salvation_n last_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n we_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o god_n minister_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v call_v saviour_n of_o the_o people_n 1._o tim._n 4.16_o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o unto_o learning_n 4.16_o 1._o tim._n 4.16_o continue_v therein_o for_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o because_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o he_o use_v as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n in_o work_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o see_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n regenerate_v &_o enlighten_v see_v thereby_o we_o attain_v unto_o faith_n &_o everlasting_a salvation_n let_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n diligent_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o frequent_v the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n with_o every_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o base_a commodity_n §_o sect._n 5_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n answer_v satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o diligent_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v thus_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a at_o sometime_o when_o we_o be_v at_o leisure_n yet_o this_o shall_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o to_o neglect_v our_o business_n or_o abandon_v our_o pleasure_n for_o when_o once_o by_o the_o hear_n thereof_o we_o be_v convert_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o endue_v with_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o but_o seldom_o hear_v it_o for_o what_o in_o substance_n can_v we_o learn_v which_o we_o have_v not_o already_o learned_a or_o what_o can_v the_o preacher_n teach_v we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v as_o well_o as_o he_o against_o which_o temptation_n which_o be_v so_o common_a and_o pernicious_a it_o behoove_v every_o christian_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o know_v first_o that_o this_o neglect_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o true_o convert_v nor_o endue_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o save_v knowledge_n and_o true_a faith_n 10.27_o joh._n 8.47_o and_o 10.27_o for_o whosoever_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v his_o word_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 10.3.4.27_o whosoever_o have_v attain_v unto_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n they_o will_v be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n but_o still_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o grow_v from_o knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n from_o one_o grace_n to_o another_o till_o they_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o those_o who_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v of_o some_o delicious_a meat_n be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o again_o and_o again_o feed_v upon_o it_o if_o easy_o they_o may_v come_v by_o it_o because_o their_o taste_n be_v exceed_o delight_v therewith_o so_o if_o ever_o we_o do_v but_o true_o taste_v of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o spiritual_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o will_v not_o rest_v so_o content_v but_o when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v we_o will_v often_o feed_v upon_o it_o until_o our_o soul_n be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o nourish_v unto_o perfect_a strength_n 12.13_o 1._o cor._n 12.13_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v here_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o faith_n weak_a and_o god_n grace_n but_o in_o small_a measure_n therefore_o we_o will_v continual_o feed_v on_o this_o heavenly_a nourishment_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o thereby_o our_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v our_o faith_n strengthen_v and_o all_o other_o grace_n confirm_v and_o multiply_v in_o us._n but_o if_o on_o the_o otherside_n we_o loathe_v this_o heavenly_a manna_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n we_o never_o taste_v thereof_o in_o truth_n or_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sick_a in_o sin_n which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o can_v relish_v this_o dainty_a and_o delicious_a food_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o grace_n beget_v in_o we_o neither_o that_o ourselves_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n for_o as_o the_o child_n be_v beget_v and_o conceive_v do_v present_o draw_v nourishment_n from_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o big_a it_o wax_v the_o more_o it_o desire_v till_o it_o come_v unto_o perfect_a age_n and_o strength_n so_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o draw_v nourishment_n from_o their_o spiritual_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o the_o strong_a they_o wax_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o earnest_o they_o desire_v a_o great_a pittance_n till_o they_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o desire_n of_o this_o food_n there_o be_v no_o regeneration_n nor_o new_a birth_n receive_v god_n word_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n often_o to_o be_v receive_v moreover_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n confirm_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o eat_v of_o this_o food_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o continual_o even_o as_o often_o as_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o this_o spiritual_a banquet_n for_o as_o the_o body_n will_v wax_v faint_a and_o quick_o perish_v unless_o that_o which_o waste_v away_o be_v continual_o supply_v by_o nourishment_n so_o will_v the_o soul_n languish_v and_o wax_v faint_a in_o spiritual_a grace_n unless_o it_o be_v often_o nourish_v with_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n let_v not_o therefore_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o seldom_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n be_v sufficient_a whereas_o this_o banquet_n be_v often_o provide_v for_o though_o in_o the_o time_n of_o scarcity_n by_o the_o
may_v whole_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n who_o call_v and_o justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o save_v who_o he_o will_v and_o not_o unto_o humane_a learning_n or_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o man_n industry_n and_o labour_n it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o these_o who_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_v the_o clean_a contrary_n corruption_n §._o sect._n 3._o that_o not_o learning_n but_o god_n spirit_n free_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v that_o be_v know_v and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v but_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v incident_a as_o well_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o as_o unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v it_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v as_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v for_o before_o we_o attain_v unto_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n our_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o free_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n of_o nature_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n yea_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v one_o day_n either_o justify_v or_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o join_v with_o this_o knowledge_n the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o effecttuall_a for_o our_o sanctification_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n of_o we_o from_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o fall_v into_o all_o sin_n be_v entice_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o most_o sottish_o ignorant_a a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n who_o though_o he_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n incredulity_n that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v incredulity_n as_o never_o mere_a man_n attain_v unto_o the_o like_a yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o a_o excellent_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o lord_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o fall_v most_o grievous_o into_o all_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o solomon_n do_v not_o write_v as_o he_o think_v and_o not_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o corruption_n to_o commit_v that_o sin_n which_o his_o conscience_n condemn_v and_o to_o neglect_v obedience_n to_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n so_o david_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o notable_a knowledge_n and_o no_o less_o grace_n fall_v notwithstanding_o most_o fearful_o into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o these_o be_v horrible_a sin_n or_o that_o when_o he_o commend_v mercy_n innocence_n and_o chastity_n he_o speak_v not_o as_o he_o think_v and_o peter_n likewise_o deny_v and_o forswear_v his_o master_n who_o before_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v we_o hence_o conclude_v that_o peter_n dissemble_v when_o he_o make_v that_o notable_a confession_n because_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o david_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o peter_n overcome_v with_o fear_n and_o frailty_n and_o both_o draw_v through_o their_o corruption_n to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o their_o conscience_n condemen_v but_o leave_v such_o far_o fetch_v instance_n let_v every_o man_n yea_o even_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n enter_v into_o a_o strict_a and_o due_a consideration_n with_o himself_o and_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n before_o god_n tribunal_n seat_n and_o then_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o perform_v obedience_n to_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o just_o complain_v that_o our_o corruption_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n commandment_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v not_o nay_o which_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o also_o be_v delight_v therewith_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o rebell_v atainst_a the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n 7.8.15.23_o rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n david_n peter_n and_o of_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctification_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o neglect_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o seem_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v true_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o own_o life_n for_o many_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v notwithstanding_o destitute_a of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o whole_o carry_v away_o into_o all_o licentious_a wickedness_n and_o many_o also_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v not_o whole_o purge_v from_o their_o natural_a corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v their_o frailty_n and_o infirmty_n to_o all_o the_o world_n though_o they_o know_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o from_o their_o heart_n embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o profess_v but_o if_o satan_n can_v thus_o prevail_v nor_o cause_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n truth_n answer_v §._o sect._n 4._o the_o second_o temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o minister_n answer_v because_o the_o minister_n live_v not_o according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v such_o who_o life_n be_v scandalous_a as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o take_v the_o word_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o unable_a to_o convert_v or_o amend_v other_o see_v the_o word_n be_v not_o powerful_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o the_o convert_n and_o refourm_v of_o their_o own_o life_n which_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a unto_o many_o for_o what_o great_a discouragement_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o sick_a patient_n than_o to_o take_v physic_n of_o such_o a_o physician_n who_o can_v not_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o disease_n or_o who_o will_v willing_o eat_v of_o that_o food_n which_o he_o who_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o taste_v of_o it_o or_o who_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v he_o discourse_n of_o mercy_n chastity_n and_o liberality_n who_o he_o know_v whole_o possess_v of_o cruelty_n lust_n and_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o god_n minister_n shall_v be_v physician_n to_o themselves_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o cure_n of_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stand_v like_o image_n by_o the_o high_a way_n side_n direct_v other_o in_o their_o journey_n themselves_o never_o move_v foot_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v like_v guide_n go_v before_o they_o and_o instruct_v they_o not_o only_o by_o their_o word_n but_o also_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v their_o instruction_n by_o their_o example_n but_o yet_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o satan_n do_v not_o take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o neglect_v we_o &_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v hear_v that_o the_o minister_n wickedness_n or_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v hear_v nourish_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o because_o the_o minister_n who_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o it_o himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o worthiness_n of_o he_o who_o deliver_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o make_v void_a and_o uneffectual_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n but_o it_o have_v it_o virtue_n force_n and_o power_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o illuminate_v their_o understanding_n beget_v faith_n in_o they_o
the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v unto_o thou_o though_o thou_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n that_o ever_o live_v for_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v unpardonable_a we_o be_v to_o know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n as_o that_o because_o it_o be_v always_o sever_v and_o disjoin_v from_o faith_n and_o repentance_n god_n deny_v these_o his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o desperate_a malice_n have_v make_v a_o general_a apostasy_n and_o have_v persecute_v the_o know_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v possible_a also_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a exclude_v none_o let_v not_o any_o man_n who_o be_v lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n exclude_v himself_o through_o his_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o infidelity_n for_o though_o their_o other_o sin_n be_v grievous_a yet_o this_o be_v more_o heinous_a and_o damnable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o mercy_n unto_o all_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o if_o we_o reply_v no_o he_o will_v not_o extend_v it_o unto_o i_o because_o i_o be_o a_o grievous_a sinner_n what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o contradict_v the_o lord_n and_o give_v truth_n itself_o the_o lie_n not_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o extenuate_v and_o derogate_v from_o god_n infallible_a truth_n chap._n xxxv_o of_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n father_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o first_o person_n god_n the_o father_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n there_o may_v also_o other_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o every_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n first_o god_n the_o father_n have_v create_v we_o of_o nothing_o even_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n and_o when_o we_o have_v deface_v this_o his_o image_n in_o we_o and_o make_v ourselves_o slave_n to_o satan_n he_o so_o tender_o love_v we_o his_o poor_a miserable_a creature_n that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o dear_o belove_a &_o only_o beget_v son_n but_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o therein_o he_o may_v suffer_v all_o misery_n and_o affliction_n and_o last_o the_o curse_a and_o bitter_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o so_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o justice_n for_o our_o sin_n &_o perfect_a the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o this_o the_o evangelist_n witness_v john_n 3.16_o all_o which_o love_v the_o lord_n show_v unto_o we_o even_o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n when_o we_o neither_o deserve_v it_o nor_o yet_o desire_v it_o for_o we_o be_v bondslave_n unto_o satan_n and_o well_o content_v to_o live_v in_o his_o bondage_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n yea_o we_o be_v enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o merciful_a god_n so_o love_v we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o love_n with_o our_o sin_n at_o league_n with_o his_o enemy_n satan_n &_o at_o enmity_n with_o he_o that_o he_o send_v his_o dear_o belove_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o by_o his_o death_n and_o bloodshed_n he_o may_v redeem_v and_o save_v we_o out_o of_o this_o miserable_a estate_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o now_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v our_o sin_n if_o we_o seek_v and_o sue_v for_o grace_n if_o he_o love_v we_o so_o dear_o when_o we_o hate_v he_o and_o seek_v all_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n when_o we_o be_v profess_v enemy_n against_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n when_o as_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v reconcile_v if_o he_o so_o love_v we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o remit_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v satisfy_v when_o as_o with_o hearty_a sorrow_n we_o do_v bewail_v they_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o son_n to_o mankind_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v save_v and_o redeem_v repentant_a sinner_n why_o shall_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n if_o they_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o chief_a jewel_n hiw_v only_o beget_v and_o best_a belove_a son_n and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n what_o will_v he_o deny_v we_o when_o in_o christ_n we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o become_v his_o friend_n and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n reason_v rom._n 5.8_o god_n say_v he_o set_v out_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o us._n 9_o much_o more_o than_o be_v now_o justify_v by_o his_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o wrath_n through_o he_o 10._o for_o if_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n much_o more_o be_v reconcile_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o life_n §_o sect._n 2_o second_o we_o may_v draw_v most_o firm_a argument_n to_o strengthen_v our_o assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n son_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o 2._o person_n god_n the_o son_n for_o first_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n sinner_n 1._o because_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o therefore_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v save_v and_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n sin_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o father_n justice_n obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o he_o though_o then_o our_o sin_n be_v many_o and_o grievous_a this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o firm_a assurance_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n nay_o rather_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o forceible_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o seek_v his_o help_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o a_o desperate_a case_n destitute_a of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v such_o as_o be_v lose_v in_o themselves_o and_o enthral_v in_o the_o miserable_a bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o scripture_n matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n profess_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o luke_n 19.10_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 1._o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o true_a say_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n the_o apostle_n also_o affirm_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v quicken_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n &_o trespass_n eph._n 2.1.5_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 11.28_o do_v not_o only_o call_v unto_o he_o small_a sinner_n but_o those_o who_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o a_o intolerable_a weight_n or_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o see_v therefore_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v and_o redeem_v grievous_a and_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o to_o give_v life_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v even_o stark_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n see_v also_o he_o call_v and_o invit_v such_o unto_o he_o as_o be_v heavy_o lade_v with_o a_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o wickedness_n and_o promise_v to_o ease_v they_o let_v we_o not_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o come_v because_o our_o sin_n be_v heinous_a and_o grievous_a but_o therefore_o let_v we_o the_o rather_o go_v unto_o christ_n because_o we_o have_v need_v of_o his_o help_n if_o a_o man_n be_v load_v with_o a_o weighty_a burden_n shall_v refuse_v the_o help_n of_o a_o friend_n both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o ease_v he_o because_o his_o burden_n be_v very_o heavy_a
