Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n heart_n know_v speak_v 4,049 5 4.4293 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92854 The humbled sinner resolved what he should do to be saved. Or Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the only way of salvation for sensible sinners. Discovering the quality, object, acts, seat, subject, inseparable concomitants and degrees of justifying faith. The agreement and difference of a strong and weak faith; the difficulty of beleeving, the facility of mistake about it, and the misery of unbelief. The nature of living by faith, and the improvement of it to a full assurance. Wherein several cases are resolved, and objections answered. / By Obadiah Sedgwick, Batchelour in Divinity and late minister of the Gospel in Covent Garden. Sedgwick, Obadiah, 1600?-1658. 1657 (1657) Wing S2375; Thomason E900_1; ESTC R203520 234,690 315

There are 18 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

true_a as_o truth_n itself_o and_o as_o good_a as_o goodness_n itself_o we_o can_v make_v man_n to_o understand_v it_o nor_o to_o believe_v it_o nor_o to_o yield_v unto_o it_o but_o christ_n be_v that_o prophet_n who_o chair_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o who_o speak_v can_v yet_o pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o can_v make_v we_o to_o know_v wisdom_n he_o can_v teach_v our_o reins_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n there_o can_v he_o write_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n though_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o dark_a as_o darkness_n itself_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n though_o the_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_a and_o full_a of_o error_n yet_o christ_n can_v erect_v a_o throne_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v we_o into_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n though_o the_o heart_n be_v dull_a yet_o his_o word_n be_v as_o fire_n to_o quicken_v that_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a as_o the_o rock_n yet_o his_o word_n can_v be_v as_o the_o hammer_n to_o break_v that_o stony_a heart_n his_o teach_n can_v soften_v the_o most_o unflexible_a adamant_n he_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v and_o bend_v and_o alter_v and_o bow_v it_o the_o very_a dead_a shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o live_v so_o that_o if_o any_o person_n do_v need_v any_o direction_n any_o enablement_n for_o heaven_n or_o the_o way_n thither_o he_o must_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o prophet_n anoint_v whatsoever_o belong_v to_o a_o heavenly_a instruct_n and_o to_o a_o heavenly_a draw_v and_o obey_v that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v from_o he_o who_o be_v anoint_v a_o prophet_n that_o be_v design_v to_o teach_v the_o church_n and_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n etc._n etc._n sect_n v._o last_o christ_n be_v anoint_v to_o be_v a_o king_n therefore_o psal_n 2._o 2._o he_o be_v call_v god_n anoint_v and_o ver_fw-la 6._o the_o king_n who_o he_o 2._o psal_n 2._o 2._o do_v set_v upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n the_o king_n of_o king_n rev._n 19_o 16._o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n luk._n 1._o 33._o so_o mat._n 28._o 18._o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n he_o have_v the_o sceptre_n of_o royalty_n and_o the_o rod_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o power_n and_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o lip_n and_o the_o key_n of_o life_n and_o death_n now_o this_o regal_a office_n of_o he_o to_o which_o he_o be_v anoint_v import_v many_o thing_n first_o that_o he_o be_v to_o bear_v rule_n over_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o indeed_o his_o natural_a kingdom_n reach_v over_o all_o the_o world_n from_o the_o high_a angel_n to_o the_o low_a devil_n second_o that_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n the_o government_n be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n isai_n 9_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o lawgiver_n jam._n 4._o 12._o and_o all_o judgement_n be_v commit_v to_o his_o hand_n joh._n 5._o 22_o 27._o to_o this_o end_n you_o have_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o sceptre_n his_o holy_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o his_o mighty_a and_o bless_a spirit_n to_o give_v force_n unto_o they_o even_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o there_o to_o bring_v every_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n three_o that_o he_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v his_o church_n therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o gird_n his_o sword_n upon_o his_o th●gh_n psal_n 45._o 3._o and_o to_o ride_v upon_o a_o horse_n with_o his_o garment_n dip_v in_o blood_n and_o arm_a as_o if_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o fight_v he_o be_v the_o mighty_a redeemer_n of_o his_o servant_n against_o all_o who_o entrench_v upon_o their_o peace_n and_o safety_n and_o he_o strike_v down_o paul_n to_o the_o earth_n for_o persecute_v he_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n to_o be_v the_o defence_n of_o his_o subject_n so_o here_o god_n have_v appoint_v all_o the_o protection_n and_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n four_o he_o be_v to_o conquer_v all_o his_o and_o our_o enemy_n god_n have_v give_v christ_n a_o kingdom_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o he_o must_v fight_v for_o not_o a_o subject_a which_o he_o have_v which_o come_v in_o unto_o he_o but_o by_o conquest_n if_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o hand_n peccatum_fw-la hostise_a quamdiu_fw-la est_fw-la say_v saint_n augustine_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o satan_n hand_n we_o be_v in_o that_o enemy_n hand_n more_o plain_o there_o be_v these_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n which_o he_o be_v to_o conquer_v for_o himself_o and_o they_o first_o hell_n and_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o and_o triumph_v over_o they_o col._n 2._o 15._o second_o death_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 54._o death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n 55._o o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n etc._n etc._n 56_o 57_o but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n which_o give_v we_o the_o victory_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n three_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v christ_n also_o to_o conquer_v he_o be_v to_o cast_v down_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o lust_n and_o all_o imagination_n and_o to_o captivate_v the_o whole_a man_n he_o be_v to_o subdue_v our_o iniquity_n for_o we_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n to_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o four_o wicked_a man_n he_o will_v stick_v his_o arrow_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o prince_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a he_o be_v to_o bruise_v the_o nation_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o to_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n he_o will_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o of_o they_o and_o cast_v they_o all_o to_o the_o dust_n who_o rise_v up_o against_o his_o person_n or_o government_n or_o people_n he_o will_v set_v his_o people_n at_o rest_n from_o they_o that_o rise_v against_o they_o and_o will_v make_v his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n chap._n iu._n what_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v import_v q._n 2_o what_o do_v the_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n import_n jesus_n christ_n be_v like_o a_o ring_n and_o faith_n be_v like_o the_o finger_n which_o wear_v it_o he_o be_v like_o a_o treasury_n and_o faith_n like_o the_o hand_n which_o draw_v out_o thence_o as_o david_n speak_v in_o another_o kind_n come_v and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n or_o as_o philip_n to_o nathanael_n can_v there_o any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n philip_n say_v come_v and_o see_v the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o faith_n god_n have_v do_v great_a matter_n for_o sinful_a man_n say_v faith_n why_o but_o can_v any_o good_a be_v bring_v by_o any_o to_o we_o who_o be_v so_o bad_a yes_o say_v faith_n come_v and_o see_v christ_n be_v very_o good_a he_o be_v a_o saviour_n for_o a_o poor_a sinner_n but_o it_o be_v faith_n which_o find_v he_o so_o mark_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v say_v the_o jailer_n they_o do_v not_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o jesus_n christ_n take_v thou_o no_o more_o care_n he_o do_v die_v for_o sinner_n and_o thou_o shall_v do_v well_o enough_o nay_o this_o they_o answer_v thou_o may_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o thou_o must_v believe_v in_o christ_n not_o a_o medicine_n be_v the_o remedy_n but_o a_o medicine_n apply_v not_o the_o man_n but_o the_o man_n take_v become_v the_o husband_n so_o the_o take_n of_o christ_n the_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n because_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a point_n for_o our_o life_n lie_v in_o it_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o faith_n first_o in_o the_o general_a and_o there_o i_o will_v be_v brief_a second_o in_o special_a as_o justify_v of_o faith_n or_o faith_n believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n first_o generally_n for_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o believe_v observe_v these_o proposition_n first_o that_o believe_v be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n from_o another_o there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n three_o quality_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o find_v out_o or_o perceive_v thing_n first_o one_o quality_n be_v scientia_fw-la or_o knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v evidence_v to_o
thou_o need_v any_o thing_n at_o any_o time_n repair_n to_o i_o i_o give_v thou_o my_o word_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o thou_o shall_v have_v bond_n and_o seal_n that_o i_o will_v help_v thou_o it_o be_v enough_o he_o need_v not_o to_o say_v more_o he_o will_v to_o he_o i_o warrant_v you_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o a_o believer_n to_o one_o who_o have_v accept_v of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n say_v god_n to_o he_o i_o tell_v thou_o by_o my_o word_n which_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v nor_o deceive_v that_o i_o be_o a_o great_a god_n alsufficiency_n goodness_n be_v in_o i_o in_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v thou_o any_o good_a now_o my_o will_n be_v that_o thou_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o at_o any_o time_n in_o any_o of_o thy_o distress_n and_o i_o do_v promise_n thou_o that_o i_o will_v not_o withhold_v any_o good_a thing_n from_o thou_o as_o true_a as_o i_o be_o god_n i_o will_v not_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o shall_v not_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n 4._o his_o power_n and_o ability_n as_o we_o want_v much_o good_a so_o god_n do_v undertake_v all_o good_a and_o this_o be_v another_o encouragement_n that_o god_n never_o over_o engage_v himself_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a all_o his_o understanding_n many_o a_o man_n be_v undo_v by_o suretyship_n he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v beyond_o his_o ability_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n this_o be_v grant_v that_o at_o the_o least_o a_o proportionable_a power_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v be_v to_o all_o promise_n and_o undertake_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o promise_n but_o ability_n be_v also_o require_v to_o make_v good_a that_o promise_n if_o a_o subject_n promise_v to_o release_v or_o pardon_v a_o malefactor_n why_o this_o be_v nothing_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v why_o because_o he_o have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n or_o death_n if_o a_o poor_a man_n promise_n to_o discharge_v a_o debt_n of_o four_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n why_o no_o man_n will_v trust_v to_o his_o undertake_n why_o because_o he_o have_v no_o ability_n he_o have_v not_o a_o estate_n answerable_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v twenty_o shilling_n so_o that_o power_n give_v ground_n to_o trust_v because_o power_n be_v a_o necessary_a ingredient_n to_o all_o now_o then_o god_n have_v ability_n enough_o to_o make_v good_a all_o or_o any_o of_o his_o promise_n obj._n you_o will_v say_v his_o promise_n be_v many_o sol._n i_o answer_v as_o our_o need_n be_v many_o so_o his_o promise_n be_v many_o but_o then_o as_o his_o promise_n be_v many_o so_o his_o goodness_n be_v great_a and_o his_o power_n infinite_a now_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o a_o infinite_a power_n be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a not_o only_o many_o but_o infinite_a promise_n object_n you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v great_a sol._n i_o confess_v they_o be_v god_n have_v undertake_v great_a matter_n to_o pardon_v great_a sin_n to_o convert_v great_a sinner_n to_o conquer_v great_a temptation_n to_o convey_v great_a consolation_n but_o be_v he_o not_o a_o great_a god_n be_v any_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a with_o god_n obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o particular_a want_n still_o increase_v and_o renew_v themselves_o sol._n so_o they_o do_v as_o the_o vessel_n which_o we_o fill_v to_o day_n require_v a_o new_a fill_n to_o morrow_n and_o the_o stomach_n which_o we_o seem_v to_o satisfy_v now_o within_o few_o hour_n they_o be_v empty_a and_o crave_v but_o then_o though_o the_o vessel_n may_v be_v dry_a yet_o the_o fountain_n be_v not_o though_o the_o vessel_n may_v be_v empty_a yet_o the_o fountain_n be_v full_a and_o still_o stream_a as_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o live_a fountain_n so_o his_o promise_n be_v a_o perpetual_a bond_n they_o be_v continue_v undertake_n and_o depend_v upon_o a_o unexhausted_a and_o infinite_a depth_n of_o goodness_n isa_n 46._o 3._o o_o house_n of_o jacob_n which_o be_v bear_v by_o i_o from_o the_o belly_n and_o carry_v from_o the_o womb_n ver._n 4._o even_o to_o the_o old_a age_n i_o be_o he_o and_o even_o to_o hoary_a hair_n i_o will_v carry_v you_o obj._n but_o yet_o you_o will_v say_v yea_o but_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o so_o many_o there_o be_v not_o a_o believer_n but_o god_n have_v bind_v himself_o by_o many_o promise_n to_o he_o sol._n i_o confess_v with_o man_n oftentime_o this_o be_v something_o he_o have_v but_o a_o particular_a ability_n and_o therefore_o may_v overshoot_v himself_o by_o general_a engagement_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o who_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o undertake_v be_v not_o contract_v break_a limit_v depend_v but_o ample_a illimitted_a and_o alsufficient_a from_o himself_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o and_o his_o promise_n run_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o all_o his_o seed_n why_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o create_a power_n such_o a_o power_n as_o can_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n command_v thing_n into_o be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o over-topping_a power_n god_n alone_o can_v command_v our_o help_n he_o need_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o to_o make_v good_a his_o undertake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o endure_a power_n it_o abide_v for_o ever_o his_o hand_n be_v never_o shorten_v that_o it_o can_v save_v be_v the_o lord_n hand_n wax_v short_a say_v god_n himself_o to_o moses_n numb_a 11._o 23._o thou_o shall_v see_v now_o whether_o my_o word_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v or_o not_o so_o then_o as_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o do_v we_o good_a so_o he_o be_v able_a enough_o to_o make_v that_o good_a 5._o his_o fidelity_n and_o truth_n as_o the_o promise_n so_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n so_o for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o truth_n god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v say_v the_o apostle_n titus_n 1._o 2._o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v heb._n 6._o 18._o truth_n and_o fidelity_n may_v be_v conjecture_v to_o consist_v in_o three_o thing_n i_o speak_v now_o of_o they_o as_o apply_v to_o promise_n 1._o in_o reality_n of_o intention_n where_o the_o declaration_n be_v a_o fair_a letter_n and_o the_o intention_n be_v a_o blur_v when_o that_o be_v large_a and_o this_o be_v nothing_o this_o may_v be_v a_o complemental_a lie_n but_o it_o be_v not_o truth_n the_o expression_n must_v be_v but_o the_o intention_n clothe_v in_o word_n it_o must_v be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n transcribe_v if_o we_o will_v style_v it_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n now_o when_o god_n promise_v any_o good_a to_o a_o believer_n this_o be_v not_o vex_v &_o praeteria_fw-la nihil_fw-la a_o mere_a shower_n of_o eloquent_a and_o comfortable_a word_n o_o no_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o intention_n and_o very_a purpose_n make_v know_v he_o do_v indeed_o intend_v that_o good_a which_o he_o undertake_v and_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o promise_n 2._o in_o a_o constancy_n of_o resolution_n as_o falsehood_n be_v place_v not_o only_o in_o present_a incongruity_n when_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v at_o variance_n but_o also_o in_o subsequent_a inconstancy_n as_o when_o though_o my_o present_a intention_n and_o expression_n be_v parallel_n yet_o afterward_o like_o a_o rot_a bottom_n which_o slip_v aside_o from_o the_o house_n so_o my_o heart_n break_v away_o from_o itself_o it_o become_v a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n as_o in_o saul_n promise_v to_o david_n which_o change_v present_o etc._n etc._n on_o the_o contrary_n be_v it_o with_o truth_n and_o in_o particular_a with_o god_n truth_n about_o his_o promise_n to_o believer_n his_o word_n of_o promise_n do_v answer_v his_o purpose_n at_o first_o for_o as_o he_o think_v and_o intend_v so_o do_v he_o speak_v and_o that_o purpose_v still_o answer_v itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v swear_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o of_o his_o lip_n my_o covenant_n shall_v stand_v fast_o ps_n 89._o 34_o 28._o 3._o in_o a_o certainty_n of_o execution_n as_o when_o a_o person_n have_v promise_v to_o lend_v or_o give_v a_o hundred_o pound_n he_o be_v free_a to_o take_v his_o own_o time_n come_v and_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o say_v lo_o here_o be_v the_o money_n which_o i_o promise_v to_o lend_v or_o give_v take_v it_o this_o be_v fidelity_n or_o truth_n such_o a_o truth_n be_v there_o in_o god_n promise_n this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o
