by_o the_o mean_n of_o some_o common_a hear-say_n â—_z of_o christ_n in_o thesa_n know_v time_n yea_o a_o soul_n may_v so_o strong_o desire_v christ_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o very_o much_o for_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o true_o desire_v christ_n because_o he_o may_v all_o this_o while_o seek_v christ_n not_o out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o much_o as_o to_o himself_o a_o merchant_n that_o hear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o rich_a commodity_n such_o a_o precious_a jewel_n to_o be_v have_v whereby_o he_o may_v great_o get_v will_v part_v with_o much_o of_o his_o gold_n and_o silver_n for_o it_o yet_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o love_v that_o commodity_n and_o jewel_n so_o much_o as_o himself_o because_o he_o seek_v it_o only_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n and_o profit_n by_o it_o 46._o mat._n 13.45_o 46._o so_o a_o man_n that_o hear_v of_o that_o precious_a pearl_n of_o great_a price_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o there_o be_v much_o to_o be_v get_v by_o he_o no_o less_o than_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a and_o a_o freedom_n from_o all_o evil_a may_v be_v willing_a to_o bid_v pretty_a fair_a for_o christ_n and_o lay_v down_o much_o for_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o true_o love_v christ_n for_o christ_n own_o sake_n he_o desire_v but_o to_o serve_v himself_o of_o christ_n and_o not_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v serve_v by_o he_o self-love_n will_v persuade_v man_n to_o prize_n christ_n high_o for_o justification_n to_o get_v happiness_n by_o christ_n but_o only_o save_v grace_n teach_v a_o soul_n to_o stt_v up_o christ_n also_o above_o all_o for_o saictification_n to_o get_v holiness_n whereby_o he_o may_v serve_v christ_n that_o have_v save_v he_o the_o more_o clear_o to_o prove_v this_o truth_n and_o to_o help_v your_o memory_n to_o carry_v the_o proof_n thereof_o away_o with_o you_o we_o will_v take_v it_o asunder_o into_o two_o part_n and_o show_v you_o 1._o why_o save_a grace_n teach_v a_o poor_a soul_n to_o prize_v the_o lord_n jesus_n above_o all_o thing_n 2._o why_o save_a grace_n make_v the_o heart_n to_o esteem_v christ_n above_o not_o only_o in_o justification_n but_o also_o in_o sanctification_n for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o arise_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o work_v save_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o way_n be_v twofold_a whence_o the_o spirit_n have_v in_o scripture_n a_o double_a epithet_n and_o be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n these_o name_n of_o bondage_n and_o adoption_n imply_v not_o a_o double_a spirit_n but_o a_o double_a and_o several_a act_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o every_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o rom._n 8.15_o for_o then_o 1._o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o forlorn_a condition_n in_o regard_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n therefore_o it_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o the_o spiritual_a bondage_n under_o sinew_n and_o satan_n it_o make_v he_o see_v and_o feel_v how_o he_o lie_v bind_v and_o fetter_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o the_o cart-rope_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o withal_o the_o spirit_n set_v before_o they_o the_o terrible_a countenance_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n and_o so_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o sting_v and_o deep_a pierce_a fear_n that_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v plague_v it_o according_a to_o its_o desert_n both_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v thus_o be_v peter_n auditor_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o man_n affright_v with_o the_o strange_a and_o fearful_a sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o god_n wrath_n they_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2.37_o which_o outcry_n of_o such_o soul_n be_v the_o great_a because_o this_o spirit_n show_v they_o withal_o the_o helplesnesse_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o creature_n to_o remedy_v their_o present_a misery_n it_o make_v they_o know_v the_o vanity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o can_v come_v from_o they_o to_o work_v their_o deliverance_n it_o blast_v all_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o before_o smell_v as_o sweet_a as_o a_o rose_n in_o their_o nostril_n but_o now_o savour_v worse_o to_o they_o then_o the_o noisome_a dunghill_n in_o brief_a the_o spirit_n certify_v they_o that_o all_o they_o have_v do_v or_o whatever_o they_o can_v do_v with_o the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n can_v give_v they_o one_o lift_v out_o of_o their_o sad_a condition_n but_o here_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n leave_v not_o his_o child_n for_o than_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o that_o gulf_n of_o despair_n whereinto_o come_v judas_n and_o such_o like_a have_v fall_v to_o their_o utter_a ruin_n 2._o the_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o have_v wound_v the_o soul_n so_o deep_a as_o he_o please_v for_o all_o be_v not_o break_v in_o a_o like_a measure_n he_o begin_v the_o cure_n thereof_o by_o set_v christ_n before_o the_o soul_n and_o lay_v open_a to_o it_o that_o fullness_n