such_o a_o defile_n sully_a thing_n be_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n occasional_o engender_v to_o 12._o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n psalm_n 51._o 12._o bondage_n gal._n 4._o 24._o 2._o nor_o will_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o seal_v assure_v evidence_n of_o his_o love_n to_o such_o who_o conversation_n will_v reproach_v he_o for_o admit_v they_o to_o so_o much_o intimacy_n as_o to_o a_o covenant-interest_n in_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o covenant_n peace_n when_o a_o wicked_a man_n claim_v it_o god_n stand_v upon_o term_n of_o defiance_n psal_n 50._o 16._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thy_o back_n to_o who_o then_o will_v god_n indulge_v such_o a_o boldness_n see_v ver_fw-la 5._o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o and_z vers_n 23._o who_o so_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o to_o he_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o regular_a assurance_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o arise_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o more_o large_a the_o matter_n of_o my_o assurance_n be_v the_o more_o must_v my_o assurance_n be_v i_o think_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o four_o verse_n in_o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o show_v this_o when_o grace_n that_o appear_v to_o we_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n etc._n etc._n see_v what_o follow_v than_o we_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appear_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o ephesian_n speak_v it_o as_o loud_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n and_o what_o then_o that_o 18._o eph._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18._o you_o may_v comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 5._o follow_v the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o v._o direct_v v._o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n stifle_v not_o any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 19_o grieve_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o unkind_a repulse_n and_o that_o be_v press_v upon_o this_o ground_n eph._n 4._o 30._o by_o which_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n certain_o if_o we_o sadden_fw-mi the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n will_v not_o comfort_v we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o sadden_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o the_o dishonour_n and_o unkindness_n of_o a_o repulse_n great_a man_n if_o they_o show_v extraordinary_a favour_n to_o we_o they_o expect_v we_o shall_v observe_v they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o serve_v they_o at_o every_o nod_v and_o beck_n 1._o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o favourite_n in_o a_o prince_n court_n and_o enjoy_v his_o constant_a smile_n must_v be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o punctilio_n of_o observance_n if_o you_o will_v obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n smile_n you_o can_v sure_o do_v no_o less_o then_o observe_v every_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o follow_v he_o where_o ever_o he_o lead_v see_v v._o 14._o of_o this_o chapter_n in_o connexion_n with_o my_o text._n they_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n those_o be_v they_o that_o receive_v this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o call_v god_n father_n 2._o the_o spirit_n best_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o thou_o and_o the_o season_n and_o way_n wherein_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v break_v out_o to_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o miss_v of_o follow_v any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o may_v put_v thyself_o out_o of_o that_o very_a way_n wherein_o thou_o may_v have_v find_v comfort_n and_o assurance_n the_o spirit_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v such_o or_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o thou_o neglect_v it_o how_o know_v thou_o but_o have_v thou_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o motion_n thou_o may_v have_v obtain_v that_o that_o thou_o long_v for_o when_o the_o spirit_n blow_v thou_o must_v hoist_v thy_o sail_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o gale_n can_v carry_v thou_o not_o whither_o but_o to_o the_o region_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o the_o angel_n conduct_v peter_n out_o of_o prison_n he_o follow_v his_o deliverer_n step-by-step_n so_o when_o the_o spirit_n come_v towards_o thou_o to_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n take_v heed_n thou_o leave_v he_o not_o one_o step_n and_o the_o caution_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v very_o useful_a here_o exod._n 23._o 20_o 21._o behold_v i_o send_v a_o angel_n before_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o place_n which_o i_o have_v prepare_v beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n povoke_v he_o not_o etc._n etc._n apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a case_n if_o god_n send_v his_o spirit_n before_o you_o beware_v obey_v his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n qu._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o temptation_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n answ_n 1._o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o move_v according_a to_o the_o word_n if_o i_o leave_v the_o word_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v follow_v the_o spirit_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o that_o spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v contradict_v 17._o joh._n 14._o 17._o himself_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o word_n he_o can_v deliver_v 21._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20._o 21._o the_o contrary_a to_o they_o in_o my_o heart_n the_o true_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n 4._o 6._o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o press_v to_o some_o duty_n or_o other_o some_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n or_o other_o and_o when_o any_o motion_n arise_v in_o our_o heart_n prejudice_v it_o against_o any_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o prejudice_n be_v no_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n in_o hear_v gal._n 2._o 1_o 2._o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 6._o 18._o 3._o the_o spirit_n move_v regular_o and_o orderly_o make_v not_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n to_o clash_n and_o enterfere_v the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v the_o season_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o a_o private_a ordinance_n it_o be_v in_o its_o season_n if_o in_o a_o public_a in_o its_o season_n public_a ordinance_n separate_v from_o be_v not_o the_o badge_n of_o the_o person_n that_o have_v but_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n judas_n 19_o chap._n xix_o a_o case_n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o a_o man_n that_o as_o to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o other_o man_n live_v and_o die_v without_o any_o experience_n of_o this_o testimony_n qu._n suppose_v i_o never_o attain_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n as_o to_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n what_o think_v you_o of_o my_o case_n answ_n 1._o i_o suppose_v thou_o labour_v after_o it_o diligent_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v prescribe_v and_o other_o such_o otherwise_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o case_n but_o this_o that_o that_o man_n be_v neither_o fit_n for_o assurance_n here_o or_o glory_n hereafter_o that_o think_v much_o of_o his_o pain_n to_o attain_v they_o but_o suppose_v as_o i_o say_v i_o say_v to_o thou_o far_o 2._o i_o know_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o say_v no_o man_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o know_v not_o of_o it_o before_o hand_n i_o ready_o yield_v the_o papist_n teach_v all_o believer_n a_o doctrine_n of_o desperation_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o salvation_n till_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o occasion_v many_o of_o our_o protestant_a divine_n engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n against_o they_o to_o make_v persuasion_n of_o salvation_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o justistify_a faith_n but_o i_o conceive_v they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v bend_v the_o bough_n so_o much_o that_o way_n to_o set_v it_o straight_o it_o be_v no_o good_a rule_n for_o christian_a disputant_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o cunning_a tradesman_n iniquum_fw-la petere_fw-la ut_fw-la aequum_fw-la ferant_fw-la to_o ask_v double_a that_o they_o may_v persuade_v those_o with_o who_o they_o deal_v to_o give_v a_o sufficient_a price_n i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n
less_o sensible_a because_o god_n permitt_v this_o darkness_n in_o design_n for_o some_o special_a end_n of_o his_o own_o now_o the_o person_n a_o man_n put_v on_o upon_o design_n common_o he_o use_v to_o overact_v even_o beyond_o what_o he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v real_a so_o although_o when_o god_n be_v real_o a_o enemy_n as_o before_o conversion_n he_o carry_v himself_o by_o secret_a support_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o one_o that_o be_v not_o utter_o irreconcilable_a yet_o when_o he_o mere_o intend_v to_o appear_v so_o he_o carry_v himself_o so_o strange_o that_o the_o soul_n real_o believe_v he_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o intend_v its_o ruin_n irrecoverable_o lam._n 3._o 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o church_n aggravate_v her_o sad_a condition_n from_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o she_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n leave_v the_o soul_n alone_o like_o a_o sparrow_n on_o the_o house_n psal_n 102._o 7._o and_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o eccles_n 4._o 40._o 4_o and_o thus_o fourthly_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o horrid_a trouble_n that_o god_n saint_n fall_v into_o after_o assurance_n may_v be_v and_o be_v occasional_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o immediate_o and_o by_o way_n of_o a_o efficient_a cause_n they_o be_v not_o from_o that_o spirit_n thus_o the_o spirit_n lead_v christ_n into_o the_o wilderness_n mat._n 4._o 1._o 1_o by_o a_o active_a suggest_v to_o the_o soul_n such_o consideration_n as_o may_v start_v a_o soul-trouble_a as_o when_o it_o make_v a_o fresh_a discovery_n of_o new_a commit_v sin_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o renew_v repentance_n for_o they_o such_o motion_n may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o far_a inquiry_n into_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o so_o of_o question_n concern_v his_o estate_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n they_o may_v grow_v into_o as_o palpable_a legal_a terror_n as_o any_o ever_o the_o soul_n groan_v under_o 2_o by_o withdraw_v that_o assistance_n from_o the_o soul_n which_o shall_v maintain_v the_o soul_n in_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o the_o sun_n hide_v behind_o a_o cloud_n or_o be_v under_o a_o eclipse_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v dark_a if_o the_o father_n let_v go_v the_o little_a child_n hand_n in_o a_o dark_a and_o dangerous_a place_n he_o will_v sure_o fall_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o spirit_n the_o negative_a cause_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v myself_o of_o the_o sad_a bondage_n that_o come_v on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n after_o assurance_n 5_o but_o last_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v sure_a do_v never_o cause_n and_o work_v a_o fear_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o soul_n after_o assurance_n as_o it_o do_v before_o and_o that_o may_v be_v see_v in_o these_o difference_n 1._o before_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o convince_v the_o sinner_n of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o enmity_n to_o god_n after_o it_o never_o do_v tell_v a_o man_n so_o any_o more_o 2._o before_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o state_n of_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n arise_v from_o that_o enmity_n but_o have_v once_o effectual_o convert_v and_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o reconciliation_n he_o never_o present_v hell_n and_o wrath_n any_o more_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o its_o portion_n 3._o beside_o he_o sometime_o present_v every_o act_n of_o sin_n as_o unpardoned_a now_o he_o never_o do_v so_o any_o more_o in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o he_o do_v so_o former_o that_o be_v that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v he_o never_o present_v god_n vindictive_a or_o avenge_a justice_n unto_o the_o soul_n as_o unsatisfied_a for_o such_o a_o sin_n though_o he_o may_v present_v god_n fatherly_a justice_n as_o displease_v at_o it_o 4._o before_o he_o sometime_o present_v every_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o earnest-penny_n of_o hell_n now_o he_o never_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o view_n of_o suffering_n under_o that_o notion_n but_o only_o as_o fatherly_a correction_n and_o chastisement_n by_o which_o god_n endeavour_v to_o quicken_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o speedy_a return_n unto_o he_o by_o renew_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o thesis_n from_o 1._o scripture_n 2._o reason_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n be_v abundant_o clear_a proof_n proof_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o name_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v set_v out_o to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n 1_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n john_n 14._o 16._o and_o this_o in_o his_o peculiar_a office_n to_o the_o saint_n now_o he_o will_v fail_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o if_o ever_o he_o shall_v bring_v god_n adopt_a child_n into_o bondage_n again_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o comforter_n he_o also_o engage_v that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o the_o saint_n john_n 14_o 16._o it_o be_v true_a their_o comfort_n be_v many_o time_n fleet_v comfort_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o ordinary_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o oftentimes_o satan_n temptation_n eclipse_v the_o comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o their_o comfort_n be_v fleet_v the_o comforter_n be_v not_o to_o debase_v himself_o from_o be_v the_o comforter_n to_o