the_o understanding_n by_o solid_a demonstration_n of_o infallible_a principle_n or_o else_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o experience_n as_o thus_o that_o every_o natural_a body_n have_v power_n to_o move_v or_o that_o the_o moon_n will_v suffer_v a_o eclipse_n or_o that_o the_o fire_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o ascend_v and_o the_o water_n to_o moisten_v etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n have_v both_o a_o natural_a certainty_n and_o truth_n in_o themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o person_n true_o know_v they_o and_o so_o certain_a and_o full_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n about_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scruple_n of_o doubt_n remain_v to_o discuss_v as_o any_o uncertainty_n whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no._n another_o be_v opinion_n which_o be_v a_o inevident_a evident_a assent_n if_o i_o may_v so_o phrase_n it_o my_o meaning_n be_v the_o understanding_n do_v so_o assent_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o thing_n as_o that_o yet_o it_o see_v some_o contrary_a reason_n to_o suspect_v and_o question_n whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o opinion_n the_o ground_n be_v not_o full_o evident_a to_o the_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v only_o probable_a and_o therefore_o the_o assent_n by_o opinion_n be_v but_o conjectural_a as_o take_v a_o man_n in_o a_o case_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n there_o be_v to_o that_o man_n some_o evidence_n of_o argument_n which_o do_v seem_v to_o warrant_v his_o action_n or_o attempt_n and_o yet_o that_o argument_n be_v not_o so_o entire_o convince_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o start_v up_o a_o medium_n or_o argument_n which_o render_v the_o practice_n probable_o sinful_a whereupon_o if_o you_o come_v to_o demand_v of_o he_o may_v you_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n he_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v that_o be_v i_o be_o not_o entire_o and_o absolute_o resolve_v of_o it_o yet_o i_o think_v i_o may_v i_o think_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o this_o think_v which_o be_v opinion_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o some_o fear_n and_o suspicion_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o pair_n of_o scale_n totter_v and_o tilt_v to_o either_o side_n thing_n be_v partly_o clear_a and_o partly_o obscure_a partly_o evident_a and_o partly_o inevident_a and_o therefore_o the_o assent_n of_o opinion_n be_v always_o doubtful_a another_o be_v belief_n which_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o thing_n not_o from_o any_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o from_o the_o relation_n or_o testimony_n of_o another_o if_o i_o feel_v the_o fire_n to_o burn_v my_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o call_v this_o a_o believe_v but_o a_o sensitive_a know_v if_o ahimaaz_n come_v and_o tell_v david_n that_o his_o son_n absolom_n be_v hang_v and_o slay_v though_o this_o be_v knowledge_n in_o he_o who_o see_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v belief_n in_o david_n who_o do_v hear_v and_o credit_v the_o tiding_n so_o that_o to_o be_v brief_a belief_n differ_v from_o knowledge_n in_o this_o that_o knowledge_n depend_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n themselves_o but_o belief_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_o true_a to_o which_o it_o do_v assent_v yet_o it_o assent_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o testimony_n or_o authority_n of_o he_o who_o relate_v and_o report_v they_o though_o this_o be_v most_o true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n yet_o i_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a because_o god_n have_v give_v testimony_n or_o report_n thereof_o in_o his_o word_n unto_o i_o again_o belief_n differ_v from_o opinion_n in_o this_o that_o opinion_n be_v a_o indifferent_a probable_a hazard_v and_o difficult_o inclinable_a assent_n but_o in_o believe_v the_o assent_n be_v firm_a certain_a and_o fix_v especial_o where_o testimony_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_a believe_v as_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o theological_a and_o divine_a consideration_n that_o be_v in_o the_o general_a a_o assent_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n here_o much_o may_v be_v say_v as_o for_o instance_n first_o that_o all_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n as_o supernatural_o inspire_v second_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v they_o be_v god_n own_o testimony_n faith_n have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v all_o thing_n there_o to_o be_v true_a in_o their_o relation_n because_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o authority_n who_o do_v say_v so_o viz._n god_n himself_o three_o of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o believe_v which_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o all_o speak_v by_o god_n as_o most_o true_a and_o credible_a second_o particular_o of_o justify_v faith_n faith_n as_o you_o well_o know_v have_v a_o double_a aspect_n one_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a reveal_v word_n of_o god_n another_o be_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o jesus_n christ_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o eye_n which_o may_v see_v all_o colour_n but_o as_o a_o eye_n fix_v itself_o on_o some_o singular_a and_o special_a object_n viz._n on_o jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o it_o be_v call_v justify_v faith_n the_o believe_v on_o who_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v chap._n v._o faith_n in_o christ_n what_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o singular_a grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sensible_a sinner_n do_v take_v and_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o person_n and_o office_n and_o do_v whole_o or_o only_o rest_v on_o he_o for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v in_o this_o description_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o force_n of_o true_a faith_n can_v at_o once_o in_o a_o few_o short_a word_n be_v clear_o express_v sect_n i._o consider_v therefore_o the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v at_o heaven_n god_n eternal_a decree_n be_v the_o radical_a cause_n of_o it_o so_o causa_fw-la causa_fw-la act_v 13._o 48_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v and_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immediate_a and_o singular_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n gal._n 5._o 22._o there_o it_o be_v a_o express_a fruit_n so_o joh._n 1._o 12._o speak_v particular_o of_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o add_v verse_n 13._o man_n come_v to_o this_o not_o be_v bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n that_o the_o will_n or_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v off_o from_o itself_o and_o to_o abhor_v its_o own_o condition_n and_o sufficiency_n and_o to_o take_v christ_n as_o god_n propound_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a rock_n upon_o which_o i_o must_v build_v my_o salvation_n to_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n to_o who_o law_n and_o will_v i_o must_v resign_v up_o my_o whole_a soul_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o conjugal_a union_n and_o affection_n this_o i_o say_v arise_v not_o from_o natural_a principle_n nor_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n free_a will_n nor_o from_o any_o endeavour_n or_o action_n which_o can_v find_v foot_n in_o man_n himself_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o habit_n habit_n two_o sort_n of_o habit_n 1._o some_o which_o be_v acquire_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o person_n and_o through_o a_o right_a use_n of_o a_o segacious_a and_o understand_a mind_n and_o such_o may_v be_v purchase_v by_o practice_n and_o use_v as_o the_o scholar_n by_o writing_n get_v the_o habit_n of_o writing_n and_o the_o apprentice_n by_o his_o wise_a and_o honest_a observation_n and_o industry_n get_v into_o the_o skill_n of_o his_o trade_n and_o calling_n now_o faith_n be_v no_o such_o quality_n we_o can_v send_v forth_o no_o such_o singular_a act_n or_o operation_n which_o be_v able_a in_o time_n to_o ripen_v or_o beget_v so_o excellent_a a_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n 2._o other_o be_v plain_o and_o entire_o infuse_v faith_n be_v not_o water_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o a_o man_n may_v pump_v out_o but_o it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o fullness_n or_o littleness_n of_o it_o in_o the_o allnesse_n of_o it_o as_o the_o drop_n or_o shower_n of_o rain_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n though_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v below_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v above_o it_o be_v man_n who_o do_v believe_v but_o it_o be_v god_n spirit_n alone_o who_o give_v he_o that_o faith_n to_o believe_v
great_a assurance_n now_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n except_o the_o first_o faith_n in_o one_o may_v differ_v from_o faith_n in_o another_o how_o many_o heart_n be_v set_v only_o towards_o christ_n o_o that_o i_o can_v apprehend_v he_o but_o i_o can_v believe_v how_o many_o soul_n do_v apprehend_v he_o yet_o o_o that_o we_o be_v apprehend_v by_o he_o how_o many_o be_v apprehend_v by_o he_o that_o be_v know_v he_o to_o be_v they_o by_o some_o gracious_a and_o firm_a evidence_n yet_o by_o and_o by_o with_o mary_n weep_v they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n yet_o some_o other_o rise_v high_a and_o stay_v long_o in_o resting_n in_o persuasion_n in_o affirming_n that_o it_o be_v heaven_n with_o they_o many_o day_n together_o you_o may_v see_v one_o christian_a look_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o tear_n of_o joy_n as_o job_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v another_o look_v fa●aul_n job_n publican_n paul_n the_o fa●aul_n up_o with_o tear_n of_o grief_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n you_o may_v see_v one_o sit_v down_o with_o thanks_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o another_o fall_a down_o in_o prayer_n i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n you_o may_v see_v one_o triumph_v above_o all_o fear_n and_o david_n david_n scruple_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o another_o combat_v with_o many_o fear_n but_o will_n the_o lord_n be_v favourable_a unto_o i_o one_o bless_v god_n for_o assuring_n another_o cry_n unto_o god_n against_o doubt_n one_o be_v like_o mary_n rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n another_o like_a hester_n in_o venture_v towards_o the_o sceptre_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v one_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o rock_n my_o fortress_n my_o strong_a tower_n my_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o horn_n of_o my_o salvation_n another_o sigh_n and_o break_v out_o o_o that_o salvation_n be_v come_v out_o of_o zion_n o_o that_o i_o can_v believe_v o_o that_o i_o be_v once_o persuade_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o several_a believer_n as_o with_o several_a child_n one_o lie_v in_o the_o cradle_n another_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o nurse_n another_o be_v go_v by_o the_o chair_n and_o another_o can_v run_v or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n some_o be_v strong_a and_o bear_v other_o be_v young_a and_o must_v be_v gentle_o lead_v or_o carry_v or_o as_o with_o a_o orchard_n some_o tree_n be_v able_a and_o well_o limb_v other_o be_v tender_a plant_n and_o be_v weak_o rise_v reason_n of_o which_o diversity_n may_v be_v either_o the_o different_a age_n of_o external_a cause_n of_o it_o age_n help_v external_a faith_n in_o some_o it_o have_v have_v a_o long_a time_n of_o strengthen_v in_o other_o it_o be_v but_o seed_n new_o sow_v or_o else_o different_a external_a help_n some_o believer_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o more_o fertile_a soil_n under_o powerful_a ministry_n which_o be_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o inward_a conflict_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o weak_a conscience_n to_o understand_v and_o remove_v their_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o to_o answer_v objection_n either_o arise_v from_o natural_a unbelief_n or_o from_o satan_n subtlety_n other_o live_v upon_o a_o more_o hard_a hand_n and_o want_v those_o direction_n and_o counsel_n or_o else_o different_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o as_o that_o spirit_n assistance_n inward_a assistance_n breathe_v where_o he_o list_v so_o he_o blow_v where_o he_o list_v some_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assist_v more_o in_o a_o way_n of_o combat_n other_o more_o in_o a_o way_n of_o conquest_n though_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v yet_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o assurance_n to_o some_o of_o those_o more_o then_o to_o other_o or_o else_o the_o different_a employment_n and_o service_n all_o believer_n service_n service_n meet_v not_o with_o equal_a conflict_n either_o within_o or_o without_o they_o be_v not_o put_v upon_o the_o same_o trial_n the_o same_o cross_n the_o same_o difficult_a duty_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v wise_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o therefore_o proportion_v different_a measure_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o exigency_n a_o man_n can_v do_v and_o suffer_v much_o after_o a_o day_n of_o gracious_a assurance_n who_o heart_n perhaps_o will_v have_v tremble_v if_o his_o doubt_n and_o fear_n have_v be_v yet_o to_o be_v answer_v yea_o and_o some_o heart_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o pride_n and_o forgetfulness_n pride_n pride_n which_o be_v therefore_o keep_v short_a lest_o they_o shall_v swell_v by_o multitude_n of_o revelation_n to_o all_o which_o if_o we_o add_v that_o sometime_o former_a sinning_n sinning_n former_a sinning_n may_v just_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o tug_v long_o for_o assurance_n because_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v easy_a and_o sweet_a answer_n before_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o sect_n iii_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_n viz._n the_o proof_n of_o a_o strong_a faith_n with_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n in_o truth_n three_o query_n how_o to_o know_v 1._o whether_o our_o faith_n be_v great_a 2._o or_o little_a 3._o and_o yet_o true_a you_o see_v there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o respect_v the_o discovery_n of_o faith_n in_o strength_n concern_v which_o take_v these_o thing_n brief_o sign_n of_o a_o great_a faith_n sign_n of_o a_o great_a and_o strong_a faith_n and_o strong_a faith_n 1._o confidence_n of_o easy_a answer_n for_o great_a matter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o strong_a and_o great_a faith_n as_o in_o the_o centurion_n who_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o his_o servant_n who_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o palsy_n and_o grievous_o torment_v speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v that_o be_v though_o he_o be_v very_o weak_a yet_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o thy_o power_n be_v very_o strong_a thou_o need_v not_o to_o trouble_v thy_o person_n one_o word_n from_o thy_o pleasure_n will_v heal_v he_o matth._n 8._o 6_o 7_o 8._o what_o say_v christ_n now_o of_o this_o faith_n see_v v._o 10._o very_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n the_o more_o difficult_a we_o esteem_v thing_n to_o be_v in_o god_n or_o christ_n the_o weak_a be_v our_o faith_n if_o we_o impose_v a_o different_a readiness_n of_o help_n or_o mercy_n or_o pardon_v on_o god_n according_a to_o the_o different_a matter_n which_o we_o be_v put_v up_o unto_o he_o this_o argue_v want_n of_o strength_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o god_n to_o pardon_v abundant_o as_o to_o pardon_v single_o and_o his_o power_n be_v as_o able_a for_o the_o great_a difficulty_n as_o for_o the_o least_o trouble_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o can_v believe_v great_a matter_n as_o well_o as_o small_a thing_n that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o great_a transgression_n as_o well_o as_o compassionate_a to_o ordinary_a infirmity_n that_o he_o will_v subdue_v strong_a temptation_n as_o well_o as_o weak_a glance_n that_o he_o will_v in_o time_n conquer_v the_o busy_a inclination_n to_o sin_n etc._n etc._n this_o show_v that_o faith_n be_v come_v to_o some_o strength_n 2._o again_o a_o repetition_n of_o adherence_n and_o a_o steadfast_a follow_v of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o discouragement_n which_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v from_o christ_n behaviour_n towards_o it_o argue_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o great_a 2_o sam._n 23._o 16._o they_o be_v the_o three_o mighty_a man_n that_o break_v through_o the_o host_n and_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n matth._n 15._o 22._o as_o in_o that_o woman_n of_o canaan_n who_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o heal_v her_o daughter_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o o_o lord_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n how_o do_v christ_n entertain_v she_o the_o text_n say_v he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n yet_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v she_o cry_v after_o thou_o christ_n silence_n raise_v her_o voice_n the_o high_a again_o she_o come_v and_o worship_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o how_o be_v she_o now_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o to_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n such_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o spirit_n have_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o silence_n but_o mark_v it_o her_o faith_n follow_v christ_n still_o and_o that_o very_a word_n which_o will_v discourage_v another_o encourage_v she_o o_o that_o faith_n be_v strong_a which_o can_v urge_v christ_n from_o a_o small_a hint_n truth_n lord_n say_v
upon_o all_o his_o term_n and_o article_n of_o peace_n and_o life_n and_o may_v cast_v and_o repose_v itself_o on_o he_o as_o the_o only_a rock_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o assurance_n even_o at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o do_v so_o earnest_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n that_o instead_o of_o assurance_n it_o may_v be_v both_o toss_v and_o prevail_v upon_o by_o doubt_n suspicion_n and_o fear_n concern_v its_o particular_a and_o personal_a propriety_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o merit_n but_o the_o last_o of_o the_o proposition_n i_o be_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v i_o this_o be_v formal_a assurance_n for_o this_o conclude_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v in_o it_o particular_a and_o personal_a evidence_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o victorious_a conclusion_n against_o the_o strength_n of_o doubt_v you_o know_v that_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o work_v about_o a_o object_n comprehend_v goodness_n and_o truth_n one_o they_o call_v peremptory_a assent_v and_o peremptory_a dissenting_n in_o which_o the_o mind_n do_v yield_v plain_o or_o else_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v and_o grant_v the_o matter_n propose_v to_o be_v true_a and_o good_a another_z they_o call_v doubt_n which_o be_v the_o waver_a act_n of_o of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o it_o do_v not_o absolute_o grant_v or_o deny_v it_o do_v not_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o so_o it_o be_v nor_o absolute_o that_o so_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o rather_o incline_v for_o want_n of_o further_a evidence_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o that_o it_o be_v so_o the_o three_o they_o call_v evidence_n or_o assurance_n which_o be_v such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o against_o all_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n the_o mind_n see_v clear_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o here_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v such_o a_o light_n the_o mind_n have_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o rise_v beyond_o and_o against_o doubt_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n indeed_o be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o where_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v thus_o much_o that_o assurance_n do_v presuppose_v some_o doubt_n for_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v not_o doubt_n about_o its_o personal_a interest_n it_o can_v not_o well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v now_o assure_v doubt_n do_v very_o and_o do_v and_o may_v work_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n yea_o but_o be_o i_o sure_a that_o christ_n be_v i_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v i_o trust_v they_o be_v but_o i_o fear_v they_o be_v not_o now_o assurance_n come_v and_o conquer_v these_o working_n and_o clear_v all_o the_o doubt_a argument_n and_o convince_v the_o mind_n that_o of_o a_o truth_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v there_o be_v two_o degree_n of_o doubt_n one_o consist_v in_o the_o question_n of_o our_o believe_a propriety_n be_v christ_n i_o be_v his_o righteousness_n i_o &_o c_o another_o exceed_v this_o and_o consist_v in_o dominion_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v suppress_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o doubt_n to_o side_n with_o it_o and_o still_o to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n now_o this_o latter_a degree_n especial_o be_v assurance_n opposite_a unto_o namely_o it_o conquer_v our_o doubt_n answer_v our_o argument_n clear_v it_o