of_o supply_n which_o be_v in_o he_o that_o he_o can_v yea_o only_a can_v help_v that_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n but_o he_o and_o withal_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o his_o have_v christ_n yea_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o the_o rich_a and_o full_a christ_n that_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o may_v have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o hereupon_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o long_a after_o christ_n all_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o run_v after_o christ_n prize_v and_o seek_v christ_n above_o all_o now_o do_v the_o soul_n cry_v oh_o give_v i_o christ_n and_o take_v all_o like_o as_o a_o man_n ready_a to_o be_v drown_v will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v it_o to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o to_o find_v some_o safe_a foot_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o eyesalve_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o see_v its_o sink_a condition_n with_o a_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n of_o get_v christ_n will_v glad_o part_v with_o all_o it_o have_v for_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n any_o virtue_n reas_n 2_o a_o second_o reason_n why_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n do_v prize_n christ_n above_o all_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o contrariety_n that_o be_v between_o grace_n and_o sin_n these_o two_o be_v no_o better_a friend_n than_o fire_n and_o water_n light_n and_o darkness_n hell_n and_o heaven_n yea_o then_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o manner_n of_o work_v be_v as_o contrary_a and_o cross_v to_o each_o other_o they_o walk_v opposite_a to_o one_o another_o undo_v if_o they_o can_v the_o work_n the_o other_o have_v do_v sin_n work_v the_o heart_n when_o it_o bear_v the_o sway_n there_o to_o prefer_v all_o thing_n yea_o every_o thing_n before_o christ_n but_o grace_n when_o it_o take_v place_n in_o the_o heart_n bring_v the_o heart_n to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o general_a much_o more_o above_o every_o thing_n in_o particular_a if_o we_o well_o weigh_v the_o matter_n the_o first_o step_n of_o our_o aversion_n from_o god_n be_v a_o undervalue_v of_o he_o when_o adam_n first_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n do_v not_o he_o prefer_v himself_o and_o his_o wife_n before_o god_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n plain_o point_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o people_n forsake_v he_o to_o be_v a_o overween_a conceit_n they_o have_v in_o the_o creature_n above_o he_o though_o that_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o break_a cistern_n and_o he_o a_o live_a fountain_n jer._n 2.11_o &_o 13._o now_o the_o way_n of_o our_o arise_v must_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o fall_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o step_n of_o our_o conversion_n to_o our_o god_n be_v a_o over-value_a of_o he_o that_o be_v such_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o as_o all_o thing_n with_o their_o fullness_n of_o beauty_n be_v not_o think_v comparable_a with_o he_o in_o a_o degree_n that_o be_v even_o less_o than_o the_o least_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o that_o save_a grace_n faith_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o as_o the_o former_a be_v of_o that_o vice_n infidelity_n as_o this_o carry_v the_o heart_n off_o from_o god_n so_o this_o new_a byass_n it_o and_o turn_v it_o round_o about_o to_o he_o again_o like_v as_o a_o skilful_a schoolmaster_n when_o a_o child_n be_v bring_v to_o he_o that_o have_v be_v ill_o teach_v be_v fain_o first_o to_o unteach_v he_o what_o he_o have_v ill_o learn_v and_o afterward_o to_o set_v he_o forth_o so_o save_v grace_n when_o it_o come_v to_o
by_o christ_n make_v one_o of_o the_o rich_a king_n revel_v 1.6_o 2._o and_o beside_o this_o dignity_n to_o his_o person_n christ_n also_o dignify_v all_o their_o performance_n of_o duty_n make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o the_o filth_n that_o cleave_v to_o their_o sacrifice_n &_o holy_a thing_n he_o wash_v off_o by_o rince_v they_o in_o his_o blood_n all_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o present_v offer_v to_o god_n by_o they_o christ_n perfume_v with_o the_o odour_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o so_o represent_v they_o as_o sweet_a incense_n to_o his_o father_n rev._n 8.34_o that_o soul_n which_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n find_v he_o a_o garment_n not_o only_o to_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n but_o also_o to_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v he_o and_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n also_o to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o as_o a_o man_n be_v more_o choice_n of_o his_o best_a apparel_n last_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n find_v this_o admirable_a commodity_n also_o by_o christ_n that_o he_o gain_v by_o all_o his_o loss_n he_o see_v all_o other_o man_n lose_v by_o their_o very_a gain_n paul_n in_o our_o text_n affirm_v it_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a case_n he_o find_v now_o that_o he_o lose_v by_o all_o his_o suppose_a gain_n and_o that_o he_o now_o do_v gain_v by_o his_o suppose_a loss_n take_v a_o soul_n that_o have_v christ_n and_o he_o