the_o devil_n employment_n the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v dishonourable_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 2_o beside_o he_o be_v call_v our_o seal_n and_o how_o long_o do_v he_o continue_v so_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4._o 30._o he_o will_v not_o to_o day_n scale_v a_o evidence_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o tomorrow_o seal_v its_o mittimus_fw-la to_o hell_n 3_o moreover_o he_o be_v call_v our_o earnest_n and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o a_o earnest_n of_o heaven_n one_o day_n and_o revoke_v it_o again_o the_o next_o or_o ever_o deny_v the_o bargain_n which_o that_o earnest_n secure_v unto_o we_o a_o honest_a man_n will_v not_o do_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n to_o do_v what_o common_a honesty_n will_v keep_v man_n from_o rom._n 11._o 29._o 4_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n testify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 16._o of_o the_o chapter_n in_o hand_n and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v ever_o tell_v a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v become_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o less_o reason_n for_o reas_n 1._o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n never_o cross_v each_o other_o testimony_n now_o the_o word_n never_o pronounce_v bondage_n to_o any_o one_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n nay_o not_o to_o any_o one_o that_o have_v the_o least_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n every_o where_o speak_v comfort_n to_o such_o isa_n 40._o 1_o 2._o rom._n 8._o 1_o 34._o reas_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o which_o god_n dislike_v in_o such_o can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a be_v a_o badge_n and_o sin_n of_o false_a prophet_n ezek_n 13._o 22._o reas_n 3._o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n which_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v on_o our_o spirit_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n but_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o save_a love_n of_o god_n after_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o manifestation_n and_o feel_n of_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n psal_n 77._o 20._o and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v the_o author_n thereof_o because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n reas_n 4._o that_o which_o hinder_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n except_o we_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n so_o indiscreet_a as_o to_o counteract_v himself_o but_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ever_o become_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o the_o soul_n after_o taste_n of_o god_n love_v communicate_v thereunto_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o counter-acting_a its_o most_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a work_n which_o as_o the_o next_o doctrine_n from_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o text_n show_v you_o be_v to_o embolden_v and_o enliven_v the_o heart_n in_o prayer_n for_o how_o can_v he_o call_v god_n father_n with_o confidence_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n witness_v that_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n reas_n 5._o the_o spirit_n testimony_n if_o it_o can_v ever_o become_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n
grieve_v of_o many_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v grieve_v may_v rub_v old_a sore_n and_o make_v they_o smart_v again_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v close_v may_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o many_o a_o saint_n and_o make_v they_o a_o fresh_a to_o question_v their_o condition_n ans_fw-fr 1._o will_v it_o so_o suppose_v it_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v for_o their_o hurt_n if_o it_o do_v it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v have_v build_v too_o hasty_o and_o though_o god_n will_v not_o overthrow_v the_o build_n for_o every_o fail_n of_o the_o builder_n yet_o he_o may_v exercise_v it_o with_o some_o storm_n to_o discover_v its_o crack_n and_o show_v where_o it_o need_v prop_n and_o where_o it_o be_v cement_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n a_o christian_n comfort_n and_o peace_n may_v have_v many_o material_n of_o his_o own_o mix_n hay_n and_o stubble_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o those_o will_v god_n one_o way_n or_o other_o work_n out_o there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o reason_n in_o it_o then_o of_o faith_n it_o may_v be_v rather_o a_o silence_v conscience_n than_o a_o satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o disputant_n may_v be_v nonplus_v many_o time_n by_o a_o plausible_a argument_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o satisfy_v now_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v sometime_o apply_v a_o word_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n which_o may_v partial_o shake_v its_o ground_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o rectify_v and_o confirm_v they_o 2._o if_o the_o worst_a come_v of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v viz._n that_o some_o saint_n in_o the_o preach_v the_o lâ—w_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v deep_o wound_v and_o make_v to_o question_v all_o its_o former_a evidence_n by_o a_o word_n which_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o intention_n and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n direct_v to_o other_o he_o be_v not_o unblamable_a for_o this_o suppose_v he_o lie_v down_o such_o truth_n with_o all_o possible_a caution_n to_o prevent_v their_o injuriousnesse_n to_o any_o real_a saint_n but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o want_n of_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o hearer_n so_o offend_v to_o take_v his_o proper_a portion_n or_o in_o the_o cunning_a of_o satan_n make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n of_o temptation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o occasion_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o will_v do_v something_o extraordinary_a in_o such_o a_o soul_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v do_v his_o duty_n he_o be_v deal_v blow_n according_a to_o his_o commission_n among_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n if_o a_o friend_n of_o god_n will_v needs_o run_v out_o of_o his_o way_n and_o put_v his_o head_n under_o the_o sword_n it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o bleed_v much_o of_o this_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o our_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n that_o god_n will_v manage_v his_o own_o sword_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n direct_v the_o minister_n to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o discern_v and_o receive_v we_o and_o a_o over-tendernesse_n and_o scrupulousness_n of_o spirit_n that_o some_o saint_n be_v subject_a unto_o of_o which_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o book_n 3._o suppose_v it_o be_v the_o minister_n fault_n not_o wilful_o and_o purposely_o for_o that_o be_v a_o wicked_a prophet_n character_n wilful_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n to_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a ezek._n 13._o 22._o but_o through_o indiscretion_n or_o want_n of_o caution_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o terrify_a truth_n to_o wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o spirit_n yet_o he_o will_v do_v far_o more_o mischief_n if_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o preach_v such_o truth_n from_o a_o fear_n of_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o wicked_a who_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v sadden_v to_o flatter_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n either_o by_o a_o perpetual_a handle_n comfortable_a doctrine_n in_o mix_a auditory_n or_o convince_a one_o so_o cold_o flat_o and_o worthlesse_o as_o shall_v never_o lend_v a_o downright_a blow_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o carnal_a and_o secure_a sinner_n better_o a_o thousand_o time_n that_o a_o saint_n conscience_n be_v groundlesse_o trouble_v if_o one_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v avoid_v then_o a_o great_a many_o harden_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n delude_v by_o a_o false_a peace_n this_o may_v and_o likely_a will_v damn_v these_o but_o that_o can_v possiby_o destroy_v the_o other_o see_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o they_o be_v gold_n that_o fire_n even_o of_o temptation_n will_v not_o waste_v but_o purify_v chap._n xvii_o a_o further_a touchstone_n for_o examination_n this_o thesis_n also_o lend_v we_o a_o touchstone_n for_o examination_n here_o be_v a_o touchstone_n whereby_o to_o try_v your_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n whether_o it_o be_v sound_a or_o no._n and_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v hide_v this_o chapter_n from_o all_o tender_a conscience_n that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o free_a liberty_n to_o lay_v about_o i_o a_o while_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_a truth_n and_o i_o must_v not_o defraud_v many_o hundred_o of_o their_o portion_n for_o your_o sake_n the_o lord_n good_a spirit_n i_o hope_v will_v so_o guide_v i_o and_o guard_v you_o that_o no_o one_o blow_n shall_v light_v but_o where_o it_o be_v intend_v obj._n brethren_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o pretender_n to_o grace_n and_o christ_n now_o a_o day_n heretofore_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o disgrace_n to_o be_v a_o saint_n and_o in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o there_o be_v few_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o name_n without_o the_o thing_n no_o man_n will_v personate_v a_o saint_n of_o purpose_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o bear_v the_o badge_n of_o a_o counterfeit_a holiness_n but_o now_o god_n have_v make_v the_o name_n o_o religion_n honourable_a though_o true_o except_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v general_o better_o fit_v to_o manage_v the_o condition_n god_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereafter_o that_o it_o have_v rather_o still_o lie_v under_o hatch_n then_o be_v abuse_v by_o politician_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o pilot_n while_o they_o indeed_o steer_v the_o vessel_n to_o their_o own_o end_n but_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v for_o some_o late_a year_n make_v the_o name_n of_o religion_n honourable_a he_o have_v put_v a_o diadem_n of_o glory_n upon_o its_o head_n the_o appearance_n of_o it_o have_v be_v in_o divers_a place_n the_o main_a qualification_n for_o preferment_n and_o place_n of_o advantage_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o many_o convert_v the_o mere_a complexion_n of_o the_o time_n have_v make_v religion_n be_v become_v the_o mode_n and_o he_o be_v no_o body_n that_o how_o course_n soever_o his_o cloth_n be_v do_v not_o bestow_v some_o of_o the_o trim_n of_o the_o age_n upon_o it_o there_o be_v not_o more_o jew_n make_v by_o fear_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hester_n and_o mordecai_n then_o there_o be_v christian_n in_o these_o day_n by_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n christian_n say_v i_o chrestian_o rather_o that_o i_o may_v apply_v more_o true_o the_o allusive_a nickname_n which_o the_o heathen_n in_o tertullia_n time_n false_o put_v upon_o the_o primitive_a saint_n such_o as_o make_v their_o preferment_n and_o profit_n the_o saddle_n and_o religion_n the_o stirrup_n to_o help_v they_o into_o it_o the_o world_n the_o throne_n and_o christ_n the_o footstool_n whereby_o to_o mount_v unto_o it_o o_o friend_n what_o a_o easy_a change_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o high_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o low_a form_n of_o sinner_n into_o the_o most_o sublime_a noble_a angelical_a order_n of_o saint_n he_o that_o a_o few_o hour_n since_o be_v as_o inseparable_a a_o adjunct_n of_o a_o alehouse_n as_o a_o bush_n at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v a_o monster_n of_o intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n a_o prodigious_a swearer_n a_o notorious_a scoffer_n at_o religion_n sabbath-breaker_n earthworme_n a_o man_n that_o he_o that_o will_v have_v draw_v a_o picture_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v not_o wrong_v if_o he_o have_v set_v he_o for_o his_o pattern_n verterit_fw-la hunc_fw-la dominus_fw-la momento_n turbinis_fw-la exit_fw-la marcus_n dama_fw-la let_v the_o persius_n persius_n devil_n his_o master_n but_o change_v his_o coat_n turn_v the_o dark_a side_n inward_a and_o the_o light_a outward_a persuade_v he_o for_o his_o own_o base_a end_n to_o leave_v or_o perhaps_o but_o hide_v his_o former_a sin_n and_o sprinkle_v