unto_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o many_o suspicion_n which_o do_v arise_v that_o christ_n do_v indeed_o own_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o i_o call_v it_o a_o victorious_a conclusion_n 3._o assurance_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o ascertain_v or_o persuade_v act_n and_o that_o be_v proper_a and_o inseparable_a from_o assurance_n therefore_o be_v it_o so_o express_v in_o rom._n 8._o 38._o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v ver_fw-la 39_o nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v express_v by_o a_o word_n of_o personal_a certainty_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v in_o knowledge_n there_o be_v always_o a_o certainty_n for_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o opinion_n that_o the_o one_o leave_v the_o mind_n uncertain_a and_o waver_a and_o the_o other_o determinate_v the_o mind_n with_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n while_o the_o mind_n remain_v like_o a_o pair_n of_o indifferent_a scale_n which_o bend_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n or_o like_o a_o boat_n in_o the_o river_n now_o float_v up_o and_o then_o sink_v down_o now_o reel_v to_o this_o side_n by_z and_z by_z to_o that_o side_n it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v assure_v perhaps_o christ_n be_v i_o perhaps_o i_o be_o he_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a uncertainty_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n the_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o scale_n that_o weigh_v down_o it_o be_v persuade_v and_o ascertain_v there_o be_v a_o prevalent_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o absolute_a term_n that_o christ_n belong_v to_o a_o believer_n but_o in_o reflexive_a term_n that_o christ_n belong_v to_o i_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o he_o be_v my_o redeemer_n and_o this_o particular_a or_o personal_a persuasion_n be_v assurance_n 4._o assurance_n be_v not_o all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n or_o ascertain_v there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o assurance_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n touch_v a_o man_n personal_a interest_n in_o christ_n one_o be_v imaginary_a and_o delude_a for_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n may_v deceive_v itself_o about_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n so_o it_o may_v delude_v he_o about_o the_o act_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o same_o do_v the_o true_a believer_n believe_v in_o christ_n so_o think_v the_o hypocrite_n that_o he_o do_v too_o have_v the_o true_a believer_n a_o persuasion_n of_o his_o personal_a propriety_n in_o christ_n which_o clear_v the_o mind_n of_o doubt_v so_o have_v the_o hypocrite_n too_o a_o most_o exalt_a confidence_n a_o iron_n faith_n that_o will_v never_o bend_v nor_o bow_v by_o doubt_n it_o may_v be_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o a_o dream_n what_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v by_o propriety_n and_o in_o possession_n even_o that_o same_o thing_n may_v the_o poor_a man_n have_v in_o a_o dream_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n but_o then_o ask_v the_o hypocrite_n by_o what_o ground_n be_v thou_o thus_o confident_o persuade_v what_o do_v incline_v thy_o mind_n hereto_o what_o promise_n have_v thou_o find_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o will_v be_v he_o who_o heart_n be_v never_o humble_v for_o sin_n who_o heart_n still_o retain_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n now_o as_o the_o man_n who_o be_v demand_v how_o he_o come_v without_o his_o wedding_n garment_n he_o be_v speechless_a the_o fool_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 14._o 16._o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a and_o so_o the_o presumptuous_a person_n he_o sin_v and_o yet_o be_v persuade_v he_o walk_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v assure_v i_o pray_v you_o remember_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o such_o absolute_a and_o boisterous_a settle_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o christ_n be_v i_o however_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a and_o wicked_a and_o though_o i_o live_v never_o so_o wretched_o and_o profane_o yet_o christ_n be_v i_o and_o god_n be_v my_o merciful_a father_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v o_o no_o this_o be_v a_o diabolical_a assurance_n it_o be_v no_o evangelical_n assurance_n another_o be_v ground_v and_o divine_o rational_a and_o it_o always_o follow_v sound_a repentance_n and_o faith_n that_o assurance_n which_o go_v before_o these_o be_v false_a absolute_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o believe_v but_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o in_o a_o conditional_a order_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v assure_v that_o christ_n be_v i_o before_o before_o i_o do_v believe_v this_o be_v a_o lie_n forasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v not_o i_o until_o i_o do_v by_o faith_n accept_v of_o he_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v assure_v that_o my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v before_o i_o do_v repent_v i_o do_v in_o this_o delude_v my_o own_o heart_n forasmuch_o as_o sin_n be_v not_o pardon_v unless_o it_o be_v repent_v of_o no_o but_o i_o must_v repent_v of_o my_o sin_n i_o must_v accept_v of_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n
the_o heart_n and_o conquer_v satan_n but_o if_o we_o trouble_v the_o devil_n the_o devil_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o best_a minister_n to_o do_v most_o good_a and_o find_v most_o affliction_n look_v but_o in_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la and_o there_o you_o shall_v see_v paul_n and_o silas_n catch_v and_o draw_v before_o the_o ruler_n good_a god_n that_o paul_n shall_v be_v question_v because_o he_o do_v cast_v out_o a_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n object_v nor_o the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o trouble_n her_o master_n see_v that_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n be_v go_v how_o far_o will_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n thrust_v a_o man_n against_o god_n servant_n even_o paul_n himself_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o bar_n when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o gain_n which_o the_o devil_n bring_v covetous_a heart_n and_o good_a minister_n can_v never_o agree_v they_o will_v rather_o sell_v ●he_n truth_n than_o lose_v their_o gain_n but_o be_v now_o before_o the_o magistrate_n what_o be_v their_o accusation_n what!_o that_o paul_n and_o silas_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o devil_n no_o that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o master_n of_o the_o damosel_n be_v impair_v and_o disadvantage_v by_o their_o preach_v no_o though_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n yet_o something_o else_o be_v the_o pretence_n this_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o too_o base_a and_o therefore_o they_o urge_v against_o they_o another_o allegation_n which_o they_o know_v will_v easy_o take_v vers_n 20._o these_o being_n jew_n exceed_o trouble_v our_o city_n and_o ver_fw-la 21._o teach_v custom_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v nor_o to_o observe_v be_v roman_n as_o if_o he_o say_v they_o be_v a_o couple_n of_o factious_a and_o schymatical_a fellow_n man_n of_o a_o singular_a spirit_n give_v to_o innovation_n speak_v strange_a thing_n of_o one_o christ_n and_o of_o believe_v and_o of_o repent_v and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o need_v say_v no_o more_o present_o there_o be_v a_o uproar_n and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n right_a or_o wrong_n they_o have_v justice_n the_o magistrate_n rend_v their_o clothes_n and_o command_v to_o bear_v they_o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o beside_o the_o whip_n they_o must_v to_o the_o prison_n and_o be_v keep_v safe_a and_o close_o verse_n 23._o hatred_n of_o goodness_n do_v many_o time_n precipitate_v evil_a man_n to_o the_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o he_o who_o hate_v a_o good_a man_n will_v many_o time_n become_v a_o bad_a judge_n but_o in_o the_o prison_n and_o stock_n they_o be_v and_o the_o layler_n be_v as_o strict_a to_o execute_v as_o they_o unjust_a to_o command_v verse_n 24._o he_o do_v thrust_v they_o into_o the_o inner_a prison_n and_o make_v their_o foot_n fast_o in_o the_o stock_n a_o strange_a providence_n be_v that_o of_o god_n paul_n and_o silas_n be_v send_v to_o prison_n to_o convert_v a_o jailer_n to_o unloose_v he_o who_o bind_v they_o to_o heal_v he_o who_o scourge_v they_o god_n have_v some_o special_a end_n in_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o servant_n suffering_n well_o at_o midnight_n paul_n and_o silas_n pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n verse_n 25._o no_o prison_n can_v bolt_n out_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n prayer_n will_v get_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o even_o a_o suffering_n christian_n may_v be_v very_o cheerful_a but_o now_o see_v the_o consequent_n of_o this_o their_o prayer_n shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o heaven_n shake_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prison_n be_v shake_v and_o immediate_o all_o the_o door_n be_v open_v and_o every_o one_o band_n be_v loose_v ver_fw-la 26._o i_o do_v not_o marvel_v that_o prayer_n can_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o iron_n when_o i_o know_v it_o be_v able_a to_o break_v asunder_o the_o bond_n of_o death_n itself_o the_o jailer_n awake_v see_v the_o prison_n door_n open_a and_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v a_o escape_n of_o all_o his_o prisoner_n for_o who_o life_n probable_a it_o be_v that_o he_o must_v pay_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o in_o a_o passionate_a desperateness_n draw_v out_o his_o sword_n to_o kill_v himself_o paul_n espy_v he_o and_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n hold_v hold_v do_v thyself_o no_o harm_n for_o we_o be_v all_o here_o not_o a_o man_n of_o we_o that_o have_v stir_v which_o when_o he_o have_v search_v and_o find_v o_o what_o a_o strange_a alteration_n be_v in_o this_o jailer_n verse_n 29._o he_o come_v in_o tremble_v what!_o he_o who_o before_o make_v they_o to_o bleed_v do_v he_o now_o tremble_v he_o that_o before_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o stock_n do_v he_o come_v tremble_v to_o they_o what_o be_v they_o or_o what_o can_v they_o do_v shackle_a and_o scourge_v and_o imprison_v person_n that_o he_o tremble_v before_o they_o but_o so_o he_o do_v scorner_n will_v become_v trembler_n when_o god_n have_v once_o touch_v their_o heart_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o also_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n to_o ask_v they_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o cruel_a usage_n and_o then_o he_o bring_v they_o forth_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o all_o this_o may_v arise_v from_o spark_n of_o pity_n and_o object_n humanity_n nay_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n than_o all_o this_o sir_n say_v he_o sol._n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v as_o if_o he_o say_v i_o be_o in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n i_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o do_v wrong_n to_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o you_o good_a lord_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o i_o you_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o beseech_v you_o have_v pity_n on_o i_o and_o show_v unto_o i_o what_o i_o may_v do_v to_o save_v this_o poor_a soul_n of_o i_o what_o do_v paul_n and_o silas_n answer_v he_o they_o say_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o i_o beseech_v you_o mark_v it_o how_o immediate_a their_o answer_n be_v to_o his_o question_n they_o do_v not_o say_v as_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o afflict_a judas_n look_v thou_o to_o that_o they_o do_v not_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o hard_a and_o cruel_a usage_n they_o take_v not_o that_o advantage_n and_o say_v nay_o now_o do_v thy_o conscience_n trouble_v thou_o for_o be_v so_o wicked_a and_o scourge_v we_o so_o sharp_o yea_o and_o so_o let_v it_o do_v thou_o come_v for_o direction_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o who_o thou_o have_v so_o shameful_o abuse_v no_o they_o forget_v the_o injury_n and_o present_o pour_v in_o the_o oil_n they_o instant_o direct_v he_o into_o the_o true_a way_n of_o life_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o i_o have_v choose_v this_o text_n on_o purpose_n that_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n you_o see_v it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o next_o but_o before_o i_o handle_v it_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o analyse_v the_o word_n and_o to_o touch_v upon_o some_o singular_a conclusion_n and_o then_o i_o will_v set_v down_o upon_o the_o article_n itself_o more_o full_o chap._n ii_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o several_a doctrine_n in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v contain_v two_o part_n a_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v propound_v by_o a_o trouble_a and_o tremble_a sinner_n the_o case_n be_v not_o for_o another_o but_o for_o himself_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v and_o not_o about_o his_o riches_n or_o wealth_n or_o his_o body_n but_o about_o his_o soul_n and_o that_o not_o for_o mere_a speculation_n but_o for_o practical_o it_o be_v a_o case_n about_o his_o salvation_n and_o about_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o shall_v take_v to_o attain_v sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v second_o the_o case_n full_o resolve_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o if_o he_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v jesus_n chr●st_v to_o sinner_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o and_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n now_o then_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v there_o be_v many_o conclusion_n emergent_a from_o these_o word_n i_o will_v omit_v most_o of_o they_o and_o only_o insist_v on_o the_o latter_a change_v of_o heart_n breed_v change_v of_o estimation_n towards_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o jailer_n a_o little_a
gospel_n and_o jesus_n christ_n in_o it_o reveal_v to_o be_v a_o saviour_n yea_o and_o we_o do_v assent_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o do_v affirm_v of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v infallible_o true_a and_o divine_o certain_a the_o gospel_n as_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o another_o be_v perfect_a i_o speak_v of_o a_o essential_a perfection_n not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v gradual_a and_o intensive_a which_o take_v in_o the_o formal_a and_o vital_a nature_n of_o faith_n as_o justify_v now_o this_o do_v not_o rest_n in_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n but_o immediate_o in_o the_o will_n for_o the_o gospel_n contain_v both_o truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v know_v a_o saviour_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o die_v for_o sinner_n but_o it_o do_v offer_v the_o goodness_n of_o this_o saviour_n unto_o i_o which_o to_o accept_v appertain_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o will_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n i_o think_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n be_v a_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v question_v and_o therefore_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v sinner_n be_v not_o only_o a_o truth_n reveal_v but_o a_o goodness_n offer_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n now_o as_o credence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o appertain_v to_o the_o understanding_n so_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o do_v appertain_v to_o the_o will_v yea_o one_o word_n more_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o conjoin_v the_o soul_n with_o christ_n to_o contract_n and_o espouse_v it_o as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o conjoin_v with_o christ_n by_o the_o mere_a operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n ergo_fw-la faith_n as_o justify_v be_v immediate_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o will_n and_o not_o naked_o in_o the_o understanding_n sect_n iv_o the_o proper_a and_o genuine_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o justify_v or_o as_o conversant_a about_o jesus_n christ_n be_v acceptance_n or_o receive_v actus_fw-la actus_fw-la this_o doctrine_n christ_n himself_o do_v teach_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_a and_o sure_a john_n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n there_o you_o see_v express_o that_o believe_v be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n come_v in_o these_o term_n i_o have_v appoint_v my_o son_n to_o be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n and_o he_o do_v live_v and_o die_v for_o sinner_n to_o procure_v their_o peace_n and_o salvation_n now_o i_o offer_v his_o person_n unto_o you_o and_o with_o it_o all_o the_o merit_n and_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o take_v he_o in_o his_o person_n in_o his_o office_n and_o in_o all_o his_o virtue_n if_o the_o heart_n do_v now_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o be_v a_o lively_a and_o justify_v and_o save_v believe_v there_o be_v three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v conversant_a about_o christ_n first_o one_o be_v i_o know_v assure_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n the_o papist_n general_o make_v this_o the_o credence_n credence_n royal_a act_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o can_v be_v justify_v faith_n because_o first_o this_o as_o so_o be_v but_o a_o truth_n apprehend_v and_o not_o a_o good_a receive_v second_o unbelieving_a heart_n may_v enjoy_v this_o historical_a assent_n mere_o as_o assent_v another_o be_v i_o take_v this_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n acceptance_n acceptance_n i_o know_v assure_o he_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o he_o offer_v himself_o unto_o poor_a sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a and_o i_o do_v accept_v of_o he_o to_o be_v my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o cast_v my_o soul_n on_o he_o i_o rest_v myself_o on_o he_o my_o will_n and_o heart_n do_v embrace_v and_o accept_v of_o he_o only_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o saviour_n he_o i_o do_v and_o none_o but_o he_o i_o do_v accept_v 3._o a_o three_o be_v i_o know_v assure_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v my_o lord_n and_o assurance_n assurance_n my_o saviour_n many_o of_o the_o lutheran_n and_o some_o of_o our_o own_o bend_v this_o way_n that_o the_o assentiall_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o justify_v be_v assurance_n and_o so_o they_o do_v define_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n a_o full_a assurance_n a_o full_a persuasion_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n believe_v until_o he_o can_v true_o say_v i_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v i_o i_o know_v that_o he_o die_v for_o i_o i_o know_v that_o my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v arm_n and_o strike_v our_o own_o brethren_n who_o i_o think_v in_o this_o rather_o aim_v to_o give_v we_o faith_n in_o its_o perfection_n then_o in_o its_o proper_a and_o substantial_a nature_n these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v confess_v 1._o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v possible_o attain_v unto_o god_n have_v exhort_v christian_n to_o strive_v after_o assurance_n yea_o full_a assurance_n yea_o the_o riches_n of_o full_a assurance_n and_o no_o doubt_n that_o not_o only_a paul_n but_o many_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v say_v some_o time_n or_o other_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v and_o that_o christ_n love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o 2._o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o heavenly_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n o_o the_o heavenly_a sweetness_n and_o divine_a solace_n contentment_n affection_n when_o i_o do_v not_o only_o possess_v christ_n but_o i_o know_v that_o i_o do_v possess_v he_o when_o i_o do_v not_o only_o take_v he_o to_o be_v i_o but_o see_v he_o to_o be_v i_o when_o he_o say_v to_o i_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n it_o be_v i_o or_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o three_o that_o believer_n shall_v strive_v after_o this_o assurance_n they_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o mere_a acceptance_n but_o shall_v contend_v in_o prayer_n for_o the_o evidence_n and_o reflection_n of_o this_o faith_n that_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o they_o know_v he_o assure_o to_o be_v they_o for_o though_o the_o estate_n of_o mere_a believe_v be_v sure_a yet_o that_o of_o assurance_n be_v comfortable_a that_o be_v a_o true_a day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o high_a the_o day_n be_v now_o glorious_a yet_o this_o i_o deny_v that_o assurance_n i_o mean_v that_o reflexive_a persuasion_n that_o christ_n be_v i_o be_v the_o essential_a or_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v not_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v assurance_n there_o be_v two_o act_n of_o faith_n one_o without_o which_o faith_n can_v be_v justify_v faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o acceptance_n or_o embrace_v of_o christ_n or_o that_o which_o some_o call_v reliance_n and_o recombency_n another_o which_o in_o time_n faith_n may_v produce_v and_o so_o assurance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n not_o the_o necessary_a act_n but_o the_o circumstantial_a act_n as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o vital_a act_n but_o the_o eminent_a act_n assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v fire_n blaze_v the_o acceptance_n of_o faith_n be_v fire_n true_o burn_v though_o not_o high_o flame_v the_o more_o high_a faith_n do_v rise_v at_o any_o time_n the_o less_o doubt_n there_o be_v and_o the_o more_o assurance_n and_o yet_o faith_n may_v be_v in_o truth_n though_o it_o have_v no_o reflexive_a assurance_n but_o many_o doubt_n why_o do_v thou_o doubt_v say_v christ_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n i'faith_o though_o little_a faith_n and_o faith_n though_o doubt_v as_o fire_n though_o much_o smoke_n and_o yet_o no_o doubt_n if_o faith_n be_v essential_o assurance_n o_o how_o many_o soul_n be_v there_o who_o prize_v none_o in_o the_o world_n like_o christ_n who_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n who_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o high_a regard_n of_o a_o lord_n who_o hate_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o sceptre_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n who_o will_v not_o willing_o offend_v and_o