that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o purge_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n unto_o god_n justice_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o repentance_n be_v but_o in_o small_a measure_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a it_o be_v a_o certain_a fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o that_o some_o reprobate_n have_v show_v more_o outward_a sign_n of_o sorrow_n than_o we_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o satan_n will_v object_v that_o many_o who_o have_v more_o bitter_o sorrow_v than_o we_o &_o have_v show_v more_o notable_a sign_n of_o exceed_a repentance_n have_v notwithstanding_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o have_v show_v more_o sorrow_n yet_o they_o have_v have_v no_o true_a repentance_n in_o that_o their_o sorrow_n have_v be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o not_o so_o much_o for_o any_o hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o love_n of_o god_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o displease_v he_o as_o for_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o desperate_a fear_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o therefore_o though_o notwithstanding_o such_o sorrow_n they_o have_v be_v condemn_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n whereby_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o look_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v grieve_v for_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n behold_v god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a countenance_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o make_v to_o those_o who_o afflict_v themselves_o with_o a_o desperate_a sorrow_n without_o any_o hope_n or_o desire_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o be_v join_v with_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n chap._n xlii_o how_o we_o may_v prove_v against_o satan_n tentation_n that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n of_o satan_n faith_n how_o satan_n tempt_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a and_o insufficient_a repentance_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o we_o now_o we_o be_v to_o produce_v and_o answer_v such_o tentation_n as_o he_o allege_v and_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v effectual_o call_v against_o their_o faith_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n the_o second_o that_o their_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o weak_a so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o mix_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o insufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n for_o the_o first_o he_o will_v thus_o frame_v his_o tentation_n though_o thou_o boast_v much_o of_o thy_o faith_n and_o thereby_o presume_v that_o thou_o shall_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n herein_o thou_o may_v much_o deceive_v thyself_o &_o altogether_o fail_v of_o thy_o purpose_n for_o there_o may_v be_v in_o many_o show_v and_o shadow_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o nothing_o in_o they_o but_o infidelity_n there_o be_v also_o many_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v a_o general_a or_o historical_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n which_o judas_n have_v as_o well_o as_o peter_n there_o be_v a_o temporaric_a or_o hypocritical_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n there_o be_v also_o carnal_a presumption_n wherewith_o many_o who_o have_v make_v goodly_a show_n have_v be_v bewitch_v and_o deceive_v to_o their_o perdition_n see_v then_o there_o be_v many_o false_a faith_n for_o one_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a number_n and_o consequent_o no_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v thyself_o in_o thy_o fond_a presumption_n by_o apply_v unto_o thyself_o the_o sweet_a promise_n and_o gracious_a consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o appertain_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n of_o which_o thou_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o satan_n indeavore_v to_o persuade_v the_o christian_a exercise_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o tentation_n that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v it_o 8.44_o satan_n testimony_n no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n joh._n 8.44_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a bring_v it_o indeed_o to_o nothing_o to_o which_o tentation_n we_o may_v first_o answer_v thus_o general_o that_o satan_n testimony_n be_v no_o sound_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o to_o be_v believe_v of_o we_o see_v he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o malicious_a murderer_n who_o continual_o seek_v our_o destruction_n but_o also_o a_o false_a liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n who_o have_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v lie_v man_n only_o but_o even_o god_n himself_o accuse_v he_o of_o untruth_n envy_n and_o want_v of_o power_n in_o that_o tentation_n wherewith_o he_o assail_v and_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v so_o audatious_o impudent_a as_o that_o he_o dare_v be_v lie_n god_n himself_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o be_v lie_v us._n see_v then_o satan_n be_v a_o malicious_a liar_n who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o our_o destruction_n let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o faith_n because_o of_o his_o testimony_n nay_o rather_o because_o he_o say_v we_o want_v faith_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v therewith_o for_o that_o he_o may_v work_v our_o final_a overthrow_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a custom_n to_o tell_v the_o true_a believe_a christian_n that_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o unbelieve_a worldling_n that_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o secure_a presumption_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o suffice_v we_o that_o we_o know_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o try_v and_o examine_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n for_o on_o these_o our_o faith_n depend_v and_o not_o on_o satan_n testimony_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v we_o after_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n arm_v ourselves_o against_o this_o tentation_n thereof_o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n by_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o degree_n thereof_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o behoove_v we_o first_o that_o we_o prove_v against_o satan_n false_a suggestion_n that_o we_o have_v faith_n and_o second_o that_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n with_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n seek_v daily_o more_o strength_n and_o increase_n thereof_o until_o at_o last_o we_o attain_v unto_o that_o fullness_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v fill_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o also_o beat_v back_o all_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n subtle_a and_o fierce_a tentation_n for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a justify_n faith_n by_o diverse_a argument_n as_o first_o by_o the_o degree_n thereof_o from_o which_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whosoever_o can_v true_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o i_o may_n every_o christian_n man_n say_v do_v true_o howsoever_o in_o weak_a measure_n find_v these_o degree_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o be_o endue_v therewith_o mind_n the_o 1._o degree_n of_o true_a faith_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o first_o degree_n unto_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o our_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o with_o the_o main_a principle_n thereof_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o outward_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v infourm_v and_o of_o this_o the_o
apostle_n speak_v 1._o tim._n 2.4_o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 2.4_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o and_o come_v to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v thereunto_o pardonable_a the_o 2._o degree_n a_o persuasion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a the_o second_o degree_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o due_a consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n invaluable_a merit_n and_o indefinite_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v with_o out_o exception_n to_o ill_a repentant_a and_o believe_a sinner_n from_o whence_o also_o arise_v a_o general_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o hope_n be_v nourish_v and_o increase_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v we_o in_o his_o church_n and_o gracious_o grant_v unto_o we_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n wrought_v in_o we_o even_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o which_o only_a condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v and_o assure_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o three_o degree_n be_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n mercy_n grace_n the_o 3._o ddegree_n a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n but_o also_o after_o the_o mean_n and_o instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n be_v derive_v unto_o we_o namely_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n the_o which_o desire_v of_o grace_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n neither_o can_v we_o desire_v it_o till_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o body_n and_o fowl_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v many_o faculty_n or_o part_n be_v also_o regenerate_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o have_v his_o will_n renew_v and_o sanctify_v to_o desire_v that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v also_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v in_o his_o understanding_n affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n moreover_o as_o before_o i_o have_v deliver_v at_o large_a our_o desire_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o grace_n themselves_o which_o we_o desire_v at_o least_o in_o god_n acceptation_n who_o accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o of_o our_o affection_n for_o the_o action_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o repent_v &_o believe_v we_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v the_o like_a gracious_a promise_n to_o this_o earnest_a desire_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o find_v themselves_o plentiful_o endue_v with_o the_o grace_n themselves_o so_o matth._n 5.6_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v so_o the_o virgin_n marie_n say_v in_o her_o song_n luk._n 1.53_o 1.53_o luke_n 1.53_o that_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o send_v away_o the_o rich_a empty_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v satisfy_v they_o john_n 7.37_o revel_v 21.6_o and_o 22.17_o 7.37_o joh._n 7.37_o last_o whosoever_o feel_v this_o desire_n in_o he_o join_v with_o a_o careful_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o desire_n may_v be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o the_o will_n to_o desire_v will_v also_o in_o his_o good_a time_n work_v in_o he_o ability_n to_o perform_v and_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v for_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v also_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 145.19_o so_o psal_n 10.17_o 10.17_o psal_n 145.19_o &_o 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a thou_o prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o bende_v thy_o ear_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o grievous_a tentation_n we_o can_v cry_v out_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 38.9_o lord_n i_o pour_v my_o whole_a desire_n before_o thou_o 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o and_o my_o sigh_v be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v how_o miserable_a soever_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o shall_v have_v our_o desire_n satisfy_v for_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o we_o 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o will_v also_o in_o his_o good_a time_n finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 1.6_o §_o sect._n 5_o the_o four_o degree_n be_v a_o approach_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o humility_n confess_v our_o sin_n 