dye_v in_o egypt_n how_o often_o have_v we_o long_v for_o quail_n for_o our_o lust_n be_v discontent_v at_o god_n allowance_n and_o think_v all_o we_o have_v even_o precious_a manna_n gracious_a melt_n for_o sin_n a_o tender_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o follow_v after_o god_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o present_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o kiss_v with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n think_v how_o much_o of_o unbelief_n impatience_n pride_n peevishness_n unthankfulness_n despair_n hard_a thought_n against_o god_n weariness_n of_o his_o service_n unjust_a censure_n against_o yourselves_o blasphemous_a murderous_a thought_n etc._n etc._n have_v god_n pass_v by_o and_o in_o all_o these_o provocation_n keep_v you_o from_o fall_v off_o from_o your_o present_a conviction_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o and_o hold_v you_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o conduct_v you_o through_o the_o wild_a and_o roar_a wilderness_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o canaan_n 4._o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o perish_v under_o conviction_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o nay_o perish_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o when_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o the_o same_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n which_o drive_v judas_n to_o the_o gallow_n and_o cain_n to_o despair_v and_o to_o many_o thousand_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n become_v bare_o mean_n of_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n prove_v to_o he_o the_o throw_v of_o a_o new_a birth_n the_o rough_a passage_n to_o a_o kingdom_n of_o liberty_n and_o glory_n the_o straight_a door_n to_o a_o palace_n of_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o comfort_n distinguish_v mercy_n be_v engage_v mercy_n and_o distinguish_v mercy_n be_v great_a when_o to_o the_o person_n distinguish_v every_o thing_n be_v common_a but_o that_o very_a distinction_n as_o if_o in_o a_o common_a guilt_n some_o be_v pardon_v while_o other_o die_v and_o in_o a_o common_a disease_n some_o perish_v and_o other_o be_v preserve_v so_o here_o in_o common_a soul_n trouble_v one_o man_n despair_n and_o send_v himself_o to_o hell_n the_o soon_o another_o presume_v and_o fend_v himself_o thither_o the_o sure_a etc._n etc._n other_o be_v effectual_o convert_v and_o eternal_o save_v oh_o what_o a_o deep_a engagement_n to_o thankfulness_n be_v this_o 4._o pitifulnesse_n and_o tenderness_n to_o other_o person_n in_o that_o condition_n our_o own_o experience_n may_v tell_v we_o what_o grievous_a burden_n soul_n trouble_n be_v and_o how_o much_o need_n there_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a shall_v be_v gentle_o lead_v our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o submit_v to_o temptation_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v heb._n 2._o 18._o but_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o also_o before_o chap._n xxii_o several_a consideration_n to_o humble_a such_o as_o have_v go_v through_o this_o work_n ineffectual_o ii_o hence_o also_o let_v all_o those_o be_v exhort_v that_o have_v be_v under_o these_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n and_o have_v get_v over_o they_o without_o any_o real_a work_n of_o conversion_n or_o save_v grace_n attain_v by_o they_o to_o 1._o labour_v serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o inefficacy_n of_o such_o hopeful_a mean_n for_o their_o good_a o_o friend_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o come_v out_o of_o any_o trouble_n muâ—h_o more_o such_o a_o trouble_n as_o this_o be_v and_o get_v nothing_o by_o it_o what_o a_o complaint_n do_v the_o church_n make_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o temporal_a affliction_n isay_n 26._o 17_o 18._o we_o have_v be_v with_o child_n we_o have_v be_v in_o pain_n we_o have_v brrught_v forth_o wind_n etc._n etc._n that_o that_o comfort_v a_o woman_n in_o her_o throw_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o child_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o make_v she_o forget_v it_o when_o it_o be_v over_o john_n 16._o 21._o but_o if_o a_o woman_n fall_v into_o grievous_a pain_n and_o all_o prove_v but_o a_o tympany_n or_o a_o abortive_a conception_n or_o a_o monster_n this_o will_v not_o quit_v the_o cost_n of_o such_o throw_n and_o therefore_o when_o she_o thinkss_v on_o this_o time_n she_o bewail_v it_o ever_o after_o much_o more_o shall_v such_o a_o affection_n as_o this_o possess_v a_o man_n when_o he_o consider_v how_o near_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n mar._n 12._o 34._o to_o perish_v within_o sight_n of_o the_o harbour_n and_o so_o to_o come_v within_o a_o stride_n of_o the_o goal_n and_o miss_v it_o o_o how_o vex_v a_o thought_n shall_v this_o be_v it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o most_o man_n in_o this_o world_n while_o they_o have_v time_n to_o repair_v their_o loss_n hereafter_o it_o will_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o eternity_n irremediable_a and_o that_o irremediablenesse_n will_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o trouble_n here_o to_o help_v this_o work_n may_v be_v consider_v that_o hereby_o 1._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disappoint_v quench_v resist_v it_o be_v god_n spirit_n that_o have_v contest_v with_o thy_o proud_a obstinate_a rebellious_a heart_n and_o it_o be_v that_o spirit_n who_o thou_o have_v so_o often_o repulse_v that_o spirit_n be_v a_o free_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o move_v any_o more_o 51._o psal_n 51._o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o he_o move_v not_o 10._o zach._n 12._o 10._o thou_o can_v never_o recover_v again_o and_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o repulse_v how_o can_v thou_o expect_v his_o far_a attempt_n god_n do_v just_o resolve_v many_o time_n concern_v such_o person_n as_o gen._n 6._o 3._o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v strive_v no_o more_o 2._o your_o heart_n be_v harden_v believe_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o more_o the_o heart_n be_v melt_v and_o soften_v if_o it_o grow_v hard_a again_o it_o grow_v the_o hard_a for_o it_o thence_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v for_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o mean_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v such_o to_o repentance_n when_o they_o fall_v away_o heb._n 6._o 6._o impossible_a that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n that_o work_n on_o other_o man_n and_o if_o god_n convert_v such_o a_o one_o it_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o absolute_a power_n beside_o the_o ordinary_a regulate_v way_n of_o his_o proceed_n so_o be_v the_o word_n take_v mat._n 19_o 26._o that_o that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n i._n e._n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n now_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v be_v impossible_a to_o man_n not_o only_o in_o that_o he_o have_v no_o power_n in_o nature_n to_o effect_v it_o for_o so_o be_v every_o man_n conversion_n impossible_a but_o in_o that_o a_o man_n can_v rational_o judge_v he_o capable_a of_o benefit_n by_o any_o of_o the_o ordinary_a supernatural_a mean_n of_o conversion_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o other_o mean_n of_o conversion_n will_v grow_v so_o familiar_a with_o such_o a_o man_n that_o all_o that_o be_v affect_v in_o they_o will_v through_o acquaintance_n grow_v contemptible_a and_o sin_n which_o at_o first_o view_n and_o in_o a_o man_n first_o conviction_n appear_v fearful_a and_o terrible_a have_v once_o or_o twice_o affright_v the_o soul_n and_o do_v no_o more_o will_v afterward_o lose_v their_o monstrousness_n by_o a_o frequent_a fruitless_a view_n of_o they_o nay_o hell_n itself_o as_o bug_n hear_v to_o child_n after_o they_o begin_v to_o find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n will_v appear_v but_o a_o old_a wife_n fable_n and_o its_o fire_n but_o a_o paint_a flame_n such_o as_o scare_n more_o than_o it_o hurt_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n if_o all_o these_o restraint_n remove_v such_o a_o one_o be_v latter_o end_n be_v worse_o than_o the_o beginning_n 2_o pet._n 2._o ult_n sin_n before_o softening_n be_v like_o weed_n in_o a_o ground_n which_o before_o plough_v and_o harrow_n we_o hope_v to_o root_v out_o thereby_o but_o afterward_o they_o be_v like_o invincible_a weed_n that_o no_o plough_n or_o harrow_n will_v tear_v up_o and_o therefore_o such_o ground_n be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v 3._o conscience_n be_v check_v and_o discourage_v that_o tenderness_n which_o before_o possess_v it_o upon_o every_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v and_o whereas_o it_o before_o pass_v a_o right_a censure_n concern_v thy_o estate_n now_o it_o be_v grow_v partial_a and_o flatter_a for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v get_v out_o of_o soul_n trouble_v without_o the_o leave_n of_o his_o
you_o have_v a_o tender_a heart_n that_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o every_o know_a sin_n etc._n etc._n o_o sir_n will_n such_o a_o person_n oftentime_o say_v i_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o i_o and_o if_o there_o be_v i_o fear_v it_o be_v all_o in_o hypocrisy_n friend_n you_o do_v well_o in_o fear_v hypocrisy_n but_o you_o do_v not_o well_o in_o not_o own_v what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o you_o for_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o boast_v of_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o when_o we_o have_v temptation_n from_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o to_o glory_v in_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o good_a to_o deny_v what_o be_v in_o we_o when_o we_o have_v a_o call_v thereunto_o by_o those_o who_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o examine_v our_o estate_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v nor_o can_v they_o know_v how_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o if_o we_o deal_v not_o plain_o in_o confess_v what_o we_o know_v and_o find_v in_o ourselves_o and_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o often_o that_o such_o denial_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o unthankfulness_n which_o oftentimes_o cause_v we_o to_o overlook_v and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o comparative_a way_n to_o deny_v what_o we_o have_v receive_v because_o we_o have_v not_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v have_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o covetous_a man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a spiritual_a covetousness_n too_o that_o be_v ever_o complain_v they_o have_v no_o money_n no_o bread_n to_o put_v in_o their_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o indeed_o they_o mean_v they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v have_v this_o be_v a_o unthankful_a denial_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o in_o bestow_v on_o they_o what_o they_o have_v and_o thou_o may_v judge_v the_o like_a of_o thyself_o in_o this_o case_n saint_n paul_n be_v of_o another_o temper_n rom._n 7._o he_o make_v many_o sad_a complaint_n of_o himself_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n in_o i_o there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n how_o to_o perform_v that_o that_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o i_o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n etc._n etc._n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n yet_o still_o he_o mix_v acknowledgement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v i_o be_o carnal_a say_v he_o sell_v under_o sin_n yet_o say_v he_o i_o bless_v god_n my_o judgement_n go_v with_o the_o law_n i_o think_v it_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a whence_o though_o i_o be_o over-byassed_n many_o time_n unto_o evil_n yet_o i_o allow_v it_o not_o i_o will_v do_v better_a than_o i_o do_v and_o i_o hate_v the_o evil_a that_o i_o be_o captive_v unto_o in_o i_o there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n but_o mark_v the_o epanorthosis_fw-la or_o correction_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o word_n too_o large_a what_o say_v i_o there_o be_v no_o good_a dwell_n in_o i_o let_v i_o not_o be_v mistake_v i_o mean_v in_o my_o flesh_n for_o so_o much_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 18._o will_v bear_v for_o though_o i_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v yet_o i_o have_v some_o good_a in_o my_o spiritual_a part_n i_o can_v will_v that_o that_o be_v good_a and_o that_o will_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v always_o at_o hand_n i_o have_v good_a wish_n and_o desire_n in_o readiness_n upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o i_o will_v do_v it_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n sin_n law_n it_o and_o lord_n it_o in_o my_o member_n but_o i_o have_v another_o law_n in_o my_o mind_n so_o that_o with_o my_o mind_n i._n e._n in_o my_o judgement_n and_o resolve_v bend_v of_o will_n i_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v a_o special_a emphasis_n in_o that_o pronoune_n my_o self_n that_o follow_v for_o 25._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o my_o self_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v even_o i_o though_o i_o complain_v so_o against_o myself_o yet_o must_v needs_o say_v so_o much_o for_o myself_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n here_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n for_o thou_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v ever_o complain_v against_o and_o defy_v thyself_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o denial_n of_o thyself_o as_o god_n goodness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n if_o thou_o witness_v against_o the_o spirit_n do_v thou_o think_v the_o spirit_n will_v witness_v for_o thou_o thou_o deny_v the_o spirit_n the_o very_a medium_n by_o which_o he_o will_v testify_v to_o thy_o good_a condition_n take_v notice_n also_o of_o the_o peevishness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n thou_o have_v long_o woo_v christ_n to_o accept_v of_o thou_o and_o be_v marry_v to_o thou_o and_o christ_n have_v send_v thou_o love-token_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o assure_v thou_o that_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v thy_o busband_n now_o christ_n expect_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n from_o thou_o now_o thou_o questione_v whether_o thou_o be_v marry_v or_o no_o and_o not_o only_o questione_v but_o peremptory_o deny_v all_o his_o love-token_n or_o at_o lest_o extenuate_v they_o and_o set_v light_n by_o they_o think_v what_o a_o sin_n this_o be_v no_o wonder_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o messenger_n that_o bring_v they_o take_v offence_n at_o such_o deal_n and_o refuse_v to_o testify_v to_o thou_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o question_v his_o testimony_n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a 4._o a_o unwarrantable_a thrust_v off_o those_o promise_n and_o comfortable_a truth_n which_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o otherwise_o bring_v home_n to_o our_o condition_n and_o snatch_v greedy_o at_o all_o the_o terrible_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o denunciation_n of_o wrath_n as_o our_o portion_n i_o have_v know_v those_o that_o have_v thrust_v away_o with_o both_o hand_n all_o that_o may_v make_v for_o their_o comfort_n as_o that_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o o_o the_o curse_a pride_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o will_v man_n leave_v prescribe_v to_o the_o infinite_a wise_a god_n when_o people_n please_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n than_o they_o will_v hear_v no_o minister_n except_o he_o sing_v a_o curse_a requiem_n to_o their_o spirit_n preach_v please_a thing_n and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v under_o trouble_n for_o sin_n than_o god_n must_v denounce_v judgement_n in_o every_o sermon_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o mount_n sinai_n answer_v they_o cut_v of_o the_o whirlwind_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o believe_v it_o no_o soul_n receive_v good_a by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o soul_n that_o think_v every_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a and_o labour_n as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o condition_n to_o apply_v it_o satan_n in_o time_n of_o unregeneracy_n have_v a_o art_n to_o make_v the_o word_n unfruitful_a by_o cause_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o stand_v loose_a from_o the_o law_n to_o rub_v off_o the_o eat_n corrode_a plaster_n and_o say_v this_o concern_v such_o a_o one_o and_o such_o a_o one_o but_o not_o i_o and_o after_o our_o conversion_n he_o keep_v the_o word_n from_o fasten_v comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o assure_v the_o heart_n by_o a_o like_a artifice_n true_o these_o be_v comfortable_a truth_n and_o concern_v such_o and_o such_o but_o not_o i_o this_o be_v the_o psalmist_n case_n in_o desertion_n and_o be_v thou_o in_o the_o present_a darkness_n my_o sore_n run_v in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v psal_n 77._o 2._o indeed_o friend_n if_o you_o refuse_v to_o receive_v comfort_n when_o the_o spirit_n offer_v it_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o you_o will_v have_v it_o the_o spirit_n refuse_v to_o offer_v it_o none_o of_o god_n offer_n be_v refuse_v by_o the_o creature_n gratis_o god_n will_v stand_v upon_o other_o term_n when_o we_o come_v to_o his_o shop_n after_o we_o have_v once_o refuse_v a_o good_a bargain_n once_o offer_v 5_o a_o groundless_a surmise_v of_o a_o irrecoverablenesse_n in_o our_o condition_n from_o such_o and_o such_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n as_o concern_v we_o not_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a when_o a_o soul_n be_v willing_a to_o hear_v all_o thunder_n and_o cannon_n shoot_v from_o the_o word_n ordinary_o the_o devil_n have_v two_o or_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o he_o play_v thick_a upon_o the_o soul_n those_o be_v two_o place_n in_o the_o