obedience_n in_o none_o but_o he_o i_o rest_v on_o none_o but_o he_o on_o he_o do_v i_o believe_v he_o have_v satisfy_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o i_o trust_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o for_o i_o brethren_n the_o case_n stand_v thus_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o he_o go_v on_o in_o much_o sin_n a_o long_a time_n at_o length_n god_n awaken_v his_o conscience_n make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o heel_n of_o his_o birth_n of_o his_o youth_n of_o his_o age_n of_o his_o life_n and_o perhaps_o beset_v the_o soul_n round_o about_o with_o some_o sensible_a dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a displeasure_n now_o the_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v good_a lord_n say_v he_o what_o a_o miserable_a creature_n be_o i_o here_o be_v sin_n commit_v over_o and_o over_o the_o law_n break_v god_n provoke_v conscience_n rage_v hell_n gape_v i_o be_o violate_v say_v the_o law_n wrong_v say_v justice_n thou_o have_v sin_v say_v conscience_n i_o will_v be_v satisfy_v say_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o poor_a soul_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o i_o what_o have_v i_o to_o quiet_a god_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o pacify_v he_o i_o can_v imagine_v it_o if_o i_o say_v that_o i_o have_v not_o sin_v my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o i_o lie_v if_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o sin_v hereafter_o why_o yet_o how_o will_v this_o satisfy_v for_o former_a gilt_n i_o tell_v you_o brethren_n that_o a_o heart_n bring_v to_o this_o sensible_a experience_n be_v marvellous_o oppress_v the_o very_a heart_n crack_v and_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o soul_n snap_v a_o sunder_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o manifold_a gilt_n and_o god_n displeasure_n but_o then_o god_n come_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o call_v out_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o distress_a sinner_n come_v hither_o say_v god_n i_o will_v show_v thou_o a_o way_n of_o salvation_n o_o how_o the_o soul_n listen_v to_o such_o a_o message_n but_o how_o lord_n can_v this_o be_v what_o be_o i_o or_o what_o can_v i_o do_v nothing_o say_v god_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o enemy_n and_o thou_o be_v without_o strength_n but_o i_o have_v lay_v salvation_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a who_o be_v that_o lord_n it_o be_v my_o own_o son_n who_o i_o have_v out_o of_o my_o love_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v man_n and_o to_o die_v and_o satisfy_v for_o sinner_n to_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n to_o answer_v for_o all_o their_o transgression_n and_o he_o be_v become_v a_o surety_n and_o a_o priest_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o i_o offer_v he_o unto_o thou_o to_o be_v thy_o surety_n to_o be_v thy_o priest_n to_o take_v away_o thy_o sin_n now_o take_v he_o say_v god_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o he_o the_o discharge_n of_o thy_o sin_n hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o good_a testimony_n and_o with_o many_o tear_n admire_v at_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o mercy_n it_o do_v now_o by_o faith_n close_o in_o with_o christ_n put_v itself_o on_o he_o embrace_v he_o with_o all_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o perfect_a saviour_n as_o if_o the_o soul_n now_o fasten_v itself_o by_o faith_n on_o christ_n in_o this_o respect_n shall_v thus_o be_v speak_v the_o lord_n o_o lord_n thou_o be_v please_v just_o to_o charge_v my_o sin_n upon_o my_o conscience_n i_o confess_v and_o be_o ashamed_a that_o i_o have_v thus_o sin_v against_o thou_o yea_o and_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o never_o able_a to_o answer_v thou_o for_o those_o sin_n but_o thou_o have_v appoint_v thy_o own_o son_n to_o be_v my_o saviour_n and_o priest_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n these_o sin_n therefore_o which_o conscience_n now_o charge_v upon_o i_o i_o do_v by_o faith_n charge_n upon_o thy_o own_o son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o thou_o do_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v a_o surety_n and_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v thou_o lord_n look_v for_o satisfaction_n of_o my_o debt_n in_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o curse_n from_o my_o soul_n for_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o he_o do_v sustain_v thy_o wrath_n in_o our_o steed_n to_o deliver_v from_o wrath_n now_o therefore_o o_o lord_n i_o put_v my_o soul_n only_o upon_o thy_o only_a son_n who_o i_o take_v to_o be_v my_o sacrifice_n he_o i_o offer_v up_o unto_o thou_o as_o my_o propitiation_n i_o have_v sin_v but_o thy_o son_n have_v dye_v for_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v provoke_v thou_o but_o thy_o son_n have_v pacify_v thou_o i_o have_v wrong_v thou_o but_o thy_o son_n have_v satisfy_v thou_o he_o do_v not_o die_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o for_o my_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o make_v a_o curse_n for_o himself_o but_o for_o i_o i_o lay_v hold_v on_o his_o blood_n to_o be_v my_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o salvation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v like_a to_o be_v carry_v to_o prison_n for_o debt_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o for_o a_o friend_n to_o stand_v for_o he_o at_o length_n he_o find_v one_o only_a man_n and_o he_o he_o bring_v to_o the_o creditor_n and_o say_v here_o be_v a_o man_n will_v pay_v you_o and_o ransom_n i_o so_o faith_n for_o a_o trouble_a and_o oblige_v sinner_n to_o god_n it_o find_v out_o christ_n and_o say_v lo_o lord_n here_o be_v thy_o son_n who_o be_v my_o surety_n he_o will_v discharge_v he_o be_v my_o ransom_n sect_n iv_o for_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o king_n and_o prophet_n and_o lord_n what_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n there_o i_o tell_v you_o what_o i_o think_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o a_o believe_a heart_n whereby_o it_o do_v accept_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o resign_v up_o himself_o whole_o to_o he_o to_o be_v fashion_v as_o it_o be_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o a_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o believe_a but_o he_o shall_v find_v this_o that_o faith_n will_v change_v his_o master_n for_o faith_n change_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o change_v will_v quick_o change_v its_o lord_n so_o that_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o a_o king_n as_o a_o lord_n as_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v he_o to_o give_v he_o up_o the_o whole_a man_n into_o his_o hand_n to_o his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a government_n as_o if_o the_o heart_n shall_v say_v thus_o much_o thou_o be_v a_o holy_a christ_n and_o thou_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o reign_v now_o i_o take_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o holy_a lord_n and_o i_o resign_v up_o myself_o i_o passover_n myself_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v have_v no_o lord_n but_o thou_o and_o i_o do_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n accept_v of_o thou_o to_o make_v i_o holy_a as_o thou_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o subdue_v this_o vile_a heart_n of_o i_o and_o to_o rule_v in_o i_o by_o thy_o bless_a and_o mighty_a spirit_n sect_n v._o thus_o brief_o of_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n on_o which_o faith_n immediate_o look_v viz_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o take_v and_o receive_v christ_n as_o lord_n and_o saviour_n this_o be_v true_a faith_n yet_o by_o the_o way_n note_v a_o few_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o take_n be_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o a_o pretend_v take_v a_o dissemble_a work_n there_o be_v a_o take_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o tongue_n and_o a_o take_n of_o he_o with_o the_o heart_n o_o no_o when_o true_a faith_n take_v christ_n it_o bring_v in_o the_o very_a strength_n of_o the_o soul_n o_o lord_n jesus_n i_o do_v embrace_v thou_o accept_v of_o thou_o with_o all_o my_o soul_n with_o all_o my_o might_n and_o with_o all_o my_o affection_n second_o this_o take_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o all_o christ_n of_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o jesus_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o world_n and_o christ_n and_o now_o fall_v off_o from_o they_o i_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o you_o i_o will_v serve_v you_o no_o long_o christ_n only_o shall_v be_v my_o saviour_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v be_v my_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o soul_n under_o his_o sceptre_n and_o government_n three_o this_o take_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v a_o conjugal_a take_n which_o consist_v of_o unity_n one_o they_o say_v in_o the_o metaphysic_n be_v divide_v in_o itself_o and_o divide_v from_o all_o beside_o itself_o so_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n take_v of_o christ_n one_o faith_n one_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n
god_n to_o salvation_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o do_v manifest_a and_o declare_v the_o sole_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o operation_n and_o efficacy_n because_o it_o do_v communicate_v and_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o which_o we_o be_v save_v 2._o another_o be_v that_o it_o comprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n only_o do_v take_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o righteousness_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o it_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o give_v by_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o also_o because_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o of_o force_n with_o god_n at_o his_o tribunal_n and_o judgement-seat_n see_v another_o place_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o you_o also_o trust_v after_o that_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o your_o salvation_n he_o in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n do_v enumerate_v many_o singular_a and_o heavenly_a blessing_n among_o which_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o he_o do_v in_o this_o verse_n express_v the_o order_n and_o manner_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v interest_v in_o he_o viz._n by_o trust_v or_o believe_v and_o they_o come_v to_o that_o trust_n and_o believe_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o style_v a_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o message_n of_o salvation_n tell_v i_o serious_o be_v not_o salvation_n the_o great_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o your_o most_o choice_n and_o sober_a thought_n and_o can_v any_o attain_v that_o but_o by_o christ_n and_o can_v you_o have_v christ_n without_o faith_n how_o precious_o dear_a then_o unto_o you_o shall_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n to_o produce_v that_o faith_n which_o lay_v hold_v on_o that_o christ_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v save_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10_o 17._o and_o john_n 6._o 45._o every_o man_n that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n who_o slight_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o who_o labour_v to_o oppress_v and_o extinguish_v it_o for_o if_o salvation_n be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o faith_n depend_v on_o the_o gospel_n then_o for_o our_o part_n let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o gospel_n let_v we_o for_o ever_o honour_n and_o respect_v the_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o let_v we_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o we_o for_o as_o much_o as_o salvation_n and_o christ_n and_o faith_n be_v all_o of_o they_o annex_v unto_o the_o gospel_n 2._o then_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o mere_a hear_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n will_v not_o save_v if_o believe_a be_v the_o only_a way_n there_o be_v divers_a sort_n of_o hear_v one_o with_o incogitancy_n when_o perhaps_o the_o ear_n be_v open_a but_o the_o hear_v three_o sort_n of_o hear_v mind_n be_v asleep_a and_o heed_v not_o that_o precious_a object_n reveal_v another_o with_o reluctancy_n when_o the_o ear_n be_v open_a and_o the_o mind_n attentive_a but_o the_o heart_n strive_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o word_n another_o with_o conformity_n when_o the_o ear_n hear_v and_o the_o understanding_n yield_v and_o the_o heart_n embrace_v now_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a kind_n of_o hear_v which_o bring_v to_o salvation_n that_o hear_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o message_n which_o bring_v something_o from_o god_n to_o we_o this_o will_v not_o save_v but_o such_o a_o hear_n as_o bring_v back_o something_o from_o we_o to_o god_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o believe_a which_o turn_v home_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o acceptance_n and_o embrace_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o only_a hear_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n a_o motion_n make_v and_o tender_v do_v not_o conclude_v a_o match_n but_o a_o motion_n consent_v unto_o and_o embrace_v 3._o if_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n than_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o mark_n of_o all_o our_o preach_n and_o study_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v it_o be_v the_o main_a theme_n and_o subject_n upon_o which_o that_o bless_a apostle_n do_v spend_v himself_o look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o physician_n that_o though_o he_o do_v sometime_o lance_n and_o sometime_o make_v very_o sick_a and_o sometime_o restrain_v to_o strictness_n of_o diet_n and_o sometime_o bind_v and_o trouble_v the_o patient_a and_o sometime_o relieve_v he_o with_o precious_a cordial_n though_o these_o action_n be_v different_a among_o themselves_o yet_o they_o do_v concentre_v in_o one_o end_n which_o be_v health_n and_o life_n so_o whether_o minister_n preach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n or_o whether_o they_o strive_v to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o sin_n or_o whether_o they_o let_v fly_v the_o arrow_n of_o god_n threaten_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n or_o whether_o they_o touch_v on_o the_o mercy_n seat_n all_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n to_o make_v christ_n more_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o accept_v and_o embrace_v he_o christ_n may_v be_v preach_v two_o way_n either_o explicit_o when_o he_o in_o his_o person_n or_o office_n or_o benefit_n way_n christ_n preach_v two_o way_n be_v the_o only_a matter_n which_o be_v handle_v and_o publish_v or_o virtual_o when_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o that_o matter_n which_o be_v deliver_v one_o of_o these_o way_n christ_n still_o to_o be_v preach_v do_v i_o meet_v with_o a_o break_a and_o afflict_a spirit_n groan_v under_o the_o load_n of_o sinful_a nature_n and_o life_n pant_v after_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n willing_a to_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n here_o now_o i_o be_o to_o lift_v up_o christ_n on_o his_o cross_n to_o spread_v his_o arm_n to_o show_v unto_o that_o break_a spirit_n the_o very_a heart_n blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n pour_v out_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o his_o soul_n do_v i_o meet_v with_o a_o obstinate_a and_o proud_a spirit_n which_o dare_v to_o defy_v justice_n and_o presumtuous_o to_o areign_a mercy_n here_o i_o open_v the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n of_o purpose_n to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n to_o cast_v down_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a imagination_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o this_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o misery_n may_v fit_o be_v direct_v and_o seasonable_o encourage_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o his_o remedy_n in_o christ_n chap._n ix_o justification_n only_o in_o jesus_n christ_n fourthly_o if_o that_o believe_a in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v save_v then_o this_o inform_v we_o where_o to_o find_v our_o justification_n viz_o only_o in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o there_o only_o be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o can_v satisfy_v justice_n and_o in_o his_o blood_n only_o be_v remission_n of_o sin_n now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a bottom_n of_o comfort_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n give_v i_o therefore_o leave_v to_o improve_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o time_n in_o a_o brief_a and_o distinct_a explication_n of_o it_o where_o first_o of_o the_o word_n and_o title_n justification_n second_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o it_o together_o with_o some_o argument_n to_o evince_n that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o and_o for_o christ_n and_o some_o answer_n to_o the_o choice_a objection_n sect_n i._o for_o the_o word_n justification_n it_o have_v a_o double_a acception_n among_o writer_n 1._o one_o intrinsical_a and_o so_o it_o signify_v to_o make_v a_o man_n just_a by_o a_o act_n of_o infusion_n that_o be_v by_o the_o implantation_n of_o sanctify_a or_o holy_a quality_n 2._o another_o forinsecal_v and_o so_o it_o signify_v to_o repute_v or_o pronounce_v a_o man_n just_a by_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v a_o judiciary_n sentence_n to_o pronounce_v he_o righteous_a and_o free_a
