contrary_a thereto_o this_o we_o call_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a sign_n or_o mark_v of_o delusion_n because_o except_o this_o sign_n be_v find_v other_o sign_n albeit_o they_o point_v forth_o a_o perilous_a condition_n yet_o without_o this_o effect_n and_o sign_n be_v join_v they_o do_v not_o prove_v delusion_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v it_o here_o this_o sign_n the_o apostle_n do_v point_n at_o in_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 3._o 1._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n where_o he_o challenge_v they_o for_o reject_v the_o truth_n and_o obedience_n unto_o it_o the_o second_o effect_n and_o mark_v of_o delusion_n be_v a_o bastard_n persuasion_n whereby_o the_o person_n delude_v lay_v hold_v on_o a_o most_o false_a error_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o most_o solid_a truth_n and_o without_o hink_v or_o doubt_n rest_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n this_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n we_o call_v a_o bastard_n and_o illegitimat_fw-la persuasion_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o apostle_n make_v the_o galatian_n persuasion_n not_o to_o be_v right_a and_o legitimat_fw-la gal._n 5._o 8._o second_o because_o this_o persuasion_n neither_o lean_v upon_o upon_o god_n word_n right_o understand_v nor_o upon_o any_o firm_a reason_n deduce_v reasonable_o from_o the_o scripture_n three_o because_o this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o delude_v that_o his_o tenet_n be_v true_a be_v strong_a than_o his_o persuasion_n of_o many_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o which_o he_o have_v clear_a scripture_n and_o yet_o this_o persuasion_n of_o the_o delude_a be_v not_o so_o strong_a when_o it_o come_v to_o trial_n as_o weak_a faith_n well_o ground_v be_v which_o when_o the_o force_n of_o tentation_n and_o persecution_n come_v be_v more_o able_a to_o bear_v out_o than_o the_o delude_a man_n persuasion_n wherein_o he_o glori_v upon_o which_o ground_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o doubt_n but_o the_o galatian_n beign_v true_a convert_n shall_v renounce_v this_o false_a persuasion_n and_o return_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v forsake_v last_o of_o all_o we_o call_v this_o a_o bastard_n persuasion_n because_o it_o draw_v its_o original_n and_o strength_n not_o from_o clearness_n of_o god_n reveal_v truth_n but_o from_o the_o agreement_n which_o the_o error_n have_v with_o some_o carnal_a affection_n whereunto_o this_o error_n do_v service_n for_o which_o respect_n carnal_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n be_v easy_o draw_v to_o maintain_v it_o pertinacious_o the_o three_o effect_n and_o sign_n of_o delusion_n be_v the_o cause_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n needless_o and_o this_o effect_n do_v ready_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a two_o for_o where_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n get_v up_o the_o head_n it_o fall_v out_o inevitable_o that_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spreader_n of_o the_o error_n shall_v fall_v in_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o which_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v the_o roman_n howsoever_o they_o shall_v pity_v the_o mislead_a multitude_n yet_o careful_o to_o mark_v the_o causer_n of_o the_o division_n rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o which_o presuppose_v they_o deserve_v excommunication_n if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a the_o four_o effect_n and_o sign_n of_o delusion_n be_v foolishness_n or_o a_o sort_n of_o madness_n which_o appear_v partly_o in_o the_o inconsiderate_a embrace_v of_o the_o error_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o defend_n and_o promove_v of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o error_n in_o itself_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o deceit_n or_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o hasty_a receive_n of_o it_o when_o no_o sound_a proof_n can_v be_v have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v foolishness_n or_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o damage_n which_o follow_v the_o defend_n and_o spread_v of_o it_o which_o the_o party_n delude_v do_v not_o foresee_v and_o guard_v against_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n and_o can_v but_o be_v so_o for_o a_o false_a doctrine_n albeit_o at_o first_o it_o may_v carry_v the_o appearance_n of_o piety_n and_o prudence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o scripture_n and_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n lead_v by_o scripture_n it_o be_v find_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n falsehood_n cozen_v and_o deceit_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v insinuat_fw-la concern_v the_o error_n which_o in_o his_o time_n be_v sprout_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n col._n 2._o 23._o which_o thing_n have_v a_o show_v indeed_o of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o body_n not_o in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o any_o estimation_n for_o they_o serve_v only_o to_o satisfy_v fleshly_a corruption_n of_o nature_n as_o he_o observe_v in_o the_o author_n of_o angel-worshiping_a of_o who_o he_o aver_v that_o they_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v vain_o puff_v up_o by_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n col._n 2._o 18._o and_o he_o call_v the_o galatian_n foolish_a or_o mad_a for_o their_o embrace_v of_o the_o error_n gal._n 3._o 1._o and_o for_o hasty_a embrace_v of_o it_o gal._n 1._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o after_o much_o time_n spend_v and_o pain_n take_v upon_o they_o by_o faithful_a pastor_n do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o catechise_v and_o proof_n give_v thereof_o by_o scripture_n and_o yet_o will_v very_o ready_o embrace_v a_o error_n and_o seem_v to_o themselves_o so_o well_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o argue_v for_o defence_n of_o it_o who_o folly_n and_o madness_n may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o their_o error_n to_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n they_o think_v nothing_o of_o it_o to_o rend_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n they_o care_v not_o for_o it_o and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n that_o fall_v in_o contest_v and_o contention_n among_o themselves_o about_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o teacher_n they_o rend_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v despise_v his_o dominion_n and_o government_n and_o give_v his_o glory_n unto_o man_n and_o do_v not_o regard_v the_o lamentable_a consequence_n of_o the_o schism_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v admonish_v and_o rebuke_v by_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o their_o brethren_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o and_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 2._o the_o five_o effect_n and_o sign_n of_o delusion_n be_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o delude_v and_o vain_a gloriation_n in_o their_o error_n for_o the_o corinthian_n glory_v in_o man_n and_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o praise_n to_o themselves_o to_o have_v such_o and_o such_o man_n head_n of_o their_o schism_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 21._o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n do_v despise_v and_o contemn_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o mark_n of_o schismatic_n and_o sectary_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o false_a prophetess_n jezebel_n do_v despise_v the_o orthodox_n as_o ignorant_a dolt_n uncapable_a of_o the_o high_a mystery_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o deeps_n of_o satan_n delusion_n rev._n 2._o 24._o the_o six_o effect_n or_o sign_n of_o delusion_n be_v rash_a preposterous_a and_o bastard_n zeal_n this_o the_o apostle_n do_v mark_v in_o the_o misbelieve_a jew_n rom._n 10._o 2._o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n say_v he_o this_o preposterous_a and_o rash_a zeal_n be_v far_o more_o fiery_a and_o hot_a then_o true_a zeal_n in_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o error_n for_o which_o the_o delude_a do_v strive_v be_v the_o native_a brood_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v corrupt_a reason_n and_o affection_n stout_a for_o it_o and_o no_o wonder_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v strong_a to_o defend_v and_o advance_v its_o own_o birth_n but_o true_a zeal_n be_v much_o more_o moderate_a partly_o because_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o knowledge_n and_o prudence_n do_v fear_n to_o offend_v god_n by_o yield_v to_o passion_n and_o have_v to_o strive_v against_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o clog_v and_o hinder_v
seek_v of_o god_n the_o gift_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o excuse_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v what_o they_o conceive_v and_o profess_v themselves_o able_a to_o do_v three_o it_o be_v equitable_a to_o crave_v faith_n from_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o promise_v moral_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v able_a to_o use_v the_o external_a mean_n lead_v unto_o true_a faith_n for_o the_o lord_n himself_o follow_v this_o way_n in_o his_o covenant_n with_o the_o israelite_n exod._n 19_o where_o the_o lord_n propound_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n vers_n 5._o 6._o the_o people_n do_v accept_v the_o condition_n and_o undertake_v to_o perform_v it_o vers_n 7._o 8._o and_o upon_o these_o term_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o they_o moral_o in_o a_o external_a way_n which_o do_v bind_v the_o obligation_n fast_o upon_o they_o four_o by_o preach_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n do_v ordinary_o bestow_v grace_n and_o grace_n for_o grace_n on_o the_o redeem_v in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a and_o in_o crave_v the_o condition_n the_o lord_n give_v grace_n to_o accept_v the_o condition_n and_o to_o perform_v it_o and_o this_o course_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o god_n sovereignty_n or_o supremacy_n suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o it_o become_v the_o absolute_a supremacy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a will_n to_o send_v the_o gospel_n only_o to_o who_o he_o will_v it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n where_o ever_o he_o do_v send_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v offer_n of_o grace_n indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o hearer_n whether_o elect_v or_o reprobat_fw-la that_o all_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o please_v to_o receive_v the_o offer_n or_o not_o it_o become_v his_o justice_n to_o withhold_v grace_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o and_o it_o become_v his_o wisdom_n mercy_n grace_n truth_n and_o justice_n both_o to_o exact_v from_o the_o elect_a for_o who_o christ_n do_v satisfy_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v they_o saying_o to_o believe_v use_v the_o command_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o a_o fit_a mean_a to_o beget_v faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o save_a faith_n be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a which_o faith_n therefore_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a tit._n 1._o 1._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o elect_v be_v call_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n gal._n 3._o 29._o and_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n heb._n 6._o 17._o partly_o because_o they_o be_v the_o child_n promise_v to_o be_v broughin_a to_o christ_n isa._n 53._o 10._o partly_o because_o by_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v regenerate_v to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o by_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o obtain_v righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 23._o they_o be_v call_v beget_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quest._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n ans._n we_o answer_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n or_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o promise_v eternal_a life_n upon_o condition_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o promise_n among_o these_o promise_n some_o pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n such_o as_o gal._n 3._o 12._o do_v this_o and_o live_v and_o matth._n 19_o 17._o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o sundry_a other_o particular_a promise_n of_o blessing_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a annex_v unto_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o promise_n do_v serve_v to_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v good_a their_o undertake_n if_o they_o be_v able_a as_o they_o conceive_v they_o be_v and_o to_o humble_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o neither_o threaten_n nor_o promise_n can_v make_v they_o to_o fulfil_v that_o law_n beside_o the_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n there_o be_v other_o promise_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v man_n embrace_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o continue_v therein_o such_o as_o these_o which_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o give_v unto_o the_o believer_n all_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n and_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ._n and_o of_o this_o sort_n some_o be_v more_o general_a some_o more_o special_a some_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o this_o life_n some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o true_a godliness_n comprehend_v faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o all_o these_o promise_n the_o foundation_n and_o fountain_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v chap._n 4._o wherein_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o father_n to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o the_o father_n promise_v to_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o redeem_v that_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n and_o be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o his_o hand_n upon_o this_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n all_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v whether_o they_o be_v absolute_a promise_n whether_o conditional_a promise_n whether_o qualify_a promise_n which_o be_v like_a unto_o conditional_a absolute_a promise_n we_o call_v for_o example_n such_o as_o do_v promise_v absolute_o the_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o their_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n jer._n 31._o 31_o 32._o etc._n etc._n and_o 32._o ver_fw-la 40._o such_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o gather_v edify_v propagate_a and_o perpetuate_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n as_o math._n 16._o 18._o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o which_o sort_n of_o promise_n do_v serve_v to_o move_v man_n to_o come_v and_o embrace_v christ_n and_o after_o man_n have_v flee_v to_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o the_o believer_n may_v make_v application_n and_o comfortable_a use_n of_o all_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n conditional_a promise_n be_v such_o as_o make_v offer_n of_o christ_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o wrath_n they_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n qualify_a promise_n like_o unto_o conditional_a be_v these_o that_o have_v in_o they_o some_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v already_o a_o believer_n and_o do_v seem_v to_o make_v that_o qualification_n or_o designation_n of_o the_o believer_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o blessing_n promise_v therein_o which_o promise_n if_o they_o be_v well_o consider_v do_v pre-suppone_a the_o qualify_a person_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o be_v both_o a_o believer_n and_o also_o to_o be_v evident_o endue_v with_o the_o name_v quality_n as_o for_o example_n math._n 5._o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a the_o peacemaker_n the_o meek_a the_o mourner_n the_o poor_a the_o sufferer_n of_o persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n or_o for_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o virtue_n if_o the_o person_n be_v not_o a_o believer_n in_o christ_n do_v as_o yet_o signify_v nothing_o in_o he_o nor_o do_v not_o entitle_v the_o man_n to_o this_o gospel-blessedness_n and_o be_v the_o designation_n of_o believer_n they_o give_v the_o person_n endue_v therewith_o encouragement_n to_o go_v on_o and_o increase_v in_o that_o grace_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o more_o and_o more_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o be_v real_a believer_n such_o also_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o confident_a waiter_n on_o god_n rejoycer_n in_o god_n lover_n and_o fearer_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o promise_n grace_n for_o grace_n to_o be_v derive_v out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o believer_n some_o promise_n design_v fit_a person_n to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n and_o do_v invite_v they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a load_v math._n 11._o 28._o and_o ho_o