of_o it_o if_o i_o have_v never_o so_o good_a a_o evidence_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o blot_v it_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o my_o evidence_n if_o the_o title_n be_v questionable_a again_o which_o it_o confirm_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o few_o of_o god_n people_n enjoy_v a_o uninterrupted_n actual_a assurance_n indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sparkle_n of_o glory_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v bear_v it_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n though_o never_o so_o full_a to_o a_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o one_o court_n it_o carry_v the_o judgement_n without_o far_a ado_n may_v be_v upon_o review_v in_o another_o court_n call_v into_o question_n again_o and_o be_v perplex_v so_o by_o a_o cunning_a lawyer_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v questionable_a again_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o once_o give_v full_a assurance_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v by_o satan_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o court_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o make_v disputable_a again_o yet_o as_o to_o habitual_a assurance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v by_o doubt_v it_o may_v be_v dip_v but_o not_o drown_v it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o swoon_n but_o not_o die_v a_o saint_n may_v say_v to_o satan_n when_o he_o triumph_n most_o over_o his_o assurance_n as_o the_o church_n mic._n 7_o 8_o 9_o rejoice_v not_o over_o i_o etc._n etc._n when_o i_o be_o in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n god_n have_v promise_v it_o isa_n 57_o 15_o 16_o 17._o heaviness_n may_v endure_v for_o a_o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n psal_n 306._o and_o indeed_o assurance_n be_v god_n seal_n and_o earnest_n if_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v not_o without_o repentance_n neither_o be_v his_o covenant_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n irrevocable_a if_o god_n recall_v his_o earnest_n he_o recant_v his_o bargain_n as_o the_o take_v a_o earnest_n back_o again_o among_o mâ—n_z make_v the_o bargain_n void_a and_o the_o puâ—ling_n off_o a_o seal_n cancel_v the_o deed._n yet_o let_v i_o not_o herein_o be_v mistake_v i_o will_v caution_n caution_n not_o be_v conceive_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n always_o recover_v his_o assurance_n again_o after_o loss_n in_o this_o life_n in_o as_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o he_o once_o have_v it_o a_o man_n may_v lose_v his_o assurance_n for_o his_o ill_a manage_n of_o it_o and_o possible_o such_o may_v be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n as_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o let_v he_o lie_v long_o under_o break_a bone_n and_o whenever_o by_o renew_v repentance_n he_o recover_v it_o he_o may_v just_o withdraw_v from_o he_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o presence_n which_o he_o have_v before_o nay_o i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v not_o after_o lose_v assurance_n if_o lose_v in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o provocation_n on_o his_o part_n go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o hardly_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o 15._o isai_n 3â—_n 15._o act_v it_o again_o direct_o and_o formal_o yet_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o may_v be_v still_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o in_o itself_o still_o capable_a to_o be_v reduce_v into_o act_n but_o that_o he_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v in_o his_o own_o way_n incapable_a of_o revive_v the_o act_n of_o it_o now_o that_o even_o in_o such_o a_o one_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o remain_v still_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o he_o still_o produce_v some_o visible_a fruit_n of_o it_o keep_v up_o a_o contest_v though_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o faint_a one_o with_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o quite_o lay_v down_o the_o weapon_n to_o despair_v that_o though_o he_o apprehend_v his_o hope_n exceed_o small_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o they_o by_o all_o satan_n offer_n and_o even_o in_o this_o darkness_n many_o time_n choose_v affliction_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o that_o holy_a martyr_n that_o under_o those_o sad_a desertion_n be_v go_v to_o the_o stake_n and_o reâ—olved_v to_o die_v though_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o actual_a assurance_n again_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v but_o glover_n glover_n all_o these_o act_n be_v not_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o assurance_n but_o indirect_a and_o virtual_a act_n such_o as_o suffice_v to_o keep_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n together_o as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v ourselves_o but_o such_o as_o discover_v much_o of_o the_o vigour_n of_o a_o saint_n spiritual_a constitution_n to_o be_v impair_v other_o question_n there_o be_v that_o may_v be_v prâ—mised_v here_o but_o i_o shall_v find_v time_n to_o take_v they_o up_o in_o the_o application_n chap._n xxii_o popish_a doctrine_n concern_v doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n confute_v our_o own_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n examine_v where_o several_a case_n concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o heart_n this_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o confutation_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o doubt_v application_n application_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o papist_n and_o person_n among_o ourselves_o un-experienced_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n take_v for_o truth_n viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v in_o this_o life_n be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n these_o person_n rob_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o one_o of_o his_o special_a office_n that_o of_o be_v the_o comforter_n the_o lord_n jesus_n of_o one_o of_o the_o glorious_a fruit_n of_o his_o ascension_n which_o be_v the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o his_o people_n to_o that_o end_n god_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o glory_n and_o service_n at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n of_o it_o that_o that_o proceed_v from_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n the_o saint_n of_o their_o great_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n support_v in_o tribulation_n comfort_n in_o suffering_n and_o hope_v in_o death_n and_o last_o evacuate_v one_o main_a end_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v therefore_o at_o least_o a_o main_a part_n of_o they_o write_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5_o 13._o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v abhor_v the_o romish_a synagogue_n yet_o be_v this_o sufficient_a that_o they_o profess_o hold_v forth_o a_o doctrine_n of_o despair_n that_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o comfortable_o live_v nor_o die_v but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o that_o preach_v up_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n shall_v preach_v down_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n love_v i_o or_o hate_v i_o as_o i_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v obey_v or_o not_o obey_v persevere_v or_o not_o persevere_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o frequent_a fail_n i_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a hesitancy_n as_o to_o my_o estate_n no_o certainty_n in_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n use_v 2._o this_o let_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o possible_o we_o get_v therefrom_o be_v sound_a and_o certain_a or_o no._n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o it_o be_v sound_a if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o not_o it_o be_v suspicious_a and_o can_v afford_v no_o sufficient_a and_o satisfactory_a peace_n unto_o our_o spirit_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o no_o may_v not_o satan_n be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o may_v not_o i_o reason_v myself_o into_o it_o and_o if_o so_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o these_o answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a question_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o some_o time_n more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o sift_v the_o difficulty_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o then_o take_v it_o away_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o something_o be_v i_o shall_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n as_o 1_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o satan_n may_v so_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n as_o to_o suggest_v to_o a_o man_n a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o good_a condition_n he_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o plausible_a doctrine_n and_o comfortable_a dream_n where_o with_o they_o pronounce_v peace_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o
those_o experience_n whereas_o man_n shall_v bring_v their_o experience_n to_o the_o word_n and_o not_o the_o word_n to_o their_o experience_n and_o then_o one_o misinterpretation_n draw_v on_o another_o and_o thus_o they_o multiply_v into_o vain_a jangle_n and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n but_o true_a assurance_n be_v a_o serious_a solid_a thing_n &_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o general_a experimental_a knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n which_o once_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o word_n it_o seal_v unto_o and_o so_o it_o confirm_v a_o man_n in_o a_o practical_a savoury_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o whence_o such_o a_o sonl_n be_v full_a of_o the_o hide_a treasure_n of_o divine_a truth_n save_o digest_v and_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o nothing_o but_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n from_o heterogeneous_a employment_n and_o a_o little_a serious_a affective_a preparation_n of_o heart_n to_o ruminate_v upon_o they_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o make_v a_o constant_a feast_n upon_o those_o dainty_n in_o his_o own_o private_a retirement_n and_o to_o communicate_v liberal_o of_o the_o same_o fare_n to_o other_o thence_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o grate_v his_o ear_n or_o afflict_v his_o spirit_n then_o to_o have_v the_o strength_n and_o fervour_n of_o his_o zeal_n draw_v out_o into_o controversy_n see_v he_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o spend_v his_o time_n and_o that_o better_a as_o a_o study_a scholar_n that_o by_o long_a study_n and_o experience_n have_v digest_v all_o manner_n of_o learning_n and_o can_v upon_o all_o occasion_n make_v profitable_a use_n of_o it_o will_v think_v his_o time_n lose_v to_o hear_v a_o company_n of_o fresh_a man_n maintain_v a_o dispute_n about_o grammatical_a and_o logical_a trifle_n but_o a_o young_a raw_a head_a fantastical_a novice_n that_o have_v get_v a_o little_a flashy_a learning_n in_o his_o brain_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n and_o think_v himself_o the_o brave_a fellow_n in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o can_v wrangle_v out_o such_o a_o inconsiderable_a dispute_n 7_o and_o last_o true_a assurance_n be_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o humility_n &_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o intimate_v a_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n shall_v not_o reflect_v low_a thought_n upon_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o such_o a_o man_n can_v but_o say_v lord_z what_o be_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o what_o for_o such_o a_o peevish_a unbebelieve_n impatient_a soul_n as_o i_o that_o have_v tempt_v thou_o by_o abundance_n of_o murmur_n and_o other_o sinful_a provocation_n even_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n to_o be_v notwithstanding_o so_o carry_v in_o thy_o arm_n and_o cheer_v with_o thy_o smile_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o spirit_n o_o what_o be_o i_o vile_a wretch_n that_o god_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o i_o false_a assurance_n on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v proud_a boast_v self-conceited_a etc._n etc._n chap._n xxiv_o a_o case_n how_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o true_a assurance_n be_v mere_o rational_o gather_v or_o from_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n quest_n how_o may_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o a_o true_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v get_v mere_o by_o rational_a deduction_n or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v out_o of_o a_o man_n brain_n or_o wrought_v into_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n answ_n i_o can_v but_o help_v