and_o mistake_v about_o believe_v three_o the_o bitter_a danger_n and_o sure_a misery_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o singularity_n of_o so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a a_o goodness_n it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o unparalleled_a that_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a to_o have_v a_o estate_n in_o christ_n in_o god_n free_o all_o at_o once_o how_o can_v this_o be_v the_o depth_n of_o gilt_n i_o be_o a_o enemy_n god_n be_v just_o i_o have_v run_v into_o such_o high_a forfeiture_n so_o unnecessary_o lose_v myself_o provoke_v god_n so_o often_o and_o the_o threaten_n be_v plant_v against_o sinner_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n no_o probability_n if_o a_o small_a debt_n &c_n &c_n but_o for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o shall_v appear_v in_o divers_a particular_n first_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a principle_n of_o justify_v faith_n now_o in_o man_n a_o act_n or_o motion_n or_o quality_n which_o have_v a_o rise_n and_o bottom_n within_o the_o subject_n may_v spring_v forth_o with_o some_o ease_n a_o stone_n have_v a_o natural_a propension_n and_o impetus_fw-la to_o descend_v simile_n simile_n if_o you_o do_v but_o quit_v the_o hand_n of_o it_o it_o will_v down_o but_o now_o to_o make_v a_o mighty_a stone_n to_o mount_v the_o hill_n to_o get_v up_o into_o the_o air_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a aptness_n to_o this_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a attempt_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n have_v a_o understanding_n and_o will_n but_o the_o obj._n mystery_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o riddle_n to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n sol._n the_o faculty_n natural_o consider_v have_v no_o elevation_n to_o this_o object_n unless_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n beget_v and_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n think_v not_o on_o he_o neither_o can_v it_o draw_v itself_o to_o he_o like_o the_o needle_n until_o it_o be_v simile_n simile_n touch_v it_o will_v not_o start_v up_o towards_o the_o pole_n so_o unless_o the_o lord_n do_v touch_v our_o heart_n by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n we_o shall_v never_o close_v with_o christ_n so_o then_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o show_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_a the_o habit_n of_o it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n out_o of_o our_o sphere_n it_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o any_o strength_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o sole_a arm_n of_o god_n hence_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 53_o 1._o unto_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v christ_n will_v not_o be_v believe_v unless_o the_o lord_n do_v reveal_v his_o own_o arm_n that_o be_v until_o he_o do_v put_v forth_o his_o own_o almighty_a strength_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n of_o infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n in_o every_o man_n heart_n if_o the_o paper_n be_v fair_a if_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n blur_v and_o blot_n than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o imprint_v some_o legible_a character_n or_o if_o the_o wax_n be_v soft_a and_o the_o iron_n heat_v now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o engrave_v what_o kind_n of_o arm_n the_o artifier_n please_v but_o when_o the_o wax_n and_o the_o iron_n be_v hard_a and_o cold_a now_o the_o impression_n be_v difficult_a because_o the_o resistance_n be_v strong_a if_o there_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o obediential_a principle_n which_o can_v before_o hand_n temper_v the_o mind_n and_o frame_v the_o will_n then_o when_o god_n offer_v christ_n little_o a_o do_v will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o our_o heart_n natural_o bend_v the_o other_o way_n there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a unaptnesse_n nay_o a_o enmity_n to_o believe_v enmity_n to_o the_o habit_n and_o nature_n of_o faith_n blindness_n error_n pride_n stubbornness_n disobedience_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v such_o slow_a and_o untoward_a heart_n so_o arm_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n so_o consult_v with_o sense_n and_o rational_a evidence_n so_o ready_a on_o every_o inevidence_n to_o mistrust_v doubt_v question_n gainsay_v that_o all_o argument_n will_v not_o persuade_v we_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o christ_n and_o pardon_v our_o sin_n you_o know_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v personal_o on_o earth_n and_o do_v preach_v himself_o and_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o none_o speak_v with_o that_o authority_n as_o he_o and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o mediatorship_n by_o scripture_n and_o miracle_n yet_o very_a few_o believe_v historical_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v i_o now_o a_o person_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o sinful_a guilt_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o need_n he_o have_v of_o a_o saviour_n he_o will_v grant_v it_o represent_v unto_o he_o the_o suffering_n the_o excellency_n the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n the_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n that_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o his_o blood_n both_o intensive_o for_o the_o great_a degree_n and_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o extensive_o for_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o sin_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n come_v to_o seek_v such_o a_o lose_a person_n as_o he_o that_o he_o come_v to_o loose_v such_o a_o captive_a as_o he_o that_o he_o come_v to_o bind_v up_o such_o a_o break_a spirit_n as_o he_o be_v that_o he_o come_v to_o ease_v and_o refresh_v such_o a_o burden_a and_o lade_v soul_n yea_o and_o answer_v objection_n after_o objection_n doubt_v after_o doubt_n fear_v after_o fear_n that_o the_o person_n can_v put_v by_o the_o argument_n why_o he_o shall_v believe_v nor_o urge_v and_o reinforce_v his_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v hold_v off_o from_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o put_v his_o soul_n on_o he_o yet_o this_o we_o find_v he_o can_v when_o all_o be_v say_v he_o can_v believe_v unbelief_n do_v throw_v up_o so_o many_o mist_n and_o so_o many_o fear_n and_o be_v many_o time_n so_o unreasonable_a that_o yet_o it_o will_v hold_v off_o the_o heart_n neither_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o freeness_n of_o they_o nor_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o gracious_a offer_n invitation_n command_n threaten_v of_o christ_n will_v make_v the_o heart_n to_o come_v in_o unto_o he_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o natural_a opposition_n in_o the_o heart_n against_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o the_o opposition_n be_v manifold_a first_o to_o his_o person_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o holy_a person_n and_o opposition_n a_o fourfold_a opposition_n none_o can_v take_v he_o in_o truth_n but_o must_v take_v he_o so_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a he_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o a_o holy_a undefiled_a high_a priest_n separate_v from_o sinner_n now_o the_o heart_n natural_o be_v in_o love_n with_o sin_n and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v a_o cause_n why_o man_n believe_v not_o see_v john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v christ_n come_v thus_o to_o a_o man_n i_o be_o he_o who_o will_v save_v thy_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v take_v i_o but_o then_o know_v that_o i_o be_o a_o holy_a person_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o thou_o must_v let_v go_v thy_o sin_n now_o this_o break_v off_o the_o match_n hinder_v the_o bargain_n this_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n a_o man_n natural_o will_v as_o soon_o part_v with_o his_o life_n as_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o love_n second_o to_o his_o condition_n there_o be_v a_o double_a condition_n of_o christ_n a_o double_a state_n of_o christ_n christ_n one_o be_v triumphant_a another_o be_v militant_a gloria_fw-la in_o excelsis_fw-la that_o be_v the_o triumphant_a condition_n tubulationes_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la that_o be_v the_o militant_a condition_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v the_o triumphant_a condition_n the_o crown_n of_o thorn_n that_o be_v the_o militant_a condition_n now_o the_o heart_n natural_o be_v unsuffering_a it_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o it_o to_o speak_v of_o affliction_n sorrow_n reproach_n loss_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n to_o taste_v of_o pleasure_n to_o handle_v profit_n to_o rest_v in_o ease_n to_o walk_v at_o liberty_n to_o rejoice_v with_o our_o friend_n to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o
with_o high_a estimation_n the_o young_a man_n when_o christ_n bid_v he_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v praeceptum_fw-la experimentale_fw-la he_o go_v away_o sorrowful_a three_o to_o the_o sceptre_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n reign_v over_o we_o say_v they_o and_o you_o read_v in_o psalm_n 2._o how_o they_o do_v consult_v to_o break_v his_o band_n asunder_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n be_v heavenly_a and_o his_o law_n be_v spiritual_a and_o his_o way_n be_v righteous_a and_o straight_o they_o lay_v injunction_n on_o the_o inward_a man_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o bind_v the_o thought_n and_o the_o intention_n and_o affection_n now_o what_o do_v you_o mean_v to_o pin_n up_o a_o spirit_n which_o will_v have_v elbow_n room_n what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o licentious_a heart_n and_o a_o turn_n and_o wind_a conscience_n to_o be_v precise_v and_o narrow_v and_o restrain_v and_o so_o every_o way_n straiten_v you_o must_v give_v it_o leave_v to_o break_v the_o sabbath_n to_o improve_v its_o gain_n dishonest_o to_o swear_v now_o and_o then_o and_o to_o comply_v etc._n etc._n four_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n o_o what_o a_o do_v have_v that_o bless_a apostle_n with_o the_o roman_n with_o the_o galatian_n with_o other_o to_o break_v they_o off_o from_o justification_n by_o work_n and_o to_o fasten_v upon_o their_o heart_n the_o justification_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o stand_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o look_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o acceptance_n and_o acquittance_n in_o ourselves_o on_o man_n he_o think_v that_o his_o good_a meaning_n shall_v make_v he_o speed_v another_o think_v that_o his_o do_v no_o body_n any_o harm_n will_v let_v he_o into_o heaven_n or_o else_o god_n help_v we_o another_o stand_v on_o his_o devout_a sacrifice_n another_o on_o his_o charitable_a bounty_n yea_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v know_v better_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n how_o extreme_o do_v they_o cling_v to_o their_o inherent_a grace_n much_o a_o do_v before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v to_o cast_v their_o crown_n to_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n only_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v worthy_a what_o pain_n be_v god_n force_v to_o take_v to_o break_v we_o off_o from_o ourselves_o we_o be_v so_o proud_a and_o so_o unwilling_a to_o be_v behold_v to_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o christ_n that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o break_v our_o heart_n to_o piece_n and_o to_o split_v our_o ship_n into_o shiver_n that_o we_o may_v only_o to_o christ_n he_o must_v imprint_v the_o holy_a and_o mighty_a vigour_n of_o the_o law_n on_o our_o conscience_n to_o show_v we_o our_o utter_a impotency_n and_o sensible_o acquaint_v we_o with_o our_o marvellous_a imperfection_n in_o grace_n and_o interruption_n in_o duty_n and_o excursion_n of_o daily_a sinning_n and_o all_o to_o fetch_v we_o entire_o to_o cast_v our_o safety_n only_o on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n chap._n xi_o the_o facility_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_n about_o believe_v second_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o mistake_v and_o delude_v ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o believe_v four_o thing_n make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o one_o be_v the_o various_a kind_n of_o faith_n 2._o another_o be_v the_o consimilitude_n of_o one_o of_o the_o extreme_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o easiness_n of_o both_o and_o 4_o the_o aptness_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o first_o there_o be_v divers_a kind_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o body_n all_o body_n be_v not_o the_o same_o body_n but_o there_o be_v body_n celestial_a and_o body_n terrestrial_a so_o i_o say_v of_o faith_n all_o faith_n i_o speak_v of_o habitual_a faith_n be_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n we_o read_v of_o a_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o we_o read_v of_o a_o faith_n which_o the_o hypocrite_n have_v and_o we_o read_v of_o a_o faith_n which_o even_o christ_n enemy_n who_o he_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v have_v and_o we_o read_v of_o a_o precious_a faith_n a_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n a_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n divine_v ordinary_o distinguish_v of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o historical_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o credit_v the_o word_n relate_v but_o not_o a_o embrace_v of_o it_o promise_v it_o be_v like_o the_o pass_n through_o a_o garden_n and_o observe_v and_o smell_v but_o not_o a_o flower_n be_v gather_v so_o in_o historical_a faith_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n go_v over_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v some_o apprehension_n and_o general_a grant_n and_o intellectual_a submission_n that_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v but_o what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a nevertheless_o there_o be_v not_o that_o quality_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o this_o which_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o close_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a faith_n a_o faith_n of_o miracle_n to_o remove_v mountain_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a which_o have_v some_o special_a and_o immediate_a promise_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n bestow_v on_o those_o who_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v themselves_o many_o who_o have_v cast_v out_o devil_n may_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v cast_v among_o the_o devil_n lord_n lord_n have_v not_o we_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o yet_o christ_n bid_v they_o depart_v non_fw-la novi_fw-la vos_fw-la 3._o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a faith_n which_o have_v in_o it_o some_o great_a apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o reverend_a assent_n yea_o and_o some_o delightful_a contentation_n in_o the_o same_o yea_o and_o some_o fruitful_a expression_n and_o with_o all_o these_o a_o singular_a degree_n of_o profession_n even_o to_o a_o zealous_a forwardness_n and_o notoriousness_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o like_o a_o tall_a ship_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o leak_n in_o the_o bottom_n which_o on_o the_o sudden_a sink_v all_o this_o temporary_a faith_n though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o handle_v the_o same_o object_n with_o save_v faith_n it_o be_v tamper_n much_o about_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n yet_o it_o be_v intrinsical_o and_o extreme_o different_a from_o it_o it_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o eminency_n or_o degree_n nor_o in_o respect_n of_o existence_n or_o duration_n only_o for_o the_o one_o be_v a_o live_a spring_n and_o the_o other_o be_v a_o decay_a flood_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o formal_a nature_n also_o the_o temporary_a faith_n do_v not_o indeed_o bring_v all_o the_o heart_n and_o settle_v it_o on_o christ_n 4._o there_o be_v this_o justify_n and_o save_v faith_n which_o bestow_v the_o whole_a heart_n on_o christ_n and_o take_v christ_n unfeigned_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o saviour_n now_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o sort_n it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a difficulty_n nor_o a_o impossibility_n to_o mistake_v error_n be_v manifold_a say_v the_o philosopher_n but_o the_o tru●h_a i●_n single_a and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o line_n to_o hit_v the_o mark_n out_o many_o to_o miss_v it_o nay_o second_o there_o be_v a_o great_a consimilitude_n of_o one_o of_o the_o extreme_n of_o faith_n with_o faith_n itself_o viz._n credulity_n it_o be_v strange_a yet_o ordinary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o heaven_n of_o his_o own_o and_o a_o god_n of_o his_o own_o and_o a_o christ_n of_o his_o own_o and_o a_o faith_n of_o his_o own_o and_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n of_o his_o own_o presumption_n be_v a_o work_n much_o of_o a_o idle_a fancy_n and_o a_o graceless_a heart_n like_o a_o thief_n very_o apt_a to_o finger_v the_o king_n coin_n but_o without_o a_o warrant_n but_o to_o the_o thing_n be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o faith_n why_o presumption_n pretend_v to_o that_o be_v there_o confidence_n in_o faith_n what_o more_o bold_a than_o presumption_n be_v there_o any_o sweet_a assurance_n in_o faith_n why_o presumption_n never_o doubt_v but_o can_v believe_v ever_o since_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v be_v there_o any_o joy_n in_o faith_n why_o presumption_n be_v as_o jocund_a and_o careless_a as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n to_o be_v get_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v bewail_v nor_o course_n to_o be_v reform_v last_o these_o be_v easy_a and_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o content_v our_o self_n with_o these_o instead_o of_o a_o true_a believe_a in_o jesus_n christ._n to_o get_v a_o little_a seem_a knowledge_n to_o carry_v religion_n upon_o the_o lip_n and_o christ_n on_o the_o tongue_n to_o be_v bold_a upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n death_n
