the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o rapture_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v satan_n by_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n endeavour_v the_o seducement_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o christian_n against_o who_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n god_n ape_n to_o imitate_v those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v sometime_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o his_o people_n gerson_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr probatione_fw-la spirituum_fw-la of_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n tell_v a_o remarkable_a story_n of_o satan_n appear_v to_o a_o holy_a man_n in_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a manner_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o because_o he_o for_o his_o exemplary_a holiness_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v above_o other_o therefore_o he_o appear_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o old_a man_n ready_o answer_v he_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o to_o see_v his_o saviour_n in_o this_o wilderness_n it_o shall_v suffice_v he_o to_o see_v he_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n and_o with_o all_o add_v this_o pithy_a prayer_n sit_v in_o alio_fw-la seculo_fw-la non_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la visio_fw-la tua_fw-la merces_fw-la mea_fw-la o_o let_v thy_o sight_n be_v my_o reward_n lord_n in_o another_o life_n and_o not_o in_o this_o life_n this_o direction_n therefore_o be_v of_o no_o little_a importance_n unto_o believer_n that_o will_v not_o loose_v and_o wild_a themselves_o in_o uncertainty_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o leave_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o revelation_n for_o rhe_n guidance_n of_o their_o way_n or_o how_o they_o neglect_v the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v their_o assurance_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o immediate_a voice_n or_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n have_v no_o activity_n and_o light_n in_o they_o to_o evidence_n and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o their_o soul_n such_o way_n though_o the_o novelty_n of_o they_o may_v render_v they_o please_v to_o many_o yet_o it_o can_v as_o we_o see_v make_v they_o safe_a to_o any_o that_o tread_v or_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o austin_n be_v every_o christian_n practice_n and_o prayer_n sint_fw-la sacrae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la tuâ—_n deliciae_fw-la meae_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la nec_fw-la possim_fw-la fallere_fw-la nec_fw-la falli_fw-la lord_n let_v thy_o holy_a scripture_n be_v my_o pure_a delight_n in_o which_o i_o can_v neither_o deceive_v or_o ever_o be_v deceive_v sect_n 2._o cau._n 7._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n out_o on_o earthly_a object_n the_o seven_o and_o last_o cautionary_a direction_n be_v to_o take_v beed_o of_o have_v the_o heart_n let_v out_o to_o earthly_a object_n either_o in_o earnest_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o in_o long_a and_o frequent_a muse_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o they_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v then_o most_o powerful_a and_o operative_a when_o they_o lie_v near_o and_o close_a unto_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o distil_v from_o they_o be_v then_o most_o sweet_a when_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o hide_a man_n the_o soft_a garment_n man_n usual_o wear_v next_o their_o skin_n and_o the_o best_a jewel_n they_o lie_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inward_a cell_n of_o their_o cabinet_n and_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a delicacy_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v apply_v next_o unto_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v of_o all_o part_n the_o most_o tender_a they_o be_v of_o the_o high_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o therefore_o shall_v high_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o most_o retire_a and_o inward_a receptacle_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o their_o most_o due_a and_o proper_a seat_n all_o interposition_n of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v not_o only_o hinder_v the_o conveyance_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n but_o do_v also_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n &_o predominancy_n of_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n as_o a_o unmeet_a vessel_n to_o receive_v such_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o diverse_a respect_n first_o earthly_a thing_n do_v fill_v the_o heart_n &_o thereby_o put_v it_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o receive_v either_o divine_a counsel_n or_o comfort_n from_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o crowd_n of_o business_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n find_v no_o more_o place_n in_o it_o than_o he_o and_o his_o mother_n do_v room_n in_o the_o inn_n where_o the_o manger_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v his_o cradle_n luk._n 2._o 7._o they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o diversity_n of_o care_n and_o solicitude_n so_o that_o it_o can_v have_v any_o freedom_n to_o attend_v heavenly_a duty_n martha_n who_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o with_o mary_n her_o sister_n sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n she_o cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v make_v she_o to_o neglect_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a luke_n 10._o 41._o they_o many_o time_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n so_o as_o that_o the_o choice_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o better_a than_o foolishness_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v christ_n preach_v against_o earthly_a affection_n but_o they_o deride_v he_o luke_n 16._o 14._o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n pro._n 27._o 7._o and_o so_o do_v a_o earthly_a mind_n reject_v the_o word_n which_o be_v more_o sweet_a than_o the_o drop_a honey_n second_o earthly_a thing_n defile_v the_o heart_n with_o many_o vile_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o do_v unqualifie_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o holy_a and_o precious_a promise_n they_o stain_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o adulterous_a and_o impure_a love_n which_o be_v enmity_n unto_o god_n james_n 4._o 4._o and_o make_v it_o apt_a to_o prefer_v carnal_a satisfaction_n before_o communion_n with_o christ_n they_o defile_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o false_a