you_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o difference_n these_o work_n though_o they_o real_o differ_v in_o themselves_o yet_o to_o appearance_n be_v very_o like_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v wary_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n 1._o most_o of_o the_o former_a distinction_n between_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o a_o false_a assurance_n from_o satan_n and_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n may_v be_v repeat_v here_o a_o true_a assurance_n get_v in_o a_o irregular_a way_n want_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n to_o elevate_v and_o improve_v it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n so_o it_o must_v act_v only_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o be_v and_o by_o consequence_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n but_o moral_n and_o rational_a to_o the_o production_n of_o those_o impression_n of_o purity_n holiness_n watchfulness_n heavenly_a mindedness_n patience_n seriousness_n and_o solidness_n of_o spiritual_a self-entertainment_n humility_n and_o so_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v thin_a and_o scanty_a and_o superficial_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o same_o effect_n when_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a assurance_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v ordinary_o find_v in_o the_o world_n a_o kind_n of_o formal_a cold_a thin-spread_a honesty_n just_o enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o as_o we_o say_v in_o many_o person_n that_o be_v real_o godly_a of_o who_o a_o man_n may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n gal._n 2._o 6._o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o in_o conference_n add_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v the_o first_o difference_n there_o be_v a_o mighty_a odds_o between_o a_o man_n divine_o assure_v and_o rational_o assure_v in_o the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o all_o those_o fruit_n wherein_o it_o show_v itself_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n a_o man_n that_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o truth_n teach_v it_o with_o far_o more_o life_n and_o authority_n than_o a_o man_n who_o see_v it_o only_o in_o a_o rational_a probable_a light_n 2._o in_o a_o mere_a rational_a assurance_n there_o be_v formido_fw-la oppositi_fw-la as_o in_o a_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n hold_v mere_o on_o probable_a ground_n though_o a_o man_n may_v stiff_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o contrary_a conclusion_n yet_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o confidence_n be_v but_o probable_a and_o therefore_o such_o in_o which_o he_o may_v be_v deceive_v he_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o subject_a to_o say_v but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o this_o while_n and_o though_o this_o opinion_n be_v truth_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o useful_a conclusion_n as_o branch_n grow_v from_o its_o root_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v but_o probable_o persuade_v of_o it_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o mere_o with_o a_o reserve_n this_o be_v true_a to_o i_o in_o the_o mind_n i_o now_o be_o in_o but_o i_o may_v possible_o see_v ground_n to_o alter_v my_o judgement_n thus_o in_o point_n of_o assurance_n rational_a assurance_n be_v it_o never_o so_o full_a exclude_v not_o haesitancy_n thence_o you_o shall_v find_v when_o you_o have_v reason_v with_o a_o doubt_a christian_n a_o long_a time_n it_o may_v be_v when_o you_o go_v away_o from_o he_o you_o leave_v he_o to_o appearance_n well_o satisfy_v and_o pretty_a comfortable_a as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v but_o a_o while_n after_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o heart_n have_v have_v a_o little_a time_n to_o unravel_v the_o web_n of_o your_o reason_n he_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o a_o unstable_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o judgement_n let_v a_o orthodox_n preacher_n speak_v a_o hour_n with_o strength_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n upon_o a_o controvert_v point_n the_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o altogether_o of_o his_o mind_n but_o this_o hold_v only_o till_o the_o next_o cunning_a seducer_n assault_v he_o with_o counter-reason_n and_o then_o the_o man_n waver_v and_o cry_v why_o may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o if_o twenty_o come_v one_o after_o another_o he_o shall_v still_o suspect_v what_o the_o former_a have_v say_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o latter_a thence_o a_o man_n rational_o assure_v can_v to_o the_o most_o say_v no_o more_o for_o himself_o then_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o allude_v to_o his_o expression_n in_o another_o case_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o incline_v to_o think_v good_o of_o myself_o then_o former_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o thereby_o justify_v i_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v deceive_v but_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v what_o if_o that_o that_o i_o take_v for_o love_n of_o god_n be_v but_o lelfe-love_n and_o what_o if_o that_o that_o i_o take_v for_o repentance_n be_v but_o legal_a sorrow_n and_o what_o if_o my_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a fall_v out_o with_o sin_n without_o
that_o god_n he_o take_v he_o for_o that_o there_o be_v error_n personae_fw-la in_o the_o match_n 7_o beware_v of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v often_o before_o warn_v you_o of_o vain_a unprofitable_a erroneous_a or_o ungodly_a company_n this_o will_v not_o only_a damp_n conviction_n i_o have_v show_v you_o so_o much_o before_o but_o comfort_n also_o ordinary_o our_o spirit_n by_o sympathy_n become_v muchwhat_a of_o the_o temper_n and_o alloy_n with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n spirit_n to_o continue_v free_a from_o impression_n of_o sadness_n that_o converse_v with_o a_o mourn_a company_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficult_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v serious_o affect_v though_o he_o have_v never_o so_o important_a business_n in_o hand_n when_o the_o person_n he_o be_v most_o familiar_o conversant_a with_o be_v all_o set_v as_o we_o say_v upon_o a_o merry_a pin_n 1_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a company_n have_v not_o weight_n enough_o in_o they_o to_o add_v any_o ballast_n to_o a_o spirit_n under_o the_o full_a sail_n of_o gracious_a assurance_n nay_o they_o subtract_v and_o withdraw_v that_o which_o it_o have_v before_o within_o itself_o and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v overturn_v while_o the_o heavenly_a gale_n that_o fill_v those_o sail_n for_o want_n of_o a_o serious_a care_n to_o manage_v it_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o blast_n of_o frothy_a carnal_a delight_n which_o will_v soon_o overset_a it_o 2_o erroneous_a and_o for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v very_o well_o put_v they_o together_o ungodly_a company_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o bore_v hole_n in_o the_o vessel_n itself_o to_o corrupt_v a_o man_n principle_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o he_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o brackish_a and_o unsavoury_a water_n both_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o will_v so_o mar_v all_o the_o precious_a lade_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o just_a discontent_n will_v refuse_v to_o fill_v its_o sail_n any_o more_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o labour_n to_o bring_v that_o vessel_n to_o harbour_v which_o be_v lade_v with_o mere_a trash_n and_o rot_a commodity_n erroneous_a company_n will_v endeavour_v to_o break_v the_o chain_n of_o truth_n in_o which_o assurance_n hang_v one_o truth_n lose_v lose_v it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o scandal_n of_o such_o a_o association_n if_o i_o be_v never_o so_o much_o a_o acquaintance_n or_o intimate_v friend_n to_o a_o man_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o accompany_v he_o into_o all_o society_n which_o possible_o he_o may_v be_v engage_v unto_o if_o he_o will_v converse_v with_o i_o i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o either_o in_o a_o way_n of_o privacy_n or_o if_o in_o a_o more_o communicative_a way_n yet_o in_o such_o company_n only_o as_o may_v suit_v my_o genius_n or_o disposition_n my_o quality_n and_o reputation_n or_o else_o there_o i_o will_v leave_v he_o and_o if_o i_o see_v he_o intend_v to_o make_v a_o consolidation_n of_o acquaintance_n and_o converse_n between_o i_o and_o such_o as_o i_o can_v comfortable_o converse_v withal_o i_o will_v break_v off_o familiarity_n with_o he_o altogether_o and_o sure_o i_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n truth_n and_o holiness_n shall_v serve_v i_o otherwise_o if_o i_o abase_v he_o so_o far_o in_o my_o esteem_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v he_o into_o partnership_n with_o i_o in_o the_o society_n of_o empty_a erroneous_a and_o wicked_a man_n no_o question_n but_o such_o a_o affront_n will_v cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v chap._n xxix_o a_o four_o and_o five_o direction_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o our_o evidence_n 4._o be_v much_o in_o the_o act_n of_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n 1_o love_n coolings_n of_o affection_n on_o our_o part_n towards_o god_n god_n can_v bear_v it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a &_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o flag_n in_o our_o love_n when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o full_a and_o most_o enlarge_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o then_o if_o ever_o when_o god_n countenance_n shine_v upon_o we_o will_v it_o make_v our_o face_n reflect_v the_o same_o smile_a beam_n of_o love_n upon_o he_o again_o sure_o such_o enjoyment_n act_n much_o beneath_o themselves_o if_o they_o produce_v not_o a_o love_n strong_a than_o death_n itself_o if_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n use_n to_o love_n god_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v even_o then_o when_o he_o break_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n and_o cover_v they_o with_o the_o shadow_n 19_o psal_n 44._o 19_o of_o death_n if_o when_o he_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o one_o smile_n upon_o their_o soul_n will_v not_o speak_v one_o good_a word_n to_o their_o ache_a heart_n but_o all_o they_o see_v from_o he_o be_v ghastly_a frown_n and_o all_o they_o fear_v from_o he_o be_v chide_v and_o thunder_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a and_o just_a they_o shall_v do_v so_o when_o he_o spread_v his_o own_o banner_n of_o love_n over_o they_o when_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o banquet_a 4._o cant._n 2._o 4._o house_n when_o he_o lay_v his_o left_a hand_n under_o their_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n embrace_v they_o 2_o cant._n 8._o 3._o 1._o 2_o when_o he_o kiss_v they_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o pave_v all_o those_o chariot_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n wherein_o he_o convey_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o himself_o with_o love_n and_o 10._o cant._n 3._o 10._o therefore_o if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n your_o love_n kindle_v not_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a proportion_n you_o can_v but_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v in_o displeasure_n see_v what_o one_o cold_a entertainment_n of_o a_o visit_a christ_n cost_v the_o church_n cant._n 5._o i_o open_v to_o my_o belove_a but_o my_o beloved_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v his_o love_n be_v hot_a in_o the_o visit_n but_o she_o be_v too_o cold_a that_o give_v he_o such_o a_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o when_o she_o open_v at_o last_o he_o be_v go_v v._o 6._o and_o then_o when_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v and_o the_o visit_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v on_o her_o part_n he_o serve_v she_o in_o the_o same_o fashion_n he_o will_v not_o be_v within_o she_o seek_v he_o but_o she_o find_v he_o not_o 2_o thankfulness_n i_o can_v imagine_v if_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o wish_v a_o good_a thing_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o have_v it_o what_o it_o can_v desire_v like_o spiritual_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n it_o be_v as_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o heaven_n itself_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o beatifical_a vision_n proportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o mortal_a creature_n and_o certain_o the_o more_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o happiness_n the_o more_o near_o we_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o the_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o thankfulness_n because_o a_o heavenly_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o the_o great_a fruit_n ion_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o great_a thankfulness_n to_o receive_v extraordinary_a mercy_n with_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n not_o warm_v into_o extraordinary_a sensibleness_n of_o it_o and_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o be_v among_o the_o great_a provocation_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v discovery_n of_o god_n love_n have_v use_v to_o nonplus_n the_o utmost_a ability_n of_o a_o thankful_a heart_n psal_n 116._o 11_o 12._o what_o shall_v i_o render_v say_v david_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o and_o then_o be_v thankfulness_n great_a when_o like_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o occasion_n it_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n 5_o let_v love_n and_o thankfulness_n carry_v you_o on_o with_o delight_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o divine_a discovery_n why_o do_v the_o father_n smile_v upon_o and_o make_v much_o of_o his_o child_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thereby_o encourage_v to_o dutifulness_n and_o obedience_n why_o do_v the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n except_o to_o make_v it_o fruitful_a upon_o these_o term_n the_o church_n be_v engage_v to_o run_v after_o christ_n cant._n 1._o 2._o 3_o 4._o if_o christ_n draw_v with_o ointment_n and_o kiss_n the_o fragrant_a allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o his_o love_n it_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o strength_n and_o agility_n to_o a_o poor_a cripple_a soul_n now_o if_o christ_n find_v that_o you_o receive_v his_o favour_n but_o reject_v his_o command_n that_o his_o countenance_n be_v delightful_a and_o his_o