always_o hold_v if_o the_o sun_n be_v up_o it_o be_v day_n but_o this_o now_o learning_n be_v or_o shall_v simile_n simile_n be_v a_o antecedent_n to_o preferment_n it_o shall_v go_v before_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o every_o one_o who_o gain_v learning_n shall_v enjoy_v preferment_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o antecedent_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o faith_n yet_o they_o alone_o do_v not_o formal_o and_o assure_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n he_o can_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n he_o have_v some_o historical_a evidence_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o else_o he_o can_v take_v he_o to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n yet_o this_o knowledge_n do_v not_o infallible_o conclude_v justify_v and_o save_v faith_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o devil_n and_o hypocrite_n may_v see_v much_o of_o christ_n they_o may_v have_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o intellectual_a apprehension_n again_o a_o man_n can_v by_o faith_n take_v christ_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n unless_o he_o have_v some_o sensibleness_n of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n our_o heart_n will_v not_o look_v towards_o christ_n it_o can_v conceive_v of_o his_o excellency_n nor_o of_o his_o own_o necessity_n until_o we_o feel_v our_o sinfulness_n and_o lostnesse_n and_o vileness_n the_o whole_a neither_o need_n nor_o look_v for_o a_o physician_n yet_o a_o person_n may_v be_v sensible_a of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n he_o may_v not_o only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n apprehend_v some_o broad_a and_o stir_a enormity_n but_o he_o may_v by_o a_o smart_n and_o quick_a light_n let_v in_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n discern_v heap_n of_o wickedness_n in_o his_o life_n and_o heart_n for_o which_o his_o conscience_n may_v sting_v he_o with_o wonderful_o bitter_a accusation_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n possible_o may_v not_o rise_v from_o trouble_n to_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o cain_n and_o judas_n so_o then_o remember_v this_o that_o in_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n for_o faith_n you_o do_v not_o conclude_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o habit_n from_o the_o common_a antecedent_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o much_o as_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o contingent_a consequent_a of_o they_o sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v sometime_o it_o do_v not_o as_o in_o marriage_n sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v the_o motion_n which_o be_v make_v and_o sometime_o it_o do_v not_o so_o the_o espouse_v of_o our_o soul_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v knowledge_n sometime_o it_o do_v not_o sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v not_o for_o all_o have_v hear_v yet_o who_o have_v believe_v say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 10._o sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v the_o motion_n and_o inward_a excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o sometime_o it_o do_v not_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o faith_n only_o do_v produce_v yet_o because_o it_o do_v not_o produce_v they_o always_o a_o man_n therefore_o must_v not_o negative_o conclude_v from_o the_o absence_n of_o they_o the_o absence_n of_o faith_n you_o know_v that_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a fruit_n of_o faith_n therefore_o faith_n the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a there_o be_v nothing_o which_o can_v present_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a such_o full_a cause_n of_o joy_n as_o faith_n such_o a_o god_n such_o a_o christ_n such_o a_o love_n such_o a_o blood_n such_o a_o mercy_n such_o happiness_n such_o unmixed_a and_o proper_a and_o suitable_a good_a there_o be_v a_o carnal_a joy_n which_o sparkle_v from_o the_o cup_n of_o pleasure_n and_o there_o be_v a_o glister_a joy_n which_o the_o ray_n of_o gold_n may_v produce_v and_o there_o be_v a_o beastly_a joy_n which_o the_o fulfil_n of_o sinful_a lust_n may_v send_v forth_o and_o there_o be_v a_o flash_a and_o transient_a joy_n which_o the_o pride_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v dart_v out_o but_o sound_v and_o weighty_a and_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o be_v a_o well_o ground_v and_o not_o to_o be_v repent_v affect_v of_o the_o heart_n that_o come_v only_o from_o faith_n yet_o it_o come_v from_o faith_n as_o a_o separable_a effect_n look_v as_o trouble_v and_o sorrow_n be_v a_o contingent_a antecedent_n so_o even_o in_o actu_fw-la imperato_fw-la true_a joy_n be_v a_o separable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o branch_n and_o green_a leaf_n do_v sprout_v out_o of_o the_o live_a root_n only_o yet_o this_o colour_n do_v not_o appear_v at_o all_o time_n though_o the_o blade_n come_v only_o from_o the_o grain_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n yet_o you_o can_v always_o observe_v the_o blade_n though_o the_o flesh_n and_o natural_a complexion_n flow_v only_o from_o health_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v sad_a occasion_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o extinguish_v health_n may_v yet_o foul_a and_o blubber_v the_o complexion_n so_o even_o the_o believe_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v a_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n a_o handkerchief_n in_o his_o hand_n a_o sigh_n in_o his_o breast_n and_o yet_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n he_o may_v sit_v down_o in_o ash_n and_o feed_v on_o tear_n as_o david_n do_v and_o for_o all_o this_o he_o may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n he_o be_v not_o always_o able_a to_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o joy_n nor_o to_o break_v through_o the_o contrariety_n to_o his_o faith_n nor_o to_o remove_v the_o quashing_n of_o his_o comfort_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v to_o try_v yourselves_o about_o your_o faith_n do_v not_o make_v a_o negative_a inference_n from_o separable_a evidence_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o faith_n only_o do_v produce_v not_o as_o essential_a property_n but_o as_o magnificent_a testimony_n the_o moral_a philosopher_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o effect_n and_o act_n of_o liberality_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o consider_v and_o as_o it_o be_v eminent_o consider_v be_v raise_v to_o magnificence_n to_o give_v a_o farthing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o circumstance_n of_o morality_n even_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o liberality_n but_o to_o build_v a_o college_n this_o be_v now_o a_o act_n of_o liberality_n grow_v into_o the_o greatness_n of_o magnificence_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o come_v from_o it_o absolute_o consider_v according_a to_o the_o vital_a constitution_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v other_o fruit_n which_o come_v from_o it_o eminent_o consider_v faith_n be_v come_v to_o a_o height_n to_o a_o strength_n when_o it_o send_v they_o forth_o though_o a_o child_n can_v bear_v a_o burden_n of_o a_o hundred_o pound_n weight_n yet_o he_o can_v desire_v the_o breast_n and_o suck_v the_o bear_n of_o such_o a_o burden_n belong_v to_o strength_n and_o yet_o the_o very_a suck_a show_n that_o he_o have_v life_n though_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o able_a in_o all_o respect_n at_o all_o time_n with_o all_o moderation_n and_o silence_n to_o pass_v present_o through_o every_o heavy_a occurrence_n which_o show_v strength_n of_o faith_n yet_o his_o heart_n may_v most_o affectionate_o cling_v about_o christ_n which_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n assurance_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o a_o eminent_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v a_o more_o habitual_a fruit_n 3._o eminent_a fruit_n steadfastness_n of_o quiet_a submission_n and_o confidence_n in_o all_o estate_n &_o condition_n and_o so_o be_v that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o time_n of_o strong_a contrariety_n now_o as_o divine_n shall_v wary_o open_v their_o lip_n so_o shall_v you_o wise_o distinguish_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n some_o be_v if_o i_o may_v so_o term_v they_o essential_a and_o other_o be_v eminent_a some_o there_o be_v which_o discover_v the_o truth_n other_o which_o testify_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o show_v unto_o you_o the_o property_n of_o a_o man_n another_o thing_n to_o show_v unto_o you_o the_o property_n of_o a_o strong_a man_n many_o a_o poor_a christian_a have_v be_v deep_o gravel_a ●●_o other_o and_o extreme_o afflict_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n for_o want_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o the_o property_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o read_v and_o have_v hear_v what_o admirable_a and_o singular_a fruit_n and_o effect_n faith_n have_v send_v out_o as_o assurance_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o with_o these_o some_o glorious_a
so_o the_o second_o adam_n derive_v pardon_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 15._o it_o be_v not_o betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o betwixt_o a_o root_n and_o a_o dead_a limb_n which_o hang_v on_o but_o have_v no_o life_n nor_o sap_n christ_n have_v real_o no_v such_o member_n in_o his_o body_n he_o be_v not_o like_a nebuchadnezar_n image_n who_o head_n be_v of_o gold_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o man_n to_o boast_v much_o of_o his_o head_n of_o christ_n of_o gold_n and_o yet_o he_o to_o remain_v a_o piece_n of_o clay_n he_o to_o have_v a_o nature_n utter_o heterogeneous_a unto_o christ_n this_o man_n deceive_v himself_o for_o every_o plant_n every_o graft_n that_o be_v insert_v into_o christ_n have_v the_o aliquality_n of_o his_o nature_n hence_o those_o who_o in_o john_n 1._o 12._o be_v style_v believer_n they_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o ver_fw-la 13._o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a birth_n there_o be_v a_o new_a form_n so_o in_o the_o heavenly_a there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a and_o holy_a frame_n of_o grace_n ingenerate_v three_o no_o man_n have_v a_o change_a nature_n but_o a_o believer_n why_o because_o no_o man_n have_v grace_n but_o from_o christ_n and_o none_o have_v christ_n but_o believer_n again_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n without_o faith_n but_o if_o any_o man_n may_v have_v a_o change_v and_o sanctify_a heart_n and_o yet_o want_v faith_n than_o one_o may_v be_v lovely_a in_o god_n eye_n want_v faith_n for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n love_v and_o delight_n in_o a_o holy_a heart_n so_o then_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o if_o faith_n go_v not_o without_o a_o change_n and_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v a_o change_n and_o no_o unbeliever_n have_v it_o i_o say_v this_o will_v follow_v therefore_o if_o a_o man_n can_v find_v a_o change_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o than_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n now_o then_o inquire_v be_v there_o virtue_n go_v from_o christ_n to_o make_v thy_o dark_a mind_n see_v thy_o stubborn_a judgement_n yield_v and_o prize_v thy_o proud_a heart_n humble_v thy_o filthy_a heart_n cleanse_v thy_o hard_a hard_a relent_a and_o mourn_v thy_o carnal_a affection_n to_o be_v heavenly_a thy_o sinful_a soul_n to_o be_v holy_a be_v confident_a of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v sound_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v yet_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n yet_o if_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v by_o grace_n doubt_v it_o not_o thou_o have_v faith_n but_o for_o such_o as_o talk_v of_o a_o faith_n which_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o holiness_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o a_o graceless_a faith_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v no_o society_n or_o compan●_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n o_o far_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n from_o any_o one_o of_o we_o a_o unholy_a believer_n be_v as_o proper_a a_o phrase_n as_o a_o holy_a devil_n presumption_n be_v a_o most_o confident_a work_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a loose_a quality_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n verse_n 10._o nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkark_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ver._n 11._o and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n do_v not_o abuse_v thy_o soul_n with_o a_o conceit_n of_o faith_n and_o justification_n if_o thou_o have_v no_o change_n of_o heart_n by_o sanctification_n sect_n iv_o three_o a_o three_o trial_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v this_o it_o will_v stoop_v to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o rise_v to_o he_o it_o enter_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o new_a service_n it_o take_v christ_n and_o he_o only_o to_o be_v its_o lord_n you_o read_v that_o there_o be_v a_o marriage_n feast_n to_o which_o some_o do_v come_v and_o there_o be_v the_o king_n son_n send_v out_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v but_o few_o yield_v unto_o he_o many_o man_n will_v come_v to_o christ_n to_o find_v a_o feast_n but_o few_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o bear_v his_o sceptre_n they_o will_v come_v under_o the_o safeguard_n of_o his_o blood_n who_o fly_v the_o authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o sword_n they_o like_o christ_n the_o priest_n but_o not_o christ_n the_o lord_n i_o will_v brief_o show_v you_o two_o thing_n to_o clear_v this_o trial_n thing_n 2._o thing_n first_o no_o unbeliever_n will_v accept_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n only_o because_o 1._o his_o heart_n have_v another_o lord_n it_o have_v set_v up_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o or_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o other_o to_o which_o it_o give_v service_n as_o to_o his_o lord_n he_o be_v our_o lord_n to_o who_o we_o give_v service_n and_o his_o servant_n we_o be_v who_o we_o do_v obey_v now_o the_o unbelieved_a heart_n either_o serve_v the_o world_n or_o obey_v sin_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o let_v the_o command_n of_o sin_n and_o christ_n come_v into_o a_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a competition_n let_v the_o command_n of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n and_o christ_n come_v into_o competition_n now_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o unbelieving_a heart_n will_v go_v after_o its_o lord_n it_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o christ_n it_o prefer_v sin_n before_o he_o it_o will_v easy_o adventure_v christ_n displeasure_n to_o fulfil_v its_o own_o lust_n 2._o again_o his_o heart_n can_v choose_v christ_n it_o can_v like_v he_o for_o a_o lord_n why_o because_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o fordo_v principle_n and_o affection_n and_o way_n of_o a_o unbelieved_a heart_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n yea_o a_o very_a vexation_n to_o such_o a_o heart_n to_o hear_v but_o the_o report_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o oblige_v the_o inward_a man_n and_o the_o outward_a conversation_n psal_n 2._o 2._o they_o take_v counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anointed_n say_v ver_fw-la 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o it_o be_v true_a whether_o wicked_a man_n will_v stoop_v or_o no_o christ_n be_v a_o lord_n in_o respect_n of_o designation_n but_o he_o be_v not_o their_o lord_n in_o respect_n of_o approbation_n they_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o second_o every_o believer_n admit_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n as_o thomas_n say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o see_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o 1._o faith_n set_v up_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n and_o sweet_o frame_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o willing_a subjection_n 2._o again_o faith_n take_v whole_a christ_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a king_n and_o lord_n to_o faith_n 3._o again_o faith_n know_v that_o the_o whole_a person_n be_v christ_n purchase_n his_o blood_n have_v buy_v we_o and_o so_o pass_v we_o into_o the_o entire_a dominion_n of_o christ_n you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o 20._o now_o then_o try_v yourselves_o in_o this_o who_o be_v your_o lord_n why_o brethren_n thus_o it_o be_v faith_n give_v the_o propriety_n and_o title_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n to_o christ_n obj._n it_o be_v true_a before_o we_o be_v call_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v disobedient_a we_o serve_v divers_a lust_n we_o set_v up_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n sol._n but_o now_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o rich_a mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o christ_n we_o shall_v sure_o rebel_v against_o other_o lord_n but_o christ_n that_o be_v against_o all_o other_o lord_n who_o command_n be_v contrary_a to_o jesus_n christ_n our_o heart_n be_v he_o and_o our_o affection_n his_o and_o our_o strength_n his_o and_o our_o service_n and_o submission_n his_o obj._n i_o deny_v not_o but_o sin_n will_v be_v stir_v even_o in_o a_o believe_a heart_n it_o will_v be_v assault_v it_o will_v now_o and_o then_o usurp_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o vex_v and_o captivate_v sol._n but_o the_o rebellion_n of_o a_o sinful_a nature_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n sin_n will_v stir_v as_o a_o enemy_n where_o christ_n do_v reign_v as_o a_o lord_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o combitant_n with_o sin_n
stream_n on_o the_o spring_n or_o the_o beam_n on_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o both_o depend_v upon_o the_o richness_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n depend_v immediate_o on_o god_n spirit_n and_o not_o on_o faith_n yet_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n depend_v instrumental_o very_o much_o on_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o conduit_n pipe_n that_o which_o draw_v grace_n for_o grace_n from_o christ_n a_o weak_a believer_n can_v have_v such_o a_o strength_n of_o affection_n nor_o vigour_n of_o action_n as_o the_o strong_a he_o be_v not_o so_o thankful_a you_o shall_v for_o ever_o find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o what_o be_v a_o weaken_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o lessen_v to_o thanks_o no_o man_n tongue_n be_v more_o in_o praise_n than_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o persuasion_n god_n have_v but_o cold_a thanks_o from_o he_o who_o be_v yet_o dispute_v and_o question_v his_o receipt_n where_o the_o mercy_n be_v full_o clear_v there_o the_o heart_n be_v exceed_o enlarge_a but_o till_o the_o soul_n see_v itself_o indeed_o a_o debtor_n it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o ill_a and_o slow_a paymaster_n how_o can_v i_o full_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o have_v express_v that_o mirandum_fw-la of_o love_n to_o give_v christ_n to_o i_o when_o yet_o i_o do_v in_o my_o soul_n suspect_v and_o question_n whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o how_o can_v i_o full_o bless_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o rich_a mercy_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n while_o my_o soul_n do_v yet_o suspect_v that_o the_o book_n be_v uncrossed_a and_o the_o controversy_n of_o guilt_n be_v not_o yet_o take_v up_o betwixt_o god_n and_o i_o but_o where_o faith_n be_v strong_a there_o praise_n be_v great_a when_o the_o moon_n be_v full_a of_o light_n than_o the_o tide_n be_v high_a in_o their_o return_n so_o the_o more_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n even_o raise_v affection_n to_o a_o great_a flow_n of_o thankful_a retribution_n psal_n 103._o 1._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n ver._n 2._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n see_v how_o he_o charge_v and_o recharge_v his_o soul_n to_o praise_v but_o why_o ver._n 3._o who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n ver._n 4._o who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o mercy_n 7._o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v be_v more_o puzzle_v to_o die_v then_o the_o strong_a believer_n it_o be_v with_o the_o strong_a believer_n as_o with_o simeon_n who_o hold_v christ_n in_o his_o arm_n now_o say_v he_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n he_o may_v easy_o desire_v death_n to_o let_v he_o out_o of_o a_o miserable_a world_n who_o have_v assure_o get_v and_o have_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o a_o better_a life_n or_o as_o with_o paul_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 1._o we_o know_v if_o our_o earthly_a house_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n for_o the_o strong_a believer_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v to_o he_o in_o life_n and_o death_n advantage_n by_o he_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o to_o the_o father_n of_o all_o consolation_n he_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o mansion_n which_o his_o saviour_n have_v provide_v and_o there_o have_v a_o glorious_a union_n with_o god_n and_o society_n with_o saint_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v perhaps_o stagger_v and_o his_o heart_n will_v divide_v itself_o i_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v if_o i_o must_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v christ_n be_v he_o who_o i_o have_v love_v and_o serve_v but_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v i_o heavenly_a glory_n be_v the_o wage_n for_o our_o service_n but_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a that_o i_o shall_v go_v into_o it_o matter_n be_v yet_o doubtful_a and_o my_o heart_n be_v yet_o fearful_a i_o know_v not_o whether_o such_o sin_n be_v yet_o take_v off_o and_o how_o will_v god_n