and_o unsound_a confidence_n turn_v it_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o trust_n unto_o the_o mutable_a and_o unstable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n to_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o trust_v not_o in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o they_o pollute_v the_o heart_n with_o sensual_a joy_n with_o unhallowed_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n increase_v do_v extinguish_v that_o complacency_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o in_o luxurious_a person_n strange_a love_n do_v eat_v out_o and_o obliterate_v that_o which_o be_v conjugal_a how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n shall_v be_v both_o a_o counsellor_n and_o comforter_n unto_o such_o a_o one_o who_o love_n confidence_n joy_n be_v adulterate_a and_o sinful_a sure_o he_o who_o have_v the_o purity_n of_o a_o dove_n will_v never_o take_v up_o the_o lodging_n of_o a_o crow_n he_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v a_o temple_n of_o holiness_n will_v never_o afford_v his_o presence_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n three_o earthly_a object_n divide_v the_o heart_n hosea_n 2._o 10._o and_o make_v it_o uncertain_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o god_n as_o the_o balance_n have_v no_o steadfastness_n in_o itself_o but_o do_v by_o every_o breath_n and_o touch_n fluctuate_v sometime_o to_o the_o one_o hand_n sometime_o to_o the_o other_o so_o the_o earthly_a mind_n be_v various_a and_o inconstant_a in_o its_o desire_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n sometime_o for_o a_o short_a and_o sudden_a fit_n it_o seem_v to_o affect_v they_o and_o by_o and_o by_o grow_v cold_a and_o heartless_a again_o like_a to_o the_o grasshopper_n which_o as_o gregory_n observe_v give_v a_o flirt_n up_o and_o make_v a_o faint_a essay_n of_o fly_v towards_o heaven_n and_o then_o present_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n again_o thus_o the_o young_a man_n mark_v 10._o 17._o come_v run_v to_o christ_n to_o show_v his_o fervour_n and_o zeal_n kneel_v to_o he_o to_o testify_v his_o observance_n pray_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n to_o evidence_n his_o care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o it_o but_o when_o christ_n bid_v he_o to_o sell_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n how_o soon_o do_v he_o who_o
thankful_a for_o a_o spark_n for_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n itself_o do_v thou_o bless_v god_n for_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o table_n thou_o shall_v be_v feast_v with_o the_o marrow_n and_o fat_a thing_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n ingrato_fw-la nihil_fw-la augetur_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la acceperat_fw-la vertitur_fw-la ei_fw-la in_o perniciem_fw-la fidelis_n autem_fw-la in_o modico_fw-la censetur_fw-la dignus_fw-la munere_fw-la ampliori_fw-la say_v bernard_n the_o ungrateful_a person_n receive_v no_o increase_n but_o what_o he_o have_v former_o receive_v turn_n to_o his_o ruin_n but_o the_o grateful_a person_n be_v always_o think_v worthy_a of_o more_o ample_a reward_n this_o direction_n i_o glad_o will_v that_o those_o christian_n shall_v often_o have_v in_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v so_o much_o in_o complain_v what_o they_o want_v as_o that_o they_o never_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o they_o enjoy_v when_o any_o come_v into_o their_o company_n their_o ear_n be_v continual_o afflict_v with_o their_o mournful_a note_n how_o few_o their_o comfort_n be_v how_o little_a the_o benefit_n be_v which_o they_o reap_v by_o the_o promise_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v never_o quicken_v to_o bless_v god_n on_o their_o behalf_n by_o their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o least_o mercy_n that_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o temper_n most_o befit_v a_o christian_n not_o to_o let_v the_o small_a of_o his_o favour_n to_o pass_v unobserved_a or_o unacknowledged_a the_o swine_n eat_v the_o fruit_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o tree_n but_o never_o look_v up_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o the_o dove_n pick_v not_o up_o a_o grain_n without_o cast_v up_o its_o eye_n to_o heaven_n it_o eat_v and_o then_o look_v up_o then_o pick_v again_o and_o then_o look_v up_o again_o and_o so_o shall_v a_o believer_n lift_v up_o a_o eye_n of_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o every_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o hope_v which_o he_o behold_v in_o his_o word_n though_o it_o shine_v only_o through_o a_o narrow_a cranny_n i_o thank_v god_n in_o christ_n say_v holy_a baines_n sustentation_n i_o have_v but_o spiritual_a suavity_n i_o taste_v none_o when_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v rejoice_v in_o the_o arm_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o father_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n worthy_a of_o our_o thankfulness_n that_o we_o may_v lodge_v safe_o in_o his_o house_n when_o we_o do_v not_o behold_v the_o smile_n of_o his_o face_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v his_o voice_n in_o his_o word_n when_o we_o have_v not_o the_o ring_n put_v on_o as_o a_o ornament_n it_o be_v a_o favour_n that_o we_o have_v any_o piece_n of_o a_o break_a ring_n leave_v with_o we_o as_o a_o pledge_n and_o token_n that_o in_o our_o extremity_n he_o will_v not_o forsake_v we_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o these_o positive_a rule_n be_v a_o task_n not_o in_o itself_o difficult_a nor_o yet_o happy_o to_o many_o weak_a one_o altogether_o unnecessary_a but_o because_o it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o a_o physician_n to_o write_v recipe_n then_o for_o a_o patient_n to_o take_v the_o many_o repeat_v and_o continue_v potion_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o add_v more_o as_o fear_v i_o have_v be_v already_o too_o burdensome_a and_o prolix_a in_o these_o and_o shall_v only_o recommend_v what_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o least_o infringe_v of_o their_o liberty_n to_o use_v other_o which_o either_o their_o own_o or_o other_o experience_n may_v suggest_v as_o profitable_a and_o so_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o rule_n which_o be_v cautionary_a the_o end_n of_o which_o chief_o serve_v to_o discover_v sundry_a error_n and_o mistake_n which_o in_o the_o application_n and_o use_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o believer_n as_o unseen_a rock_n and_o unfounded_a shallows_o be_v to_o mariner_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v careful_o heed_v and_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o they_o chap._n ix_o cautionary_a