such_o distract_n suggestion_n and_o you_o then_o watch_v against_o he_o when_o you_o set_v your_o heart_n against_o they_o and_o turn_v your_o prayer_n edge_n against_o they_o till_o you_o have_v cast_v they_o out_o and_o then_o return_v to_o your_o duty_n again_o watch_v against_o your_o usual_a carelessness_n and_o when_o you_o find_v it_o grow_v upon_o you_o do_v likewise_o watch_v against_o vain_a wander_a thought_n and_o throw_v they_o out_o by_o a_o speedy_a lay_v hold_n upon_o some_o more_o weighty_a meditation_n if_o any_o such_o be_v at_o hand_n if_o not_o but_o thou_o find_v thyself_o whole_o possess_v with_o such_o fancy_n do_v as_o before_o i_o advise_v turn_v the_o edge_n of_o thy_o prayer_n for_o that_o while_n against_o they_o watch_v the_o kindle_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o where_o thou_o find_v but_o one_o little_a spark_n of_o fervency_n and_o zeal_n glow_a ply_v that_o meditation_n that_o subject_a hard_a that_o kindle_v it_o follow_v the_o vein_n and_o thou_o will_v be_v master_n of_o the_o mine_n at_o last_o 4_o be_v much_o in_o beg_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o call_v he_o in_o to_o constant_a assistance_n in_o the_o duty_n urge_v his_o office_n upon_o he_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o to_o enliven_v and_o embolden_v the_o saint_n be_v his_o principal_a work_n 5_o rest_v not_o in_o form_n of_o prayer_n i_o do_v no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o a_o godly_a person_n new_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v sometime_o to_o seek_v in_o express_v himself_o before_o other_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o a_o public_a person_n or_o master_n of_o a_o family_n i_o be_o not_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o forbid_v he_o the_o use_n of_o a_o good_a form_n either_o of_o his_o own_o or_o other_o frame_n and_o in_o the_o closet_n it_o may_v be_v good_a to_o read_v now_o and_o then_o for_o example_n and_o pattern_n the_o form_n of_o other_o but_o especial_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o among_o they_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v most_o of_o they_o make_v up_o of_o matter_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o way_n of_o confession_n petition_n or_o thanksgiving_n that_o they_o may_v suggest_v to_o we_o quicken_a matter_n of_o prayer_n nay_o while_o i_o read_v another_o form_n wherein_o i_o meet_v with_o passage_n suitable_a to_o my_o condition_n i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o say_v amen_o to_o such_o petition_n but_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o by_o what_o warrant_v any_o one_o in_o private_a or_o constant_o before_o other_o bind_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a same_o series_n and_o frame_n of_o word_n nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n either_o of_o much_o laziness_n in_o not_o improve_n the_o utmost_a of_o a_o man_n own_o ability_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o enable_v he_o or_o at_o least_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o fond_a and_o erroneous_a conceit_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o mind_v more_o a_o exact_a composure_n of_o petition_n than_o the_o real_a although_o immethodical_a and_o less_o quaint_o dress_v desire_v of_o a_o man_n heart_n the_o truth_n be_v no_o man_n use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n much_o but_o find_v it_o if_o he_o know_v his_o own_o heart_n a_o great_a deadn_v to_o his_o spirit_n if_o a_o preacher_n shall_v twenty_o time_n in_o a_o year_n preach_v over_o the_o same_o sermon_n will_v not_o the_o very_a formalist_n of_o his_o congregation_n and_o indeed_o all_o other_o sleep_n and_o grow_v weary_a under_o such_o preach_n and_o do_v we_o not_o see_v the_o same_o effect_n general_o under_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o at_o least_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v expect_v they_o a_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o same_o form_n be_v a_o more_o tedious_a tautology_n then_o that_o which_o such_o person_n often_o blame_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n viz._n the_o repeat_v again_o and_o again_o the_o same_o petition_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n for_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o fervency_n see_v psalm_n 124._o 4_o 5._o and_o 116._o 14_o 18._o and_o 80._o 3_o 7_o 19_o the_o other_o import_v or_o beget_v laziness_n at_o least_o it_o give_v suspicion_n of_o it_o and_o that_o not_o altogether_o causeless_a to_o other_o which_o have_v much_o of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o it_o object_n but_o sir_n will_v you_o have_v we_o always_o adventure_v upon_o a_o extemporary_a way_n of_o prayer_n shall_v i_o offer_v to_o god_n that_o that_o cost_v i_o nothing_o ans_fw-fr no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o conceive_a prayer_n upon_o the_o variation_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n or_o other_o occasion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o extempore_o prayer_n 1_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v extempore_o in_o a_o form_n if_o he_o come_v unprepared_a and_o rush_v upon_o it_o as_o too_o many_o do_v as_o the_o horse_n into_o the_o battle_n he_o offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o be_v rash_a with_o his_o lip_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v forbid_v eccl._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o man_n may_v always_o very_a as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o yet_o not_o pray_v extempore_o have_v before_o meditate_a upon_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o petition_n and_o lay_v up_o store_n of_o furniture_n for_o prayer_n though_o he_o trust_v much_o to_o present_a gift_n for_o expression_n i_o can_v call_v this_o extemporary_a pray_v 3._o neither_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a upon_o some_o occasion_n and_o in_o some_o case_n to_o adventure_v upon_o this_o duty_n extempore_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n as_o in_o daily_a and_o hourly_o occasional_a ejaculation_n in_o case_n of_o a_o sudden_a call_n unto_o the_o duty_n by_o any_o unexpected_a providence_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n christian_a prudence_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o judge_v right_o the_o petition_n be_v nevertheless_o welcome_a to_o god_n for_o their_o extemporarinesse_n 4_o and_o last_o yet_o must_v we_o use_v this_o liberty_n very_o tender_o and_o suspicious_o lest_o our_o heart_n persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a frequency_n of_o such_o occasion_n than_o there_o be_v and_o so_o it_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o when_o we_o find_v it_o may_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a ability_n without_o ordinary_a endeavour_n as_o sometime_o when_o god_n call_v to_o sudden_a service_n he_o give_v in_o sudden_a supply_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o expect_v the_o same_o ability_n in_o the_o same_o way_n without_o the_o same_o call_v we_o must_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o be_v do_v one_o way_n when_o we_o expect_v extraordinary_a supply_n from_o he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n appoint_v by_o 7._o mat._n 4._o 7._o he_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o chap._n liii_o a_o three_o duty_n to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n press_v 3_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n 1_o under_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n this_o be_v easy_a this_o will_v make_v a_o man_n talk_v with_o god_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n talk_v with_o his_o friend_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o familiarity_n that_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o moses_n exod._n 33._o 11._o to_o commune_v with_o god_n and_o draw_v nigh_o to_o plead_v with_o he_o when_o other_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n as_o abraham_n gen._n 18._o 22_o 33._o 2_o we_o may_v under_o that_o assurance_n claim_v it_o as_o our_o privilege_n a_o prince_n son_n when_o other_o be_v keep_v out_o by_o officer_n and_o guard_n be_v admit_v at_o all_o time_n if_o any_o guard_n stop_v he_o he_o plead_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o relation_n so_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o darkness_n and_o fire_n and_o terror_n round_o about_o god_n that_o seem_v to_o guard_v his_o presence_n from_o a_o creature_n approach_v a_o assure_a saint_n can_v say_v make_v way_n there_o and_o let_v i_o come_v to_o my_o father_n guard_n be_v appoint_v to_o exclude_v stranger_n not_o son_n 3._o god_n expect_v and_o require_v we_o shall_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o his_o throne_n hebr._n 4._o 16._o let_v we_o come_v bold_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n so_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o original_a not_o simple_o any_o thing_n quicquid_fw-la in_o buccam_fw-la for_o solomon_n caution_n we_o against_o that_o eccles_n 5_o 1._o as_o be_v abovesaid_a but_o any_o thing_n that_o become_v the_o reverential_a duty_n and_o honour_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o father_n a_o child_n may_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o father_n that_o be_v that_o become_v a_o child_n to_o speak_v or_o a_o father_n to_o hear_v beside_o he_o may_v speak_v
spiritual_a pride_n may_v undo_v a_o convince_a soul_n it_o may_v make_v a_o man_n take_v that_o for_o the_o end_n which_o be_v but_o the_o way_n nay_o but_o the_o first_o step_n in_o the_o way_n trouble_v of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o rare_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o any_o large_a measure_n especial_o it_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n this_o difference_n a_o soul_n may_v apprehend_v too_o soon_o so_o as_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o work_n on_o his_o spirit_n suppose_v of_o a_o crew_n of_o profane_a person_n the_o conscience_n of_o one_o may_v be_v trouble_v for_o his_o lewd_a course_n and_o this_o trouble_n stick_v close_o and_o drive_v he_o from_o his_o loose_a companion_n and_o to_o resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n now_o be_v satan_n apt_a to_o strike_v in_o and_o blow_v up_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o man_n by_o compare_v himself_o with_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o his_o associate_n still_o be_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v sure_a now_o i_o be_o in_o a_o good_a condition_n for_o i_o have_v be_v trouble_v for_o my_o sin_n and_o forsake_v my_o former_a way_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o save_o convert_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v ground_n to_o take_v comfort_n and_o apply_v promise_n to_o myself_o and_o entertain_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o my_o condition_n here_o let_v i_o at_o least_o allude_v to_o matth_n 12._o 43_o 44_o 45._o the_o unclean_a spirit_n may_v in_o some_o notorious_a lust_n or_o other_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o he_o be_v rest_v less_o till_o he_o have_v again_o recover_v his_o possession_n and_o therefore_o wait_v a_o time_n till_o it_o be_v sweep_v and_o garnish_v till_o a_o barren_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v take_v up_o and_o pride_n make_v such_o person_n carry_v it_o high_a this_o furnish_v a_o lodging_n for_o the_o devil_n than_o he_o return_v but_o in_o another_o disguise_n such_o a_o unclean_a dirty_a spirit_n must_v never_o think_v to_o be_v harbour_v again_o in_o a_o garnish_v house_n therefore_o he_o may_v perhaps_o wipe_v his_o shoe_n at_o the_o door_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n or_o light_n may_v get_v a_o firm_a possession_n a_o erroneous_a devil_n in_o such_o a_o proud_a heart_n may_v get_v possession_n when_o a_o scandalous_a devil_n can_v though_o afterward_o he_o open_v the_o door_n to_o more_o scandalous_a and_o unclean_a than_o himself_o neither_o do_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n only_o give_v advantage_n to_o satan_n but_o it_o also_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o condition_n incapable_a of_o further_a grace_n from_o god_n see_v he_o every_o where_o annex_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v thorough_o humble_v psal_n 25._o 9_o isai_n 4._o 6_o he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 7._o indiscreet_a handle_v by_o godly_a minister_n and_o friend_n as_o many_o a_o child_n that_o come_v to_o the_o birth_n be_v spoil_v by_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o the_o midwife_n now_o here_o be_v two_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v avoid_v a_o birth_n may_v be_v endanger_v by_o over-slacking_a or_o overhastn_v 1_n a_o overrigorous_a exact_v of_o such_o and_o such_o 1_o preparatory_a measure_n in_o all_o as_o in_o some_o or_o 2._o such_o measure_n of_o preparation_n to_o grace_n as_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o before_o grace_n 3_o and_o of_o such_o disposition_n to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o presuppose_v growth_n in_o grace_n so_o when_o i_o find_v a_o soul_n humble_v and_o break_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o work_n by_o all_o likelihood_n be_v serious_a but_o fail_v in_o some_o formality_n of_o what_o be_v ordinary_a and_o usual_a in_o other_o for_o here_o i_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fit_v every_o foot_n with_o one_o shoe_n if_o i_o shall_v hide_v the_o gospel_n which_o only_o convert_v as_o to_o the_o formal_a act_n of_o conversion_n from_o such_o a_o soul_n till_o i_o see_v conviction_n of_o sin_n bring_v a_o sinner_n to_o attempt_v self_n destruction_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o bring_v some_o so_o far_o or_o till_o it_o show_v itself_o in_o a_o flood_n of_o tear_n as_o in_o other_o or_o till_o it_o heighten_v his_o trouble_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o distraction_n as_o in_o other_o here_o i_o go_v beside_o the_o rule_n on_o this_o side_n or_o shall_v i_o require_v in_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o selfrespect_n a_o single_a aim_v at_o god_n glory_n absolute_o divide_v from_o a_o man_n own_o good_a shall_v i_o require_v that_o those_o break_n of_o heart_n which_o i_o discern_v be_v derive_v from_o mere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n etc._n etc._n temper_n which_o must_v needs_o attend_v the_o discovery_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n but_o in_o sense_n and_o evidence_n and_o such_o as_o all_o person_n who_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v not_o find_v or_o at_o least_o