look_v upon_o i_o if_o i_o die_v of_o who_o love_a favour_n i_o have_v not_o be_v assure_v while_o i_o have_v live_v i_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o yet_o i_o see_v cause_n to_o fear_v death_n may_v do_v i_o good_a yet_o i_o have_v rather_o live_v to_o clear_a account_n betwixt_o god_n and_o my_o soul_n that_o so_o then_o i_o may_v give_v up_o etc._n etc._n 8._o the_o weak_a believer_n have_v not_o such_o cheerful_a expectation_n nor_o quiet_a submission_n as_o the_o strong_a believer_n the_o strong_a believer_n be_v at_o it_o as_o the_o church_n in_o micah_n my_o god_n will_v hear_v i_o and_o if_o he_o deny_v a_o particular_a good_a yet_o he_o can_v sit_v down_o and_o sing_v when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o prayer_n he_o cheer_v up_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o confidence_n on_o god_n and_o when_o he_o find_v god_n determine_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n there_o he_o bless_v god_n and_o follow_v his_o call_n but_o the_o weak_a believer_n be_v apt_a to_o forestall_v a_o mercy_n he_o can_v see_v a_o plain_a way_n for_o his_o grant_n nor_o a_o easy_o quiet_a heart_n after_o his_o denial_n 9_o the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n do_v more_o entangle_v the_o weak_a believer_n than_o the_o strong_a like_o the_o weak_a vessel_n at_o sea_n amid_o the_o great_a wave_n satan_n do_v cozen_v his_o soul_n with_o ease_n and_o ever_o and_o anon_o disrobe_v he_o of_o his_o comfort_n like_o a_o lewd_a subtle_a enemy_n he_o force_v the_o weak_a believer_n often_o to_o try_v and_o clear_v his_o title_n and_o increase_v mistake_n in_o all_o passage_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n 1._o if_o he_o do_v cast_v himself_o on_o mercy_n than_o it_o be_v presumption_n if_o he_o hold_v off_o than_o it_o be_v infidelity_n and_o reject_v of_o christ_n 2._o if_o he_o doubt_v than_o it_o be_v despair_n and_o a_o forsake_v of_o god_n 3._o if_o he_o sin_n than_o it_o be_v unpardonable_a because_o since_o knowledge_n and_o mercy_n 4._o if_o he_o find_v distraction_n in_o duty_n than_o this_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o the_o heart_n 5._o if_o he_o meet_v with_o hellish_a suggestion_n of_o which_o satan_n be_v only_o the_o author_n o_o then_o who_o can_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v such_o abominable_a thought_n 6._o if_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o present_o comfort_v o_o then_o they_o be_v seal_v up_o and_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n else_o the_o word_n will_v profit_v 7._o if_o every_o corruption_n be_v not_o subdue_v in_o every_o degree_n and_o motion_n and_o act_n o_o then_o virtue_n be_v not_o go_v from_o christ_n the_o heart_n be_v still_o nought_o and_o the_o faith_n unsound_a 8._o if_o not_o the_o same_o constant_a tenor_n of_o smart_a affection_n why_o then_o there_o be_v never_o any_o true_a love_n of_o god_n no_o reverence_n of_o he_o now_o nor_o fear_n nor_o duty_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a utter_o harden_v and_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o it_o 9_o if_o god_n do_v answer_v the_o soul_n yea_o but_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imagination_n if_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v why_o then_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o will_v ever_o regard_v you_o 10._o if_o i_o do_v not_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n why_o then_o thou_o slight_a christ_n and_o his_o blood_n if_o i_o go_v and_o come_v away_o with_o tear_n o_o then_o thou_o be_v unbelieved_a or_o else_o thou_o have_v be_v send_v away_o with_o joy_n and_o increase_v 11._o if_o i_o do_v not_o put_v on_o for_o grace_n than_o thou_o be_v wicked_a if_o i_o do_v put_v on_o for_o grace_n than_o thou_o be_v so_o wicked_a that_o god_n will_v not_o bestow_v it_o on_o thou_o thus_o do_v satan_n involve_v and_o distress_n and_o set_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o weak_a believer_n like_o a_o man_n at_o chess_n forward_a and_o backward_o he_o make_v he_o to_o suspect_v every_o mercy_n and_o every_o grace_n and_o every_o affection_n and_o every_o duty_n and_o every_o promise_n and_o every_o ordinance_n so_o violent_o do_v he_o toss_v though_o he_o can_v total_o sink_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o weak_a believer_n sect_n viii_o motive_n to_o strive_v to_o greaten_v thy_o faith_n 1._o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o truth_n true_a grace_n be_v rise_v dead_a thing_n do_v moulder_v and_o artificial_a thing_n remain_v the_o same_o but_o the_o live_a child_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o full_a stature_n phil._n 3._o not_o as_o though_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n grow_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n will_v flame_v presumption_n have_v all_o its_o perfection_n at_o first_o 2._o this_o be_v
the_o chief_a good_a 7._o it_o be_v that_o which_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n with_o a_o choice_n of_o christ_n and_o resolution_n to_o have_v he_o what_o ever_o may_v befall_v it_o 8._o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o cry_v servent_o to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o work_v his_o bless_a grace_n of_o faith_n yea_o which_o draw_v out_o of_o we_o strong_a supplication_n with_o many_o tear_n and_o long_n and_o to_o implead_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o make_v mercy_n good_a and_o christ_n good_a and_o faith_n good_a unto_o we_o 9_o it_o be_v that_o which_o establish_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o patient_a expectation_n for_o ever_o to_o lie_v at_o the_o pool_n for_o ever_o to_o attend_v the_o door_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n till_o the_o soul_n can_v take_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n by_o true_a believe_a but_o then_o to_o open_v unto_o you_o the_o way_n more_o distinct_o i_o will_v commend_v this_o course_n unto_o a_o person_n that_o he_o may_v at_o length_n get_v a_o believe_a heart_n 1._o study_v thy_o natural_a condition_n thorough_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o this_o thing_n 8._o thing_n though_o it_o do_v not_o forma●ly_a cause_n faith_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o compel_a force_n to_o make_v we_o look_v after_o christ_n and_o to_o strive_v for_o faith_n the_o apostle_n call_v the_o law_n a_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n gal._n 3._o why_o because_o it_o do_v reveal_v such_o a_o smart_n and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o sinful_a condition_n that_o it_o scourge_v a_o man_n out_o of_o himself_o to_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n yea_o it_o help_v much_o to_o cast_v the_o proud_a soul_n down_o and_o to_o break_v and_o crush_v his_o natural_a bottom_n which_o otherwise_o will_v st●ve_v off_o and_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o believe_v therefore_o study_v thy_o natural_a condition_n o_o i_o will_v believe_v and_o i_o will_v have_v christ_n yea_o but_o why_o what_o need_n see_v thou_o in_o thyself_o of_o he_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o more_o desperate_a the_o soul_n see_v its_o own_o natural_a condition_n the_o more_o willing_o may_v it_o be_v draw_v to_o apprehend_v adore_v and_o embrace_v its_o remedy_n and_o safety_n now_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o convince_v ourselves_o of_o about_o our_o natural_a condition_n i_o mean_v the_o state_n without_o christ_n first_o the_o ugly_a vileness_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o stark_o naught_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n do_v like_a or_o approve_v but_o his_o soul_n abhor_v and_o hate_v it_o for_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o nothing_o but_o want_v of_o good_a and_o inclination_n to_o evil_a to_o all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o god_n and_o holiness_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o it_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a a_o ignorant_a oppose_a unconceiving_a creature_n of_o any_o spiritual_a good_a proud_a and_o sensual_a and_o vain_a and_o earthly_a loathsome_a and_o dead_a second_o the_o sure_a and_o fearful_a misery_n of_o it_o thou_o be_v without_o god_n without_o christ_n without_o the_o covenant_n not_o a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n for_o thou_o while_o thou_o rema_v thus_o but_o all_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o thou_o and_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o terrible_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n all_o the_o threaten_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o ready_a to_o seize_v on_o thou_o and_o how_o soon_o may_v they_o arrest_v thou_o if_o god_n give_v they_o commission_n three_o the_o utter_a insufficiency_n to_o deliver_v thyself_o out_o of_o this_o state_n thou_o be_v never_o able_a to_o merit_v the_o least_o mercy_n nor_o to_o answer_v the_o great_a justice_n of_o god_n though_o thou_o shall_v offer_v thousand_o of_o lamb_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n thou_o be_v so_o total_o break_v in_o thy_o strength_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n and_o never_o can_v thou_o be_v a_o redeemer_n to_o thyself_o from_o thy_o sin_n or_o god_n justice_n now_o drive_v and_o fasten_v these_o thing_n as_o real_a and_o experimental_a truth_n into_o thy_o heart_n till_o thou_o be_v shut_v up_o under_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 3._o that_o be_v so_o convince_v on_o all_o side_n concern_v thy_o natural_a self_n that_o thou_o be_v fain_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o cry_v out_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o unclean_a i_o be_o unclean_a i_o be_o unclean_a a_o miserable_a wretch_n a_o lose_a person_n for_o ever_o unless_o thou_o show_v great_a compassion_n to_o my_o poor_a soul_n this_o condition_n be_v deadly_a and_o barren_a i_o be_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o without_o strength_n and_o this_o condition_n be_v so_o fearful_a that_o very_o i_o will_v not_o rest_v in_o it_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n for_o a_o wound_a soul_n no_o city_n of_o refuge_n for_o a_o distress_a sinner_n no_o rock_n of_o safety_n for_o a_o shipwrack_a person_n no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o leave_v for_o i_o 2._o then_o study_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o sinful_a soul_n why_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v very_o wicked_a and_o have_v exceed_v in_o transgression_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v hope_n the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o ●ape_n of_o good_a hope_n it_o be_v that_o which_o thrust_v out_o some_o sight_n of_o land_n to_o a_o toss_a sinner_n it_o be_v a_o message_n from_o heaven_n proclaim_v both_o the_o hope_n and_o possibility_n and_o also_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o salvation_n for_o a_o sinful_a person_n look_v as_o the_o law_n point_v out_o a_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o a_o righteous_a and_o innocent_a man_n so_o the_o gospel_n do_v for_o a_o offend_a and_o sinful_a man_n therefore_o study_v it_o much_o take_v some_o accurate_a pain_n to_o be_v thorough_o and_o real_o informeme_v and_o convince_v what_o god_n disposition_n be_v therein_o reveal_v towards_o sinner_n now_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v commend_v 1._o one_o be_v the_o study_n of_o christ_n study_v he_o all_o over_o perhaps_o thou_o may_v see_v that_o in_o he_o which_o may_v answer_v many_o yea_o all_o thy_o fear_n perhaps_o thou_o may_v see_v so_o much_o in_o he_o as_o may_v win_v much_o upon_o thy_o heart_n to_o come_v in_o and_o accept_v of_o he_o by_o faith_n therefore_o peruse_v he_o well_o first_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o as_o so_o a_o mediator_n and_o because_o so_o therefore_o a_o almighty_a and_o a_o compassionate_a redeemer_n second_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n god_n do_v see_v the_o fall_v state_n and_o great_a misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o absolute_a insufficiency_n to_o recover_v himself_o and_o therefore_o his_o own_o love_n move_v he_o to_o give_v his_o own_o son_n in_o who_o he_o do_v ordain_v the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n three_o that_o christ_n be_v willing_a to_o become_v a_o mediator_n yea_o he_o do_v free_o give_v his_o life_n to_o make_v peace_n and_o procure_v salvation_n and_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o be_v both_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a four_o that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o life_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n and_o only_a hope_n of_o sinner_n five_o that_o christ_n have_v in_o he_o all_o and_o enough_o to_o make_v up_o thy_o state_n and_o to_o reconcile_v thou_o and_o god_n and_o to_o get_v full_a pardon_n and_o to_o present_v thou_o righteous_a and_o to_o procure_v for_o thou_o eternal_a life_n six_o that_o christ_n seek_v even_o after_o thou_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o both_o offer_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o purchase_n unto_o thou_o and_o have_v and_o yet_o do_v beseech_v thou_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o i_o say_v study_v these_o thing_n who_o know_v how_o the_o great_a study_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v at_o length_n bless_v with_o faith_n in_o christ_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n and_o work_n and_o benefit_n and_o alsufficiency_n and_o marvellous_a affection_n and_o readiness_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o notable_a strength_n to_o unbelief_n ergo_fw-la on_o the_o contrary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n for_o faith_n 2._o another_o be_v the_o study_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n why_o what_o may_v thou_o not_o there_o see_v to_o draw_v on_o thy_o soul_n to_o christ_n yea_o what_o argument_n do_v god_n there_o fill_v thy_o mouth_n with_o to_o conquer_v himself_o he_o give_v thou_o in_o that_o covenant_n ample_a and_o prevail_a ground_n by_o which_o thou_o ma●est_v with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n even_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o christ_n and_o faith_n
repose_v the_o victory_n of_o our_o corruption_n upon_o his_o mighty_a arm_n nor_o the_o reform_n and_o beautify_v of_o our_o spirit_n upon_o his_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n why_o what_o do_v thou_o think_v or_o mean_v when_o thou_o do_v accept_v of_o he_o to_o be_v thy_o mediator_n do_v thou_o conjecture_v that_o if_o once_o thou_o give_v thy_o consent_n to_o take_v he_o that_o never_o after_o thou_o shall_v need_v he_o or_o if_o so_o will_v never_o make_v use_n of_o he_o well_o no_o more_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n that_o i_o say_v in_o this_o if_o we_o will_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o christ_n we_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v make_v void_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o christ._n 9_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o move_v we_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o trust_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o help_n and_o supply_v of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n then_o take_v one_o thing_n more_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o supply_n for_o thy_o soul_n any_o other_o way_n go_v and_o think_v and_o act_v any_o other_o course_n to_o do_v thy_o soul_n good_a beside_o this_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v fruitless_a after_o many_o year_n industry_n as_o thou_o be_v so_o still_o shall_v thou_o be_v obj._n thou_o will_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v complain_v of_o this_o nature_n till_o it_o be_v better_v sol._n thy_o nature_n be_v not_o better_v by_o complaint_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o never_o have_v till_o we_o can_v trust_v object_n thou_o will_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v grieve_v nor_o pray_v nor_o hear_v nor_o read_v nor_o fast_v nor_o confer_v till_o etc._n etc._n sol._n it_o be_v true_a these_o be_v mean_n but_o where_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v i_o will_v stay_v here_o all_o my_o life_n at_o these_o conduit_n pipe_n but_o i_o will_v have_v water_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o fountain_n yield_v not_o forth_o i_o confess_v the_o christian_a must_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o ordinance_n but_o than_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o send_v forth_o the_o help_n and_o then_o do_v the_o ordinance_n deliver_v we_o our_o help_n from_o christ_n not_o present_o when_o one_o hear_v but_o when_o effectual_o they_o have_v enable_v we_o to_o believe_v if_o thou_o can_v hear_v and_o believe_v pray_v and_o believe_v mourn_v and_o believe_v fast_o and_o believe_v etc._n etc._n then_o good_a shall_v come_v unto_o thy_o soul_n draw_v a_o thousand_o bond_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o seal_v nothing_o be_v yet_o legal_o and_o forcible_o make_v over_o and_o convey_v many_o prayer_n avail_v little_a or_o nothing_o till_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o faith_n and_o now_o god_n will_v acknowledge_v our_o demand_n as_o authentic_a and_o christ_n will_v deliver_v unto_o we_o our_o heart_n desire_v i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v handle_v the_o opposite_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a live_n by_o faith_n and_o also_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v assist_v we_o to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o recall_v myself_o i_o may_v not_o expatiate_v so_o far_o sufficient_a have_v be_v touch_v for_o this_o use_v perhaps_o the_o subject_n may_v be_v more_o ample_o treatise_v if_o ever_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o set_v down_o before_o that_o theme_n direct_o and_o intentional_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o another_o use_n chap._n xviii_o the_o improvement_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o full_a assurance_n i_o will_v yet_o advance_v on_o to_o one_o use_n more_o since_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v save_v therefore_o not_o only_o to_o labour_v for_o that_o faith_n but_o to_o exalt_v that_o faith_n my_o meaning_n be_v to_o improve_v this_o faith_n also_o yet_o further_o ●o_o strength_n and_o comfort_n divine_n observe_v a_o double_a act_n of_o faith_n one_o of_o adherence_n by_o which_o it_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o rely_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o righteousness_n pardon_v of_o sin_n grace_n and_o salvation_n another_o be_v of_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o clear_v unto_o the_o soul_n its_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o former_a the_o soul_n renounce_v all_o other_o corner_n stone_n all_o other_o rock_n of_o salvation_n and_o trust_v only_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n accept_v of_o he_o as_o the_o only_a lord_n and_o rely_v on_o he_o as_o the_o only_a saviour_n cast_v or_o roll_v its_o heavenly_a and_o eternal_a safety_n into_o his_o bless_a arm_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o soul_n feel_v itself_o reciprocal_o embrace_v by_o christ_n i_o have_v accept_v of_o he_o to_o be_v my_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o king_n i_o have_v rely_v on_o he_o to_o be_v my_o saviour_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o now_o to_o this_o part_n of_o faith_n do_v i_o desire_v to_o mount_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n viz._n not_o only_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n but_o to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v apprehend_v by_o he_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o know_v he_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v to_o rise_v thus_o far_o by_o faith_n to_o a_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v my_o christ_n my_o redeemer_n live_v who_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n that_o he_o be_v my_o righteousness_n my_o redemption_n my_o propitiation_n for_o the_o better_a settle_v and_o exciting_a of_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v brief_o touch_v at_o these_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v 2._o it_o may_v be_v have_v 3._o it_o shall_v be_v have_v 4._o the_o argument_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o labour_n for_o it_o that_o be_v to_o know_v our_o riches_n and_o to_o know_v our_o possession_n 5._o the_o mean_n to_o get_v it_o sect_n i._o quest_n 1._o what_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v sol._n it_o be_v a_o victorious_a conclusion_n against_o the_o strength_n of_o doubt_n whereby_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believe_a person_n be_v ascertain_v and_o persuade_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n settle_v concern_v his_o personal_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n for_o the_o better_a open_n of_o this_o description_n be_v please_v to_o observe_v these_o subsequent_a proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o evangelical_a syllogism_n the_o syllogism_n be_v this_o whosoever_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n christ_n with_o his_o benefit_n be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v christ_n but_o i_o do_v true_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o in_o this_o syllogism_n there_o be_v three_o proposition_n the_o first_o be_v a_o proposition_n of_o most_o infallible_a certainty_n it_o be_v express_o the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o of_o it_o the_o mind_n have_v no_o doubt_n but_o full_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n viz._n that_o he_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v christ_n and_o of_o this_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v abundant_o persuade_v without_o quest●onings_n and_o doubt_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o absolute_a truth_n it_o do_v plentiful_o subscribe_v the_o second_o be_v a_o proposition_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o the_o believe_a soul_n do_v accept_v of_o christ_n or_o receive_v he_o and_o trust_v upon_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o there_o arise_v a_o most_o real_a and_o true_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n the_o three_o and_o the_o last_o which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n or_o inference_n draw_v from_o both_o the_o former_a comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o formal_a assurance_n of_o a_o believe_a heart_n that_o therefore_o christ_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v christ_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v not_o yet_o that_o subjective_a assurance_n of_o justify_v faith_n for_o as_o much_o as_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v believe_v that_o truth_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o personal_a interest_n in_o christ_n again_o that_o i_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n neither_o be_v this_o essential_o assurance_n for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o believe_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v be_v another_o thing_n many_o a_o good_a heart_n may_v accept_v of_o christ_n