rule_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n sect_n 1._o rest_v not_o in_o a_o general_a faith_n the_o first_o cautionary_a rule_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o a_o general_a faith_n which_o go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o give_v a_o naked_a assent_n unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a but_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o itself_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o as_o good_a true_a faith_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n only_o but_o a_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n also_o rom._n 10._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n as_o it_o yield_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n so_o it_o exercise_v fiducial_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o its_o self_n and_o thereby_o draw_v near_o unto_o christ_n whole_o throw_v and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o happiness_n not_o at_o all_o look_v after_o any_o other_o help_n maldonate_fw-it be_v please_v to_o make_v himself_o and_o his_o reader_n merry_a with_o that_o usual_a distinction_n of_o our_o divine_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v distinguish_v into_o a_o historical_a miraculous_a temporary_a and_o save_a faith_n and_o play_v upon_o the_o word_n fides_n say_v that_o the_o protestant_n have_v tota_n fides_fw-la quot_fw-la in_o lyrâ_fw-la as_o many_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v string_n upon_o a_o fiddle_n but_o it_o be_v not_o his_o scoff_n and_o sarcasme_n that_o can_v elude_v either_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o distinction_n when_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o many_o that_o believe_v and_o yet_o do_v never_o embrace_v christ_n with_o their_o heart_n as_o their_o only_a saviour_n or_o confident_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o mercy_n simon_n magus_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n act._n 8._o 13._o and_o yet_o saint_n peter_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n ver_fw-la 23._o the_o multitude_n believe_v in_o christ_n name_n but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n john_n 2._o 23._o he_o do_v not_o own_v they_o as_o those_o to_o who_o he_o will_v impart_v the_o save_a mystery_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n as_o he_o do_v with_o those_o who_o with_o a_o entire_a and_o sincere_a heart_n believe_v on_o he_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n go_v far_o in_o their_o wait_n for_o the_o bridegroom_n they_o take_v lamp_n with_o they_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o light_n for_o a_o season_n burn_v but_o yet_o at_o his_o come_v the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o mat._n 25._o 11._o and_o shall_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n lect_n and_o sanctify_a one_o be_v of_o no_o better_a alloy_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o other_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n yea_o shall_v the_o confession_n of_o peter_n concern_v christ_n mat._n 16._o 16._o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n mat._n 8._o 29._o who_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n cry_v out_o jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n shall_v it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o no_o more_o in_o its_o worth_n than_o it_o be_v in_o its_o word_n but_o as_o the_o pale_a gold_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o most_o glitter_a alchemy_n which_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o outvie_v the_o gold_n in_o its_o lustre_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o the_o least_o affinity_n with_o it_o in_o its_o real_a virtue_n and_o worth_n so_o the_o small_a grain_n of_o save_a faith_n by_o which_o a_o believer_n close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a than_o a_o mere_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n which_o rest_v in_o the_o understanding_n but_o have_v no_o quicken_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n the_o one_o be_v only_o a_o bare_a credence_n and_o the_o other_o a_o divine_a affiance_n this_o be_v it_o which_o put_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o peter_n confession_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n acknowledgement_n of_o he_o as_o austin_n well_o observe_v hoc_fw-la dicebat_fw-la petrus_n ut_fw-la christum_fw-la fide_fw-la amplecteretur_fw-la hoc_fw-la dicebant_fw-la daemon_n ut_fw-la christus_fw-la ab_fw-la cis_fw-la recederet_fw-la this_o speak_v peter_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v christ_n this_o say_v the_o devil_n that_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o they_o and_o this_o fiducial_a application_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o other_o it_o be_v sometime_o describe_v
well_o for_o common_a sore_n but_o their_o malady_n be_v such_o that_o unless_o christ_n touch_v they_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o virtue_n that_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n as_o from_o his_o garment_n can_v never_o heal_v they_o unless_o god_n do_v from_o heaven_n confirm_v his_o promise_n by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o miracle_n their_o breach_n and_o rupture_n will_v never_o be_v heal_v their_o comfort_n and_o peace_n will_v never_o prevail_v against_o their_o fear_n and_o darkness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n staff_n lay_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dead_a child_n that_o will_v bring_v life_n again_o into_o it_o 2_o king_n 4._o 32._o he_o must_v come_v and_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o child_n ere_o the_o flesh_n of_o it_o will_v wax_v warm_a this_o caution_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v heed_v upon_o a_o double_a ground_n first_o because_o of_o the_o aptness_n that_o be_v in_o trouble_a christian_n to_o affect_v new_a mean_n above_o the_o right_n mean_n and_o to_o build_v their_o confidence_n upon_o something_o that_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o word_n itself_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o deceit_n that_o be_v in_o those_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o which_o many_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v their_o comfort_n &_o assurance_n to_o be_v confirm_v unto_o they_o which_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o mean_v they_o can_v never_o find_v to_o be_v full_o and_o satisfy_o evidence_v unto_o they_o first_o there_o be_v a_o pronity_n in_o christian_n especial_o when_o exercise_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v their_o condition_n to_o grow_v weary_a of_o use_v such_o mean_n in_o which_o they_o find_v not_o their_o expectation_n speedy_o answer_v &_o through_o a_o overhasty_a desire_n of_o comfort_n to_o try_v the_o gain_n of_o it_o in_o a_o new_a way_n rather_o than_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o old_a be_v in_o this_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o many_o weak_a and_o crazy_a patient_n that_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o fancy_v every_o new_a medicine_n they_o hear_v off_o and_o to_o tamper_v with_o it_o then_o to_o expect_v a_o recovery_n by_o go_v through_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n prescribe_v by_o the_o physician_n gregory_n tell_v of_o a_o religious_a lady_n of_o the_o empress_n bedchamber_n who_o name_n be_v gregoria_n that_o be_v much_o trouble_v about_o her_o salvation_n do_v write_v unto_o he_o that_o she_o will_v never_o cease_v importune_v he_o till_o he_o have_v send_v her_o word_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v save_v to_o who_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n rem_fw-la difficilem_fw-la postulas_fw-la &_o inutilem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o altogether_o useless_a matter_n which_o she_o require_v of_o he_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o he_o to_o obtain_v as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o have_v the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o be_v impart_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o she_o to_o know_v not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v that_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v make_v she_o too_o secure_a but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o she_o or_o any_o other_o the_o truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o have_v she_o afterward_o call_v into_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o well_o she_o may_v her_o trouble_n and_o doubt_n concern_v her_o salvation_n will_v have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v before_o o_o therefore_o let_v believer_n that_o will_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o relinquish_a that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o of_o fly_v unto_o vision_n revelation_n voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o assure_v and_o evidence_n unto_o they_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o comfort_n and_o joy_n which_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o these_o be_v way_n that_o have_v more_o external_a glory_n and_o pomp_n in_o they_o but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o adhere_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o those_o truth_n declare_v in_o they_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o obtain_v a_o full_a establishment_n of_o heart_n in_o all_o sound_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o luther_n though_o as_o he_o confess_v he_o be_v often_o tempt_v to_o ask_v for_o sign_n apparition_n revelation_n from_o heaven_n to_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o way_n yet_o tell_v how_o strong_o he_o do_v withstand_v they_o pactum_fw-la feci_fw-la cum_fw-la domino_fw-la deo_fw-la meo_fw-la ne_fw-la mihi_fw-la mittat_fw-la vel_fw-la visiones_fw-la vel_fw-la somnia_fw-la vel_fw-la eâ—iam_fw-la angelos_n contentus_fw-la enim_fw-la sum_fw-la hoc_fw-la dono_fw-la quòd_fw-la habeo_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sanctam_fw-la quae_fw-la abundè_fw-la docet_fw-la ac_fw-la suppeditat_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la necessaria_fw-la sunt_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la vitam_fw-la tum_fw-la ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la i_o have_v say_v he_o indent_v with_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n that_o he_o will_v never_o send_v i_o dream_n vision_n angel_n for_o i_o be_o well_o content_a with_o this_o gift_n that_o i_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o do_v abundant_o teach_v and_o supply_v all_o necessary_n for_o this_o life_n and_o that_o also_o which_o be_v to_o come_v second_o as_o there_o be_v a_o aptness_n in_o christian_n to_o affect_v such_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o comfort_n so_o be_v there_o also_o no_o little_a danger_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o way_n themselves_o first_o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o regard_n that_o they_o make_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v as_o thing_n of_o little_a value_n and_o esteem_v which_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o only_a sacred_a oracle_n of_o truth_n for_o believer_n to_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o such_o who_o cry_v up_o revelation_n make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o word_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v every_o spirit_n by_o as_o vocalistas_n et_fw-fr literatistas_n vowalist_n and_o letterist_n have_v little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n such_o who_o affirm_v assurance_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o they_o &_o say_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o how_o disdainful_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o persuasion_n which_o believer_n have_v from_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o his_o enlighten_v they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v &_o thereby_o to_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o and_o of_o their_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n this_o they_o dignify_v with_o no_o better_a or_o high_a title_n than_o a_o humane_a faith_n than_o a_o conjectural_a knowledge_n though_o the_o testimony_n be_v true_o supernatural_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o also_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v thus_o persuade_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o for_o believer_n to_o try_v their_o estate_n by_o to_o look_v unto_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o not_o to_o any_o immediate_a voice_n or_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o yet_o do_v such_o vilify_v this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o low_a and_o carnal_a and_o altogether_o unmeet_a for_o evangelical_n christian_n to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o shall_v they_o need_v to_o have_v a_o rush-light_n to_o see_v by_o when_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o light_n second_o as_o they_o be_v dangerous_a so_o be_v they_o full_a of_o deceit_n and_o illusion_n young_a samuel_n not_o acquaint_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n &_o power_n of_o god_n take_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n 1_o sam_n 3._o 5._o and_o so_o do_v many_o take_v the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o be_v the_o divine_a breathe_n and_o the_o powerful_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o sundry_a action_n which_o the_o word_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n countenance_v not_o how_o frequent_o in_o these_o time_n do_v fanatic_a person_n baptize_v the_o violent_a working_n of_o their_o own_o distemper_a fancy_n with_o the_o name_n of_o