sin_n but_o do_v not_o seek_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o boast_v of_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n and_o profess_v great_a respect_n to_o he_o because_o many_o do_v cry_v lord_n lord_n who_o neither_o renounce_v their_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n for_o of_o such_o christ_n say_v matth._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v to_o he_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o pretend_v the_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n for_o all_o they_o who_o think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o own_o work_n do_v esteem_v their_o manner_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n true_a and_o spiritual_a service_n and_o worship_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi glory_v before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o giver_n unto_o he_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v luke_n 18._o 11._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o god_n say_v he_o that_o i_o be_o not_o like_o other_o man_n extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n for_o of_o this_o man_n christ_n say_v he_o return_v to_o his_o house_n unjustified_a that_o be_v a_o man_n lie_v still_o in_o sin_n unreconciled_a neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n regenerate_v to_o confess_v sin_n and_o bygone_a unrighteousness_n and_o to_o promise_v and_o begin_v to_o amend_v his_o way_n and_o future_a conversation_n for_o so_o much_o may_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi attain_v and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n who_o think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o saint_n do_n and_o suffering_n and_o do_v disdainful_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o be_v they_o also_o who_o think_v their_o by-gone_a sin_n may_v be_v washen_n away_o and_o be_v recompense_v by_o their_o purpose_n to_o amend_v their_o life_n in_o time_n to_o come_v how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v rom._n 10._o 3._o and_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o careful_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o do_v not_o lean_a to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o seek_v more_o and_o more_o to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o behove_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o his_o imperfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n philip._n 3._o 9_o but_o that_o man_n who_o daily_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o poverty_n slee_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o endeavour_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o do_v not_o put_v confidence_n in_o these_o his_o work_n when_o he_o have_v do_v they_o but_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o blessedness_n that_o man_n i_o say_v undoubted_o be_v regenerate_v and_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n describe_v he_o philip._n 3._o 3_o chap._n iu._n of_o divine_a covenant_n about_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n and_o in_o special_a of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n show_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o covenant_n and_o what_o be_v the_o article_n thereof_o because_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n come_v by_o a_o right_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n about_o our_o salvation_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v open_v up_o 1._o a_o divine_a covenant_n we_o call_v a_o contract_n or_o paction_n wherein_o god_n be_v at_o least_o the_o one_o party_n contracter_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o covenant_n about_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n which_o sort_n chiefl_o belong_v to_o our_o purpose_n there_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n god_n appoint_v mediator_n before_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o second_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o adam_n in_o his_o integrity_n endue_v with_o all_o natural_a perfection_n enable_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o condition_n the_o three_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n through_o christ_n make_v between_o god_n and_o believer_n with_o their_o child_n in_o christ._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n for_o clear_v the_o mater_fw-la we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o sundry_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n redemption_n for_o 1._o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o contract_n and_o agreement_n of_o sell_v and_o buying-back_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o lose_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v buy_v by_o christ_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o 20._o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n and_o this_o may_v be_v call_v redemption_n by_o paction_n and_o agree_v bargain_n 2._o sometime_o redemption_n be_v take_v for_o the_o pay_v of_o the_o price_n agree_v upon_o in_o which_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o suffer_v of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o we_o and_o ransome_v of_o we_o gal._n 3._o 13._o christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o 3._o sometime_o redemption_n be_v take_v for_o the_o begin_v application_n of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o price_n pay_v ephes._n 1._o 7._o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o sometime_o redemption_n be_v take_v for_o the_o perfect_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n agree_v upon_o between_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n the_o mediator_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v say_v to_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 our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n ephes._n 1._o 14._o and_o ephes._n 4._o 30._o it_o be_v say_v grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o christ_n shall_v put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o blessedness_n which_o he_o purchase_v by_o bargain_n and_o payment_n for_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o take_v redemption_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o the_o covenant_n pass_v between_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n design_v mediator_n about_o our_o redemption_n 3._o when_o we_o name_v the_o father_n as_o the_o one_o party_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n as_o the_o other_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n we_o do_v not_o seclude_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o be_v the_o party_n offend_v but_o do_v look_v upon_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n as_o offend_v by_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o all_o three_o content_v to_o take_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o man_n sin_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o design_v mediator_n to_o be_v incarnate_a whereby_o the_o son_n be_v both_o the_o party_n offend_v as_o god_n one_o essential_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o party_n contracter_n also_o as_o god_n design_v mediator_n personal_o for_o redeem_v man_n who_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o all_o eternity_n will_v and_o purpose_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n in_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n to_o become_v man_n and_o to_o take_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o the_o friendship_n of_o god_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o felicity_n for_o evermore_o when_o therefore_o we_o make_v the_o father_n the_o one_o party_n and_o the_o son_n design_v mediator_n the_o other_o party_n speak_v with_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a uptake_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o look_v to_o one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n have_v absolute_a right_n and_o sovereign_a
the_o utter_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o direct_v his_o speech_n unto_o adam_n and_o evah_n but_o to_o the_o devil_n by_o way_n of_o threaten_a and_o curse_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n even_o all_o the_o reprobat_fw-la in_o the_o audience_n of_o adam_n and_o evah_n that_o our_o first_o parent_n overhear_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n in_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o promiser_n by_o faith_n may_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v as_o private_a person_n after_o the_o same_o way_n as_o other_o believer_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v this_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n do_v foster_v and_o augment_v by_o his_o doctrine_n teach_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o prescribe_v typical_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o faith_n to_o god_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o lord_n do_v admit_v their_o child_n into_o the_o external_a fellowship_n of_o this_o covenant_n without_o put_v difference_n between_o one_o and_o another_o outward_o as_o we_o see_v in_o cain_n and_o abel_n of_o which_o two_o the_o one_o to_o wit_n cain_n be_v a_o covenanter_n in_o the_o flâ—sh_n outward_o and_o in_o the_o letter_n only_o for_o he_o be_v destitute_a and_o void_a of_o save_a faith_n the_o other_o to_o wit_n abel_n be_v both_o outward_o and_o inward_o a_o covenanter_n not_o in_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o in_o the_o spirit_n also_o endue_v with_o lively_a justify_v and_o save_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v incarnate_a and_o to_o die_v for_o his_o own_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v reckon_v he_o up_o among_o believer_n justify_v by_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 4._o 3._o after_o the_o flood_n god_n do_v not_o make_v the_o covenant_n with_o every_o man_n nor_o with_o any_o family_n by_o way_n of_o explicit_a and_o formal_a paction_n except_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n only_o of_o who_o the_o messiah_n god_n the_o mediator_n be_v to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o he_o the_o lord_n confirm_v the_o covenant_n by_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n as_o the_o seal_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n 4._o in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o mount_n sinai_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v evident_a the_o necessâ—â—y_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o come_v he_o do_v repeat_v the_o law_n to_o work_n and_o to_o they_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v their_o siâ—â—_n he_o do_v set_v forth_o christ_n their_o deliverer_n under_o the_o uâ—â—l_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o leviticall_a type_n and_o the_o very_a same_o be_v the_o covenant_n now_o whereunto_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n lay_v aside_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o ceremony_n do_v open_o invite_v their_o hearer_n that_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o worth_n they_o shall_v cast_v themselves_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o christ_n the_o saviour_n that_o through_o he_o they_o may_v obtain_v justification_n and_o life_n eternal_a we_o see_v here_o indeed_o a_o diverse_a manner_n of_o dispense_n and_o outward_a manage_v the_o make_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o man_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v still_o the_o same_o clothe_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o diverse_a manner_n and_o do_v no_o other_o way_n differ_v then_o and_o now_o but_o as_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o man_n differ_v from_o himself_o clothe_v suitable_o one_o way_n in_o his_o minority_n and_o another_o way_n in_o his_o ripe_a age_n 5._o if_o the_o covenanter_n therefore_o be_v compare_v among_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a dispensation_n the_o covenanter_n in_o spirit_n after_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o the_o believer_n before_o christ_n come_v for_o the_o believer_n before_o christ_n incarnate_a under_o the_o pedagogie_n of_o the_o law_n do_v lie_v under_o a_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o then_o the_o son_n and_o heir_n not_o come_v to_o age_n do_v differ_v nothing_o from_o servant_n gal._n 4._o 1._o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n they_o see_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n albeit_o saving_o yet_o more_o obscure_o for_o through_o the_o vail_n they_o see_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v by_o christ_n but_o after_o christ_n come_n the_o lord_n deal_v more_o liberal_o with_o believer_n because_o by_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o leviticall_a ceremony_n take_v away_o the_o vail_n they_o may_v behold_v with_o open_a face_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o a_o mirror_n and_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o 6._o but_o as_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o letter_n and_o outward_o only_a they_o be_v in_o worse_a condition_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o literal_a covenanter_n before_o his_o incarnation_n for_o the_o unregenerat_a under_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o more_o heavy_a judgement_n than_o the_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n be_v before_o christ_n come_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v christ_n speak_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o more_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v before_o christ_n come_v to_o contemn_v the_o dark_a doctrine_n of_o moses_n heb._n 2._o 3._o and_o 10._o 20._o concern_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o receive_v or_o admission_n of_o person_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n into_o the_o covenant_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o first_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n desire_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o grace_n through_o christ_n 2._o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v enter_v in_o covenant_n 3._o the_o condition_n require_v of_o he_o for_o evidence_v of_o his_o sincere_a covenant_v the_o first_o condition_n require_v of_o the_o man_n who_o desire_v to_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o except_o a_o man_n confess_v himself_o a_o sinner_n and_o unable_a to_o help_v himself_o christ_n reject_v he_o and_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o for_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9_o 13._o as_o for_o the_o next_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o which_o the_o man_n be_v receive_v and_o whereby_o the_o man_n become_v a_o confederate_a it_o be_v his_o consent_n to_o receive_v the_o grace_n offer_v even_o christ_n with_o his_o benefit_n as_o he_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v faith_n receive_v christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n as_o for_o the_o three_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o the_o man_n now_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o evidence_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o covenanter_n profess_v it_o be_v the_o take_n on_o he_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o lay_v on_o his_o confederate_a people_n or_o this_o condition_n be_v the_o covenanter_n up-giving_a of_o himself_o to_o christ_n government_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n and_o all_o these_o three_o be_v express_v by_o christ_n matth._n 11._o 28._o 29._o first_o they_o that_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v be_v they_o who_o christ_n call_v unto_o a_o covenant_n and_o fellowship_n of_o his_o grace_n second_o he_o propound_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v find_v full_a relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o in_o he_o full_a righteousness_n and_o felicity_n three_o he_o require_v of_o they_o who_o do_v embrace_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o have_v accept_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o they_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o take_v on_o of_o his_o yoke_n on_o they_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o â—aith_o he_o all_o these_o three_o a_o covenanter_n in_o the_o letter_n external_o will_v profess_v to_o have_v and_o to_o purpose_n to_o follow_v but_o the_o true_a covenanter_n in_o spirit_n have_v indeed_o all_o the_o three_o for_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o evangell_n for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n presuppose_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o man_n who_o be_v call_v to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o draw_v after_o it_o the_o condition_n require_v of_o the_o man_n covenant_v for_o he_o that_o receive_v christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a
sin_n must_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o sin_n commit_v must_v be_v show_v forth_o that_o the_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v may_v see_v himself_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o that_o he_o must_v certain_o perish_v except_o he_o flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o by_o he_o he_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o after_o a_o man_n conversion_n the_o believer_n must_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n and_o inability_n to_o perform_v obedience_n except_o by_o grace_n power_n be_v communicate_v unto_o he_o from_o christ_n both_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v get_v grace_n to_o give_v obedience_n in_o some_o measure_n yet_o must_v he_o examine_v his_o best_a work_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o command_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o service_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o humble_v in_o himself_o and_o glory_n only_o in_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o withal_o give_v unto_o christ_n the_o glory_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n do_v well_o 7._o the_o threaten_n also_o all_o of_o they_o must_v so_o be_v apply_v in_o general_a as_o both_o convert_v and_o un-converted_n may_v be_v force_v to_o run_v to_o christ_n who_o only_o can_v deliver_v the_o un-converted_n from_o guiltiness_n and_o wrath_n and_o death_n eternal_a deserve_v by_o sin_n and_o who_o only_o can_v deliver_v those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o law_n pronounce_v and_o who_o only_o can_v make_v they_o eshew_v and_o hold_v off_o the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v curse_v and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v how_o much_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n the_o godly_a shall_v have_v by_o daily_o compare_v their_o act_n with_o the_o law_n and_o how_o dear_a and_o precious_a christ_n must_v be_v to_o they_o who_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o many_o deliverance_n from_o death_n as_o they_o commit_v sin_n and_o do_v fail_v of_o their_o obliged_a obedience_n to_o god_n 8._o a_o sinner_n already_o convict_v of_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o who_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o must_v not_o be_v skar_v nor_o deter_v from_o go_v unto_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o attain_v such_o a_o prescribe_a measure_n of_o contrition_n as_o he_o conceive_v his_o sin_n do_v call_v for_o which_o measure_n unskilful_a physician_n do_v rigid_o exact_v of_o sinner_n who_o be_v desirous_a of_o repentance_n pretend_v for_o their_o rigidity_n their_o fear_n lest_o if_o such_o sinner_n shall_v be_v so_o easy_o admit_v unto_o christ_n the_o work_n of_o repentance_n shall_v be_v mar_v in_o they_o and_o presumption_n shall_v have_v way_n and_o be_v foster_v in_o they_o this_o fear_n be_v needless_a because_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o to_o give_v repentance_n and_o he_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n convict_v of_o sin_n and_o destitute_a of_o repentance_n in_o their_o own_o estimation_n and_o sense_n unto_o repentance_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o a_o sinner_n light_o touch_v with_o the_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n do_v not_o well_o weigh_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o go_v to_o christ_n with_o his_o lip_n only_o when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o less_o hazard_n leave_v he_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o repentance_n in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o not_o permit_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o