will_v say_v with_o david_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o be_v afflict_v 71._o psal_n 119_o 71._o i_o get_v well_o by_o it_o a_o prison_n will_v be_v as_o gainful_a to_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v to_o manasses_n who_o thrive_v more_o in_o the_o prison_n at_o babylon_n 13._o 2_o chron._n 33.11_o 12_o 13._o then_o in_o his_o palace_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o his_o adversity_n he_o seek_v and_o find_v his_o god_n he_o lose_v in_o his_o prosperity_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v with_o the_o three_o child_n dance_v in_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n 3.25_o dan._n 3.25_o it_o will_v do_v he_o so_o much_o good_a all_o loss_n and_o cross_n whatsoever_o outward_a and_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o bodily_a bring_v he_o in_o gain_n and_o enrich_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n work_v to_o his_o good_a rom._n 8.28_o and_o this_o not_o only_o all_o his_o life_n long_o but_o also_o at_o death_n when_o other_o man_n lose_v most_o than_o he_o gain_v most_o when_o man_n out_o of_o christ_n die_v and_o go_v hence_o they_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v their_o good_n as_o they_o call_v they_o behind_o they_o but_o also_o all_o that_o little_a goodness_n be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o go_v to_o that_o place_n where_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o its_o punishment_n misery_n a_o great_a loss_n indeed_o they_o suffer_v when_o their_o frail_a bark_n of_o the_o flesh_n shipwreck_n on_o the_o merciless_a rock_n of_o death_n but_o such_o as_o have_v christ_n save_v grace_n inform_v they_o and_o they_o believe_v it_o as_o god_n truth_n that_o they_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o then_o but_o what_o be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o their_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n which_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v part_v with_o before_o but_o can_v not_o it_o hang_v so_o fast_o to_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o that_o little_a goodness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v increase_v and_o perfect_v yea_o and_o their_o good_n they_o shall_v not_o lose_v but_o exchange_n for_o better_a for_o parent_n he_o shall_v have_v god_n his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o brethren_n and_o sister_n jesus_n christ_n his_o elder_a brother_n and_o the_o bless_a saint_n for_o friend_n the_o holy_a angel_n for_o faiding_a wealth_n the_o true_a riches_n for_o momentany_a pleasure_n the_o everlasting_a for_o vain_a title_n of_o honour_n immortal_a glory_n yea_o for_o sorrow_n joy_n for_o labour_v rest_n for_o mortality_n immortality_n and_o in_o one_o word_n for_o his_o hell_n here_o his_o heaven_n for_o ever_o be_v not_o this_o a_o happy_a change_n yet_o this_o christ_n bring_v to_o the_o soul_n &_o thetfore_o you_o see_v good_a reason_n it_o have_v to_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v good_a to_o you_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o the_o second_o part_n thereof_o why_o save_v grace_n make_v the_o soul_n prize_n christ_n above_o all_o in_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n reas_n 1_o for_o justification_n because_o save_v grace_n do_v enlighten_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n which_o require_v a_o exact_a performance_n according_a to_o its_o rule_n in_o every_o the_o least_o particular_a and_o that_o for_o want_v thereof_o it_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n on_o it_o as_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o gal._n 3.10_o james_n 2.10_o and_o second_o the_o soul_n by_o save_v grace_n be_v quicken_v with_o spiritual_a life_n be_v sensible_a of_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n whereby_o it_o be_v disenabled_n to_o answer_v the_o law_n to_o its_o perfect_a command_n ever_o in_o its_o best_a performance_n he_o find_v he_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v much_o less_o what_o he_o shall_v and_o yet_o do_v much_o what_o he_o both_o will_v not_o and_o shall_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n to_o obtain_v pardon_n he_o renounce_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n as_o dung_n and_o filthy_a rag_n and_o will_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o but_o in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o righteous_a who_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o to_o ourselves_o he_o see_v must_n as_o it_o only_o can_v free_v he_o from_o guilt_n of_o sin_n before_o god_n justice_n and_o therefore_o he_o prize_v christ_n so_o much_o above_o all_o herein_o but_o this_o particular_a have_v be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v of_o late_a by_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v further_o to_o insist_v thereon_o come_v we_o therefore_o to_o the_o reason_n why_o save_v grace_n make_v the_o heart_n prize_n christ_n above_o all_o in_o sanctification_n they_o be_v seven_o the_o first_o be_v because_o save_v grace_n discover_v to_o the_o soul_n not_o only_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o justification_n take_v away_o the_o guilt_n so_o sanctification_n do_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o guilt_n the_o soul_n deny_v itself_o and_o its_o own_o right_a so_o for_o the_o do_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n the_o soul_n abhor_v