run_v and_o kneel_v and_o pray_v to_o christ_n turn_v his_o back_n upon_o he_o &_o go_v from_o he_o how_o quick_o be_v his_o desire_n turn_v into_o sorrow_n and_o his_o prayer_n into_o a_o fearful_a apostasy_n now_o then_o if_o earthly_a thing_n do_v make_v the_o heart_n thus_o unsteadfast_a and_o unfaithful_a to_o god_n how_o exceed_o must_v they_o needs_o indispose_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n from_o god_n in_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o a_o evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o desire_n in_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o a_o entireness_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n in_o lay_v hold_n on_o they_o for_o as_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v one_o in_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v sever_v or_o part_v no_o more_o than_o line_n in_o their_o common_a centre_n so_o neither_o must_v the_o heart_n by_o which_o they_o be_v embrace_v be_v divide_v whole_a christ_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o every_o believer_n and_o be_v no_o otherwise_o diversify_v then_o according_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o man_n present_a condition_n which_o sometime_o require_v the_o application_n of_o one_o promise_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o and_o therefore_o must_v the_o whole_a heart_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o again_o or_o else_o we_o can_v ever_o expect_v to_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o his_o bless_a promise_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n there_o be_v find_v a_o unstedfastnesse_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unstedfastnesse_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o in_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o distract_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o to_o float_v between_o two_o different_a object_n but_o only_o make_v it_o unequal_a in_o its_o motion_n towards_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o bowl_n when_o it_o be_v first_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n run_v more_o swift_o towards_o the_o mark_n than_o it_o do_v afterward_o but_o yet_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o motion_n be_v the_o same_o though_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o so_o believer_n when_o partaker_n of_o some_o fresh_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v then_o move_v towards_o christ_n with_o more_o quick_a and_o lively_a affection_n then_o at_o other_o time_n but_o yet_o by_o that_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v within_o they_o they_o be_v always_o carry_v towards_o he_o in_o their_o desire_n though_o not_o after_o one_o equal_a and_o uniform_a manner_n this_o caution_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v the_o last_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o least_o which_o believer_n be_v with_o much_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o observe_v that_o will_v glad_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o treasure_n which_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v abandon_v all_o care_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o calling_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v affect_v a_o voluntary_a and_o monkish_a poverty_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n we_o may_v possess_v earthly_a comfort_n but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o we_o may_v use_v they_o as_o flower_n to_o smell_v on_o but_o not_o as_o garland_n to_o crown_v ourselves_o with_o they_o we_o may_v in_o our_o pilgrimage_n walk_v with_o they_o as_o staff_n in_o our_o hand_n seek_v a_o country_n which_o be_v above_o but_o we_o may_v not_o load_v ourselves_o with_o they_o and_o bear_v they_o as_o burden_n upon_o our_o back_n we_o may_v make_v they_o our_o encouragement_n but_o not_o our_o confidence_n we_o may_v mind_v they_o as_o our_o accessory_n but_o we_o may_v not_o love_v they_o as_o our_o principal_a happiness_n as_o bee_n though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o cell_n of_o honey_n and_o wax_n yet_o have_v not_o their_o wing_n touch_v with_o any_o viscuous_a matter_n that_o may_v hinder_v their_o delightful_a flight_n abroad_o and_o their_o nimble_a pass_v from_o one_o flower_n to_o another_o so_o shall_v christian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o earthly_a comfort_n as_o in_o a_o hive_n of_o sweetness_n be_v exceed_o careful_a that_o nothing_o of_o the_o world_n do_v cleave_v to_o their_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o lift_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o their_o he_o art_n towards_o heavenly_a object_n or_o abate_v the_o activity_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o their_o frequent_a muse_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o which_o the_o mind_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o exercise_v and_o delight_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o particular_a that_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o task_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o have_v insist_v long_o upon_o every_o direction_n both_o positue_a and_o cautionary_a than_o i_o first_o intend_v but_o my_o end_n be_v not_o to_o offend_v any_o by_o prolixity_n but_o to_o render_v they_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a unto_o all_o then_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o contract_v into_o a_o less_o and_o narrow_a compass_n and_o make_v like_a unto_o the_o description_n of_o a_o pitch_a field_n or_o battle_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o head_n and_o spear_n paint_v but_o few_o or_o no_o complete_a and_o entire_a body_n chap._n xii_o in_o which_o divers_a query_n be_v resolve_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a which_o do_v consist_v of_o divers_a query_n together_o with_o their_o resolution_n the_o clear_a answer_v of_o which_o will_v much_o facilitate_v the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n do_v lie_v in_o a_o prevail_a assurance_n so_o as_o that_o he_o who_o true_o believe_v do_v certain_o know_v himself_o to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n sect_n 1._o faith_n be_v not_o a_o full_a assurauce_n this_o question_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o choose_v to_o speak_v somewhat_o unto_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v in_o their_o writing_n not_o distinguish_v between_o fides_n