have_v it_o may_v either_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_v or_o conceive_v that_o by_o his_o own_o pain_n on_o his_o own_o heart_n repentance_n must_v be_v wrought_v before_o he_o go_v to_o christ_n who_o god_n have_v exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n act._n 5._o 31._o we_o must_v be_v wary_a therefore_o lest_o a_o burden_a conscience_n in_o any_o measure_n be_v exclude_v from_o go_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o measure_n humble_v set_v himself_o so_o upon_o bodily_a exercise_n of_o ordinance_n without_o dare_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n as_o that_o he_o put_v some_o merit_n in_o effect_n upon_o his_o bodily_a exercise_n which_o he_o use_v to_o bring_v himself_o unto_o contrition_n or_o else_o turn_v desperate_o careless_a and_o leave_v off_o all_o use_n of_o mean_n we_o need_v not_o fear_n that_o instant_o upon_o a_o sinner_n come_v to_o christ_n he_o shall_v find_v too_o soon_o consolation_n and_o so_o not_o be_v humble_v as_o need_v be_v for_o christ_n be_v only_o wise_a and_o can_v prudent_o deal_v with_o the_o sinner_n come_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v eyesalve_n to_o give_v his_o proud_a merchant_n to_o let_v he_o see_v his_o blindness_n poverty_n and_o misery_n as_o well_o as_o gold_n and_o garment_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o naked_a but_o if_o any_o be_v proud_a and_o rich_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o approach_v towards_o he_o without_o sense_n of_o sin_n he_o can_v suspend_v they_o from_o comfort_n till_o first_o he_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o feel_v access_n a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v true_o humble_v and_o thirst_n in_o earnest_n after_o pardon_n and_o impute_a righteousness_n 9_o as_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n must_v not_o be_v make_v straight_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o so_o neither_o must_v the_o way_n be_v make_v broad_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o reigny_v loose_v to_o man_n lust_n as_o if_o believer_n sin_n be_v either_o none_o or_o but_o light_a one_o for_o god_n be_v not_o a_o favourer_n of_o sin_n and_o whosoever_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n undoubted_o they_o be_v ignorant_a both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v so_o temper_v that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n none_o who_o will_v be_v at_o christ_n and_o through_o he_o at_o mortification_n of_o their_o sinful_a nature_n be_v discourage_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o man_n boast_v of_o his_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o god_n both_o in_o his_o threaten_n and_o promise_n that_o none_o despair_v hear_n threaten_n but_o repent_v and_o live_v and_o that_o none_o presume_v to_o sin_n upon_o hear_v his_o gracious_a promise_n but_o walk_v in_o fear_n before_o he_o ezek._n 33._o 10_o 11_o 12._o to_o v_o 20._o and_o christ_n do_v blot_v out_o from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v all_o they_o who_o break_v off_o and_o make_v void_a any_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o do_v teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v matth._n 5._o 19_o 10._o because_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n in_o his_o word_n both_o for_o moral_a suasion_n and_o for_o effectual_a operation_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n therefore_o the_o force_n of_o god_n argument_n and_o inducement_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v must_v so_o be_v open_v up_o and_o sharpen_a and_o press_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v sound_o convince_v of_o the_o holiness_n equity_n verity_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o lord_n command_n may_v at_o least_o be_v moral_o persuade_v to_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o hearer_n must_v be_v exhort_v that_o they_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o weigh_v such_o and_o such_o argument_n unto_o duty_n that_o by_o reason_v with_o themselves_o they_o may_v prevail_v by_o god_n blâ—ssing_n to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o do_v paul_n direct_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o governor_n felix_n brash_z the_o castle_n of_o his_o conscience_n with_o this_o engine_n that_o he_o near_o by_o take_v it_o in_o act._n 24._o 25._o and_o so_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o agrippa_n who_o he_o near-by_a persuade_v to_o become_v a_o christian_n act._n 26._o 28._o and_o this_o be_v his_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v all_o his_o hearer_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o know_v therefore_o say_v he_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v teach_v all_o christ_n disciple_n to_o exercise_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o have_v set_v before_o they_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v furnish_v they_o may_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n in_o
the_o pastor_n have_v speak_v to_o all_o these_o head_n short_o and_o repeat_v again_o and_o inculcat_fw-la at_o some_o other_o few_o meeting_n till_o the_o people_n have_v somewhat_o understand_v the_o business_n than_o he_o may_v draw_v forth_o these_o seven_o head_n in_o some_o few_o question_n take_v answer_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o own_o word_n as_o they_o have_v conceive_v the_o purpose_n these_o ground_n be_v lay_v the_o pastor_n shall_v find_v by_o god_n blessing_n some_o desire_n and_o appetite_n raise_v in_o the_o people_n after_o more_o knowledge_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o hope_v put_v in_o they_o to_o overtake_v a_o form_v catechise_v and_o to_o have_v it_o by_o heart_n as_o may_v be_v to_o which_o end_n the_o people_n must_v be_v encourage_v by_o promise_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o as_o be_v joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o 2_o thess._n 1._o 7_o 8._o and_o other_o like_o place_n now_o when_o the_o people_n or_o any_o ignorant_a before_o be_v begin_v to_o understand_v these_o seven_o ground_n they_o must_v be_v press_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o and_o that_o 1._o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o curse_v every_o sinner_n for_o every_o sin_n 2._o that_o they_o shall_v fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o 3._o that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n must_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a command_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o furniture_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o second_o impediment_n the_o second_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n which_o be_v a_o unrenewed_a man_n infection_n with_o some_o deadly_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o easy_o remove_v for_o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v deceive_v by_o error_n absolve_v the_o sinner_n from_o the_o crime_n whereof_o the_o error_n make_v he_o guilty_a how_o grievous_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o he_o lie_v in_o the_o error_n he_o secure_o contemn_v all_o accuâ—ations_n and_o threaten_n for_o his_o error_n and_o erroneous_a practice_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o error_n and_o usual_o four_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o obdure_v he_o in_o his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v the_o cunningness_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v altogether_o obscure_v and_o suppress_v all_o the_o article_n of_o save_a doctrine_n nor_o banish_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o use_v by_o his_o emissary_n of_o old_a destinat_fw-la to_o this_o damnation_n to_o spread_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v he_o may_v detain_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v enimity_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o very_o bend_v to_o defend_v every_o lust_n whereunto_o man_n be_v incline_v and_o to_o sight_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contrair_n to_o their_o lust_n the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o these_o who_o consent_n with_o the_o pervert_v conscience_n and_o avouch_v the_o same_o error_n the_o four_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o such_o as_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n send_v powerful_a delusion_n and_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o pastor_n can_v know_v any_o man_n reprobation_n in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o must_v take_v the_o best_a course_n he_o can_v for_o every_o man_n salvation_n who_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n if_o the_o erroneous_a person_n can_v be_v content_a to_o fall_v upon_o christian_a conference_n in_o private_a with_o the_o pastor_n it_o seem_v not_o expedient_a to_o fall_v flat_a at_o the_o first_o upon_o the_o error_n wherewith_o he_o be_v infect_v but_o to_o hold_v upon_o agree_v unto_o principle_n and_o from_o these_o ground_n lay_v open_a the_o merit_n of_o these_o sin_n whereof_o the_o erroneous_a party_n will_v grant_v himself_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o other_o man_n will_v be_v â—ound_v to_o be_v and_o labour_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o for_o these_o common_a sin_n no_o ransom_n can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n save_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o name_n of_o all_o that_o flee_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o redemption_n if_o the_o erroneous_a party_n can_v condescend_v to_o cast_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n mercy_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o pardon_n of_o acknowledge_v sin_n then_o at_o another_o time_n the_o conference_n may_v be_v further_o follow_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o error_n may_v be_v lay_v out_o before_o the_o erroneous_a and_o he_o no_o more_o urge_v for_o the_o time_n but_o that_o he_o will_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v tell_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n for_o christ_n cause_n beg_v light_n from_o god_n in_o the_o point_n question_v and_o so_o go_v on_o with_o he_o in_o all_o meekness_n and_o evidence_n of_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o lord_n open_v a_o door_n for_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n that_o may_v reclaim_v the_o party_n erroneous_a 3._o but_o if_o the_o error_n be_v likely_a to_o infect_v the_o flock_n let_v the_o pastor_n open_o refute_v the_o error_n or_o heresy_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o hint_v at_o some_o argument_n against_o it_o but_o of_o set_a purpose_n once_o at_o least_o solid_o show_v how_o contrair_a it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fearful_a consequence_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v become_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o judicious_a no_o less_o vile_a and_o odious_a then_o gross_a transgression_n against_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v more_o hate_a of_o natural_a reasonable_a man_n than_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n for_o nature_n light_n be_v sharp_a sight_v in_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o man_n then_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o a_o man_n have_v no_o light_n at_o all_o in_o special_a save_o that_o which_o be_v by_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n whereof_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o shall_v mistake_v it_o the_o conscience_n run_v headlong_o without_o the_o least_o secret_a check_n after_o the_o error_n and_o darkness_n which_o man_n natural_o love_v more_o than_o truth_n and_o light_n for_o remove_v the_o three_o impediment_n the_o three_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n to_o wit_n infidelity_n dissemble_v and_o cover_v with_o gross_a hypocrisy_n whereof_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v conscious_a and_o study_v to_o hide_v and_o delight_v himself_o in_o his_o cheat_v of_o other_o of_o all_o evil_n be_v most_o hard_o cure_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v they_o who_o think_v they_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o their_o way_n to_o any_o man_n and_o because_o they_o respect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o live_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o cover_v over_o all_o their_o avarice_n and_o cruelty_n with_o practice_n of_o law_n that_o beholder_n think_v what_o they_o please_v can_v say_v nothing_o against_o their_o follow_v of_o the_o civil_a law_n for_o such_o man_n fear_v not_o god_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a for_o his_o judgement_n and_o albeit_o they_o large_o commend_v the_o piety_n of_o holy_a man_n before_o some_o auditor_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v their_o speech_n will_v be_v plausible_a yet_o under_o hand_n and_o among_o such_o as_o themselves_o be_v they_o do_v but_o laugh_v and_o scorn_v all_o such_o piety_n as_o put_v man_n in_o hazard_n of_o any_o worldly_a inconvenience_n for_o in_o those_o man_n eye_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v foolishness_n and_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o their_o estimation_n be_v madness_n especial_o if_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n they_o suffer_v persecution_n these_o hypocrite_n the_o psalmist_n call_v unwise_a and_o foolish_a psal._n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o vers_n 6._o you_o have_v shame_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o poor_a because_o the_o lord_n be_v his_o refuge_n such_o man_n as_o these_o albeit_o they_o feign_v themselves_o to_o be_v holy_a yet_o in_o heart_n they_o be_v hater_n of_o all_o true_a saint_n in_o who_o the_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o solid_a religion_n do_v appear_v for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o psal._n 14._o
and_o at_o length_n that_o they_o shall_v whole_o give_v themselves_o to_o religious_a exercise_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n mean_v time_n they_o conceive_v they_o may_v come_v in_o among_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o young_a beginner_n albeit_o they_o come_v not_o up_o the_o length_n which_o they_o intend_v but_o be_v unde_fw-la the_o power_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o they_o can_v rid_v themselves_o of_o but_o do_v hope_v they_o shall_v betimes_o overcome_v they_o such_o man_n do_v miserable_o mistake_v the_o mater_fw-la first_o in_o that_o they_o think_v their_o purpose_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n breed_v in_o they_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o very_a grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n second_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o lust_n which_o do_v reign_v in_o themselves_o be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o regenerate_v person_n of_o who_o few_o or_o none_o think_v they_o want_v their_o own_o gross_a fault_n three_o they_o conceive_v they_o can_v repent_v more_o serious_o when_o they_o please_v and_o will_v repent_v after_o a_o while_n follow_v of_o their_o belove_a lust_n as_o if_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o they_o do_v daily_o provoke_v by_o their_o vileness_n but_o a_o work_n in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n freewill_n be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n four_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o delay_n of_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o all_o sin_n unto_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o god_n judgement_n harden_v and_o god_n provoke_v to_o punish_v their_o voluntary_a impenitence_n with_o judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v such_o man_n our_o lord_n compare_v to_o the_o disobedient_a son_n who_o promise_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v go_v work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o go_v not_o math._n 21._o 30._o such_o man_n be_v they_o who_o know_v the_o well_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o do_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o double_a punishment_n math_n 12._o 47._o the_o â—â—medy_n of_o this_o evil_a christ_n give_v luk._n 13._o 24_o 25_o 26._o strive_v to_o enter_v at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o â—_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a mâ—n_z know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_v while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n not_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n psal_n 95._o 8._o 2._o other_o some_o be_v who_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a life_n profess_v and_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o indeed_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v certain_o expect_v salvation_n free_o of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o pose_v any_o such_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v present_o answer_v that_o they_o firm_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v their_o sweet_a saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o if_o you_o press_v they_o to_o speak_v in_o earnest_n from_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v present_o be_v ill_o please_v with_o the_o question_n and_o ask_v what_o cause_n of_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v be_v just_o allege_v or_o what_o cause_n have_v any_o man_n to_o suspect_v they_o or_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v say_v they_o if_o not_o in_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o other_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n beside_o he_o if_o a_o man_n please_v to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v forthwith_o affirm_v that_o they_o repent_v day_n and_o night_n and_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o always_o repent_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o man_n be_v these_o of_o who_o christ_n speak_v that_o they_o will_v confident_o come_v to_o he_o and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v but_o servant_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n 3._o such_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o first_o by_o frame_v to_o themselves_o such_o carnal_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o save_a hope_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o in_o their_o fantasy_n they_o conceive_v they_o do_v practice_v which_o conception_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o they_o esteem_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n commend_v these_o duty_n unto_o man_n as_o good_a as_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v take_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o equity_n of_o such_o duty_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o while_o their_o conscience_n say_v why_o shall_v not_o i_o do_v so_o they_o take_v that_o for_o as_o good_a as_o if_o it_o have_v say_v i_o do_v so_o but_o save_v grace_n go_v deep_a than_o civil_a carriage_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o