up_o to_o our_o own_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n to_o be_v our_o tormentor_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o we_o be_v trouble_v until_o we_o return_v to_o meet_v the_o live_a spring_n of_o our_o comfort_n again_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o connexion_n between_o grace_n and_o comfort_n i_o shall_v now_o pass_v on_o towards_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o so_o to_o make_v enquiry_n after_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o all_o believer_n desire_v but_o not_o many_o attain_v unto_o at_o least_o in_o that_o degree_n and_o measure_n which_o they_o may_v be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o forementioned_a hindrance_n in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o preparatory_a proposition_n concern_v the_o connexion_n between_o grace_n &_o comfort_n the_o want_n of_o know_v or_o believe_v whereof_o be_v sometime_o matter_n of_o ill_a consequence_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o comfort_n 1._o prop._n wheresoever_o there_o be_v true_a grace_n in_o how_o weak_a and_o small_a a_o degree_n soever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o solid_a comfort_n yea_o even_o for_o assurance_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o do_v natural_o flow_v there_o from_o many_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o against_o the_o arminian_o that_o whosoever_o have_v true_a grace_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a respect_v the_o decree_n and_o promise_n that_o a_o true_o sanctify_v person_n shall_v total_o and_o final_o fall_v from_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v this_o be_v say_v not_o of_o any_o certain_a degree_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n how_o small_a soever_o the_o degree_n be_v for_o grace_n in_o the_o small_a degree_n be_v as_o true_o grace_v as_o in_o the_o great_a degree_n now_o the_o consequence_n be_v undeniable_o good_a that_o if_o they_o who_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v than_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v a_o foundation_n in_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n for_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o comfort_n thence_o arise_v do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n in_o what_o degree_n soever_o but_o he_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v that_o he_o have_v that_o grace_n i_o know_v that_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a companion_n of_o the_o weak_a grace_n however_o sometime_o at_o first_o conversion_n when_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v grace_n to_o be_v in_o the_o small_a degree_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n so_o manifest_a to_o the_o convert_a person_n as_o that_o they_o have_v thereby_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n although_o that_o assurance_n do_v continue_v sometime_o but_o a_o very_a short_a while_n and_o be_v seldom_o of_o long_a continuance_n before_o it_o be_v darken_v again_o by_o temptation_n however_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o assurance_n there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o true_a comfort_n upon_o that_o account_n no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n 2._o prop._n the_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v very_o hardly_o discernible_a this_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o some_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o lust_n &_o corruption_n which_o upon_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o expel_v or_o subdue_v but_o continue_v oppose_v themselves_o and_o make_v head_n against_o grace_n for_o the_o root_n of_o it_o out_o again_o which_o though_o they_o can_v effect_v yet_o do_v they_o often_o prevail_v against_o grace_n yet_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o by_o their_o strength_n and_o multitude_n do_v so_o overwhelm_v and_o as_o it_o be_v bury_v that_o small_a grace_n that_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v not_o able_a certain_o to_o say_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no._n in_o other_o some_o a_o good_a natural_a disposition_n special_o if_o meliorate_v and_o mend_v by_o civil_a or_o religious_a education_n do_v bear_v so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n to_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o the_o sincere_a soul_n be_v ever_o suspicious_a of_o itself_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o better_a in_o it_o than_o moral_a virtue_n and_o then_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o grand_a enemy_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o by_o his_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n to_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a disadvantage_n to_o the_o soul_n whereby_o if_o possible_a to_o hinder_v it_o from_o the_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n 3._o prop._n there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o grace_n so_o large_a evident_a and_o conspicuous_a but_o that_o it_o may_v sometime_o disappear_v even_o the_o sun_n itself_o have_v suffer_v a_o eclipse_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o his_o desertion_n cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v any_o of_o the_o star_n though_o of_o the_o first_o and_o great_a magnitude_n be_v secure_a from_o be_v obscure_v sometime_o by_o a_o thick_a cloud_n great_a grace_n do_v not_o absolute_o secure_v the_o owner_n thereof_o from_o great_a fall_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o great_a fall_n bring_v a_o eclipse_n upon_o great_a grace_n and_o so_o obscure_a the_o elear_a evidence_n and_o bright_a comfort_n that_o may_v flow_v from_o they_o remember_v adam_n noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n etc._n etc._n and_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o when_o thy_o mountain_n do_v stand_v strong_a know_v that_o possible_o god_n