4.16_o the_o 4._o degree_n a_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n 4.16_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n obtain_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 4.16_o let_v we_o therefore_o go_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 14.2_o o_o israel_n return_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o thou_o have_v fall_v by_o thy_o iniquity_n 3._o take_v unto_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 32.5_o then_o say_v he_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o 32.5_o psal_n 32.5_o neither_o hide_v i_o my_o iniquity_n for_o i_o think_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o wickedness_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o punishment_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o likewise_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v attain_v unto_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o desire_n of_o forgiveness_n resolve_v to_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o to_o say_v 15.18.19_o luk._n 15.18.19_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o &_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n luke_n 15.18.19_o §_o sect._n 6_o the_o five_o degree_n be_v a_o special_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o particular_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n promise_n the_o 5._o degree_n a_o special_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n &_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o merit_n righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2.20_o 2.20_o gala._n 2.20_o thus_o say_v he_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o now_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o this_o persuasion_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o sense_n and_o experience_n for_o first_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o resist_v diffidence_n and_o doubt_v and_o afterwards_o follow_v joyful_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n truth_n and_o goodness_n towards_o us._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o demonstration_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 29._o heb._n 11.1_o joh._n 20_o 29._o heb._n 11.1_o &_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n
joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o cananitish_a woman_n who_o though_o she_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n yea_o though_o she_o have_v many_o repulse_n yet_o believe_v and_o afterward_o to_o her_o comfort_n have_v joyful_a experience_n of_o they_o 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o an_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n which_o whosoever_o find_v in_o himself_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n if_o therefore_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n we_o have_v attain_v unto_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a principle_n thereof_o if_o we_o have_v give_v our_o assent_n unto_o this_o truth_n in_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v inform_v if_o hereby_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o this_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o have_v conceive_v some_o hope_n in_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o high_o esteem_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o we_o wish_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o desire_n we_o have_v be_v move_v to_o flee_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o there_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n have_v earnest_o desire_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n last_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v discern_v in_o in_o ourselves_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o have_v or_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o alone_a merit_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 8.15.26_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirie_n rom._n 8.15.26_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.15_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v etc._n etc._n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whosoever_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v or_o have_v feel_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n powerful_a in_o they_o in_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o hearty_a prayer_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o consequent_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o for_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o among_o which_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v never_o sever_v moreover_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o his_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o life_n in_o which_o number_n faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a but_o those_o excellent_a joy_n in_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o which_o also_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o taste_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n last_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 2._o cor._n 1.22_o that_o god_n have_v seal_v we_o 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o and_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o ephe._n 1.13_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o beleeveà _fw-la 1.13_o ephe._n 1.13_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o possession_n purchase_v unto_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o therefore_o be_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o as_o a_o earnest_n or_o seal_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o also_o be_v faith_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v after_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v thus_o seal_v §_o sect._n 8_o the_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o conflict_n and_o fight_n which_o every_o christian_n feel_v in_o himself_o between_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n spirit_n the_o 3._o argument_n be_v the_o fight_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o combat_n which_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o be_v whole_o oversway_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o satan_n like_o a_o mighty_a tyrant_n hould_v we_o captive_a peaceable_o and_o without_o any_o resistance_n but_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n then_o begin_v a_o fierce_a battle_n which_o never_o end_v till_o by_o death_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n get_v a_o final_a overthrow_n though_o therefore_o this_o fight_n be_v most_o sharp_a and_o exceed_o troublesome_a to_o the_o poor_a christian_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o gather_v unto_o himself_o sound_a comfort_n and_o certain_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o when_o he_o discern_v that_o he_o be_v assault_v with_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n be_v disease_v of_o his_o quiet_a possession_n by_o a_o superior_a power_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n second_o by_o his_o assault_v it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o he_o find_v some_o resistance_n so_o as_o he_o can_v peaceable_o reenter_v three_o that_o howsoever_o our_o faith_n seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o weak_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o strengthen_v continual_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o sathan_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v such_o weakness_n withstand_v such_o might_n last_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o assi_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v satan_n we_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v obtain_v victory_n unless_o we_o will_v fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v strong_a than_o god_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n more_o forcible_a to_o destroy_v we_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v we_o for_o now_o they_o have_v join_v battle_n and_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v thrust_v out_o sathan_n or_o satan_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v we_o doubt_v of_o conquest_n see_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n can_v take_v the_o foil_n for_o his_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v satan_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n and_o of_o his_o will_n we_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o question_n for_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o his_o glory_n to_o receive_v a_o repulse_n by_o give_v satan_n place_n after_o that_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o protection_n §_o sect._n 9_o spirit_n how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o combat_n be_v fight_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o how_o will_v thou_o know_v that_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v in_o thou_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o fight_v in_o thou_o against_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o not_o rather_o thou_o own_o tumultuous_a passion_n and_o perturbation_n and_o diverse_a tentation_n suggest_v by_o the_o same_o devil_n to_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v answer_n for_o neither_o do_v
be_v not_o utter_o to_o be_v discourage_v nor_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o sink_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n but_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o state_n ought_v to_o humble_v they_o under_o god_n hand_n and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o a_o serious_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n so_o they_o must_v take_v comfort_n unto_o themselves_o and_o prop_v up_o their_o decline_a faith_n by_o call_v to_o mind_n former_a time_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v his_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a countenance_n unto_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o in_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n have_v glorify_v god_n by_o their_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 77._o who_o be_v grievous_o afflict_v can_v not_o receive_v in_o his_o soul_n any_o true_a comfort_n 77._o psal_n 77._o for_o howsoever_o he_o do_v think_v upon_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o be_v still_o trouble_v and_o though_o he_o pray_v unto_o he_o yet_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n what_o helpâ—_n do_v he_o then_o find_v in_o this_o his_o present_a distress_n he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n then_o say_v he_o i_o consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o the_o year_n of_o ancient_a time_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n namely_o his_o song_n of_o thanksgiving_n whereby_o he_o have_v praise_v god_n for_o his_o great_a benefit_n and_o vers_fw-la 11._o i_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n certain_o i_o remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a 31._o job._n 31._o so_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n apprehend_v and_o conceyve_v of_o god_n as_o of_o his_o enemy_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o be_v move_v by_o his_o friend_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o a_o hypocrite_n comfort_v himself_o and_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o grievous_a tentation_n by_o call_v to_o his_o remembrance_n his_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o work_v of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o have_v discern_v