itself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o job_n 42.6_o so_o that_o save_a grace_n work_v not_o only_a self-deniall_n but_o also_o a_o self-loathing_a as_o in_o paul_n rom._n 7.24_o he_o be_v even_o sick_a of_o himself_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n that_o cleave_v to_o he_o make_v he_o out_o of_o love_n with_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o endure_v himself_o with_o patience_n and_o to_o sweeten_v he_o both_o to_o god_n and_o himself_o he_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o he_o find_v now_o his_o own_o garment_n so_o spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n as_o he_o will_v fain_o change_v they_o and_o none_o in_o his_o account_n like_o to_o christ_n white_a robe_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v sick_a of_o sin_n as_o all_o soul_n be_v when_o endue_v with_o save_v grace_n a_o bare_a pardon_n will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n that_o alone_o do_v not_o cure_v they_o the_o lord_n must_v heal_v their_o transgression_n also_o now_o this_o be_v by_o sanctification_n as_o the_o former_a be_v by_o justification_n another_o reason_n be_v because_o save_v grace_n work_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o desire_n and_o longing_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v become_v like_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n often_o call_v we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o soul_n know_v by_o adam_n example_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o get_v into_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n till_o it_o obtain_v the_o image_n of_o god_n stamp_v on_o it_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n ephes_n 4.24_o and_o both_o these_o be_v by_o the_o new_a man_n christ_n jesus_n in_o who_o we_o be_v create_v to_o the_o good_a work_n of_o they_o eph._n 2.10_o for_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 1.15_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v holy_a as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n 1_o pet._n 1.16_o and_o righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a mat._n 5._o last_o he_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o as_o be_v the_o treasury_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n john_n 1.16_o a_o three_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n for_o hereby_o as_o through_o a_o perspective_n glass_n he_o can_v look_v into_o heaven_n and_o
purge_v it_o from_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n commit_v which_o equallize_v the_o guilt_n but_o also_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n against_o sin_n not_o commit_v sanctification_n dâ—th_v not_o only_o heal_v sin_n in_o we_o but_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o infection_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n to_o be_v preserve_v from_o a_o misery_n then_o to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o it_o wherefore_o such_o as_o pin_v god_n free_a grace_n only_o to_o our_o justification_n seem_v to_o i_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n too_o much_o to_o straight-lace_n the_o full_a breast_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n from_o whence_o a_o poor_a soul_n may_v such_o as_o much_o comfort_n for_o its_o sanctification_n as_o for_o its_o justification_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o daily_a fail_n which_o show_v he_o his_o want_n thereof_o and_o drive_v he_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o continual_a supply_n now_o christ_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n what_o measure_n soever_o we_o have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o and_o through_o he_o not_o only_o that_o free_a grace_n of_o justification_n but_o also_o our_o sanctification_n he_o be_v make_v both_o to_o we_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o and_o as_o he_o willing_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o to_o justify_v we_o so_o he_o do_v as_o willing_o sanctify_v himself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v by_o he_o in_o truth_n john_n 17.19_o which_o do_v plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o be_v sanctify_v without_o christ_n than_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v without_o he_o and_o this_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v save_v grace_n do_v know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o in_o justification_n last_o save_v grace_n put_v the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v upon_o get_v a_o assurance_n of_o its_o justification_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v not_o believe_v every_o report_n of_o the_o deceitful_a heart_n but_o will_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o before_o save_v grace_n come_v all_o that_o the_o heart_n say_v be_v take_v to_o be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o gospel_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n before_o conversion_n dream_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o hell_n they_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o any_o fear_n of_o it_o it_o be_v otherwise_o after_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o the_o convert_a soul_n will_v still_o be_v search_v its_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o his_o chief_a work_n be_v to_o make_v that_o sure_a to_o he_o this_o be_v easy_o collect_v