enough_o except_o they_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n also_o in_o daily_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n daily_o to_o be_v washen_n and_o more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v imagine_v a_o faith_n which_o need_v not_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o good_a work_n at_o all_o and_o so_o they_o take_v off_o the_o justify_v man_n from_o all_o necessity_n of_o follow_v good_a work_n as_o far_o as_o they_o take_v off_o good_a work_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o justification_n and_o do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o themselves_o to_o live_v after_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o flesh_n conceive_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v fir_v not_o only_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o our_o lord_n do_v speak_v and_o do_v cut_v off_o such_o libertine_n and_o turner_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o guard_v against_o this_o self-deceit_n heb._n 12._o 14._o command_v to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 5._o some_o there_o be_v who_o pretend_v to_o esteem_v well_o of_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o marriage-supper_n do_v yet_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a when_o they_o have_v much_o ado_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n albeit_o they_o prefer_v the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o thing_n outward_a unto_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o entertain_a communion_n with_o god_n yea_o they_o conceive_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v they_o in_o so_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v insinuat_fw-la in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o guest_n invite_v to_o the_o feast_n answer_v the_o invitation_n with_o i_o pray_v have_v i_o excuse_v luke_n 14._o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o rise_v evil_a in_o great_a personage_n rich_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v much_o implove_v in_o earthly_a affair_n such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o first_o in_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n with_o themselves_o that_o their_o earthly_a affair_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v first_o and_o most_o sensible_o appear_v must_v in_o the_o first_o room_n be_v cared-for_a and_o that_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a may_v be_v follow_v after_o as_o their_o civil_a and_o earthly_a affair_n may_v permit_v second_o they_o reckon_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o for_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v when_o gain_n may_v be_v have_v that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o slip_v the_o occasion_n or_o to_o put_v his_o worldly_a good_n in_o hazard_n by_o defend_v or_o follow_v matter_n of_o religion_n three_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o wise_a as_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o serve_v two_o master_n god_n and_o covetousness_n albeit_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o serve_v not_o god_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n this_o error_n our_o lord_n refute_v and_o give_v warning_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o luke_n 21._o 34._o take_v heed_n
professor_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o seem_v zealous_a worshipper_n cry_v lord_n lord_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o miss_v heaven_n but_o also_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o prophet_n yea_o and_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n not_o a_o few_o shall_v be_v disclaim_v by_o christ_n and_o condemn_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o can_v be_v their_o mistake_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n reject_v of_o they_o we_o answer_v such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o 1._o because_o both_o they_o and_o beholder_n also_o think_v they_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o be_v inferior_a in_o place_n and_o gift_n unto_o they_o 2._o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o those_o they_o live_v among_o and_o not_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3._o they_o put_v not_o due_a difference_n between_o common_a gift_n and_o save_a grace_n 4._o they_o consider_v not_o that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v much_o will_v be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o trial_n they_o will_v be_v find_v pu_v up_o with_o the_o estimation_n of_o gift_n enduement_n employment_n and_o success_n which_o they_o have_v have_v as_o if_o these_o be_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o of_o god_n special_a love_n towards_o they_o they_o will_v be_v find_v man_n void_a of_o repentance_n and_o far_o from_o humble_a walk_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o natural_a habitual_a and_o actual_a sin_n they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o wrath_n which_o may_v drive_v they_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o blindness_n poverty_n and_o misery_n unto_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o justifier_n of_o sinner_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o care_n of_o and_o endeavour_v after_o new_a obedience_n conceive_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o success_n in_o their_o employment_n be_v sufficient_a holiness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o work_v by_o they_o for_o otherways_o christ_n will_v never_o disclaim_v they_o who_o have_v flee_v to_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o haunt_v he_o as_o their_o refuge_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o study_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o to_o be_v furnish_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v repute_v righteous_a by_o man_n and_o esteem_v so_o by_o a_o man_n own_o self_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n another_o thing_n save_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v other_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whereby_o the_o hearer_n may_v be_v save_v another_o thing_n to_o apply_v save_v doctrine_n to_o themselves_o and_o make_v right_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outer_a side_n of_o the_o plater_n and_o reform_v the_o man_n outward_a carriage_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v inward_o renew_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v repentance_n and_o mortification_n of_o lust_n another_o thing_n by_o he_o spirit_n of_o christ_n ro_o mortify_v inbred_a pride_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n vain_a glory_n and_o other_o carnal_a lust_n the_o course_n which_o paul_n follow_v be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n most_o laborious_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o live_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o body_n of_o death_n he_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o his_o holy_a life_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o he_o so_o make_v use_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o mortification_n of_o his_o sinful_a nature_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 27._o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o under_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n the_o five_o and_o last_o sort_n of_o self-deceiver_n by_o absolve_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o lord_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n be_v temporizer_n who_o for_o their_o temporary_a believe_v temporary_a repent_v temporary_a motion_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o temporary_a amendment_n of_o their_o manner_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o true_a believer_n this_o sort_n however_o it_o be_v in_o sundry_a case_n coincident_a with_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o former_a four_o self-absolvers_a yet_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a of_o seed_n matth._n 13._o 21._o and_o luke_n 4._o 17_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o stony_a ground_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o ground_n we_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o room_n by_o itself_o special_o because_o it_o may_v have_v the_o own_o proper_a consideration_n temporizer_n then_o we_o call_v such_o as_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n from_o temporary_a principle_n for_o temporary_a end_n do_v embrace_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ready_o but_o slight_o and_o do_v as_o ready_o and_o light_o pass_v from_o it_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n in_o special_a when_o persecution_n arile_v for_o the_o word_n mark_v 4._o 16._o when_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n immediate_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n and_o afterward_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n immediate_o they_o be_v offend_v light_o they_o take_v up_o truth_n deliver_v and_o light_o do_v they_o pass_v from_o it_o again_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o or_o solid_a believe_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o truth_n cause_n but_o what_o please_v other_o please_v they_o and_o what_o displease_v other_o do_v displease_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o way_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o yea_o they_o think_v it_o good_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o it_o show_v unto_o they_o a_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o natural_a gladness_n which_o sort_n of_o believe_v do_v endure_v for_o a_o time_n to_o wit_n so_o long_o as_o the_o way_n of_o other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o prosperity_n and_o good_a estimation_n with_o other_o go_v along_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n receive_v but_o when_o the_o wind_n of_o another_o doctrine_n blow_v and_o do_v carry_v with_o it_o power_n to_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v they_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o by_z and_o by_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o renounce_v the_o truth_n controvert_v because_o it_o draw_v trouble_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o such_o person_n suppose_v that_o gain_n ease_n and_o applause_n be_v very_a godliness_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o the_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a tentation_n to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n for_o fear_v of_o death_n as_o peter_n example_n do_v show_v we_o but_o true_a faith_n recover_v strength_n and_o arise_v after_o a_o fall_n and_o endure_v persecution_n for_o that_o truth_n as_o temporary_a belief_n do_v not_o but_o fail_v altogether_o and_o the_o temporizer_n repentance_n faill_v also_o because_o it_o arise_v from_o natural_a principle_n and_o be_v for_o natural_a motive_n and_o end_n such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o saul_n in_o weep_v and_o justify_v david_n for_o spare_v his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 27._o 21._o such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o carnal_a israelit_v psal._n 78._o 36._o and_o the_o humiliation_n of_o ahab_n and_o such_o be_v their_o amendment_n of_o life_n all_o nothing_o but_o temporary_a and_o which_o do_v not_o continue_v as_o hosea_n chap._n 6._o 4._o show_v o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o like_v the_o early_a dew_n that_o pass_v soon_o away_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o unrenewed_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o something_o like_a unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o outward_a amendment_n of_o manner_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o humane_a write_n find_v so_o much_o credit_n with_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a for_o experience_n testify_v that_o their_o affection_n be_v move_v sometime_o with_o delight_n and_o sometime_o with_o indignation_n and_o pity_n not_o only_a when_o they_o read_v history_n but_o also_o when_o
will_v most_o exercise_v faith_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v find_v least_o able_a to_o do_v it_o yea_o he_o find_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a to_o observe_v the_o whole_a moral_a law_n then_o solid_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n hence_o arise_v anxiety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a while_o he_o neither_o there_fw-mi depart_v from_o christ_n nor_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o approach_v unto_o he_o confident_o in_o this_o case_n many_o new_a doubt_n and_o temptation_n do_v arise_v which_o weaken_v his_o faith_n yet_o more_o and_o hinder_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o discharge_n of_o duty_n not_o a_o little_a that_o this_o sometime_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o convert_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n make_v evident_a ps._n 30._o 7._o lord_n say_v david_n by_o thy_o favour_n thou_o have_v make_v my_o mountain_n to_o stand_v strong_a thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v and_o in_o his_o prayer_n ps._n 61._o 2._o while_o his_o mind_n be_v overwhelm_v in_o he_o with_o perplex_v thought_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o no_o strength_n or_o ability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o or_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o mediator_n as_o he_o will_v have_v do_v but_o pray_v that_o while_o he_o be_v now_o exile_v and_o drive_v far_o off_o from_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o tip_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o rock_n of_o all_o salvation_n which_o rock_n of_o salvation_n he_o perceive_v to_o be_v a_o high_a mystery_n than_o he_o can_v discover_v or_o ascend_v upon_o without_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o therefore_o say_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o when_o my_o heart_n be_v overwhelm_v lead_v i_o to_o the_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o i._n yea_o the_o godly_a afflict_a hebrew_n fall_v in_o this_o sickness_n who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o they_o heb._n 12._o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n 2._o for_o answer_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o sinful_a dissidence_n because_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o whatsoever_o sort_n of_o trouble_n he_o have_v be_v discourage_v and_o faint_v which_o do_v not_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o pretend_a reason_n but_o this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o give_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v and_o hope_v to_o give_v before_o he_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n second_o he_o must_v consider_v how_o far_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o lean_v to_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o which_o self-confidence_n the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v empty_v the_o more_o speedy_o he_o shall_v be_v furnish_v if_o be_v empty_v he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o supply_v this_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 10._o who_o be_v make_v weak_a in_o himself_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o weakness_n and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o feel_a infirmity_n and_o that_o he_o do_v with_o good_a success_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v he_o then_o be_o i_o strong_a who_o example_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o follow_v three_o after_o search_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o person_n afflict_v under_o the_o notion_n and_o expression_n of_o i_o can_v believe_v have_v in_o effect_n this_o meaning_n i_o can_v find_v such_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o will_v be_v at_o or_o i_o can_v find_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o approbation_n of_o my_o â—aiah_o as_o can_v satisfy_v i_o and_o persuade_v i_o that_o i_o do_v believe_v real_o in_o christ._n and_o so_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n and_o another_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v seek_v than_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o approven_v faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o believer_n but_o to_o he_o that_o sight_n the_o fight_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o his_o trial_n adher_v close_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n as_o the_o clause_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n do_v teach_v we_o rev._n 2._o 3._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o eat_v of_o that_o hide_a manna_n i_o will_v give_v he_o that_o white_a stone_n and_o a_o new_a name_n write_v thereon_o which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o four_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v instruct_v or_o put_v in_o mind_n to_o distinguish_v between_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o know_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o these_o thing_n i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v distinguish_v between_o true_a though_o weak_a say_v faith_n and_o strong_a faith_n true_a save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o be_v pursue_v by_o the_o law_n do_v fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o the_o man_n that_o dwell_v in_o this_o city_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v use_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n have_v right_o unto_o that_o strong_a and_o well-grounded_n consolation_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6._o 17_o 18_o 19_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n hearty_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o a_o person_n have_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v reckon_v himself_o among_o believer_n in_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v christ_n to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o enimity_n against_o god_n do_v answer_v the_o request_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n with_o a_o hearty_a consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n offer_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliateon_n now_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o that_o be_v christ_n to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a answer_n thus_o i_o receive_v the_o offer_n and_o do_v consent_n upon_o these_o term_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n for_o thou_o have_v say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n and_o my_o soul_n answer_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n will_v i_o seek_v hide_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o ps._n 27._o 8_o 9_o he_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v unto_o he_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o confirmation_n whereof_o let_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n outward_a and_o inward_a which_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o afflict_a himself_o or_o by_o his_o comforter_n be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o let_v he_o rest_v and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o the_o doubt_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n concern_v his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehend_a defect_n of_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v answer_v some_o regenerate_a person_n will_v be_v find_v who_o mourn_v indeed_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o