in_o himself_o in_o former_a time_n as_o appear_v chap._n 31._o who_o example_n if_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o like_a distress_n will_v follow_v how_o miserable_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n yet_o they_o may_v receive_v unto_o themselves_o comfort_n because_o god_n gift_n and_o call_n be_v without_o repentance_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o here_o satan_n will_v further_o object_n that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o without_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o faith_n feeling_n that_o true_a faith_n rest_v not_o in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n but_o also_o that_o we_o do_v sensible_o feel_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o plain_o discern_v his_o frown_a and_o angry_a countenance_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o those_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n may_v have_v some_o faith_n in_o they_o although_o it_o do_v not_o always_o so_o sensible_o appear_v yet_o it_o be_v impossible_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o spark_n thereof_o see_v we_o have_v not_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n nay_o do_v sensible_o perceive_v the_o clean_a contrary_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_n that_o faith_n do_v not_o rely_v itself_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n not_o present_o enjoy_v but_o which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o sensible_o discern_v but_o which_o be_v not_o see_v 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o heb._n 11._o i_o and_o we_o believe_v that_o such_o joy_n be_v prepare_v for_o we_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.9_o and_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o infidelity_n to_o believe_v only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v subject_a unto_o our_o sense_n and_o understanding_n 2.9_o 1._o cor._n 2.9_o and_o therefore_o when_o thomas_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v before_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o his_o sense_n he_o be_v reprove_v for_o infidelity_n be_v not_o say_v he_o faithless_a but_o faithful_a so_o that_o when_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n cease_v their_o faith_n begin_v his_o chief_a work_n &_o the_o most_o excellent_a faith_n show_v itself_o most_o clear_o when_o we_o have_v no_o sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o when_o we_o discern_v and_o feel_v the_o plain_a contrary_n for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n when_o god_n show_v himself_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a but_o when_o he_o appear_v unto_o we_o like_o a_o angry_a judge_n when_o as_o his_o wrath_n flame_v out_o against_o we_o then_o to_o behold_v his_o love_n through_o the_o vizard_n of_o anger_n to_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o we_o when_o our_o sense_n apprehend_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n 13.15_o job._n 13.15_o to_o grow_v to_o job_n resolution_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o bitter_a agony_n and_o grievous_a affliction_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v many_o repulse_n and_o bitter_a snub_n yet_o with_o the_o cananitish_a woman_n to_o continue_v our_o suit_n 15._o mat._n 15._o argue_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v hardly_o find_v no_o not_o in_o israel_n our_o want_n of_o sense_n therefore_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n do_v not_o argue_v want_n of_o faith_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n but_o upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n immutable_a goodness_n and_o infallible_a truth_n and_o if_o ever_o we_o have_v taste_v of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n whatsoever_o we_o apprehend_v in_o our_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n faith_n conclude_v that_o we_o be_v still_o in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o he_o be_v without_o change_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v jam._n 1.17_o and_o who_o he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n he_o love_v they_o 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v us._n joh._n 13.1_o 13.1_o joh._n 13.1_o though_o then_o our_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n fail_v yet_o may_v our_o faith_n continue_v strong_a as_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o job_n who_o though_o he_o conceive_v of_o god_n in_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o he_o have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o &_o take_v he_o for_o his_o enemy_n though_o he_o seem_v to_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n yet_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o still_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o protest_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v slay_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o as_o appear_v job._n 13.15_o 13.15_o job_n 13.15_o yea_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o can_v not_o sin_n through_o infidelity_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n complain_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o §_o sect._n 3_o feeling_n that_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o believe_v god_n word_n then_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n if_o therefore_o satan_n go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v without_o faith_n because_o we_o present_o apprehend_v not_o god_n love_n nor_o feel_v the_o sweet_a taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n we_o be_v to_o answer_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o build_v our_o assurance_n upon_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n but_o upon_o god_n unchangeable_a goodness_n and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n tell_v we_o one_o thing_n namely_o that_o god_n have_v withdraw_v his_o love_n from_o we_o and_o will_v never_o again_o look_v gracious_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o of_o another_o thing_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n will_v never_o forsake_v we_o but_o continue_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o unto_o the_o end_n we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v credit_n unto_o our_o own_o feel_n but_o unto_o god_n word_n for_o otherwise_o what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o prefer_v our_o oft_o deceyvinge_v sense_n before_o god_n infallible_a truth_n and_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v better_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o our_o estate_n then_o god_n himself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n sorrow_v for_o our_o sin_n past_a hate_v our_o present_a corruption_n and_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o
own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o apprehend_v nothing_o but_o god_n wrath_n and_o grievous_a displeasure_n and_o lamentable_o complain_v as_o a_o man_n abandon_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o love_n and_o favour_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o which_o word_n show_v both_o christ_n affiance_n in_o god_n and_o his_o present_a apprehension_n in_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o affiance_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n he_o call_v he_o still_o his_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n apprehend_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n that_o he_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o tentation_n let_v not_o sathan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o the_o love_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n because_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o our_o affliction_n we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o nor_o that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o we_o do_v not_o sensible_o discern_v they_o in_o our_o feel_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o end_n thereof_o chap._n xlv_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v those_o reason_n whereby_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n increase_v that_o all_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v increase_v and_o also_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v destitute_a thereof_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o satan_n and_o his_o suggestion_n be_v that_o we_o most_o earnest_o labour_v and_o endeavour_n after_o we_o have_v find_v that_o we_o have_v some_o faith_n to_o increase_v therein_o and_o grow_v up_o from_o say_v to_o say_v until_o we_o come_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o will_v bring_v such_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o tentation_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o disturb_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o subject_a to_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o exceed_o shake_v with_o satan_n tentation_n and_o in_o truth_n not_o without_o cause_n if_o we_o stand_v still_o at_o a_o state_n for_o howsoever_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a faith_n to_o quench_v and_o utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o yet_o this_o will_v bring_v no_o sound_a comfort_n unto_o those_o which_o rest_v content_v with_o this_o little_a quantity_n and_o never_o labour_v after_o increase_v because_o this_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o assoon_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v sow_v in_o we_o and_o have_v take_v root_n it_o sproot_v up_o and_o till_o it_o come_v to_o full_a ripeness_n in_o which_o respect_n our_o saviour_n compare_v it_o to_o agraine_v of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o seed_n of_o the_o garden_n yet_o it_o grow_v to_o a_o great_a tree_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a pittance_n and_o never_o labour_v after_o more_o for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v taste_v and_o eat_v a_o little_a bit_n of_o some_o delicious_a meat_n do_v not_o with_o a_o hunger_a appetite_n desire_v more_o till_o he_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v any_o weak_a title_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o goodly_a inheritance_n do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v and_o use_v all_o good_a &_o lawful_a mean_n whereby_o his_o title_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o his_o assurance_n confirm_v and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o have_v true_o taste_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o excellent_a benefit_n which_o accompany_v it_o as_o namely_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n peace_n of_o conscience_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o a_o little_a modicum_fw-la and_o never_o hunger_n after_o more_o or_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o have_v any_o small_a title_n or_o true_a assurance_n of_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o that_o unluable_a patrimony_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n if_o we_o never_o use_v mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o title_n and_o strengthen_v our_o assurance_n sure_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o sound_a comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o we_o will_v ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n indeed_o let_v we_o use_v most_o careful_o and_o diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n until_o it_o grow_v from_o a_o small_a seed_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o