from_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n hereto_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n say_v he_o that_o be_v 1.10_o phil._n 2.12_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o to_o yourselves_o and_o give_v all_o diligence_n think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a not_o in_o themselves_o for_o that_o they_o be_v already_o but_o sure_a to_o you_o which_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o full_o as_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o no_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v of_o our_o justification_n but_o by_o our_o sanctification_n true_o they_o that_o persuade_v man_n to_o go_v first_o to_o justificrtion_n to_o get_v assurance_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n to_o they_o do_v set_v they_o to_o unwind_v that_o fathomelesse_a bottom_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o so_o make_v the_o poor_a soul_n to_o coster_v matter_n together_o as_o they_o can_v clear_v their_o assurance_n to_o themselves_o you_o know_v that_o when_o you_o will_v unwind_v a_o bottom_n of_o thread_n you_o must_v begin_v at_o the_o last_o end_n that_o be_v outmost_a next_o to_o you_o and_o visible_a to_o your_o sight_n and_o by_o follow_v that_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o first_o end_n which_o at_o the_o first_o lie_v hide_v from_o your_o eye_n &_o you_o can_v not_o come_v at_o thus_o must_v you_o deal_v with_o a_o bottom_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n in_o work_v out_o the_o assurance_n of_o your_o salvation_n to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v it_o more_o perspicuous_a to_o your_o understanding_n i_o shall_v brief_o unfold_v the_o whole_a mystery_n thereof_o free_a grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o salvation_n run_v in_o three_o channel_n the_o several_a effect_n thereof_o which_o be_v many_o be_v reduceable_a to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o separation_n of_o god_n people_n from_o the_o wicked_a second_o the_o free_n of_o they_o from_o sin_n and_o three_o the_o infeofe_v they_o to_o the_o inheritance_n each_o of_o these_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o many_o successive_a act_n of_o free_a grace_n but_o the_o first_o &_o the_o last_o be_v in_o each_o particular_a most_o remarkable_a in_o the_o separation_n of_o they_o from_o the_o wicked_a the_o first_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n be_v election_n the_o last_o be_v vocation_n in_o the_o free_n of_o they_o from_o sin_n the_o first_o be_v justification_n the_o last_o be_v sanctification_n and_o concern_v the_o inheritance_n the_o first_o be_v adoption_n and_o the_o last_o be_v glorification_n now_o of_o these_o six_o three_o be_v in_o god_n and_o three_o in_o we_o the_o first_o three_o be_v in_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n the_o last_o three_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o in_o time_n after_o we_o have_v a_o be_v and_o it_o be_v worth_a your_o diligence_n to_o observe_v how_o the_o first_o and_o last_o three_o do_v sweet_o answer_v to_o each_o other_o for_o as_o by_o election_n we_o be_v separate_v in_o god_n purpose_n from_o the_o wretched_a mass_n of_o the_o reprobate_n so_o by_o effectual_a vocation_n we_o be_v separate_v actual_o from_o the_o profane_a mass_n of_o the_o sinful_a world_n and_o as_o by_o justification_n we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n so_o by_o sanctification_n from_o the_o fact_n and_o pollution_n of_o it_o and_o as_o by_o adoption_n we_o be_v make_v heir_n and_o son_n so_o by_o glorification_n begin_v here_o and_o perfect_v hereafter_o we_o be_v put_v into_o actual_a possession_n of_o our_o glorious_a inheritance_n thus_o have_v you_o a_o breviate_v of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o by_o it_o you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v where_o you_o must_v begin_v in_o the_o work_n of_o assure_v any_o of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n as_o will_v you_o assure_v yourself_o of_o the_o first_o general_n who_o first_o and_o last_o end_n be_v election_n and_o vocation_n will_v you_o begin_v at_o election_n no_o that_o end_n which_o be_v first_o to_o god-ward_o must_v be_v last_o to_o we_o as_o that_o which_o be_v first_o to_o we_o be_v last_o to_o god_n in_o work_v where_o god_n end_v there_o we_o must_v begin_v and_o that_o be_v in_o this_o particular_a at_o our_o vocation_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o intimate_v in_o say_v make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o why_o put_v he_o call_v before_o election_n why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v election_n and_o calling_n since_o election_n be_v far_o long_a before_o call_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o election_n be_v first_o in_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v last_o in_o exist_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o we_o our_o vocation_n appear_v first_o to_o we_o though_o in_o order_n of_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o last_o and_o therefore_o in_o seek_v out_o our_o election_n the_o apostle_n imply_v we_o shall_v begin_v at_o our_o vocation_n and_o so_o from_o what_o we_o best_o know_v to_o proceed_v to_o that_o we_o least_o know_v so_o for_o the_o second_o general_n the_o freedom_n from_o sin_n who_o first_o and_o last_o link_n be_v justification_n and_o sanctification_n shall_v we_o begin_v at_o justification_n