and_o bring_v the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o on_o upon_o his_o way_n till_o he_o put_v he_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o yet_o this_o felicity_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o piece_n and_o piece_n and_o not_o without_o conflict_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o without_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o he_o as_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o hope_n and_o patience_n be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v sure_o perform_v in_o that_o manner_n measure_n order_n and_o time_n and_o by_o his_o own_o appoint_a mean_n as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n 6._o the_o three_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n nor_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n he_o judge_v no_o otherways_o than_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o man_n whileas_o there_o be_v a_o diverse_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o faith_n then_o of_o another_o man_n faith_n for_o because_o i_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o man_n therefore_o i_o must_v judge_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o james_n give_v chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 10._o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n yet_o of_o my_o own_o faith_n i_o may_v judge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o external_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o in_o the_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o observable_a possible_o but_o also_o by_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n do_v reveal_v unto_o i_o by_o make_v i_o not_o only_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_v he_o but_o also_o can_v make_v i_o reflect_v and_o turn_v back_o my_o eye_n upon_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o i_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n again_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n do_v judge_n he_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o work_n may_v be_v do_v upright_o and_o yet_o be_v imperfect_a he_o shall_v distinguish_v what_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o work_n from_o that_o which_o be_v wrong_a and_o corrupt_a flow_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v confound_v and_o do_v so_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wrong_a when_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v wrong_a that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n and_o to_o observe_v also_o what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n in_o his_o work_n proceed_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o so_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isa._n 42._o 3._o 7._o for_o remedy_v therefore_o of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n both_o internal_a and_o external_a both_o on_o the_o elicit_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o imperat_fw-la act_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n and_o let_v he_o judge_v of_o both_o according_a to_o what_o be_v right_a and_o equitable_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o may_v be_v difference_v from_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n defect_n or_o corruption_n and_o let_v he_o not_o judge_v of_o his_o work_n according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n who_o always_o condemn_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v what_o be_v good_a in_o god_n child_n or_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v it_o do_v labour_n to_o have_v it_o abuse_v second_o let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o due_a order_n both_o in_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o judge_v thereof_o for_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v first_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o christ_n before_o he_o can_v pass_v judgement_n on_o it_o and_o let_v he_o first_o do_v the_o work_v command_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o then_o pass_v sentence_n that_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o do_v more_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o present_v they_o to_o god_n to_o be_v washen_n accept_v and_o amend_v in_o his_o follow_a service_n three_o let_v he_o careful_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o judge_v of_o his_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o end_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o conceive_v all_o be_v wrong_a after_o we_o have_v examine_v matter_n 6._o the_o four_o practical_a error_n be_v that_o the_o afflict_v first_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v wound_v and_o weaken_v by_o satan_n tentation_n and_o then_o to_o be_v draw_v forth_o to_o the_o field_n to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o some_o difficile_a duty_n before_o the_o wound_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v up_o or_o heal_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n about_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o not_o when_o faith_n be_v wound_v yea_o faint_v and_o be_v bring_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v a_o special_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o satan_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_v he_o can_v to_o hurt_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mar_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o if_o he_o can_v the_o conduit_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o believer_n for_o make_v he_o give_v acceptable_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficile_a when_o faith_n be_v wrest_v and_o for_o a_o time_n out_o of_o joint_n to_o set_v about_o acceptable_a service_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o set_v upon_o his_o work_n when_o his_o arm_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v his_o â—aith_n wound_v incontinent_a set_v himself_o down_o before_o god_n humble_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o foolishness_n want_v of_o watch_v unworthiness_n and_o inability_n either_o to_o know_v how_o he_o have_v grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o make_v open_v a_o door_n for_o the_o tempter_n to_o fall_v in_o upon_o he_o or_o to_o repent_v the_o sin_n which_o he_o know_v may_v have_v provoke_v god_n so_o to_o exercise_v he_o and_o next_o let_v he_o look_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcil_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v find_v help_n for_o the_o present_a need_n and_o thereafter_o also_o to_o walk_v more_o wise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n do_v give_v to_o the_o corrupt_a church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3._o 2._o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a recover_v strength_n of_o faith_n and_o ability_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o furniture_n for_o bring_v forth_o unquestionable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o unquietness_n of_o spirit_n be_v answer_v this_o case_n be_v incident_a to_o many_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v befall_v champion_n in_o time_n of_o sad_a affliction_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o but_o even_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o when_o no_o great_a affliction_n bodily_a lie_v on_o many_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n have_v flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v take_v
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
his_o lamentation_n for_o his_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n that_o from_o day_n to_o day_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o scandalous_a out-breaking_a chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o moral_a suasion_n and_o not_o from_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulsion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conform_v their_o conversation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v frequent_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n whether_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o be_v solid_a because_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v may_v be_v do_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o temporary_a believer_n in_o who_o no_o sound_a renovation_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v find_v i_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o say_v one_o of_o the_o effectual_a motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o all_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n by_o imitation_n of_o other_o by_o education_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a disciple_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o as_o they_o by_o frequent_a action_n do_v acquire_v habit_n wherewith_o be_v endue_v they_o discharge_v moral_a duty_n more_o easy_o and_o with_o delight_n so_o i_o by_o discharge_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o acquaint_v myself_o with_o they_o daily_o do_v seem_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v acquire_v a_o facility_n and_o delectation_n in_o religious_a action_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n 2._o this_o case_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o perilous_a and_o subtile_o colour_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a convert_n for_o it_o be_v true_a what_o power_n have_v be_v see_v in_o moral_a philosophy_n among_o pagan_n to_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o man_n civil_a conversation_n must_v be_v also_o grant_v to_o theology_n among_o profess_a christian_n because_o divine_a threaten_n and_o promise_n for_o procure_v outward_a reformation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n than_o all_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o education_n by_o parent_n and_o imitation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v of_o great_a force_n moral_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o civil_a conversation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o true_a convert_n doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n when_o he_o compare_v external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o himself_o with_o the_o external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n he_o can_v see_v but_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v neither_o be_v clear_a determinate_o to_o affirm_v all_o such_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n nor_o to_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n so_o long_o as_o he_o suspect_v that_o as_o some_o other_o reformation_n so_o also_o his_o own_o reformation_n may_v prove_v no_o better_o then_o from_o moral_a suasion_n which_o may_v be_v â—ound_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerat_a 3._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n wrath_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v flee_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n if_o his_o conscience_n answer_v he_o that_o so_o he_o do_v then_o first_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n as_o the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v strong_a against_o this_o tentation_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o renew_v also_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o purpose_n to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v gain_v the_o entry_n into_o his_o refuge_n wherefrom_a satan_n be_v draw_v he_o by_o furnish_v doubt_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n second_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o settle_v his_o faith_n on_o christ_n jesus_n let_v he_o now_o maintain_v his_o former_a course_n so_o far_o as_o truth_n will_v suffer_v that_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v with_o delight_n the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o supernatural_a habit_n infuse_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v entertain_v augment_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n and_o daily_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v which_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v many_o exhortation_n to_o put_v faith_n love_n repentance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o frequent_a exercise_n that_o these_o gracious_a habit_n may_v grow_v strong_a as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v 2_o epist._n 1._o chap._n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n three_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o of_o who_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o outward_a godly_a carriage_n he_o can_v judge_v as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n unregenerat_a or_o a_o temporary_a believer_n may_v make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o outward_o go_v on_o in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n with_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o his_o work_n he_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o procure_v salvation_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o true_a convert_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o renouncer_n of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n a_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o imperfection_n who_o have_v flee_v and_o resolve_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o the_o find_v whereof_o in_o any_o measure_n after_o examination_n may_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n can_v so_o hate_v sin_n and_o follow_v holiness_n as_o to_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o slve_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n four_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n both_o by_o moral_a motive_n and_o by_o effectual_a persuasion_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o do_v very_o well_o concur_v and_o agree_v together_o neither_o be_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v because_o he_o sweet_o lead_v on_o his_o child_n by_o way_n of_o counsel_n without_o the_o child_n observation_n of_o any_o notable_a impulse_n make_v he_o to_o overcome_v strong_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o the_o more_o victorious_a grace_n be_v over_o corruption_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o god_n wherein_o corrupt_a nature_n make_v most_o opposition_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o presuppose_v let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n against_o satan_n tentation_n solicit_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o counsel_n if_o he_o follow_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n not_o without_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o self-denial_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o convert_n
the_o present_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n for_o the_o present_a in_o comparison_n with_o other_o unrenewed_a man_n or_o with_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n in_o which_o sense_n mark_v 12._o 34._o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o scribe_n who_o answer_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n discreet_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o far_o front_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o condition_n for_o the_o present_a of_o this_o scribe_n be_v better_a than_o his_o fellow_n and_o better_a than_o his_o own_o at_o another_o time_n and_o yet_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o wrath_n because_o he_o be_v not_o enter_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o in_o this_o more_o strict_a sense_n the_o judicial_a state_n of_o the_o man_n person_n be_v fix_v so_o long_o as_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n bind_v the_o unconvert_v to_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n louse_v the_o convert_v from_o the_o curse_n do_v stand_v but_o the_o moral_a disposition_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o nature_n be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a to_o the_o better_a or_o worse_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o or_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n his_o state_n remain_v the_o same_o to_o wit_n good_a if_o he_o be_v renew_v and_o evil_a if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o nature_n unrenewed_a 2._o but_o here_o we_o be_v about_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n only_o which_o may_v be_v better_o at_o one_o time_n and_o worse_o at_o another_o time_n as_o his_o disposition_n and_o caâ—â—age_n in_o order_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v better_a or_o worse_o according_a as_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n be_v more_o or_o less_o conform_v to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n do_v its_o duty_n more_o or_o less_o commendable_o sometime_o his_o conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n speak_v good_a to_o he_o while_o he_o study_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a and_o then_o he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 26._o 12._o my_o foot_n stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n in_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o bless_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o good_a condition_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o because_o there_o be_v no_o present_a disease_n which_o call_v for_o cure_v of_o this_o case_n only_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n necessary_a to_o observe_v diet_n and_o exercise_n to_o maintain_v his_o good_a condition_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o go_v on_o therein_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v the_o ill_a condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n when_o his_o conscience_n do_v deceive_v he_o or_o do_v not_o discharge_v its_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o case_n only_a remedy_n and_o cure_n be_v call_v for_o 3._o as_o that_o condition_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v best_a please_v with_o himself_o be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a so_o neither_o be_v that_o condition_n wherewith_o he_o be_v worst_a please_v always_o the_o worst_a but_o that_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v most_o bear_v down_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o condition_n be_v the_o worst_a wherein_o sin_n most_o prevail_v and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n so_o the_o illnesse_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n