fiducia_n and_o certituda_n faith_n affiance_n and_o assurance_n but_o have_v promiscuous_o treat_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n yea_o sundry_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n ground_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o which_o chief_o lead_v they_o to_o give_v this_o definition_n of_o faith_n be_v their_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n against_o popish_a doubt_n but_o a_o good_a intention_n will_v no_o more_o make_v a_o truth_n than_o a_o fair_a mark_n will_v make_v a_o good_a shoot_n for_o while_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v faith_n from_o that_o languor_n and_o uncertainty_n unto_o which_o the_o papist_n have_v subject_v it_o they_o have_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n occasion_v great_a fear_n and_o perplexity_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o tender_a and_o weak_a christian_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o because_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o to_o keep_v therefore_o such_o bruise_a reed_n from_o be_v break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n from_o be_v quench_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o assurance_n i_o shall_v by_o sundry_a demonstration_n clear_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o save_a faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o prevail_a assurance_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v have_v the_o one_o and_o yet_o want_v the_o other_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o that_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n who_o christ_n the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v pronounce_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v believer_n because_o all_o blessedness_n under_o the_o gospel_n come_v only_o by_o faith_n and_o this_o blessedness_n stand_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n rom._n 4._o 6_o 7._o yet_o their_o present_a condition_n speak_v nothing_o less_o than_o assurance_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n math._n 5._o 3._o so_o again_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v ver_fw-la 4._o and_o again_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n ver_fw-la 6._o but_o spiritual_a poverty_n mourning_n hunger_n though_o they_o be_v gospel-grace_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o faith_n be_v all_o together_o
scandalous_a and_o vile_a pollution_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o judge_v himself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o not_o to_o lay_v hold_v immediate_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n until_o he_o first_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o be_v thorough_o ashamed_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o do_n when_o moses_n intercede_v for_o miriam_n who_o god_n have_v smite_v with_o aleprosie_n if_o her_o father_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v but_o spit_v in_o her_o face_n shall_v she_o not_o have_v be_v ashamed_a seven_o day_n numb_a 12._o 44._o that_o be_v if_o her_o earthly_a father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n have_v express_v his_o displeasure_n by_o spit_v upon_o she_o shall_v she_o not_o for_o a_o season_n have_v be_v sorrowful_a and_o pensive_a how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o her_o heavenly_a father_n be_v displease_v by_o her_o sin_n shall_v she_o for_o a_o time_n be_v ashamed_a and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o privilege_n and_o society_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a sin_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o remorse_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n because_o faith_n always_o proceed_v according_a to_o god_n method_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n now_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n speak_v peace_n and_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v by_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o till_o that_o be_v renew_v the_o comfort_n of_o pardon_n be_v suspend_v first_o god_n hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o jer._n 31._o 18._o and_o then_o he_o remember_v he_o then_o he_o manifest_v the_o bowel_n of_o a_o tender_a father_n and_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o vers_n 20._o four_o a_o believer_n fall_v into_o gross_a and_o peace-destroying_a sin_n be_v so_o far_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o those_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o chastisement_n which_o god_n as_o a_o father_n provoke_v to_o anger_n do_v lay_v upon_o he_o be_v by_o his_o sin_n just_o deserve_v and_o by_o god_n righteous_o inflict_v â—hat_n god_n do_v make_v his_o own_o child_n to_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o heavy_a and_o sore_a affliction_n occasion_v by_o their_o iniquity_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o with_o so_o much_o evidence_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o isa_n 63._o 10._o so_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o covetousness_n be_v i_o wroth_a and_o smite_v he_o i_o hide_v i_o and_o be_v wroth_a isa_n 57_o 17._o what_o pregnant_a instance_n also_o be_v old_a eli_n upon_o who_o person_n and_o posterity_n god_n bring_v a_o most_o severe_a and_o dreadful_a judgement_n i_o sam._n 2._o 31_o 32_o 33._o david_n who_o complain_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o psal_n 38._o 4._o that_o his_o wound_n stink_v and_o be_v corrupt_v because_o of_o his_o foolishness_n ver_fw-la 5._o that_o he_o be_v feeble_a and_o sore_o break_v v._o 8._o jonah_n who_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n as_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n that_o he_o be_v forsake_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o god_n sight_n jonah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o how_o easy_a be_v it_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o make_v the_o number_n to_o swell_v into_o a_o catalogue_n but_o a_o taste_n be_v enough_o now_o what_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n be_v in_o this_o condition_n see_v it_o in_o their_o expression_n old_a eli_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a 1_o sam._n 3._o 18._o david_n under_o all_o his_o pressure_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o faithfulness_n he_o have_v afflict_v he_o psal_n 119._o 75._o so_o jonah_n who_o have_v flee_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pour_v out_o before_o he_o in_o his_o extremity_n confess_v the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o all_o other_o dependency_n save_v on_o god_n alone_o they_o that_o observe_v lie_v vanity_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n jonah_n 2._o 