until_o it_o wax_v of_o a_o small_a spark_n unto_o a_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v thorough_o warm_v our_o heart_n with_o true_a comfort_n which_o be_v natural_o freeze_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_v for_o howsoever_o satan_n can_v quench_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o lively_a faith_n yet_o he_o will_v so_o cover_v it_o with_o the_o ash_n of_o his_o tentation_n that_o we_o shall_v neither_o discern_v the_o light_n nor_o feel_v the_o heat_n thereof_o §_o sect._n 2_o now_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o be_v thus_o careful_o to_o use_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n word_n the_o 1._o mean_n to_o increase_v faith_n be_v the_o diligent_a hear_v god_n word_n the_o first_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n the_o other_o serve_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n the_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v diverse_a the_o first_o be_v the_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n for_o as_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v beget_v and_o begin_v in_o we_o so_o be_v it_o a_o chief_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o it_o be_v that_o lively_a seed_n from_o which_o faith_n do_v spring_n so_o be_v it_o that_o heavenly_a dew_n whereby_o it_o be_v water_v and_o increase_v from_o a_o little_a plant_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n that_o the_o blade_n or_o branch_n shall_v sprout_v up_o unless_o it_o be_v water_v continual_o with_o sweet_a dew_n and_o shower_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o preserve_v from_o die_v and_o wither_v so_o if_o ever_o we_o mean_v to_o reap_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o our_o everlasting_a comfort_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o not_o only_o it_o take_v root_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v water_v with_o this_o heavenly_a dew_n of_o god_n word_n otherwise_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n arise_v it_o will_v die_v and_o wither_v word_n the_o 2._o mean_n meditation_n in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o mediate_v in_o god_n word_n especial_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o be_v contain_v those_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o definite_o unto_o all_o who_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n will_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh_n 5.39_o because_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o hereby_o david_n say_v that_o he_o be_v comfort_v in_o his_o trouble_n &_o even_o quicken_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a psal_n 119.50_o 119.50_o psal_n 119.50_o conferece_n the_o 3._o mean_n holy_a conferece_n the_o three_o mean_n be_v holy_a conference_n with_o our_o godly_a brethren_n for_o hereby_o those_o which_o be_v fall_v be_v confirm_v and_o the_o weary_a hand_n and_o weak_a knee_n strengthen_v as_o eliphas_n speak_v job._n 43.4_o 4.3.4_o job._n 4.3.4_o and_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n be_v comfort_v and_o establish_v
not_o be_v effectual_a and_o sufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n which_o tentation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v not_o dream_v or_o imagine_v that_o to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a faith_n which_o be_v never_o assault_v with_o doubt_v nor_o shake_v with_o any_o tentation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o god_n child_n see_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v doubt_v and_o infidelity_n &_o these_o continual_o assault_n &_o fight_v one_o against_o another_o child_n that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n child_n again_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v it_o not_o in_o the_o like_a measure_n for_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o strong_a and_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o much_o knowledge_n and_o firm_o assent_v unto_o that_o which_o they_o know_v and_o be_v most_o certain_o persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v they_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 other_o be_v weak_a and_o endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o who_o have_v little_a knowledge_n weak_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n be_v yet_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1.17_o till_o at_o length_n they_o attain_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o now_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v first_o that_o this_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v notwithstanding_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o neither_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v to_o those_o only_o who_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n joh._n 1.12_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v to_o they_o prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n and_o john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v 3.18_o joh._n 3.18_o in_o which_o and_z such_o like_a place_n there_o be_v no_o measure_n of_o faith_n propound_v but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v indefinite_o to_o all_o that_o believe_v how_o small_a and_o weak_a soever_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o quantity_n and_o apprehension_n so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o quality_n it_o be_v true_a and_o lively_a §_o sect._n 2_o that_o a_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o lively_a faith_n faith_n that_o a_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o also_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o first_o diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o quantity_n of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o and_o annihilate_v the_o existence_n &_o true_a be_v thereof_o for_o example_n a_o small_a drop_n of_o water_n be_v as_o well_o and_o true_o water_n as_o the_o whole_a ocean_n a_o little_a spark_n be_v true_a fire_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o substance_n &_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mighty_a flame_n a_o little_a man_n be_v as_o true_o a_o man_n as_o a_o great_a giant_n and_o so_o a_o little_a faith_n be_v as_o well_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o a_o full_a persuasion_n neither_o do_v the_o small_a quantity_n take_v away_o the_o be_v nature_n and_o truth_n thereof_o second_o this_o also_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o many_o be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v who_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n &_o see_v his_o miracle_n believe_v &_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n &_o their_o saviour_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o exceed_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o nourish_v not_o this_o their_o ignorance_n but_o resolve_v to_o use_v all_o those_o good_a mean_n of_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n joh._n 4.39.41_o thus_o a_o certain_a ruler_n and_o all_o his_o household_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v 52._o joh._n 4.39.41_o ver_fw-la 52._o when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o cure_v the_o ruler_n son_n of_o his_o fever_n only_o with_o his_o word_n ver_fw-la 52._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o faith_n our_o saviour_n christ_n compare_v to_o a_o firm_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v be_v notwithstanding_o endue_v with_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o send_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o diverse_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o believe_v assent_n or_o be_v persuade_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o example_n howsoever_o they_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n 16.18_o mat._n 16.18_o yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o shall_v redeem_v mankind_n by_o his_o death_n for_o when_o he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n 9.45_o mat._n 20.18_o luk._n 9.45_o mat._n 20.18_o luk._n 9.45_o .._o so_o also_o they_o know_v not_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n as_o the_o evangelist_n show_v mar._n 9.32_o 9.32_o mar._n 9.32_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v thereof_o by_o the_o woman_n they_o think_v it_o a_o feign_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 24.11_o 10.37_o luk._n 24.11_o joh._n 13.38_o and_o 14.5_o act_n 1.6_o mar._n 10.37_o they_o be_v ignorant_a also_o of_o his_o ascension_n as_o appear_v joh._n 13.36_o and_o 14.5_o and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o they_o dream_v of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n and_o of_o worldly_a preferment_n which_o they_o be_v to_o have_v by_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 1.6_o mar._n 10.37_o by_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a faith_n yet_o their_o faith_n be_v exceed_v weak_a and_o small_a as_o also_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o that_o reprehension_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o they_o be_v in_o some_o appearance_n of_o danger_n 8.26_o mat._n 8.26_o matth._n 8.26_o wherefore_o be_v you_o fearful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o small_a yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_n 3.12_o that_o all_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o true_a faith_n phil._n 3.12_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v overcome_v of_o every_o tentation_n and_o never_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v see_v a_o weak_a and_o small_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a faith_n against_o which_o how_o weak_a in_o itself_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o for_o the_o weak_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a shall_v we_o find_v god_n power_n in_o sustain_v and_o preserve_v we_o the_o more_o that_o satan_n labour_v to_o winnow_v we_o in_o the_o sieve_n of_o his_o tentation_n the_o more_o effectual_o will_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o the_o feeble_a our_o faith_n be_v in_o apprehend_v christ_n the_o more_o powerful_a will_v his_o spirit_n be_v in_o apprehend_v we_o and_o in_o join_v we_o inseparable_o in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o he_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n but_o earnest_o labour_v after_o more_o perfection_n and_o to_o grow_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o