may_v hide_v his_o face_n and_o leave_v thou_o under_o the_o power_n of_o trouble_n these_o three_o proposition_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o ground_n work_v whereupon_o to_o build_v and_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o production_n of_o these_o three_o corollary_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o god_n people_n exclude_v from_o comfort_n how_o weak_a and_o small_a soever_o their_o grace_n may_v be_v that_o none_o may_v reject_v their_o own_o mercy_n and_o say_v comfort_n belong_v not_o to_o i_o because_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o grace_n formuch_o as_o every_o child_n of_o god_n be_v though_o not_o equal_o capable_a yet_o capable_a of_o equal_a comfort_n with_o other_o the_o weak_a with_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o middle_a size_n with_o both_o yea_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o impart_v those_o comfort_n to_o infant-grace_n which_o he_o may_v deny_v to_o other_o throughout_o their_o whole_a course_n though_o they_o may_v arrive_v to_o good_a attainment_n in_o grace_n unto_o who_o that_o speech_n of_o christ_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v that_o the_o first_o be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o be_v first_o 2._o that_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o constitute_v the_o middle_a size_n and_o so_o include_v the_o generality_n of_o true_a christian_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o render_v person_n more_o capable_a of_o solid_a comfort_n than_o the_o former_a yet_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o fear_n doubt_n and_o trouble_n than_o any_o other_o which_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a if_o we_o consider_v this_o threefold_a ground_n thereof_o 1._o that_o that_o peace_n &_o comfort_n which_o they_o have_v be_v common_o rather_o negative_a than_o positive_a consist_v rather_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o trouble_n than_o in_o the_o sureness_n and_o solidity_n of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o they_o build_v for_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o common_a even_o with_o those_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o common_a probability_n and_o such_o hope_n as_o spring_v therefrom_o without_o frequent_a renew_v the_o engraft_v and_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n or_o rifle_v into_o their_o evidence_n to_o find_v out_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v unerring_a and_o will_v not_o fail_v they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o pinch_n like_o a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v long_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o estate_n though_o he_o have_v good_a writing_n for_o it_o in_o his_o box_n yet_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o present_a quiet_a possession_n and_o be_v not_o able_a on_o the_o sudden_a to_o prove_v the_o firmness_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o title_n when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v question_v 2._o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o their_o peace_n come_v to_o be_v disturb_v they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o clear_o to_o discern_v and_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o to_o shut_v out_o and_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n
the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n as_o they_o grow_v more_o diligent_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o still_o discover_v more_o &_o more_o of_o their_o own_o imperfection_n and_o weakness_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n make_v a_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n yet_o their_o defect_n come_v more_o to_o their_o sight_n and_o view_v they_o think_v they_o do_v believe_v whereby_o their_o trouble_n increase_v upon_o they_o daily_o and_o their_o expect_a comfort_n fly_v further_a and_o fast_o from_o they_o it_o fare_v with_o they_o herein_o as_o with_o a_o man_n that_o sail_v by_o a_o rock_n which_o seem_v to_o move_v from_o he_o and_o the_o fast_o he_o sail_v the_o more_o the_o rock_n seem_v to_o mend_v its_o pace_n fly_v from_o he_o though_o in_o truth_n the_o rock_n neither_o mend_v its_o pace_n nor_o move_v but_o the_o ship_n in_o which_o the_o man_n be_v carry_v so_o these_o person_n the_o swift_a they_o row_v in_o the_o ship_n of_o duty_n to_o overtake_v comfort_n the_o fast_a comfort_n seem_v to_o fly_v from_o they_o when_o as_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o comfort_v that_o fly_v from_o they_o but_o they_o fly_v from_o their_o comfort_n while_o they_o place_v sincerity_n in_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o own_o nor_o receive_v those_o comfort_n which_o the_o gospel_n hold_v out_o to_o their_o sincerity_n till_o they_o have_v attain_v that_o degree_n of_o their_o self-limited_n perfection_n to_o clear_v this_o by_o a_o instance_n a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o general_a or_o of_o some_o sin_n in_o particular_a know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n without_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o every_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n he_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o rule_n first_o that_o his_o sorrow_n must_v be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a seondly_n that_o his_o sorrow_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o sin_n hereupon_o he_o set_v himself_o serious_o by_o pray_v read_v etc._n etc._n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o his_o sin_n in_o the_o several_a aggravation_n thereof_o that_o so_o the_o sense_n thereof_o may_v excite_v in_o he_o a_o proportionable_a sorrow_n now_o the_o issue_n hereof_o be_v this_o the_o more_o he_o search_v and_o see_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o evil_a of_o his_o sin_n the_o more_o unproportionable_a he_o still_o find_v