as_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v ground_n of_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n for_o otherways_o by_o the_o default_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n the_o best_a condition_n may_v degenerate_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n as_o when_o a_o man_n do_v abuse_v divine_a consolation_n and_o after_o receive_v of_o the_o renew_a earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n grow_v carnal_o secure_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o when_o after_o some_o gross_a pollution_n of_o himself_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n have_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o as_o become_v he_o but_o by_o satan_n suggestion_n of_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o his_o former_a work_n in_o he_o do_v fall_v in_o suspicion_n of_o all_o former_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o miscalleth_a all_o these_o former_a experience_n and_o in_o his_o tentation_n esteem_v and_o name_v they_o among_o satan_n delusion_n or_o else_o at_o least_o suspect_v and_o fear_v they_o shall_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o such_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o worst_a condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n by_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o advantage_n in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o renew_a man_n salvation_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o psalmist_n do_v show_v we_o psal._n 116_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o evil_a condition_n be_v so_o call_v either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o convert_v not_o only_o feel_v real_o but_o lament_v it_o serious_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v estimation_n only_o who_o lament_v his_o good_a condition_n without_o cause_n or_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o real_a evil_n which_o the_o convert_n lament_v not_o at_o all_o but_o lie_v under_o it_o secure_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n when_o he_o see_v his_o own_o blindness_n nakedness_n and_o misery_n the_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o do_v fly_v for_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o christ_n the_o true_a physician_n to_o cover_v and_o cure_v all_o his_o disease_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a only_a in_o respect_n of_o feel_v evil_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n therefrom_o it_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n because_o the_o disease_a convert_n carry_v himself_o well_o and_o wise_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o convert_v condition_n when_o his_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o trial_n by_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n wherein_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o afflict_v himself_o but_o to_o judge_v this_o condition_n to_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v in_o divers_a tentation_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n who_o when_o for_o example_n he_o feel_v himself_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o pray_v or_o praise_n or_o discharge_v any_o duty_n hearty_o do_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o this_o his_o ill_a case_n but_o either_o layeth-by_a the_o do_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o do_v the_o work_n negligent_o and_o perfunctorious_o and_o please_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v for_o a_o time_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a indeed_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o of_o his_o sinful_a slight_v the_o duty_n of_o seek_v relief_n thereof_o 5._o for_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o any_o or_o all_o of_o those_o condition_n first_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o sinful_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v evil_a indeed_o and_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o gift_n of_o eyesalve_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o discovery_n by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a blessing_n even_o the_o work_n of_o god_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o saviour_n of_o soul_n the_o remedy_n of_o every_o evil_a second_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o tentation_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n and_o yield_v to_o tentation_n under_o affliction_n the_o observation_n of_o tentation_n offer_v to_o make_v we_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o trial_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o joy_n but_o yield_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o mater_fw-la of_o
grace_n as_o a_o true_a penitent_a and_o let_v the_o fear_n of_o wrath_n in_o case_n he_o set_v not_o himself_o to_o recover_v what_o he_o have_v lose_v hold_v he_o up_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o be_v the_o remedy_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v prescribe_v rev._n 2._o 5._o 7._o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o convert_n sinful_a connive_n at_o and_o tolerate_v of_o the_o error_n and_o transgression_n of_o other_o the_o law_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n lay_v a_o tie_n on_o we_o to_o procure_v and_o promove_v the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o all_o man_n according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o power_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o provocation_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o neighbour_n according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o power_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v levit._n 19_o 17._o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o â—ains_n answer_v to_o god_n say_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n do_v not_o beseem_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n renew_v child_n in_o some_o case_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n sufficient_o if_o they_o for_o themselves_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o do_v in_o their_o own_o personal_a carriage_n what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v right_a albeit_o they_o toleart_n other_o to_o profess_v teach_v and_o practice_v what_o be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o this_o fault_n may_v befall_v not_o only_a magistrate_n and_o pastor_n parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n child_n and_o servant_n but_o also_o be_v find_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o do_v defend_v or_o excuse_v such_o a_o ungodly_a and_o dangerous_a toleration_n which_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o wrath_n and_o ensnare_v many_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n the_o pretence_n excuse_n and_o deceit_n whereby_o man_n delude_v themselves_o in_o this_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o patron_n of_o loose_a and_o licentious_a toleration_n of_o every_o error_n in_o religion_n do_v make_v use_n of_o to_o wit_n that_o man_n conscience_n must_v be_v free_a in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o religion_n and_o no_o way_n be_v urge_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n which_o may_v give_v they_o right_a information_n and_o restrain_v their_o expression_n and_o practice_n which_o may_v infect_v pervert_v or_o ensnare_v other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v for_o say_v they_o god_n people_n must_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n and_o god_n only_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o a_o curb_v of_o man_n profession_n and_o practice_n serve_v not_o to_o make_v man_n religious_a but_o hypocrite_n also_o and_o such_o like_a other_o pretence_n but_o no_o excuse_n of_o this_o sort_n can_v just_o hinder_v any_o who_o be_v in_o any_o place_n of_o authority_n or_o power_n or_o relation_n to_o be_v active_a or_o concur_v to_o extinguish_v the_o incendiary_n fire_v which_o may_v devour_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o live_v for_o whosoever_o have_v power_n over_o other_o and_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n to_o curb_v and_o repress_v those_o who_o lie_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o other_o do_v not_o only_o not_o impede_fw-la the_o grow_a contagion_n and_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n wherein_o they_o live_v but_o also_o in_o effect_n do_v countenance_n protect_v and_o promove_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o contagion_n of_o error_n &_o wickedness_n which_o they_o do_v tolerat_a yea_o and_o private_a person_n who_o do_v not_o lament_v the_o sin_n of_o such_o as_o do_v destroy_v themselves_o and_o infect_v other_o and_o do_v not_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o also_o who_o shall_v repress_v the_o contagion_n do_v make_v themselves_o accessary_a to_o these_o spread_a evil_n it_o be_v true_a many_o excuse_n may_v here_o be_v allege_v which_o we_o leave_v to_o those_o who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n of_o ungodly_a toleration_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o worldly_a inconvenience_n ofttimes_o do_v more_o prevail_v for_o give_v way_n to_o licentious_a toleration_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v prevail_v for_o discharge_v of_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o do_v not_o take_v order_n with_o and_o repress_v the_o seducer_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o their_o follower_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n rev._n 2._o 14_o 15._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o christ_n do_v reprehend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2._o 20._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jesabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n 2._o for_o remedy_n against_o this_o evil_a 1._o let_v we_o verse_n ourselves_o well_o in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v well_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o what_o vice_n he_o forbid_v lest_o we_o mistake_v virtue_n for_o a_o vice_n or_o vice_n for_o a_o virtue_n 2._o let_v we_o beware_v of_o rash_a censure_v and_o licentious_a carp_n at_o man_n infirmity_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n give_v commandment_n my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 3._o let_v we_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n jude_n v_o 3._o lest_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o lord_n people_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n 4._o let_v every_o one_o consider_v his_o station_n place_n and_o power_n give_v to_o he_o and_o prudent_o go_v about_o the_o amend_v of_o other_o man_n fault_n and_o his_o own_o also_o for_o otherways_o a_o good_a duty_n may_v be_v mar_v in_o a_o man_n hand_n by_o imprudent_a manage_n thereof_o 5._o let_v a_o man_n resolve_v to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n in_o curb_v false_a doctrine_n and_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a wariour_a to_o behave_v himself_o so_o as_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o victorious_a rev._n 2._o 17._o 26_o 27._o for_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o displease_v man_n for_o his_o good_a and_o other_o then_o to_o displease_v christ_n and_o make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n will_v easy_o make_v the_o choice_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n fall_v asleep_a in_o carnal_a security_n under_o guilâ—tnesse_n of_o fleshly_a pollution_n and_o dream_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o no_o ill_a condition_n sometime_o the_o flesh_n so_o far_o prevail_v against_o the_o renew_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o convert_n that_o not_o only_o they_o be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n gal._n 6._o 1._o but_o also_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v captive_a and_o lead_v away_o for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o lustâ—_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o nearby_o recall_v unto_o the_o servitude_n of_o some_o wicked_a concupiscence_n in_o which_o condition_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o lie_v sleep_v a_o long_a time_n till_o god_n waken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o deadly_a lethargy_n and_o this_o condition_n alas_o be_v very_o oft_o to_o be_v find_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christian_a profession_n in_o these_o that_o have_v begin_v to_o live_v blameless_o and_o have_v fall_v back_o to_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o their_o old_a conversation_n whereby_o they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n god_n wrath_n and_o sad_a â—udgments_n of_o this_o disease_n we_o find_v there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o to_o be_v find_v in_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o 2._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o fearful_a condition_n be_v manifold_a and_o can_v easy_o be_v condescend_v upon_o for_o many_o defect_n and_o wicked_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v usual_o concur_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n and_o commission_n of_o actual_a sin_n against_o the_o diâ—â—ction_n of_o the_o conscience_n at_o least_o without_o the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n and_o true_a repentance_n before_o this_o fearful_a condition_n fix_v itself_o on_o a_o man_n
from_o he_o in_o fatherly_a wrath_n yet_o must_v he_o not_o yield_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o rather_o yet_o more_o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o have_v stir_v up_o wrath_n against_o he_o and_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o close_o upon_o his_o grace_n because_o god_n be_v offend_v be_v not_o pacify_v nor_o please_v save_v only_o by_o fly_v in_o tâ—_n jesus_n christ._n quest._n ii_o q._n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o confidence_n be_v weaken_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o whensoever_o they_o apprehend_v god_n angry_a against_o they_o and_o especial_o when_o they_o feel_v that_o god_n be_v provoke_v just_o remove_v gift_n and_o benefit_n comfortable_a from_o they_o ans._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o confidence_n of_o many_o true_a convert_n be_v shake_v and_o weaken_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o upon_o these_o carnal_a prop_n the_o fail_v whereof_o make_v they_o to_o fall_v 2._o let_v they_o be_v humble_v yet_o more_o because_o of_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o change_v his_o dispensation_n towards_o they_o 3._o let_v they_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o only_a rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o relief_n of_o all_o those_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ill_a deserve_n and_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o apparent_a fatherly_a wrath_n that_o hereafter_o however_o it_o fair_a with_o they_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n to_o build_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o who_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o help_v and_o uphold_v they_o who_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o he_o in_o every_o condition_n whether_o it_o be_v adversity_n or_o prosperity_n quest._n iii_o q._n albeit_o common_a benefit_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n yet_o new_a obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_a sign_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n bestow_v only_o on_o the_o elect_a see_v then_o as_o these_o sign_n when_o they_o be_v present_a serve_v much_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n so_o also_o when_o they_o be_v amiss_v have_v as_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n to_o debilitat_fw-la faith_n yea_o see_v faith_n without_o fruit_n be_v dead_a may_v it_o not_o be_v conclude_v where_o no_o fruit_n be_v no_o faith_n be_v ans._n if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o universal_a want_n of_o all_o fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a so_o long_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v evil_a who_o seem_a service_n can_v be_v acceptable_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v unreconciled_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n let_v the_o question_n be_v yield_v unto_o but_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o miss_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o former_o feel_v fruit_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n present_a wherein_o by_o some_o temptation_n or_o trial_n their_o faith_n be_v sift_v and_o winnow_v and_o here_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o lead_v for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o consecrate_v himself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o who_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n have_v bring_v forth_o new_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_n and_o have_v feel_v consolation_n in_o this_o course_n and_o now_o under_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o barren_a ground_n do_v lament_v his_o impotency_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o this_o exercise_n live_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n blameless_a and_o free_a of_o scandal-giving_a great_a odds_n between_o this_o man_n and_o a_o man_n yet_o in_o nature_n we_o grant_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a godliness_n the_o sentence_n hold_v no_o fruit_n no_o faith_n but_o as_o for_o the_o convert_n who_o have_v have_v comfort_n in_o christ_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o some_o measure_n he_o must_v not_o reason_n from_o his_o present_a dead_a condition_n feel_v and_o lament_a barrenness_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o say_v or_o mar_v his_o confidence_n further_o then_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_o feel_a fruit_n and_o have_v not_o ground_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o he_o but_o may_v and_o shall_v maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n against_o his_o discouragement_n that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o more_o ripe_a and_o abundant_a fruit_n quest._n iu._n q._n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o humble_a convert_n who_o look_v to_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o find_v no_o fruit_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v do_v pass_v sentence_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tentation_n upon_o all_o their_o work_n as_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o do_v dispute_v against_o their_o own_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n word_n jam._n 2._o 20._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a ans._n if_o the_o conscience_n do_v pronounce_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v mislead_v by_o a_o tentation_n powerful_o press_v in_o by_o satan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o some_o sad_a affliction_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n displeasure_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n to_o infer_v so_o hard_a a_o conclusion_n for_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ofttimes_o that_o the_o convert_n who_o live_v blameless_o and_o entertain_v the_o love_n and_o purpose_n of_o well-doing_n in_o his_o heart_n follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n constant_o be_v not_o negligent_a in_o his_o call_n and_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n offer_v to_o let_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n for_o all_o this_o sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o under_o desertion_n see_v no_o light_n as_o isaiah_n 50._o 10._o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v he_o set_v all_o his_o work_n at_o nought_o as_o no_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n law_n i_o see_v nothing_o say_v he_o but_o sin_n in_o i_o i_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o i_o i_o feel_v no_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o i_o save_o the_o work_n of_o convince_a i_o of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o afflict_a but_o convince_v he_o rather_o of_o his_o error_n and_o in_o special_a of_o his_o lean_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o work_n before_o this_o sad_a exercise_n fall_v upon_o he_o for_o when_o a_o convert_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n but_o when_o he_o have_v new_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o find_v the_o course_n of_o good_a behaviour_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o be_v interrupt_v in_o himself_o incontinent_a he_o resile_n from_o his_o confidence_n such_o a_o man_n certain_o give_v evidence_n that_o he_o have_v rely_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_a feel_a righteousness_n an_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v as_o if_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o sin_n approach_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v in_o peter_n case_n who_o look_v on_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n godhead_n shine_v in_o a_o recent_a miracle_n cry_v out_o luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_n from_o i_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o peter_z in_o this_o case_n do_v forget_v christ_n mediatory_a office_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o more_o need_n of_o christ_n draw_v near_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n convince_v of_o sinfulness_n another_o answer_n we_o give_v to_o this_o question_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o want_v altogether_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n albeit_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v short_a of_o the_o