1._o cor._n 1.30_o by_o his_o obedience_n many_o be_v make_v righteous_a rom._n 5.19_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o law_n 5.19_o rom._n 5.19_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v weak_a because_o of_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o similitude_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n 8.3.4_o rom._n 8.3.4_o and_o for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.3.4_o in_o a_o word_n in_o he_o alone_o we_o have_v all_o our_o righteousness_n in_o he_o we_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v that_o bright_a shine_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n from_o who_o we_o borrow_v all_o our_o light_n without_o who_o ray_n of_o holiness_n we_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n last_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o form_n of_o our_o justification_n namely_o the_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o us._n 2._o cor._n 5.21_o he_o which_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o 5.21_o 2._o cor._n 5.21_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o as_o therefore_o christ_n be_v make_v a_o sinner_n for_o we_o so_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o he_o but_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o make_v a_o sinner_n for_o we_o by_o infusion_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n into_o his_o nature_n for_o he_o be_v always_o most_o holy_a pure_a undefiled_a and_o without_o sin_n 2.21_o 1_o pet._n 1.18.19_o and_o 2.21_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o he_o but_o by_o imputation_n only_o as_o be_v our_o surety_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o discharge_v all_o our_o debt_n and_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v make_v righteous_a not_o by_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o by_o imputation_n only_o §_o sect._n 3_o now_o whereas_o they_o object_n truth_n that_o justification_n by_o imputation_n be_v not_o imaginary_a but_o real_a and_o in_o truth_n that_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o imputation_n be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a mockery_n as_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v repute_v rich_a to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o frivolous_a cavil_n for_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o god_n esteem_v and_o repute_v we_o righteous_a be_v whole_o defile_v with_o sin_n and_o quite_o destitute_a of_o all_o righteousness_n but_o that_o he_o make_v we_o perfect_o righteous_a by_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o apply_v and_o appropriate_v unto_o we_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o spirit_n principal_o &_o a_o lively_a faith_n instrumental_o whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o consequent_o have_v right_a and_o full_a interest_n unto_o all_o that_o which_o this_o our_o head_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o so_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n god_n repute_v we_o as_o we_o be_v in_o truth_n perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a if_o a_o man_n be_v poor_a and_o far_o in_o debt_n shall_v be_v account_v and_o repute_v exceed_v rich_a and_o nothing_o indebt_v it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o mere_a imagination_n but_o if_o another_o of_o great_a sufficiency_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v his_o surety_n and_o not_o only_o discharge_v all_o his_o debt_n but_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o he_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n and_o much_o treasure_n this_o man_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v before_o time_n in_o himself_o may_v now_o be_v esteem_v rich_a and_o out_o of_o debt_n so_o if_o we_o as_o we_o be_v far_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o exceed_o beggarly_a yea_o stark_a naked_a of_o all_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v repute_v as_o we_o be_v thus_o in_o ourselves_o righteous_a and_o nothing_o indebt_v it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a mockery_n but_o see_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n who_o be_v himself_o all-sufficient_a and_o see_v he_o have_v perfect_o and_o full_o answer_v all_o our_o debt_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v to_o god_n justice_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o have_v communicate_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o infinite_a rich_a treasure_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n give_v unto_o we_o full_a interest_n and_o possession_n hereof_o outward_o by_o his_o hand-writing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n annex_v thereunto_o and_o inward_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o cooperation_n of_o of_o his_o spirit_n apply_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o last_o see_v we_o also_o have_v receive_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o all_o this_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a rich_a treasure_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v in_o truth_n quite_o out_o of_o debt_n and_o exceed_v rich_a with_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v now_o become_v we_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o repute_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n chap._n li._n satan_n temptation_n move_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o doubt_v of_o his_o justification_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n god_n that_o our_o justification_n be_v plain_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o rest_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o imperfect_a righteousness_n for_o our_o justification_n now_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o doubt_v of_o their_o justification_n that_o so_o he_o may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a make_v frustrate_v this_o work_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o rob_v their_o soul_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 5.1_o rom._n 5.1_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 5.1_o first_o therefore_o he_o sugge_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o unknown_a to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v of_o god_n unless_o he_o assure_v we_o hereof_o by_o some_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o this_o act_n of_o god_n in_o justify_v a_o sinner_n be_v as_o clear_o reveal_v ordinary_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o thing_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o that_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v by_o undoubted_a argument_n ground_v on_o god_n infallible_a truth_n that_o he_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n as_o by_o natural_a reason_n he_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o live_v and_o breathe_v for_o first_o our_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o justification_n be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.30_o 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o so_o that_o whosoever_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v effectual_o call_v he_o may_v also_o most_o certain_o infer_v that_o he_o be_v justify_v but_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v come_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v effectual_o call_v as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o special_a revelation_n but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o effectual_a call_n which_o he_o observe_v in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o without_o any_o particular_a revelation_n we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n also_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v that_o be_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v for_o the_o merit_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n second_o whosoever_o can_v come_v to_o the_o assurance_n that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n he_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v justify_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o true_a faith_n to_o apply_v unto_o the_o believer_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n whereby_o he_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o be_v in_o we_o as_o before_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v but_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o certain_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n by_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o inseparable_a fruit_n thereof_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o as_o have_v be_v
reason_n invent_v by_o man_n wit_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n experience_n god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n by_o our_o own_o feel_n and_o experience_n for_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n do_v also_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n sensible_o feel_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o wise_a god_n for_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v which_o before_o be_v blind_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n that_o their_o will_n be_v incline_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n which_o before_o be_v stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a that_o their_o heart_n be_v become_v soft_a and_o tender_a so_o as_o like_v the_o heart_n of_o josias_n it_o melt_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o before_o be_v obdurate_a and_o more_o hard_a than_o the_o adamant_n that_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o sear_v be_v now_o ready_a to_o check_v &_o control_v they_o when_o they_o commit_v any_o sin_n and_o to_o allow_v and_o approve_v all_o good_a action_n that_o their_o affection_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o new_a mould_n so_o that_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n now_o their_o love_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o whereas_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a in_o former_a time_n then_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n nothing_o more_o please_v then_o fin_n and_o the_o delight_n thereof_o now_o contrariwise_o nothing_o be_v more_o loathsome_a than_o sin_n nothing_o more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a than_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o when_o they_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o they_o only_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n preach_v they_o need_v no_o further_a persuasion_n nor_o other_o instructor_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a for_o their_o creation_n and_o generation_n and_o now_o only_o of_o power_n sufficient_a for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n 9_o joh._n 9_o as_o therefore_o the_o blind_a man_n reason_v with_o the_o pharisy_n john_n 9_o not_o with_o any_o far_o fetch_v reason_n but_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n as_o the_o pharisy_n accuse_v he_o but_o some_o great_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o so_o may_v we_o reason_n with_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n or_o man_n use_v this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o own_o experience_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvelous_a thing_n that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n be_v see_v they_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n which_o be_v blind_a from_o my_o birth_n incline_v my_o will_n to_o obedience_n which_o before_o be_v rebellious_a soften_v my_o heart_n and_o sanctify_a and_o quite_o change_v my_o affection_n so_o that_o i_o now_o love_v that_o good_a which_o before_o i_o hate_v and_o hate_v that_o evil_n which_o before_o i_o love_v and_o be_o delight_v with_o those_o holy_a exercise_n which_o heretofore_o do_v most_o displease_v i_o and_o be_o displease_v with_o those_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o filthy_a sin_n which_o in_o time_n past_a do_v most_o delight_v i_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o can_v have_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o inspied_a and_o indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v effectual_a by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v wrought_v in_o i_o such_o strange_a alteration_n chap._n xxii_o satan_n temptation_n suggest_v against_o the_o translation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o answer_v satan_n second_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n translate_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v that_o so_o they_o may_v never_o be_v effectual_o call_v now_o