his_o sorrow_n to_o be_v to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o his_o sorrow_n in_o comparison_n thereof_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o sorrow_n and_o much_o less_o that_o true_a and_o right_a sorrow_n whereto_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o while_o he_o lie_v under_o this_o apprehension_n he_o utter_o refuse_v and_o put_v away_o all_o that_o comfort_n which_o in_o the_o promise_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n this_o may_v suffice_v to_o discover_v the_o second_o hindrance_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n but_o what_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v god_n will_v be_v show_v afterward_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o evil_n sect_n 3._o some_o other_o hindrance_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n beside_o those_o forementioned_a most_o usual_a let_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o other_o which_o be_v of_o no_o less_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n thereof_o and_o powerful_a for_o the_o exclusion_n of_o that_o joy_n which_o will_v make_v a_o course_n of_o holiness_n sweet_a to_o a_o believer_n and_o render_v his_o religion_n the_o more_o amiable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o bystander_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o suspicion_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o be_v truth_n or_o necessary_a degree_n thereof_o and_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o one_o take_v who_o be_v but_o serious_a about_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o everlasting_a welfare_n who_o apprehend_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o void_a of_o grace_n or_o look_v upon_o his_o grace_n but_o as_o common_a not_o save_v grace_n or_o if_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v save_v grace_n yet_o be_v so_o small_a weak_a and_o altogether_o unproportionable_a to_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n he_o have_v enjoy_v that_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o have_v less_o than_o he_o once_o have_v which_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o true_a grace_n be_v a_o grow_a grace_n but_o the_o trouble_n arise_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n nor_o in_o all_o person_n alike_o for_o sometime_o it_o be_v more_o fix_v and_o chronicale_v and_o sometime_o more_o volatile_a and_o transient_a 1._o sometime_o this_o suspicion_n of_o the_o want_n of_o true_a grace_n be_v root_v upon_o some_o mistake_a notion_n which_o through_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n or_o be_v pertinacious_o retain_v do_v long_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o this_o uncomfortable_a fruit_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o some_o look_v upon_o conversion_n as_o a_o very_a great_a and_o manifest_a change_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o whole_a man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o such_o manifest_a change_n wrought_v in_o they_o at_o any_o particular_a time_n they_o lie_v long_o under_o the_o suspicion_n that_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v never_o convert_v and_o therefore_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n or_o although_o the_o sign_n whereby_o they_o prosecute_v the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n be_v proper_a yet_o through_o misapapplication_n or_o weakness_n in_o the_o application_n they_o be_v not_o able_a by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o discover_v that_o grace_n which_o they_o seek_v after_o there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o have_v that_o skill_n and_o dexterity_n in_o the_o application_n of_o sign_n thereby_o to_o attain_v any_o probable_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o their_o state_n and_o sometime_o the_o sign_n they_o make_v use_v of_o be_v such_o that_o though_o if_o they_o can_v find_v those_o sign_n in_o themselves_o they_o may_v conclude_v grace_n yet_o they_o find_v it_o no_o less_o difficult_a to_o find_v the_o reality_n of_o those_o sign_n than_o of_o that_o grace_n which_o by_o they_o they_o seek_v for_o hereupon_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o sign_n of_o those_o sign_n &_o then_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o subordinate_a sign_n etc._n etc._n till_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o maze_n of_o sign_n upon_o sign_n and_o find_v it_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o attain_v any_o clear_a discovery_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o lie_v long_o without_o that_o comfort_n which_o some_o good_a probable_a evidence_n of_o the_o be_v and_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v afford_v they_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o universal_a hatred_n of_o sin_n as_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n as_o sin_n so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n yet_o there_o be_v need_n of_o other_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o hate_v sin_n as_o sin_n again_o where_o there_o be_v true_a grace_n there_o be_v a_o concatenation_n of_o all_o grace_n now_o before_o we_o can_v conclude_v from_o this_o sign_n we_o must_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o general_n so_o when_o any_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o seek_v for_o grace_n by_o its_o prevail_a degree_n it_o require_v many_o sign_n long_a observation_n and_o much_o experience_n before_o they_o can_v possible_o know_v whether_o they_o have_v grace_n in_o a_o prevail_a degree_n or_o no._n 2._o sometime_o this_o suspicion_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o occasional_a and_o accidental_a and_o then_o common_o it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n this_o many_o time_n happen_v to_o those_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v such_o a_o probable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o heir_n grace_n as_o do_v quiet_a heir_n heart_n and_o enable_v they_o comfortable_o to_o press_v on_o towards_o a_o further_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n but_o occasional_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o meet_v with_o some_o such_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n or_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n which_o because_o