perfection_n which_o the_o law_n do_v require_v albeit_o he_o find_v not_o the_o fruit_n whensoever_o he_o will_v exact_v they_o albeit_o he_o find_v they_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n as_o he_o have_v find_v they_o before_o for_o as_o tree_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a or_o barren_a which_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n albeit_o they_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o winter_n so_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a which_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n at_o one_o time_n of_o mercy_n at_o another_o time_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n at_o another_o time_n the_o evidence_n of_o zeal_n at_o another_o time_n of_o love_n and_o other_o virtue_n albeit_o when_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n offer_v not_o it_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o and_o such_o virtue_n yea_o albeit_o sometime_o when_o occasion_n call_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o and_o such_o gracious_a virtue_n the_o convert_n be_v sometime_o find_v in-laking_a or_o short_a of_o do_v duty_n or_o guilty_a of_o do_v contrary_a to_o duty_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v count_v dead_a for_o all_o that_o because_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o wound_v and_o fall_v sick_a and_o languish_v and_o fall_v in_o a_o swoon_n that_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n till_o it_o be_v recover_v of_o its_o sickness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o jonah_n david_n and_o peter_n who_o faith_n faint_v but_o fail_v not_o altogether_o it_o be_v true_a they_o suspect_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o go_v when_o they_o be_v in_o hard_a exercise_n but_o after_o that_o they_o do_v look_v up_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o do_v show_v themselves_o alive_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n last_o of_o all_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o regrate_a of_o the_o humble_a soul_n of_o its_o barrenness_n and_o short-coming_a of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o of_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v write_v cant._n 2._o 13._o the_o figtree_n put_v forth_o its_o green_a fig_n and_o the_o vine_n with_o the_o tender_a grape_n give_v a_o good_a smell_n for_o he_o that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o lament_v his_o barrenness_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o do_v good_a work_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n v._n q._n but_o how_o can_v a_o man_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o after_o examination_n find_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o his_o conversion_n and_o that_o all_o his_o former_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o unfruitful_a course_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o indeed_o he_o have_v live_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n ans._n let_v such_o a_o man_n examination_n and_o sentence_n of_o himself_o stand_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o sentence_n of_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o from_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o furniture_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o before_o he_o have_v prove_v against_o himself_o that_o in_o time_n by-gone_a he_o have_v noâ—_n be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n have_v not_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o have_v not_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o he_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o i_o have_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n in_o christ_n heretofore_o and_o whether_o i_o must_v now_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v hereafter_o and_o henceforth_o a_o true_a convert_n believe_v in_o christ_n his_o former_a want_n of_o good_a fruit_n altogether_o do_v prove_v he_o not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n for_o time_n bypass_a which_o be_v the_o first_o question_n and_o the_o same_o want_n of_o all_o good_a fruit_n heretofore_o do_v answer_v the_o other_o question_n for_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n that_o now_o except_o he_o will_v perish_v he_o must_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o prove_v of_o this_o assertion_n that_o i_o have_v heretofore_o for_o such_o a_o space_n of_o time_n be_v a_o true_a convert_n i_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n appoint_v show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n but_o in_o prove_v this_o other_o assertion_n to_o wit_n i_o must_v now_o fly_v to_o christ_n while_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v to_o i_o of_o reconciliation_n leave_v i_o perish_v it_o will_v suffice_v to_o produce_v first_o my_o want_n of_o good_a fruit_n and_o next_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n charge_v i_o to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n in_o time_n leâ—t_o i_o perish_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v maintain_v the_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o time_n to_o come_v whether_o he_o find_v he_o have_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o barren_a branch_n in_o time_n bygone_a or_o not_o quest._n vi_o q._n sing_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v carnal_a confidence_n which_o in_o part_n do_v lean_a upon_o good_a work_n for_o see_v assurance_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v not_o attain_v unto_o but_o by_o reason_v from_o our_o good_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v effectual_o and_o be_v elect_v how_o do_v not_o our_o work_n support_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n concern_v our_o call_n and_o election_n and_o so_o may_v be_v lean_v unto_o ans._n a_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o his_o good_a work_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o lean_a his_o confidence_n upon_o his_o work_n but_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v he_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o give_v unto_o he_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n unto_o good_a work_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o walk_v thus_o grace_n be_v by_o god_n word_n and_o work_v clear_v up_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o rest_v upon_o without_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o man_n work_n but_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n only_o then_o when_o he_o observe_v in_o himself_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o lose_v or_o slack_v his_o grip_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o feel_v deadness_n and_o indisposition_n to_o good_a work_n just_o we_o may_v call_v this_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o work_n for_o when_o he_o ought_v with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n as_o he_o find_v the_o body_n of_o death_n powerful_a in_o he_o and_o inborn_a sin_n strong_a to_o hinder_v his_o obedience_n he_o do_v contrary_a way_n abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n languish_v and_o decay_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o look_v like_o a_o departer_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v say_v he_o put_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n quest._n vii_o q._n but_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o i_o except_o i_o do_v observe_v in_o i_o and_o can_v bring_v forth_o my_o good_a work_n to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o lean_v weight_n on_o my_o good_a work_n see_v the_o proof_n of_o my_o faith_n be_v by_o my_o work_n which_o proof_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n i_o can_v prove_v myself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n ans._n 1._o the_o observation_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o be_v not_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o my_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a act_n of_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o a_o refuge_n when_o i_o be_o chase_v by_o the_o law_n by_o the_o
this_o evil_a these_o five_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o afflict_a convert_n 1._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n 2._o prayer_n in_o faith_n 3._o prayer_n with_o felt_n and_o observe_v affection_n in_o prayer_n 4._o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n 5._o prayer_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v be_v when_o a_o man_n pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n for_o thing_n necessary_a or_o lawful_a and_o be_v about_o the_o external_a work_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o he_o please_v himself_o and_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o work_n wrought_v without_o affection_n of_o heart_n or_o faith_n as_o we_o see_v is._n 58._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o because_o he_o esteem_v his_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o a_o formality_n he_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o be_v unquiet_a as_o to_o the_o second_o prayer_n in_o faith_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n miss_v freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o speech_n in_o his_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n yet_o because_o the_o duty_n be_v command_v he_o do_v offer_v it_o up_o to_o god_n with_o hope_n of_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o coldrife_n affection_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v but_o the_o not_o esteem_v this_o his_o devotion_n through_o christ_n acceptable_a be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o three_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o feel_a affection_n in_o discharge_v it_o be_v when_o the_o convert_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v quiet_a because_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v any_o sign_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o he_o and_o hear_n of_o his_o supplication_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o sundry_a psalm_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o want_n of_o affection_n and_o do_v weaken_v his_o own_o faith_n which_o be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o four_o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n do_v offer_v his_o devotion_n to_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v promise_v in_o hope_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v in_o due_a time_n and_o this_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n be_v approven_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n whether_o the_o convert_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o word_n or_o not_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o this_o shall_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n and_o quiet_v of_o he_o albeit_o he_o neither_o find_v his_o affection_n move_v as_o he_o will_v nor_o find_v consolation_n from_o god_n as_o he_o will_v as_o to_o the_o five_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n be_v when_o god_n not_o only_o approve_v the_o convert_n prayer_n and_o devotion_n by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o his_o spirit_n do_v sensible_o comfort_v the_o supplicant_n and_o send_v he_o to_o his_o call_n with_o joy_n so_o do_v he_o deal_v ofttimes_o with_o the_o psalmist_n david_n and_o so_o do_v he_o comfort_n samuel_n mother_n in_o and_o after_o her_o prayer_n 1_o sam._n 1._o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o convert_v we_o speak_v of_o will_v be_v at_o and_o which_o will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o he_o can_v come_v to_o it_o 4._o this_o condition_n be_v the_o sweet_a to_o the_o supplicant_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n dispensation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a condition_n acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14._o 15._o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_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 we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o and_o that_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o may_v be_v perceive_v in_o david_n condition_n at_o sundry_a time_n for_o ps._n 119_o seven_o or_o eight_o time_n he_o pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o much_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n yet_o he_o continue_v meek_o pray_v to_o be_v quicken_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 5._o wherefore_o so_o oft_o as_o the_o convert_n be_v displease_v for_o any_o defect_n he_o find_v in_o his_o devotion_n let_v he_o 1._o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o imperfection_n and_o betake_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o firm_o upon_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o the_o mediator_n and_o draw_v by_o faith_n grace_n for_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n and_o let_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n worship_n god_n and_o live_v holy_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a that_o his_o devotion_n shall_v be_v esteem_v of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n let_v he_o right_o construe_v god_n dispensation_n and_o consider_v that_o his_o gift_n be_v wise_o give_v forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o he_o give_v to_o will_n that_o which_o be_v good_a without_o ability_n for_o the_o time_n to_o effectuate_v what_o the_o convert_n will_v he_o may_v give_v a_o willing_a heart_n to_o pray_v affectionate_o and_o not_o for_o the_o time_n grant_v ability_n to_o pray_v as_o his_o child_n will_v rom._n 7._o 18._o sometime_o he_o may_v give_v no_o more_o but_o to_o sigh_v and_o groan_n without_o ability_n to_o express_v the_o confuse_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o sometime_o he_o will_v suggest_v word_n and_o make_v the_o supplicant_n in_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n present_a the_o word_n put_v in_o his_o mouth_n hos_n 14._o 1._o 2._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o supplicant_n to_o bear_v out_o much_o disputation_n in_o his_o prayer_n without_o sensible_a consolation_n ps._n 77._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v the_o supplicant_n a_o lose_a heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o abundance_n of_o tear_n and_o yet_o seem_v for_o a_o time_n not_o to_o regard_v they_o ps._n 6._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v confidence_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o supplicant_n as_o ps._n 6._o and_o many_o other_o psalm_n and_o certain_o the_o variety_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n to_o his_o child_n can_v be_v tell_v in_o all_o which_o he_o require_v of_o his_o supplicant_n meek_a submission_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n with_o confidence_n to_o find_v a_o good_a answer_n at_o last_o for_o if_o his_o child_n do_v not_o accept_v well_o of_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o he_o may_v ready_o find_v the_o measure_n he_o complain_v of_o more_o scant_o and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n without_o word_n to_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o wise_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n exercise_v of_o he_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o hard_a trouble_n and_o question_v of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v tempt_v to_o restrain_v prayer_n till_o he_o cease_v complain_v and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o come_v to_o a_o better_a estimation_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o presence_n with_o he_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o complain_v chap._n xviii_o concern_v the_o convert_n look_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n sincere_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o which_o grace_n the_o more_o we_o do_v exercise_v it_o the_o more_o we_o please_v god_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o this_o save_a grace_n the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n to_o put_v it_o unto_o trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v train_v it_o on_o and_o foster_v and_o increase_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o light_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o child_n as_o be_v tell_v we_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 7._o in_o which_o exercise_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v ofttimes_o much_o mistake_v and_o do_v misconstrue_v his_o condition_n the_o reason_n be_v 1_o the_o faith_n of_o young_a convert_n be_v very_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v many_o