no_o that_o end_n be_v the_o first_o end_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n from_o our_o eye_n till_o we_o have_v unreave_v the_o bottom_n we_o must_v begin_v at_o that_o end_n which_o be_v next_o we_o which_o be_v outmost_a and_o visible_a to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v sanctification_n god_n free_a grace_n to_o we_o be_v assure_v only_o by_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o we_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o freedom_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n till_o we_o be_v find_v a_o freedom_n from_o the_o fact_n filthiness_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o who_o he_o justify_v he_o sanctify_v and_o both_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mean_n not_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o he_o justify_v we_o to_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v from_o that_o be_v 13.8_o revel_v 13.8_o before_z the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o he_o in_o time_n after_o we_o have_v a_o be_v but_o the_o mean_n which_o
he_o employ_v in_o both_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v the_o same_o for_o as_o we_o justify_v by_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n by_o his_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n so_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o they_o for_o the_o virtue_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n in_o our_o text_n call_v it_o do_v work_n in_o we_o to_o the_o kill_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o quicken_a of_o we_o to_o new_a obedience_n 1.75_o as_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o justification_n so_o for_o our_o sanctification_n titus_n 2.14_o luke_n 1.75_o as_o they_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n so_o they_o free_v we_o from_o the_o filth_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o you_o must_v know_v this_o for_o a_o truth_n that_o you_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o christ_n live_v to_o you_o in_o your_o justification_n until_o you_o can_v find_v he_o live_v in_o you_o by_o sanctification_n our_o apostle_n know_v so_o much_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o will_v have_v the_o corinthian_n to_o get_v assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n he_o send_v they_o home_o into_o themselves_o say_v prove_v yourselves_o 13.5_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o we_o call_v salvatione_fw-la and_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v this_o he_o tell_v they_o by_o add_v for_o know_v you_o not_o that_o except_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o you_o be_v reprobate_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v exclude_v from_o that_o happiness_n now_o by_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o be_v mean_v our_o sanctification_n as_o to_o speak_v strict_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n look_v at_o and_o chief_o imply_v our_o justification_n though_o indeed_o this_o phrase_n in_o christ_n be_v use_v sometime_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o both_o but_o to_o draw_v this_o particular_a to_o a_o close_a the_o apostle_n send_v the_o corinthian_n to_o their_o sanctification_n for_o a_o proof_n justification_n and_o till_o they_o can_v find_v christ_n in_o they_o by_o his_o sanctify_v they_o they_o can_v conclude_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o for_o all_o they_o know_v as_o yet_o they_o be_v reprobate_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o good_a soul_n earnest_o lahour_v for_o assurance_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n here_o do_v so_o high_o prize_v christ_n for_o sanctification_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o truth_n confirm_v in_o both_o part_n come_v we_o now_o to_o application_n use_v the_o use_n that_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o with_o i_o to_o make_v of_o that_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v be_v to_o go_v to_o a_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v save_v grace_n or_o no_o true_o my_o beloved_n self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n yea_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a key_n of_o the_o work_n of_o assurance_n hence_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o set_v they_o about_o the_o work_n of_o assurance_n first_o direct_v they_o to_o take_v examination_n of_o themselves_o in_o hand_n let_v we_o not_o then_o trust_v to_o the_o report_n of_o our_o deceitful_a heart_n who_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o soothe_v we_o up_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a hrpe_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n in_o christ_n alas_o how_o many_o be_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o this_o hope_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o their_o self_n heart_n tell_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o they_o believe_v they_o sit_v down_o in_o security_n and_o seek_v no_o further_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o so_o late_o as_o heaven_n gate_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o as_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25.10_o 11._o but_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o ever_o then_o there_o be_v save_v grace_n in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o have_v save_v