very_o weak_o in_o themselves_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v indiscreet_a in_o expect_v and_o require_v that_o from_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o occasion_n the_o damp_a and_o cool_v if_o not_o utter_v quench_v those_o bless_a affection_n through_o despair_n of_o ever_o cause_v the_o stream_n to_o ascend_v so_o high_a and_o so_o furnish_v satan_n and_o man_n cowardly_a slothful_a heart_n with_o matter_n enough_o of_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a to_o detain_v a_o soul_n long_o in_o the_o passage_n from_o death_n to_o life_n hos_fw-la 13._o 13._o 2_o an_n over_o hasty_a and_o inconsiderate_a application_n of_o comfort_n before_o the_o soul_n give_v evidence_n that_o it_o be_v true_o and_o sound_o humble_v and_o this_o be_v overhasten_v the_o birth_n which_o occasion_n many_o distortion_n weakness_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o person_n so_o bear_v into_o the_o new_a world_n and_o divers_a time_n expose_v the_o soul_n to_o eternal_a undo_n see_v there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o over_o early_a and_o abortive_a child_n but_o be_v still-born_a here_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o promise_n that_o concern_v the_o application_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o be_v conditional_a and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o administer_v it_o but_o only_o to_o capable_a subject_n so_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o christ_n tie_v his_o yoke_n and_o rest_v together_o and_o feeling_n and_o remove_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n conjoin_v mat._n 11._o 28_o 29_o 30._o and_o the_o comfortable_a indwel_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o soul_n be_v condition_v with_o a_o humble_a contrite_a and_o tremble_a frame_n of_o spirit_n isai_n 66._o 2_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o mourner_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v mat._n 5._o 4._o now_o certain_o ere_o god_n will_v speak_v he_o will_v not_o only_o find_v show_v of_o these_o temper_n but_o reality_n and_o therefore_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n deputy_n in_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n shall_v labour_v to_o come_v near_o he_o herein_o for_o how_o can_v minister_n keep_v to_o their_o commission_n if_o they_o lose_v where_o god_n bind_v it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o infallibility_n of_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o work_n be_v true_a but_o only_o to_o judge_n by_o the_o effect_n but_o when_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o sway_v their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o real_a conversion_n of_o any_o soul_n then_o to_o speak_v comfort_n be_v a_o duty_n isai_n 40._o 1._o till_o then_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o way_n then_o how_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n be_v this_o we_o must_v search_v whether_o the_o trouble_n be_v real_a or_o counterfeit_a sleight_n or_o deep_a fowl_n or_o clean_a inflame_v or_o not_o and_o according_o either_o widen_v the_o wound_n more_o to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o admit_v a_o tent_n or_o apply_v a_o lenitive_a plaster_n to_o allay_v the_o fire_n of_o it_o or_o a_o draw_v one_o to_o fetch_v out_o the_o corruption_n or_o last_o a_o heal_a to_o close_v the_o orifice_n and_o indeed_o while_o the_o trouble_n be_v mere_o legal_a and_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n the_o main_a care_n and_o skill_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o friend_n as_o to_o such_o a_o one_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_a between_o these_o two_o extreme_n the_o heighten_v the_o trouble_n so_o as_o to_o render_v the_o soul_n too_o superstitious_o fearful_a to_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o lightning_n or_o asswage_v it_o so_o as_o to_o undo_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o lusory_a and_o unsound_a
the_o long_o you_o go_v without_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n the_o more_o difficult_o will_v you_o obtain_v it_o the_o more_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v instruct_v in_o satan_n sophistry_n to_o elude_v argument_n of_o comfort_n if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o look_v towards_o god_n the_o more_o experience_n will_v you_o have_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n deceitfulness_n sothat_a you_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o we_o ordinary_o do_v with_o common_a liar_n hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n when_o they_o speak_v the_o truth_n concern_v you_o if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o neglect_v both_o grace_n and_o assurance_n know_v that_o the_o more_o difficult_o will_v you_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o accept_v of_o grace_n the_o long_a you_o delay_v it_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n heb._n 3._o 13._o the_o spirit_n grieve_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o get_v grace_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o if_o you_o get_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o testify_v that_o you_o have_v it_o though_o god_n give_v such_o man_n grace_v as_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o last_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o encouragement_n to_o other_o to_o delay_v in_o like_a manner_n if_o he_o shall_v ordinary_o let_v they_o know_v it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o get_v it_o much_o more_o difficult_a when_o delay_v many_o soul_n for_o many_o year_n together_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n and_o when_o they_o drink_v mingle_v their_o drink_n with_o weep_v their_o sleep_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n be_v overcast_v with_o a_o sad_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n they_o go_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o ordinance_n rise_v many_o a_o night_n to_o pray_v when_o other_o sleep_n chasten_v their_o soul_n with_o fast_v and_o go_v heavy_o all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o this_o as_o i_o say_v for_o divers_a year_n together_o and_o this_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o year_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o with_o much_o ado_n can_v get_v little_a more_o than_o some_o flash_n of_o comfort_n now_o and_o then_o some_o gleam_n of_o light_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o to_o save_v they_o at_o a_o desperate_a pinch_n and_o after_o long_a exercise_n in_o a_o doubtful_a medley_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n a_o sad_a twilight_n of_o sorrow_n and_o support_n at_o last_o recover_v this_o testimony_n in_o and_o to_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o person_n who_o out_o of_o wilfulness_n or_o spiritual_a sloth_n put_v off_o the_o procure_n this_o bless_a certainty_n to_o themselves_o till_o old_a age_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n shall_v sudden_o leap_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a damnable_a estate_n into_o a_o assure_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n sure_o the_o stream_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n be_v least_o favourable_a to_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n itself_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o slow_a in_o give_v as_o they_o be_v in_o seek_v this_o assure_v testimony_n chap._n xi_o certain_a hindrance_n of_o get_v assurance_n of_o our_o adoption_n remove_v quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thereby_o be_v assure_v of_o my_o justification_n and_o adoption_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v divers_a hindrance_n to_o be_v temove_v and_o then_o divers_a direction_n to_o be_v follow_v hindrance_n be_v 1_o a_o secret_a murmur_a frame_n of_o spirit_n against_o god_n present_a dispensation_n towards_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o wont_a course_n with_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n have_v set_v thou_o up_o as_o the_o only_a mark_n of_o his_o displeasure_n which_o discontent_n be_v secret_o augment_v by_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o attainment_n of_o other_o such_o and_o such_o have_v attain_v such_o and_o such_o comfort_n and_o walk_v cheerful_o but_o god_n keep_v i_o in_o the_o dark_a like_v they_o that_o be_v dead_a long_a ago_o and_o then_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o soul_n many_o time_n quarrel_n at_o god_n for_o do_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o wish_v any_o change_n even_o to_o what_o it_o be_v or_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v will_v god_n say_v they_o we_o have_v dye_v in_o egypt_n nay_o will_v god_n we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n any_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v thus_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o these_o tempest_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v make_v satan_n tennis-bal_n the_o gaze_a stock_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o ourselves_o etc._n etc._n friend_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n know_v the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v to_o smile_v on_o thy_o heart_n by_o these_o mean_n such_o a_o dogged_a sullen_a frame_n of_o spirit_n will_v but_o procure_v thou_o the_o more_o lash_n and_o continue_v thou_o the_o long_o in_o the_o wilderness_n israel_n murmur_n keep_v they_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n hereby_o they_o vex_v god_n holy_a spirit_n isai_n 63._o 10_o and_o so_o do_v thou_o and_o thou_o may_v expect_v a_o proportionable_a deal_n at_o god_n hand_n 2_o a_o kind_n of_o delight_n in_o complain_v against_o thyself_o and_o take_v satan_n part_n many_o time_n in_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o own_o soul_n sometime_o a_o kind_n of_o sinful_a humility_n sometime_o a_o apprehension_n of_o ease_n in_o vent_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sometime_o a_o design_n of_o provoke_v other_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o apply_v those_o corrosive_n and_o terror_n to_o they_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o portion_n make_v many_o person_n liberal_a in_o charge_v themselves_o in_o this_o sort_n and_o sometime_o satan_n help_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o themselves_o then_o indeed_o belong_v to_o they_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n beyond_o measure_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o the_o vile_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o constant_a use_n i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n grow_v out_o of_o such_o libel_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v never_o so_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o that_o tune_n i_o grant_v a_o serious_a moderate_a and_o discreet_a complain_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o want_n to_o such_o from_o who_o advice_n and_o prayer_n we_o may_v expect_v good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v get_v their_o advice_n and_o prayer_n they_o know_v our_o condition_n particular_o and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o help_v we_o by_o such_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o case_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a but_o necessary_a but_o to_o be_v always_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n urge_v these_o indictment_n against_o one_o self_n and_o mere_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v put_v from_o ourselves_o those_o comfortable_a truth_n which_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v fasten_v upon_o we_o do_v but_o more_o indispose_v we_o to_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n and_o teach_v satan_n a_o art_n of_o trouble_v we_o everlasting_o with_o our_o own_o like_n and_o approbation_n take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n that_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n till_o he_o can_v find_v no_o matter_n of_o complaint_n against_o himself_o may_v go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o thank_v himself_o for_o it_o 3._o a_o unthankful_a denial_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o material_a ground_n of_o all_o regular_a assurance_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n or_o at_o least_o mitigate_a qualify_a and_o extenuate_v they_o this_o ordinary_o accompany_v the_o former_a a_o soul_n that_o delight_v itself_o in_o pick_v quarrel_n against_o its_o own_o peace_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o bring_v to_o own_o any_o good_a concern_v itself_o tell_v a_o man_n in_o this_o frame_n sir_n you_o be_v one_o of_o god_n call_v once_o for_o you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o a_o gracious_a change_n upon_o your_o heart_n you_o now_o hate_v sin_n &_o count_v it_o your_o great_a burden_n which_o once_o you_o love_v and_o judge_v it_o your_o great_a comfort_n you_o have_v a_o unsatisfiable_a longing_n after_o christ_n not_o only_o in_o his_o merit_n but_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o without_o he_o you_o have_v a_o heart_n perfect_o break_v off_o from_o all_o your_o old_a company_n and_o all_o your_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n