suspend_v their_o comfort_n upon_o such_o a_o kind_n or_o proportion_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n may_v without_o difficulty_n be_v right_o determine_v by_o any_o one_o but_o a_o papist_n or_o a_o like_a principled_a so_o then_o while_o the_o trouble_a soul_n rake_n in_o its_o own_o sore_n to_o find_v a_o sorrow_n proportionable_a to_o the_o sin_n they_o stand_v guilty_a of_o they_o too_o much_o justify_v that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o their_o principle_n they_o will_v most_o fearless_o deny_v and_o while_o through_o this_o error_n they_o seek_v righteous_o by_o the_o law_n they_o do_v unwitting_o keep_v themselves_o under_o the_o curse_n at_o least_o as_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o present_a comfort_n of_o it_o gal._n 3.10_o 21._o 3._o prop._n every_o degree_n of_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n bear_v a_o gospel_n proportion_n to_o every_o sin_n that_o be_v it_o be_v that_o sorrow_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v not_o by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n as_o the_o law_n do_v but_o to_o put_v the_o sinner_n into_o a_o preparative_n capacity_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o pardon_n through_o he_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o require_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n require_v a_o great_a degree_n &_o the_o gospel_n be_v content_a with_o a_o less_o degree_n but_o the_o true_a difference_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o what_o the_o law_n require_v it_o require_v in_o perfection_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n immediate_o but_o what_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o require_v in_o sincerity_n with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o life_n by_o he_o but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o grace_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n the_o most_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v no_o very_o for_o the_o gospel_n call_v we_o for_o perfection_n yea_o and_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v but_o this_o be_v the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o first_o and_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n put_v the_o person_n into_o a_o respective_a capacity_n of_o partake_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o allow_v he_o and_o require_v he_o all_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v perfect_v his_o grace_n &_o thereby_o to_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o christ_n his_o head_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v full_o and_o perfect_o unite_v to_o christ_n he_o may_v in_o he_o be_v perfect_a in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n together_o 4._o prop._n that_o be_v true_a sorrow_n which_o produce_v a_o willingness_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o all_o sin_n a_o real_a willingness_n though_o the_o flesh_n may_v gainsay_v and_o be_v unwilling_a for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n for_o such_o contradiction_n to_o be_v find_v in_o god_n child_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n will_v be_v lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a i_o choose_v to_o note_v out_o sorrow_n by_o its_o effect_n rather_o than_o by_o describe_v it_o in_o its_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o discernible_a in_o its_o effect_n than_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o this_o effect_n as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o effect_n thereof_o 5._o prop._n that_o be_v godly_a sorrow_n which_o produce_v a_o sight_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o close_v with_o he_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o whereas_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o two_o word_n repent_v and_o believe_v such_o a_o repentance_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o prepares_z and_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o i_o need_v not_o precise_o distinguish_v between_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v frequent_o use_v as_o term_n of_o the_o same_o import_n in_o scripture_n although_o it_o do_v distinguish_v they_o also_o but_o so_o as_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n do_v certain_o produce_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o matter_n not_o but_o certain_o that_o sorrow_n be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n and_o than_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v whether_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o see_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o produce_v a_o willingness_n to_o close_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n or_o no._n 6._o prop._n the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v no_o unlawful_a or_o ungospel_n ingredient_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a perplexity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n to_o find_v upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v everlasting_o damn_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o sin_v which_o they_o real_o find_v in_o themselves_o judge_v all_o such_o sorrow_n to_o be_v carnal_a because_o it_o proceed_v not_o pure_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n indeed_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o at_o least_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o great_a inconsiderateness_n in_o some_o who_o teach_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n