darkness_n and_o david_n answer_v he_o in_o psal_n 23._o 4._o though_o i_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_a for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o how_o triumphant_a be_v paul_n and_o beyond_o both_o himself_o and_o all_o cross_n and_o all_o because_o of_o his_o assurance_n and_o persuasion_n rom._n 8._o 35._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n ver._n 37_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o ver._n 38._o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v ver._n 39_o nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n can_v more_o be_v say_v need_v we_o to_o add_v see_v he_o again_o in_o roman_n 5._o 2._o we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n objection_n who_o will_v not_o may_v some_o reply_v in_o so_o great_a a_o good_a sol._n 3._o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n also_o and_o who_o can_v do_v this_o but_o he_o who_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o assurance_n indeed_o faith_n can_v make_v the_o soul_n to_o submit_v in_o a_o cross_n but_o it_o be_v assurance_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o triumph_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o death_n that_o be_v true_a of_o all_o affliction_n the_o sting_n of_o they_o be_v fin_n where_o the_o conscience_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o heaven_n be_v darken_v there_o the_o cross_n be_v heavy_a and_o bitter_a a_o man_n have_v a_o burden_n on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o a_o burden_n on_o his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o a_o burden_n that_o he_o can_v see_v any_o to_o smile_v on_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o but_o now_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_a when_o a_o man_n feel_v all_o to_o be_v right_o within_o all_o to_o be_v peace_n abroad_o that_o all_o stand_v fair_a betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o god_n nay_o and_o he_o can_v see_v god_n as_o his_o god_n the_o strength_n of_o this_o assurance_n do_v not_o only_o allay_v a_o burden_n but_o raise_v the_o heart_n exceed_o above_o it_o yet_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n and_o though_o i_o see_v the_o olive_n to_o fail_v and_o the_o field_n not_o to_o yield_v and_o the_o flock_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o yet_o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v my_o strength_n hab._n 2._o 17_o 18._o six_o it_o make_v all_o kind_n of_o duty_n to_o flow_v and_o to_o rise_v i_o will_v instance_n brief_o in_o some_o 1._o in_o the_o active_a 2._o in_o the_o passive_a 1._o active_a 1._o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n psal_n 103._o 1._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n ver._n 2._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n verse_n 3._o who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n nay_o he_o be_v at_o it_o again_o psal_n 116._o 12._o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o i_o will_v take_v up_o the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n o_o the_o evidence_n and_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n it_o fill_v every_o vain_a of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n music_n be_v high_a and_o sweet_a in_o the_o fair_a weather_n he_o who_o dispute_v his_o mercy_n can_v hardly_o bless_v for_o it_o now_o i_o see_v much_o forgive_v and_o therefore_o i_o bless_v much_o what!_o and_o all_o this_o forgive_v to_o i_o and_o so_o free_o and_o so_o full_o also_o so_o many_o transgression_n yet_o to_o cover_v all_o yet_o to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o to_o put_v down_o the_o gracious_a pardon_n before_o my_o eye_n 2._o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o property_n in_o these_o which_o will_v sure_o arise_v out_o of_o assurance_n one_o be_v confidence_n and_o boldness_n a_o man_n will_v come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n who_o be_v once_o assure_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o of_o john_n come_v in_o indeed_o 1_o john_n 5._o 14._o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n that_o we_o have_v i●_n he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o christ_n i_o remember_v teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o in_o they_o all_o believer_n to_o pray_v for_o many_o excellent_a thing_n both_o for_o soul_n and_o for_o body_n but_o then_o he_o prefer_v he_o set_v this_o in_o the_o front_n our_o father_n as_o if_o he_o have_v clear_o suggest_v this_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n as_o our_o father_n be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o the_o heart_n a_o strong_a confidence_n in_o all_o petition_n why_o who_o will_v not_o come_v free_o and_o confident_o to_o a_o father_n to_o his_o father_n to_o his_o reconcile_a father_n another_o be_v quickness_n and_o life_n in_o the_o affection_n psal_n 63._o 1._o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o observe_v it_o i_o will_v seek_v thou_o there_o be_v now_o diligence_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o there_o be_v quickness_n of_o affection_n and_o why_o i_o will_v seek_v thou_o early_o because_o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n 3._o ordinance_n now_o a_o man_n will_v fly_v to_o they_o as_o the_o do●es_n to_o the_o window_n it_o be_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n expression_n a_o man_n have_v a_o heart_n to_o bow_v the_o knee_n when_o he_o know_v that_o my_o god_n will_v help_v he_o a_o man_n have_v a_o heart_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n when_o he_o know_v my_o god_n will_v teach_v he_o to_o profit_n and_o will_v speak_v peace_n unto_o he_o a_o man_n will_v with_o cheerfulness_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o sacrament_n when_o he_o know_v this_o be_v the_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o salvation_n be_v there_o seal_v the_o apostle_n have_v a_o apt_a passage_n in_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sure_o that_o be_v with_o much_o delight_n and_o with_o much_o earnestness_n for_o so_o do_v babe_n desire_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o breast_n but_o what_o may_v stir_v up_o this_o ver._n 3._o if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a a_o taste_n of_o god_n of_o god_n as_o gracious_a yea_o this_o be_v it_o which_o whet_v the_o appetite_n this_o set_v on_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o ordinance_n indeed_o 4._o all_o obedience_n actuate_a the_o whole_a kind_n of_o duty_n why_o assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n make_v all_o duty_n both_o cheerful_a and_o steadfast_a psalm_n 26._o 3._o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v before_o my_o eye_n therefore_o have_v i_o walk_v in_o thy_o truth_n why_o be_v duty_n to_o good_a heart_n sometime_o so_o wearisome_a so_o slack_a so_o troublesome_a very_o faith_n be_v weak_a doubt_n be_v strong_a fear_n be_v many_o can_v they_o once_o see_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n christ_n to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n sin_n pardon_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o all_o this_o to_o they_o now_o even_o the_o lame_a will_v walk_v and_o the_o weary_a will_v run_v the_o heart_n will_v set_v upon_o obedience_n with_o all_o its_o strength_n and_o all_o its_o care_n 2._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v for_o passive_a obedience_n assurance_n enable_v it_o exceed_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o say_v paul_n 2_o corinth_n 5._o i_o remember_v the_o apostle_n have_v a_o notable_a passage_n roman_n 5._o 7._o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v that_o be_v for_o a_o bountiful_a man_n a_o man_n of_o eminent_a and_o singular_a good_a to_o preserve_v he_o for_o his_o sake_n a_o private_a man_n will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n if_o the_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n of_o a_o man_n have_v sometime_o such_o a_o force_n with_o we_o what_o influence_n then_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o a_o believe_a heart_n the_o kindness_n the_o blood_n of_o a_o christ_n upon_o a_o believe_a and_o a_o assure_a heart_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v reproach_n for_o christ_n who_o suffer_v death_n for_o he_o who_o will_v not_o kiss_v the_o st●●ke_n to_o bring_v he_o honour_v who_o sh●d_v his_o blood_n to_o get_v his_o
for_o certain_a god_n have_v speak_v such_o good_a thing_n but_o further_o that_o he_o will_v assure_o perform_v they_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v perform_v that_o good_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n jer._n 33._o 14._o 6._o his_o performance_n of_o they_o to_o they_o that_o have_v live_v by_o faith_n when_o person_n have_v commit_v themselves_o and_o their_o condition_n unto_o he_o when_o they_o have_v trust_v upon_o his_o word_n he_o have_v not_o fail_v they_o he_o have_v make_v it_o good_a abraham_n he_o do_v live_v by_o faith_n when_o god_n promise_v he_o a_o son_n the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v his_o own_o body_n but_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n n●resting_v upon_o the_o sole_a goodness_n fidelity_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o god_n do_v indeed_o perform_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o not_o any_o of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n but_o express_o speed_v well_o when_o in_o their_o exigency_n they_o do_v trust_v unto_o god_n our_o father_n be_v trust_v in_o thou_o and_o thou_o do_v deliver_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o thou_o and_o be_v not_o confound_v psal_n 22_o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n be_v my_o strength_n and_o my_o shield_n my_o heart_n trust_v in_o he_o and_o i_o be_v help_v say_v david_n psal_n 28._o 7._o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o righteous_a and_o save_v they_o because_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 37._o 40._o now_o put_v all_o together_o shall_v we_o not_o live_v by_o faith_n trust_v upon_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o through_o and_o for_o christ_n for_o all_o our_o help_n of_o soul_n who_o be_v 1._o a_o alsufficient_a fountain_n 2._o who_o command_v we_o in_o unto_o himself_o for_o our_o help_n 3._o who_o have_v promise_v all_o good_a unto_o we_o if_o we_o will_v but_o trust_v he_o 4._o who_o be_v able_a enough_o to_o make_v good_a whatsoever_o he_o promise_v 5._o who_o can_v and_o will_v not_o lie_v deceive_v or_o fail_v we_o 6._o who_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v perform_v his_o oath_n to_o jacob_n and_o remember_v his_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n who_o have_v be_v ever_o in_o all_o age_n mindful_a of_o his_o covenant_n to_o such_o as_o dare_v by_o say_v live_v upon_o he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o three_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o may_v much_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o labour_v to_o live_v upon_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n there_o be_v four_o ingredient_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n all_o which_o be_v admirable_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v peculiar_a privilege_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o only_a christian_a life_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o only_a comfortable_a life_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o only_a get_n and_o thrive_a life_n life_n four_o excellency_n of_o this_o life_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o steadfast_a life_n 1._o the_o life_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o only_a christian_a life_n the_o christian_a have_v a_o life_n common_a with_o many_o creature_n his_o life_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v of_o nourish_v and_o growth_n it_o be_v such_o a_o life_n as_o the_o beast_n live_v as_o well_o as_o he_o his_o life_n of_o reason_n and_o labour_n that_o also_o be_v such_o a_o life_n which_o all_o man_n live_v as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o thou_o life_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v singular_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o believer_n for_o no_o man_n have_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o true_a believer_n have_v and_o no_o man_n have_v his_o estate_n so_o in_o heaven_n so_o in_o god_n hand_n so_o enclose_v and_o treasure_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n as_o he_o what_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n about_o this_o very_a matter_n mat._n 6._o 31._o take_v no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v ver._n 32._o for_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o gentile_n seek_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o mere_a sinner_n for_o such_o as_o have_v not_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n who_o can_v in_o christ_n call_v he_o father_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o they_o to_o lead_v such_o a_o vex_v and_o distrustful_a life_n that_o i_o say_v here_o why_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o man_n of_o this_o life_n the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n for_o they_o who_o have_v their_o only_a portion_n here_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v scrape_v to_o be_v plod_v to_o be_v vex_v their_o thought_n and_o heart_n how_o to_o compass_v how_o to_o fetch_v in_o how_o to_o lengthen_v a_o estate_n to_o have_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o live_v without_o he_o a_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o live_v upon_o he_o as_o if_o either_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o christian_a but_o for_o the_o believer_n who_o have_v a_o god_n and_o a_o christ_n and_o all_o good_a undertake_v for_o he_o by_o a_o full_a and_o faithful_a covenant_n it_o be_v his_o life_n now_o to_o trust_v upon_o his_o god_n to_o rely_v upon_o his_o saviour_n to_o quiet_v himself_o in_o god_n word_n of_o promise_n as_o christ_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n if_o you_o love_v they_o that_o love_v you_o and_o if_o you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o do_v good_a unto_o you_o what_o singular_a thing_n do_v you_o do_v not_o even_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n the_o same_o that_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n if_o you_o will_v make_v up_o your_o own_o estate_n if_o you_o will_v live_v upon_o what_o you_o see_v and_o what_o you_o taste_v and_o what_o you_o handle_v and_o go_v not_o above_o and_o beyond_o these_o and_o yourselves_o do_v not_o sinner_n do_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n do_v the_o same_o if_o the_o vile_a person_n can_v rejoice_v when_o his_o table_n be_v full_a and_o hang_v down_o his_o head_n when_o sensibles_fw-fr go_v off_o wherein_o do_v the_o believer_n exceed_v he_o who_o be_v merry_a and_o cheerful_a only_o in_o a_o sensible_a plenty_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v in_o the_o ebb_n and_o substraction_n of_o that_o by_o the_o day_n or_o year_n of_o scarcity_n and_o sensible_a distress_n if_o thou_o do_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o thy_o father_n and_o christ_n as_o thy_o plentiful_a redemption_n and_o the_o promise_n as_o a_o goodly_a portion_n and_o thy_o inheritance_n then_o the_o day_n of_o tear_n to_o other_o will_v be_v hour_n of_o thankfulness_n unto_o thou_o and_o the_o night_n of_o fear_n to_o other_o will_v be_v time_n of_o sweet_a repose_n and_o contentment_n unto_o thou_o when_o the_o spider_n web_n be_v sweep_v away_o yet_o thou_o can_v see_v the_o house_n stand_v and_o sure_a even_o in_o all_o sensible_a abstraction_n of_o the_o olive_n and_o vine_n and_o stall_n thou_o can_v yet_o rejoice_v in_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o salvation_n for_o the_o place_n of_o thy_o defence_n be_v the_o munition_n of_o rock_n bread_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o thou_o and_o thy_o water_n shall_v be_v sure_a isaiah_n 33_o 16._o i_o observe_v a_o threefold_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o unbeliever_n and_o a_o believer_n one_o be_v in_o the_o very_a estate_n for_o the_o believer_n have_v a_o far_o better_a portion_n than_o the_o unbeliever_n he_o have_v a_o portion_n set_v out_o for_o this_o life_n and_o a_o portion_n also_o for_o a_o better_a he_o have_v food_n for_o his_o body_n and_o grace_n for_o his_o soul_n another_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o settle_v the_o estate_n for_o general_a providence_n relieve_v the_o one_o and_o special_a affection_n provide_v for_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v help_v by_o common_a goodness_n of_o universal_a kindness_n and_o the_o other_o be_v undertake_v for_o and_o secure_v by_o a_o singular_a bond_n of_o covenant_n god_n have_v make_v over_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o goodness_n unto_o he_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o all_o the_o care_n and_o all_o the_o good_a and_o only_o will_v the_o believer_n to_o be_v upright_o and_o diligent_a and_o so_o to_o trust_v upon_o he_o he_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o grace_n and_o strength_n and_o comfort_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o three_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o manage_v the_o unbeliever_n he_o will_v like_o the_o prodigal_a have_v all_o the_o estate_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o will_v trust_v upon_o himself_o he_o dare_v not_o settle_v on_o god_n for_o he_o fear_v he_o he_o suspect_v he_o he_o think_v very_o god_n will_v not_o do_v he_o good_a but_o he_o will_v fail_v but_o the_o believer_n know_v who_o he_o have_v trust_v god_n be_v