three_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n thereof_o than_o he_o will_v take_v exception_n against_o the_o translation_n suggest_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a language_n by_o man_n inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v unlearned_a the_o scripture_n may_v be_v corrupt_o translate_v alter_v from_o their_o first_o original_n and_o thing_n add_v and_o detract_v at_o the_o translator_n pleasure_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o not_o only_a professor_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o pagan_n infidel_n epicure_n and_o atheist_n who_o be_v even_o the_o very_a limb_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v skilful_a and_o learned_a in_o these_o language_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o translation_n be_v not_o near_o the_o original_n who_o can_v stop_v their_o mouth_n from_o inveigh_v against_o such_o falsehood_n who_o can_v restrain_v they_o from_o declaim_v against_o such_o corruption_n see_v they_o so_o hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o truth_n as_o that_o they_o wish_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n thereof_o and_o with_o extreme_a malice_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o persecute_v and_o murder_v to_o their_o uttermost_a power_n whosoever_o embrace_n and_o profess_v it_o moreover_o we_o know_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o more_o malicious_o malign_a christian_n and_o christianity_n than_o the_o turk_n and_o pagan_n do_v notwithstanding_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o can_v take_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o new_a three_o there_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n come_v many_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o opinion_n have_v but_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v some_o few_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o still_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o some_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n who_o have_v confute_v they_o and_o clear_v the_o text_n how_o therefore_o in_o such_o division_n and_o vehement_a discord_n shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v conceal_v how_o shall_v any_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o any_o principal_a place_n see_v there_o be_v such_o controversy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n about_o every_o letter_n and_o syllable_n last_o this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o martyr_n who_o have_v be_v excellent_o learn_v in_o the_o original_a tongue_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintain_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v they_o translate_v if_o they_o think_v they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v in_o the_o translation_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o translation_n exceed_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o translation_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o translation_n and_o therefore_o some_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o who_o will_v ground_v his_o faith_n upon_o any_o until_o he_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v diverse_a translation_n and_o one_o better_a than_o another_o yet_o even_o that_o which_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o imperfect_a be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o be_v there_o among_o they_o all_o many_o error_n which_o concern_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o come_v near_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v for_o all_o the_o translatour_n have_v labour_v to_o conform_v their_o translation_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o in_o all_o place_n deliver_v the_o proper_a sense_n yet_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o have_v fail_v it_o be_v rather_o in_o circumstance_n than_o in_o
substance_n in_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a truth_n than_o in_o the_o common_a and_o general_a and_o though_o in_o one_o place_n they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_a the_o truth_n as_o they_o shall_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o in_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v want_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o translation_n for_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v even_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o conform_v and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v their_o business_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o cloud_n the_o sun_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o that_o light_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o so_o glorious_o bright_a as_o when_o it_o shine_v in_o his_o full_a clearness_n so_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v see_v they_o shine_v in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o original_a language_n for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o painter_n express_v in_o his_o table_n with_o artificial_a colour_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o any_o man_n live_v can_v express_v that_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o divine_a glory_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o natural_a phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o translation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o glorious_a shine_a sun_n of_o god_n word_n though_o the_o brightness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_a and_o somewhat_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o another_o language_n for_o notwithstanding_o through_o it_o they_o shine_v and_o afford_v we_o such_o light_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o in_o the_o end_n to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n chap._n xxiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o objection_n which_o satan_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o also_o that_o satan_n by_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n seek_v to_o disgrace_v their_o ministry_n also_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v man_n neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v than_o he_o leave_v to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o seek_v by_o discredit_v the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o use_v all_o his_o skill_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o some_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o teach_v unto_o other_o show_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o desire_n of_o their_o neighbour_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o some_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o slander_n of_o all_o and_o a_o notable_a foundation_n whereupon_o he_o may_v build_v a_o most_o pernicious_a temptation_n be_v thou_o so_o foolish_a will_n he_o say_v as_o to_o think_v all_o gospel_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v that_o all_o truth_n come_v from_o their_o mouth_n &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n then_o that_o which_o they_o show_v unto_o thou_o why_o do_v but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o thoushalt_v find_v their_o life_n far_o dissonant_n from_o their_o word_n that_o while_o they_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stricktnes_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n while_o they_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n affect_v honour_n set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o riches_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v as_o voluptuous_a ambitious_a and_o covetous_a as_o any_o other_o and_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sin_n to_o appear_v unto_o thou_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o therefore_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o think_v as_o they_o speak_v or_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o the_o way_n so_o troublesome_a and_o hard_a to_o find_v as_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v thou_o see_v themselves_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o hear_n who_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v this_o truth_n which_o in_o their_o word_n they_o profess_v for_o what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v that_o it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o thou_o see_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v it_o in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v thou_o to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o persuade_v §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o so_o be_v weaken_v and_o hunger-starve_v for_o want_n of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n he_o may_v vanquish_v they_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o hoodwink_v with_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o ignorance_n he_o may_v lead_v they_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o to_o arm_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n first_o therefore_o imperfection_n minister_n subject_n to_o all_o human_a imperfection_n whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v because_o they_o do_v not_o as_o the_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o know_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o other_o man_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n angel_n in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o bring_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o perfection_n but_o as_o they_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n subject_a to_o all_o humane_a frailty_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o defile_v with_o original_a corruption_n so_o be_v they_o as_o prone_a as_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o actual_a transgression_n if_o the_o lord_n restrain_v they_o not_o neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n do_v endue_v man_n with_o sanctification_n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o than_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o study_n labour_n and_o industry_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n free_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o who_o he_o will_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o most_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v also_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n whereas_o our_o own_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o world_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o all_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o licentiousness_n what_o then_o do_v these_o man_n teach_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o for_o faith_n come_v not_o by_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v it_o tie_v to_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v as_o well_o yea_o and_o as_o often_o also_o upon_o the_o simple_a fisherman_n as_o upon_o the_o learned_a pharisee_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v such_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v as_o hard_o heart_a and_o full_a of_o infidelity_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sottish_a in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o infidelity_n move_v we_o to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o question_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o god_n forbid_v nay_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n though_o not_o persuade_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o though_o not_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n