do_v pure_o respect_n god_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o that_o which_o respect_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o damnation_n be_v legal_a and_o carnal_a which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whoever_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o fear_v the_o plague_n sword_n famine_n poison_n or_o the_o like_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n because_o they_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o body_n or_o to_o sorrow_n for_o those_o outward_a evil_n when_o present_a as_o well_o as_o to_o fear_v they_o when_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o imminent_a and_o that_o for_o the_o body_n sake_n the_o be_v whereof_o be_v endanger_v thereby_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fear_v and_o grieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o body_n those_o evil_n which_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v it_o to_o fear_v and_o grieve_v for_o sin_n and_o its_o consequent_n upon_o the_o soul_n account_v which_o be_v thereby_o endanger_v to_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o let_v pass_v such_o argumentation_n have_v not_o god_n also_o in_o his_o word_n both_o permit_v and_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o immortal_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o and_o their_o safety_n to_o fear_v sin_n hell_n &_o damnation_n yea_o and_o god_n himself_o too_o because_o of_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v heb._n 4.1_o mat._n 10.28_o and_o if_o to_o fear_v sin_n upon_o that_o account_n so_o as_o to_o avoid_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o than_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n to_o grieve_v and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n when_o commit_v and_o if_o we_o may_v fear_v god_n because_o of_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v then_o may_v we_o also_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n through_o fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o display_v of_o that_o his_o power_n for_o the_o everlasting_a destruction_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o sinner_n i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sinner_n arise_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n may_v be_v esteem_v the_o more_o childlike_a disposition_n and_o a_o high_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v labour_v after_o yet_o this_o i_o say_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o alien_n from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a son_n to_o grieve_v for_o a_o offence_n commit_v against_o his_o father_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o father_n displeasure_n these_o proposition_n may_v be_v so_o apply_v as_o to_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v concern_v the_o occasion_n measure_n truth_n or_o gospel_n rectitude_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o legal_a and_o carnal_a or_o defective_a which_o be_v usual_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o trouble_a soul_n perplexity_n about_o this_o point_n sect_n ix_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n can_v but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v
but_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o trouble_a soul_n to_o say_v with_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n but_o of_o a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n as_o when_o christ_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v save_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a with_o god_n i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o disprove_v that_o interpretation_n but_o that_o which_o will_v be_v most_o satisfactory_a be_v to_o suppose_v the_o worst_a as_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o trouble_a soul_n will_v do_v and_o so_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o real_a impossibility_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o these_o unquestionable_a proposition_n by_o way_n of_o premisall_n 1._o prop._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o receive_v some_o enlightning_n and_o common_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v also_o real_o and_o true_o sanctify_v may_v through_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n as_o no_o doubt_n but_o david_n know_v murder_n and_o adultery_n to_o be_v sin_n and_o peter_n can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o deny_v christ_n and_o to_o common_a experience_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o 2._o prop._n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o will_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n david_n be_v not_o constrain_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o forementioned_a sin_n 3._o prop._n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o such_o may_v be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n as_o david_n and_o peter_n be_v yet_o no_o doubt_n but_o such_o circumstance_n do_v render_v the_o sin_n more_o than_o ordinary_a heinous_a from_o hence_o we_o conclude_v that_o except_o we_o make_v the_o doctrine_n all_o and_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n absolute_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yea_o one_o doctrinal_a part_n to_o another_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v and_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v taste_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v may_v with_o external_a evident_a compulsion_n commit_v great_a and_o know_v sin_n without_o be_v seal_v up_o under_o impenitency_n or_o his_o sin_n necessary_o acquire_v the_o black_a and_o horrid_a die_n of_o unpardonableness_n thereby_o but_o then_o as_o touch_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v plain_a to_o any_o considerative_a and_o impartial_a eye_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o total_a apostasy_n