8._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v sin_n in_o his_o child_n with_o any_o such_o kind_n of_o affliction_n christ_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a and_o plenary_a satisfaction_n for_o they_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o these_o temporal_a punishment_n though_o they_o have_v displeasure_n mix_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o slow_a from_o the_o vindictive_a justice_n of_o god_n as_o a_o irreconcile_a enemy_n but_o be_v the_o correction_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n and_o do_v whole_o differ_v in_o the_o end_n from_o the_o vindictive_a which_o be_v not_o medicinal_a but_o destructive_a the_o judge_n who_o sentence_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o malefactor_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o have_v not_o the_o same_o end_n with_o the_o physician_n that_o cut_v of_o a_o hand_n when_o it_o be_v incurable_o fester_v the_o one_o command_v it_o as_o a_o satisfaction_n due_a to_o justice_n the_o other_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o other_o part_n so_o when_o god_n afflict_v the_o wicked_a and_o believer_n with_o the_o same_o temporal_a evil_n though_o the_o smart_n and_o pain_n may_v be_v in_o both_o alike_o yet_o he_o do_v it_o not_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n nor_o to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o one_o he_o punish_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o other_o as_o a_o father_n he_o correct_v in_o order_n to_o their_o amendment_n to_o the_o one_o therefore_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o punishment_n and_o to_o the_o other_o true_o a_o medicine_n sect_n 2._o how_o far_o a_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o charge_v himself_o with_o atrocious_a sin_n the_o second_o head_n that_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v unto_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o their_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o this_o also_o take_v in_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n first_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o sin_n upon_o themselves_o as_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a fall_n from_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n so_o as_o that_o now_o they_o be_v no_o long_a son_n nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o endless_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n john_n 13._o 1._o and_o have_v its_o perpetuity_n found_v not_o upon_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o upon_o the_o firm_a rock_n of_o his_o will_n and_o counsel_n his_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a although_o we_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o fall_n and_o lapse_n of_o a_o justify_v person_n do_v so_o far_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o his_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n as_o that_o the_o comfort_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o withhold_v and_o suspend_v but_o his_o right_n thereunto_o be_v not_o make_v thursday_n or_o extinguish_v he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o interdiction_n but_o not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o ejection_n he_o may_v not_o like_o absalon_n see_v the_o king_n face_n 1_o sam._n 14._o 24._o but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o exile_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n he_o do_v abide_v until_o he_o renew_v his_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o recover_v a_o fitness_n and_o aptitude_n to_o enjoy_v what_o before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a unto_o being_n like_o a_o cleanse_a leper_n who_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o return_v unto_o his_o house_n from_o which_o his_o defilement_n have_v separate_v he_o and_o shut_v he_o out_o now_o if_o any_o think_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a sequestration_n do_v import_v little_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o antidote_n strong_a enough_o to_o check_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v in_o believer_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o play_v the_o wanton_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o such_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v that_o to_o i_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o blind_a man_n that_o understaud_v little_a or_o nothing_o the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o to_o
carry_v shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v the_o one_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v the_o other_o what_o be_v it_o else_o that_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v require_v of_o man_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v disburden_v themselves_o of_o earthly_a encumbrance_n which_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o spiritual_a mercy_n that_o so_o with_o heart_n empty_v of_o worldly_a affection_n and_o care_n they_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o the_o fullness_n of_o heavenly_a riches_n when_o joseph_n invite_v his_o father_n and_o brethren_n to_o come_v down_o into_o egypt_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o to_o regard_v their_o stuff_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v you_o gen._n 45._o 20._o so_o the_o true_a heavenly_a joseph_n when_o he_o invite_v man_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o he_o bid_v they_o not_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n because_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v before_o they_o and_o by_o his_o promise_n make_v over_o to_o they_o how_o inexcusable_a then_o must_v their_o neglect_n be_v who_o do_v not_o with_o answerable_a heart_n and_o desire_n embrace_v such_o precious_a offer_n sect_n 5._o a_o five_o aggravation_n be_v take_v from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o only_o invite_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v the_o excellency_n of_o they_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n joh._n 3._o 23._o that_o be_v we_o ought_v so_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n his_o say_n as_o to_o count_v they_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n as_o we_o assent_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o truth_n so_o be_v we_o to_o embrace_v they_o for_o their_o preciousness_n and_o worth_n our_o faith_n must_v work_v by_o love_n it_o must_v put_v forth_o itself_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o affection_n by_o our_o esteem_v and_o prize_v of_o they_o above_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o david_n do_v when_o he_o say_v thy_o testimony_n have_v i_o take_v as_o a_o heritage_n for_o ever_o for_o they_o be_v the_o