grace_n in_o we_o we_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o thing_n both_o for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n so_o than_o the_o point_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o be_v our_o prize_v of_o christ_n above_o all_o in_o the_o particular_n before_o mention_v and_o for_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o we_o will_v draw_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o examination_n into_o two_o rank_n answerable_a to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o position_n deliver_v as_o first_o whether_o we_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o second_o whether_o we_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o both_o in_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n first_o whether_o we_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o if_o save_v grace_n be_v in_o we_o so_o will_v we_o esteem_v of_o christ_n as_o more_o worth_a than_o all_o we_o have_v not_o time_n to_o instance_n in_o every_o particular_a save_a grace_n we_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n but_o mention_n one_o which_o be_v account_v as_o a_o mother_n grace_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n have_v we_o but_o that_o save_a grace_n christ_n will_v be_v a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n in_o our_o eye_n and_o you_o have_v a_o clear_a proof_n thereof_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o peter_n who_o say_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v he_o christ_n be_v precious_a but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o offence_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o now_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o receive_v christ_n john_n 1.12_o and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n not_o to_o believe_v be_v not_o to_o receive_v cstrist_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n word_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v precious_a only_o to_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v he_o and_o to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v he_o he_o be_v but_o as_o a_o pebble_n stone_n nay_o which_o be_v worse_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n whereon_o they_o strike_v in_o despite_n and_o make_v a_o utter_a shipwreck_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o then_o if_o we_o prize_v christ_n we_o have_v receive_v he_o now_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o we_o have_v receive_v christ_n or_o no_o to_o determine_v this_o case_n we_o will_v only_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o receive_v he_o for_o that_o be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o it_o will_v resolve_v this_o doubt_n if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o we_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o true_a manner_n of_o receive_v christ_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o receive_v christ_n true_o and_o save_o take_v he_o with_o a_o holy_a kind_n of_o greediness_n we_o receive_v he_o with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n of_o affection_n as_o they_o which_o take_v heaven_n by_o violence_n mat._n 11.12_o as_o if_o we_o take_v christ_n by_o force_n out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o father_n even_o when_o he_o free_o hold_v he_o out_o to_o we_o a_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n displease_v to_o man_n but_o herein_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n we_o be_v like_o hunger-starven_a man_n who_o hot_a appetite_n do_v make_v they_o so_o earnest_a after_o victual_n as_o when_o offer_v by_o a_o charitable_a hand_n they_o do_v take_v they_o with_o such_o earnestness_n as_o they_o seem_v rather_o violent_o to_o snatch_v then_o civil_o to_o receive_v they_o such_o a_o disposition_n god_n love_v to_o see_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v call_v such_o person_n bless_v and_o prommise_v they_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n matth._n 5.6_o yea_o he_o know_v that_o till_o we_o be_v such_o we_o will_v not_o true_o receive_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o call_v only_o such_o to_o take_v he_o isa_n 55.1_o but_o lest_o you_o shall_v wonder_v at_o this_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o lord_n pour_v the_o heal_a oil_n of_o save_a grace_n into_o none_o but_o break_a vessel_n he_o bring_v down_o such_o as_o he_o intend_v to_o exalt_v and_o before_o he_o bestow_v his_o christ_n on_o any_o soul_n he_o will_v make_v that_o soul_n know_v and_o feel_v his_o want_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o because_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o want_n of_o christ_n will_v make_v he_o prize_n christ_n seek_v christ_n and_o to_o praise_v his_o free_a grace_n for_o christ_n give_v to_o he_o now_o to_o make_v a_o soul_n see_v his_o want_n of_o christ_n he_o set_v all_o his_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o he_o 50.21_o psal_n 50.21_o reckon_v with_o he_o to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n and_o so_o show_v he_o how_o much_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o his_o justice_n which_o call_v for_o execution_n on_o he_o to_o bind_v he_o here_o with_o great_a manacle_n and_o fetter_n of_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n and_o so_o to_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o infernal_a prison_n of_o hell_n he_o