way_n darken_v and_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n be_v very_o weak_a 2._o when_o satan_n by_o his_o tentation_n obscure_v the_o truth_n which_o shall_v strengthen_v faith_n the_o convert_n find_v himself_o in_o the_o mist_n may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n till_o his_o sight_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o free_v from_o the_o tentation_n 3._o the_o sincere_a convert_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v wary_a and_o suspicious_a that_o he_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v and_o take_v historical_a or_o temporal_a faith_n for_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o so_o do_v ready_o lie_v hold_v on_o satan_n suggestion_n against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o â—aith_n 4._o in_o the_o conflict_n which_o his_o faith_n ofttimes_o have_v with_o mis-belief_n strengthen_v by_o satan_n tentation_n he_o find_v himself_o now_o and_o then_o foil_v by_o yield_v unto_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n as_o david_n experience_n teach_v may_v befall_v both_o the_o elder_a and_o young_a soldier_n ps._n â—â—6_n 11._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n meaning_n samuel_n and_o other_o prophet_n who_o promise_v to_o david_n in_o god_n name_n he_o shall_v be_v king_n 5._o in_o the_o fight_n of_o faith_n some_o infirmity_n be_v always_o manifest_v and_o the_o convert_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o he_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o the_o fight_n whereupon_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v his_o fight_n in_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o faint_a and_o decay_v in_o faith_n 6._o sometime_o the_o convert_n by_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n do_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o comfortable_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o convert_n which_o bring_v he_o into_o suspicion_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o seem_v to_o himself_o sound_a and_o unfeigned_a before_o 2._o this_o case_n be_v both_o troublesome_a to_o the_o convert_n and_o dangerous_a for_o till_o it_o be_v cure_v it_o grow_v like_o a_o rage_a fever_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o at_o least_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o a_o little_a for_o remedy_v whereof_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n put_v difference_n between_o a_o infirm_a faith_n and_o feel_v infirmity_n in_o faith_n fight_v for_o albeit_o the_o convert_n in_o the_o conflict_n of_o faith_n against_o tentation_n to_o mis-belief_n do_v feel_v infirmity_n yet_o be_v not_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v account_v infirm_a simple_o because_o whatsoever_o infirmity_n he_o feel_v in_o his_o fight_n yet_o his_o fight_v against_o tentation_n prove_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a as_o he_o resist_v mis-belief_n and_o cleave_v close_a to_o christ._n 2._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v his_o child_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o tentation_n of_o set_a purpose_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o empty_v he_o of_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o strength_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v strength_n in_o his_o fight_n by_o scripture_n hold_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o so_o wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n as_o believer_n have_v be_v help_v before_o heb._n 11._o 34._o 3._o let_v the_o convert_n put_v difference_n between_o faith_n and_o a_o settle_a persuasion_n for_o settle_v and_o full_a persuasion_n exclude_v all_o dubitation_n for_o the_o time_n but_o save_v faith_n may_v may_v be_v where_o doubt_v be_v and_o unbelief_n be_v feel_v as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o christ_n make_v manifest_a lord_n i_o believe_v say_v he_o help_v my_o unbelief_n 4._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o dubitation_n suggest_v and_o faith_n strive_v to_o overcome_v dubitation_n for_o dubitation_n bewray_v infirmity_n of_o faith_n but_o strive_v against_o dubitation_n do_v evidence_n life_n and_o vigour_n in_o faith_n to_o be_v present_a and_o be_v acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n 5._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o weak_a gripe_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v jam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o he_o that_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o promise_n with_o a_o tremble_a hand_n and_o strive_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o doubt_v may_v expect_v to_o obtain_v 6._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o his_o suspicion_n of_o the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o right_n judge_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n of_o his_o fight_a and_o fear_n of_o fail_v he_o go_v on_o in_o exercise_n of_o faith_n fear_v to_o succumb_v yet_o resolute_a not_o to_o depart_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o love_n and_o estimation_n of_o who_o grace_n he_o go_v on_o and_o grow_v long_v for_o the_o victory_n and_o for_o a_o near_o feel_v fellowship_n with_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v observe_v and_o consider_v his_o judgement_n shall_v be_v rectify_v last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o a_o hasty_a apprehension_n of_o the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o fix_a opinion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o fancy_n for_o a_o strong_a soldier_n may_v be_v surprise_v on_o a_o sudden_a as_o david_n ps._n 31._o 22._o and_o ps._n 116._o 11._o and_o jonah_n 2._o 3_o 4._o do_v furnish_v instance_n who_o short_o after_o do_v gather_v their_o courage_n and_o enter_v the_o list_n afresh_o and_o become_v victorious_a against_o their_o tentation_n unto_o misbelief_n therefore_o let_v the_o wrestler_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o nothing_o can_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n more_o than_o his_o wrestle_n against_o distrust_n and_o his_o look_v towards_o christ_n through_o all_o the_o cloud_n which_o hinder_v his_o sight_n and_o his_o sorrow_n for_o his_o unbelief_n for_o his_o weak_a hold_v grip_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o his_o inability_n to_o glorify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n offer_v in_o christ_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n commend_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n with_o variety_n of_o temptation_n for_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o great_a joy_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o chap._n xix_o concern_v the_o convert_n straighten_v his_o charity_n towards_o other_o more_o than_o he_o do_v at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n conceive_v his_o former_a large_a charity_n be_v unwarrantable_a folly_n all_o convert_n must_v agree_v to_o christ_n saying_n joh._n 13._o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o no_o man_n doubt_v of_o this_o his_o duty_n in_o general_a but_o sundry_a make_v question_n about_o the_o exercise_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o charity_n for_o some_o conceive_v that_o their_o former_a charity_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o judge_v of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o affection_n to_o other_o and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o actual_a expression_n of_o their_o charity_n have_v be_v ill_o bestow_v towards_o unworthy_a and_o illdeserving_a person_n and_o this_o they_o reckon_v to_o have_v be_v folly_n and_o therefore_o do_v resolve_v to_o dispose_v of_o their_o judgement_n affection_n and_o good_a deed_n more_o prudent_o than_o they_o have_v do_v that_o their_o charitable_a estimation_n affection_n and_o expression_n actual_a shall_v be_v draw_v forth_o towards_o the_o worthy_a and_o well-deserving_a disciple_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n thus_o they_o condemn_v for_o folly_n what_o be_v right_o indeed_o the_o main_a pretence_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o resolution_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v because_o they_o perceive_v many_o who_o they_o judge_v wise_a and_o godly_a to_o exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o in_o who_o the_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o so_o do_v think_v they_o may_v draw_v the_o circle_n of_o their_o charity_n in_o strait_a and_o narrow_a bound_n and_o may_v shun_v to_o keep_v church-fellowship_n in_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o any_o save_v approven_v visible_a saint_n the_o other_o pretence_n be_v because_o they_o have_v find_v themselves_o ofttimes_o deceive_v by_o those_o of_o who_o sometime_o they_o have_v entertain_v good_a thought_n and_o no_o small_a estimation_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o pretence_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o question_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n whether_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o visible_a sanctity_n or_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n or_o upon_o visible_a enter_v in_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o
in_o their_o call_n and_o that_o as_o they_o find_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o service_n so_o they_o be_v force_v to_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a true_a garment_n able_a to_o hide_v their_o nakedness_n yet_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n heavy_a in_o their_o spirit_n seldom_o they_o rejoice_v but_o many_o time_n they_o weep_v and_o howsoever_o they_o maintain_v confidence_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o state_n they_o stand_v into_o yet_o when_o they_o consider_v their_o ordinar_n heaviness_n of_o heart_n they_o doubt_v what_o to_o think_v of_o this_o their_o sad_a condition_n ans._n this_o condition_n if_o well_o consider_v be_v very_o useful_a albeit_o not_o always_o comfortable_a for_o the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n thus_o exercise_v be_v well_o temper_a and_o wise_o mix_v for_o he_o neither_o suffer_v the_o heavy_a in_o heart_n to_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n nor_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o his_o vocation_n nor_o to_o glory_n in_o his_o own_o work_n or_o put_v confidence_n in_o they_o but_o so_o keep_v he_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o more_o and_o more_o esteem_v of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o draw_v of_o strength_n from_o he_o by_o faith_n that_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n upright_o albeit_o not_o feed_v as_o he_o will_v be_v by_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o for_o remedy_v whereof_o let_v he_o quiet_a his_o mind_n for_o after_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a inclination_n he_o shall_v find_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o he_o spare_o give_v unto_o he_o such_o measure_n of_o consolation_n as_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v this_o lest_o he_o shall_v abuse_v the_o same_o and_o lean_v more_o to_o the_o sensible_a feel_n thereof_o then_o to_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o however_o he_o find_v heaviness_n of_o heart_n through_o manifold_a tentation_n let_v he_o hold_v on_o his_o way_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n he_o shall_v after_o a_o while_o patience_n and_o wrestle_n meet_v with_o as_o much_o peace_n and_o consolation_n as_o may_v suffice_v a_o pilgrim_n walk_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o heaven_n where_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v away_o from_o his_o eye_n mean_a time_n let_v this_o ground_n be_v hold_v fast_o that_o god_n mix_v the_o cup_n of_o his_o own_o child_n as_o he_o find_v it_o fit_a for_o their_o edification_n the_o three_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o convert_n who_o for_o not_o look_v on_o their_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o out_o break_n thereof_o be_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o think_v of_o their_o former_a condition_n some_o convert_n be_v who_o after_o a_o quiet_a possession_n of_o peace_n enjoy_v in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n among_o man_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n upright_o before_o god_n after_o examination_n of_o their_o condition_n more_o narrow_o do_v find_v that_o the_o conscience_n for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v silent_a and_o have_v not_o change_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o secure_o under_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o daily_o sprout_v forth_o thereof_o in_o this_o case_n as_o they_o dare_v not_o cast_v away_o their_o confidence_n in_o christ_n nor_o their_o holy_a purpose_n of_o walk_v upright_o before_o god_n so_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o silence_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o have_v suffer_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n although_o not_o consent_v unto_o to_o go_v away_o without_o challenge_n or_o reckon_n make_v for_o they_o and_o here_o they_o be_v in_o strait_n and_o doubt_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o own_o condition_n ans._n in_o this_o case_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o convert_n albeit_o it_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o order_n to_o the_o convert_v state_n in_o grace_n yet_o the_o condition_n wherein_o he_o be_v be_v not_o good_a but_o mix_v with_o much_o security_n for_o to_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o convert_n to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v that_o his_o conscience_n be_v keep_v free_a from_o gross_a pollution_n but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v daily_o aim_v at_o mortify_v of_o sin_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o daily_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o god_n of_o his_o wander_a and_o vanity_n and_o of_o the_o observe_v out-sproutings_a of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o original_a sin_n that_o he_o may_v after_o his_o best_a behaviour_n perceive_v a_o necessity_n of_o that_o prayer_n teach_v we_o by_o our_o lord_n for_o daily_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o may_v daily_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o god_n from_o the_o evangel_n say_v son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v unto_o thou_o for_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a absolution_n of_o the_o convert_n one_o be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o person_n which_o christ_n call_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o other_o be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o daily_a imperfection_n and_o blemish_n of_o his_o conversation_n which_o christ_n do_v call_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o foot_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o absolution_n the_o child_n of_o god_n fly_v to_o christ_n be_v judicial_o declare_v free_a from_o condemnation_n by_o the_o other_o the_o believer_n make_v use_n of_o the_o fountain_n open_v up_o in_o christ_n be_v exeme_v from_o his_o acknowledge_a uncleanness_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o christ_n word_n joh._n 13._o 10._o mean_a time_n we_o confess_v that_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o mortal_a body_n be_v so_o innumerable_a that_o no_o man_n can_v overtake_v they_o yet_o must_v they_o be_v count_v for_o a_o heap_n at_o least_o as_o david_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 19_o 12._o who_o know_v the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n cleanse_v i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o this_o same_o lesson_n do_v the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 7._o 24._o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o say_v he_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ._n wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_n go_v on_o in_o his_o formet_fw-la godly_a and_o righteous_a behaviour_n and_o conversation_n not_o misregarding_a the_o sprouting_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o give_v account_n thereof_o unto_o christ_n as_o say_v be_v that_o he_o may_v glorify_v that_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o enjoy_v peace_n with_o god_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o his_o state_n but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o his_o condition_n daily_o the_o four_o question_n be_v how_o the_o convert_n may_v know_v and_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o justification_n when_o the_o true_a convert_n hear_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o theologue_n concern_v the_o act_n of_o justification_n of_o a_o believer_n some_o say_n that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n immanent_a whereby_o he_o will_v the_o absolution_n of_o the_o believer_n some_o say_n that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n emanent_fw-la and_o transient_a from_o god_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o believer_n some_o say_n it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n absolve_v the_o believe_a sinner_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o believer_n here_o possible_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v the_o question_n till_o his_o doubt_n be_v loose_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o convert_n first_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o the_o convert_v be_v able_a to_o take_v up_o the_o quiddity_n and_o formal_a notion_n of_o the_o act_n of_o justification_n provide_v he_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n he_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o can_v apply_v these_o truth_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n but_o if_o possible_o the_o convert_n can_v be_v satisfy_v till_o his_o doubt_n be_v answer_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o he_o must_v distinguish_v between_o justification_n active_o take_v as_o it_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o justification_n passive_o take_v as_o it_o be_v terminat_fw-la on_o the_o justify_v man_n as_o it_o be_v take_v active_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v 1._o god_n eternal_a will_n and_o decree_n to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n every_o believer_n in_o christ._n 2._o god_n actual_a reveal_n in_o time_n this_o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o god_n judicial_a application_n of_o this_o general_a sentence_n to_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o point_n of_o his_o conversion_n