rejoice_n of_o my_o heart_n psalm_n 119._o 111._o god_n promise_n he_o make_v as_o his_o land_n as_o his_o good_n as_o his_o all_o they_o be_v more_o dear_a to_o he_o then_o all_o his_o temporal_a thing_n whatsoever_o when_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o honour_v both_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o believer_n the_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v violate_v the_o disobedience_n of_o which_o will_v be_v recompense_v with_o more_o heavy_a and_o sore_a judgement_n than_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n chap._n xviii_o four_o difference_n between_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o satan_n the_o second_o application_n from_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v precious_a shall_v be_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o wide_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n rev._n 12._o 9_o sin_n which_o satan_n by_o all_o his_o art_n endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n guilty_a of_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v as_o miserable_a as_o himself_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o full_a of_o deformity_n and_o ugliness_n as_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o see_v in_o its_o true_a shape_n there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v own_o monstrosity_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n say_v the_o school_n that_o can_v be_v define_v dei_fw-la formositas_fw-la materiae_fw-la primae_fw-la informitas_fw-la &_o peccati_fw-la deformitas_fw-la the_o amiableness_n and_o beauty_n of_o god_n the_o informity_n of_o the_o first_o matter_n and_o the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n now_o to_o hide_v and_o cover_v this_o misshape_a monster_n satan_n use_v not_o a_o few_o device_n sometime_o he_o make_v it_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o habit_n and_o likeness_n of_o a_o virtue_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o covetousness_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o frugality_n to_o riot_n and_o prodigality_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o liberality_n sometime_o he_o varnish_v it_o with_o the_o specious_a show_n of_o profit_n and_o gain_v and_o promise_v large_a reward_n to_o they_o that_o will_v but_o comply_v with_o his_o suggestion_n and_o counsel_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o subtle_a artifices_fw-la that_o he_o use_v to_o withdraw_v a_o man_n from_o any_o good_a to_o entice_v and_o win_v he_o to_o any_o sin_n thus_o he_o tempt_v balaam_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o curse_v of_o god_n people_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o honour_n and_o preferment_n micha_n levite_n with_o a_o small_a augmentation_n of_o his_o stipend_n promise_v unto_o he_o he_o tempt_v both_o to_o theft_n and_o idolatry_n judas_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o devil_n make_v unto_o he_o he_o tempt_v to_o sell_v the_o life_n and_o blood_n of_o his_o bless_a master_n yea_o by_o a_o frank_a and_o large_a promise_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n he_o tempt_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o the_o high_a act_n of_o idolatry_n that_o be_v imaginable_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o not_o despair_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o offer_n to_o hide_v the_o foulness_n of_o the_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v with_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n reject_v by_o christ_n mat._n 4._o 10._o because_o therefore_o that_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o speciousnesse_n of_o the_o devil_n promise_n and_o to_o give_v more_o heed_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v then_o to_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v in_o four_o particular_n set_v forth_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o satan_n the_o first_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o person_n that_o make_v they_o promise_n be_v like_o bond_n which_o depend_v altogether_o upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o surety_n if_o a_o beggar_n seal_v to_o a_o instrument_n for_o the_o payment_n of_o ten_o thousand_o pound_n who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v any_o better_a than_o a_o blank_a but_o if_o a_o man_n of_o estate_n and_o ability_n do_v bind_v himself_o to_o pay_v such_o a_o sum_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o much_o real_a estate_n and_o man_n dovalue_v themselves_o by_o such_o bill_n and_o bond_n as_o well_o as_o by_o what_o be_v in_o their_o own_o possession_n god_n who_o have_v make_v rich_a promise_n to_o believer_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n eph._n 2._o 4._o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n exod._n 34._o 6._o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n psalm_n 31._o 5._o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3._o but_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o beggar_n a_o outcast_n one_o that_o have_v nothing_o in_o possession_n nothing_o in_o disposition_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o john_n 8._o 44._o a_o deceiver_n revel_v 12._o 9_o a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n who_o kill_v not_o one_o but_o all_o in_o one_o joh._n 8._o 44._o how_o then_o can_v his_o promise_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o support_n to_o any_o that_o have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o build_v upon_o but_o he_o he_o have_v never_o keep_v his_o promise_n and_o god_n have_v never_o break_v his_o promise_n there_o have_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n which_o he_o promise_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n 1_o king_n 56._o a_o second_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o promise_n let_v we_o weigh_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v gold_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v alchemy_n such_o which_o though_o they_o glitter_v much_o have_v no_o worth_n or_o excellency_n in_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v as_o aristotle_n call_v the_o rainbow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o appearance_n only_o and_o not_o like_o the_o cloud_n which_o he_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o true_a and_o real_a substance_n god_n be_v substantial_a reality_n and_o he_o vanish_v and_o fleet_a shadow_n windy_a and_o swell_a bladder_n which_o but_o a_o little_a prick_v do_v quick_o fall_v and_o grow_v lank_a stobaeus_n out_o of_o herodotus_n tell_v a_o story_n of_o one_o archetimus_n who_o have_v deposit_v money_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o cydias_n his_o friend_n who_o afterward_o require_v they_o again_o of_o