and_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a doom_n only_o against_o apostate_n i._n e._n those_o who_o have_v receive_v and_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v afterward_o without_o any_o compulsion_n or_o other_o seem_a necessity_n whole_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o become_v open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n thereunto_o this_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o former_a place_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o if_o such_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o if_o such_o shall_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v whole_o turn_v away_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_o renounce_v they_o as_o fable_n and_o imposture_n and_o for_o the_o other_o place_n it_o be_v as_o apparent_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o every_o wilful_a sin_n or_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o such_o wilful_a sin_v as_o whereby_o a_o man_n declare_v himself_o a_o adversary_n and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v trample_v upon_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o his_o blood_n than_o of_o the_o common_a blood_n of_o a_o malefactor_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o who_o he_o have_v before_o be_v bring_v so_o far_o onward_o in_o christianity_n as_o to_o own_o christ_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o religion_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o dr._n gouge_n upon_o these_o place_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o place_n as_o contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o not_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o howsoever_o the_o trouble_a soul_n may_v apprehend_v itself_o guilty_a of_o sin_n aggravate_v with_o wilfulness_n or_o other_o like_a heinous_a circumstance_n yet_o if_o they_o come_v short_a of_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christ_n and_o open_a renounce_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o can_v reasonable_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n that_o there_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o themselves_o seal_v up_o under_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n and_o there_o fore_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o these_o thought_n as_o temptation_n cast_v in_o by_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o hindrance_n of_o they_o from_o return_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o spiritual_a distemper_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o salvation_n sect_n xi_o of_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n the_o time_n of_o visitation_n or_o the_o accept_a time_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o irrecoverable_a or_o irrevocable_a as_o time_n when_o it_o be_v once_o past_a and_o go_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o salvation_n do_v depend_v upon_o any_o certain_a particular_a or_o limit_a time_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v save_v if_o they_o overslip_v that_o time_n or_o opportunity_n as_o it_o it_o to_o call_v time_n back_o again_o hence_o it_o arise_v that_o unspeakable_a horror_n which_o sometime_o seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n by_o apprehend_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a and_o go_v equal_a with_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n because_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o recall_v that_o time_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v by_o a_o firm_a decree_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v absolute_o pronounce_v unpardonable_a now_o therefore_o for_o extricate_a the_o trouble_a soul_n out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o fix_a or_o limit_a time_n which_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v there_o be_v three_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o look_v upon_o as_o pointing_z out_o to_o we_o such_o a_o limit_a time_n in_o luke_n 19.44_o it_o be_v call_v the_o time_n of_o visitation_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6.2_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o accept_a time_n and_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v something_o for_o explication_n of_o these_o expression_n that_o the_o way_n for_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n hence_o arise_v may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o time_n or_o day_n of_o visitation_n be_v use_v very_o various_o in_o scripture_n for_o sometime_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o a_o visitation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v for_o the_o time_n of_o god_n punish_v or_o destroy_v a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n as_o in_o jer._n 10.15_o jer._n 50.27_o isa_n 26.14_o and_o in_o numb_a 16.29_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o unusual_a and_o strange_a kind_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n this_o kind_n of_o visitation_n be_v desirable_a to_o none_o but_o otherwhile_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v god_n merciful_a providence_n to_o a_o person_n or_o people_n by_o his_o common_a providence_n of_o mercy_n he_o be_v say_v to_o visit_v as_o psa_n 8.4_o and_o psa_n 65.9_o but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n be_v most_o common_o use_v to_o signify_v more_o special_a blessing_n 1._o as_o the_o great_a and_o general_a blessing_n of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v his_o people_n luk._n 1.68.78_o luk._n 7.16_o and_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o this_o visitation_n be_v over_o to_o all_o not_o to_o the_o prejudice_n but_o to_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v all_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o offer_n of_o mercy_n by_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n luk._n 19.44_o how_o the_o time_n of_o this_o visitation_n be_v