of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v declare_v that_o as_o far_o as_o the_o word_n give_v he_o ground_n to_o judge_v of_o thy_o case_n he_o full_o persuade_v himself_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n isai_n 44._o 26._o and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n mat._n 16._o 19_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v err_v in_o the_o application_n and_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o mistake_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o seldom_o do_v a_o godly_a know_a minister_n and_o such_o a_o one_o only_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v consult_v in_o such_o case_n so_o gross_o mistake_v the_o case_n of_o his_o soul-patient_a as_o to_o misapply_v comfort_n but_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v hold_v water_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o he_o can_v be_v so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o his_o own_o as_o to_o go_v about_o wilful_o to_o deceive_v thou_o so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o serious_a and_o experience_a christian_n that_o although_o they_o can_v absolve_v the_o trouble_a soul_n authoritative_o as_o minister_n can_v and_o charge_v you_o to_o rest_v in_o their_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o may_v pass_v a_o private_a sentence_n upon_o your_o condition_n from_o the_o word_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o you_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o reject_v it_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o but_o to_o allow_v it_o some_o weight_n in_o your_o serious_a thought_n the_o least_o that_o you_o can_v allow_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o person_n of_o both_o sort_n concern_v your_o estate_n be_v 1._o a_o charitable_a interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o give_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o think_v thus_o of_o it_o why_o may_v not_o i_o in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n of_o spirit_n be_v rather_o deceive_v in_o my_o judgement_n of_o myself_o than_o such_o person_n who_o as_o they_o be_v free_a from_o my_o distemper_n and_o entire_o love_v my_o soul_n so_o have_v more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o experience_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o mistake_v 2_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v good_a the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o receive_v they_o 3_o a_o suspension_n of_o any_o severe_a determination_n or_o sentence_n concern_v yourself_o see_v you_o find_v so_o many_o suppose_v able_a than_o yourself_o to_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n 4_o a_o strive_v and_o labour_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n by_o meditation_n upon_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o pass_v their_o judgement_n of_o you_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o 5._o to_o follow_v their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n ground_v thereupon_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o you_o can_v and_o to_o blame_v yourselves_o before_o god_n when_o you_o do_v not_o do_v so_o isai_n 50._o 10._o who_o be_v there_o among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_z obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n chap._n fourteen_o the_o first_o direction_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o its_o witness_v act._n and_o first_o concern_v exercise_v frequent_a act_n of_o reliance_n as_o also_o a_o case_n concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o reliance_n in_o want_n of_o assurance_n how_o it_o can_v be_v faith_n in_o four_o noble_a act_n describe_v after_o the_o removal_n of_o hindrance_n follow_v these_o direction_n i._o exercise_v frequent_a act_n of_o reliance_n upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o which_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o thou_o together_o with_o the_o offer_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n back_v they_o quest_n but_o how_o can_v i_o rely_v upon_o that_o grace_n which_o i_o be_o not_o assure_v belong_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o rely_v upon_o a_o friend_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o moment_n concern_v who_o i_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n that_o he_o ever_o intend_v i_o any_o good_a i_o may_v deceive_v myself_o and_o thereby_o undo_v myself_o while_o i_o lean_a to_o a_o break_a reed_n answ_n 1._o the_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v i_o in_o particular_a be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o reliance_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v act_n of_o reliance_n that_o follow_v assurance_n when_o a_o man_n rely_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o know_v friend_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v act_n of_o reliance_n that_o precede_v assurance_n as_o when_o i_o rely_v upon_o god_n as_o one_o that_o have_v offer_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o that_o will_v due_o make_v use_n of_o he_o such_o a_o friend_n i_o be_o not_o assure_v be_v my_o friend_n in_o particular_a before_o i_o go_v to_o he_o but_o i_o go_v to_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o offer_n claim_v his_o promise_n and_o resolve_v to_o adventure_v myself_o thereupon_o and_o thus_o at_o last_o i_o get_v a_o good_a word_n from_o he_o that_o give_v i_o a_o particular_a assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o according_a to_o my_o faith_n mat._n 9_o 29._o that_o you_o may_v understand_v this_o the_o more_o clear_o know_v there_o be_v these_o four_o act_n in_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v like_o so_o many_o stair_n one_o above_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o other_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v all_o be_v bring_v together_o in_o time_n but_o in_o nature_n i_o apprehend_v from_o the_o word_n they_o be_v produce_v in_o this_o order_n those_o be_v 1_o acceptance_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o poor_a undo_v sinner_n through_o christ_n who_o abandon_v and_o renounce_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n be_v content_v to_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o this_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o say_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o and_o according_o i_o accept_v of_o these_o term_n and_o resolve_v in_o god_n strength_n i_o will_v not_o seek_v salvation_n in_o any_o other_o name_n lord_n christ_n accept_v of_o i_o i_o surrender_v myself_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o beseech_v thou_o discharge_v all_o thy_o office_n on_o and_o for_o i_o this_o be_v call_v receive_v john_n 1._o 12._o it_o be_v sometime_o express_v by_o a_o term_n of_o motion_n come_v to_o christ_n john_n 6._o 37._o yea_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o he_o heb._n 6._o 18._o both_o which_o imply_v renunciation_n of_o other_o security_n and_o accept_v his_o alone_a 2_o claim_n the_o next_o thing_n apprehend_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o general_a offer_n of_o these_o term_n and_o salvation_n by_o they_o unto_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o christ_n and_o god_n earnest_a invitation_n to_o accept_v of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n like_v and_o accept_v and_o come_v this_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o way_n be_v passable_a and_o those_o be_v all_o that_o exclude_v not_o themselves_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v isai_n 55._o 1._o apoc._n 22._o 17._o let_v whoever_o will_v come_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o be_v lord_n i_o come_v lord_n i_o put_v in_o for_o a_o share_n in_o this_o offer_n this_o be_v call_v lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 6._o 18._o 3_o reliance_n or_o dependence_n this_o be_v a_o gracious_a offer_n indeed_o say_v the_o soul_n and_o i_o have_v put_v in_o for_o a_o share_n in_o it_o but_o may_v i_o depend_v upon_o it_o yes_o say_v the_o gospel_n and_o there_o come_v in_o the_o promise_n second_v the_o offer_n and_o invitation_n thou_o may_v adventure_v thy_o soul_n on_o it_o for_o god_n have_v say_v that_o who_o ever_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o john_n 6._o 37._o that_o he_o that_o thirst_v come_v shall_v eat_v that_o which_o be_v good_a etc._n etc._n isai_n 55._o 1_o 2_o 3_o matth._n 11._o 28._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o be_v sink_v or_o swim_v i_o will_v adventure_v my_o soul_n upon_o this_o promise_n i_o will_v carry_v it_o to_o hell_n with_o i_o in_o my_o die_a gripe_n if_o i_o must_v perish_v though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o as_o job_n say_v under_o affliction_n job_n 10._o 13._o this_o act_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o trust_v in_o god_n ephes_n 1_o 12_o 13._o trust_v and_o stay_v a_o man_n self_n on_o god_n isai_n 50._o
it_o ephes_n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o you_o hear_v you_o trust_v and_o after_o you_o believe_v credidistis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aor_n 1._o postquam_fw-la credidissetiâ—_n not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dum_fw-la credidistis_fw-la or_o trust_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o receive_v its_o earnest_n see_v also_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o now_o come_v to_o christ_n receive_v christ_n apply_v christ_n for_o justification_n be_v sufficient_a qualification_n to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n because_o where_o spiritual_a life_n be_v there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o all_o such_o food_n as_o may_v strengthen_v it_o 2._o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o its_o promise_n now_o promise_v become_v i_o by_o claim_n and_o reliance_n if_o then_o i_o have_v right_a only_o to_o one_o promise_v nay_o if_o i_o can_v but_o lay_v claim_n to_o one_o i_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o have_v that_o seal_v to_o i_o suppose_v this_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n make_v weary_a of_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o the_o great_a burden_n in_o the_o world_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o christ_n to_o ease_v i_o of_o it_o hereupon_o i_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_n thus_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o have_v do_v thus_o for_o i_o bless_a be_v thy_o name_n whereas_o i_o account_v sin_v a_o pleasure_n once_o now_o i_o account_v it_o a_o burden_n make_v good_a thy_o promise_n to_o i_o ease_v i_o i_o claim_v this_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o thy_o promise_n mat._n 11._o 28._o if_o hereupon_o i_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n desire_v god_n to_o seal_v to_o this_o promise_n which_o i_o lie_v hold_v upon_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v unworthy_o though_o i_o have_v no_o witness_n in_o my_o heart_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o belong_v to_o christ_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o it_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v to_o that_o claim_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n upon_o it_o that_o entitle_v i_o to_o he_o and_o that_o that_o entitle_v i_o to_o christ_n give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o i_o say_v but_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a head_n object_n but_o let_v this_o faith_n be_v what_o it_o will_v i_o must_v know_v that_o i_o have_v it_o ere_o i_o come_v else_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v examination_n before_o i_o come_v and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o substance_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o be_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o believe_v in_o he_o necessary_o imply_v be_v in_o he_o answ_n sacramental_a examination_n do_v not_o presuppose_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o certain_a or_o assure_a knowledge_n that_o i_o have_v the_o grace_n which_o i_o examine_v myself_o for_o but_o only_o a_o find_v those_o act_n in_o myself_o which_o ordinary_o those_o grace_n appear_v in_o my_o heart_n deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o itself_o in_o the_o search_n and_o my_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a though_o at_o present_a i_o see_v not_o that_o they_o be_v true_a suppose_v that_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o weight_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o judge_v they_o false_a nay_o if_o i_o shall_v see_v cause_n to_o condemn_v those_o former_a act_n which_o i_o take_v for_o gracious_a as_o false_a and_o unsound_a yet_o upon_o that_o conviction_n if_o i_o serious_o labour_v to_o set_v they_o right_n now_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o but_o to_o draw_v nigh_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o expect_v strength_n to_o prosper_v my_o endeavour_n and_o give_v i_o evidence_n in_o god_n time_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a than_o every_o christian_a under_o desertion_n and_o doubt_v must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sure_o if_o so_o the_o fit_a person_n that_o can_v be_v will_v be_v debar_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fit_a for_o a_o strengthen_n ordinance_n then_o such_o soul_n to_o exemplify_v the_o present_a case_n a_o man_n examine_v his_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n he_o find_v some_o such_o act_n as_o look_v like_o the_o act_n of_o those_o grace_n yet_o he_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no_o he_o therefore_o examine_v faith_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n purify_n the_o heart_n work_v by_o love_n overcome_v the_o world_n repentance_n by_o hatred_n of_o sin_n of_o all_o sin_n sincere_a endeavour_n of_o future_a obedience_n some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o he_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o conclude_v he_o have_v not_o and_o yet_o he_o think_v he_o may_v deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v that_o he_o have_v they_o here_o be_v his_o case_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v shall_v he_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n or_o no_o i_o answer_v yes_o for_o i_o be_o fit_a for_o the_o sacrament_n when_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o upon_o good_a ground_n condemn_v i_o unwarrantable_a scruple_n do_v not_o unfit_a i_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o my_o heart_n do_v always_o clear_o absolve_v i_o see_v what_o john_n faith_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o they_o actual_o absolve_v we_o many_o needless_a scruple_n may_v hinder_v that_o but_o if_o they_o condemn_v we_o not_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o conscience_n enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n a_o ignorant_a wordless_a conscience_n its_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n be_v nothing_o in_o this_o case_n but_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n i._n e._n ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n ground_n of_o approach_n to_o those_o seal_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n be_v bestow_v and_o increase_v 2_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o a_o worthy_a participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o i_o be_v able_a satisfactory_o to_o evidence_n to_o my_o own_o heart_n the_o truth_n of_o every_o grace_n require_v thereunto_o one_o grace_n sometime_o may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o another_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a it_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n in_o myself_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v it_o by_o argument_n to_o prove_v such_o or_o such_o a_o grace_n thereby_o for_o example_n sometime_o repentance_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a to_o a_o man_n then_o faith_n sometime_o love_v more_o visible_a then_o both_o sometime_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o all_o distinct_o yet_o he_o see_v something_o which_o he_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o supernatural_a change_n and_o this_o change_n he_o find_v he_o can_v rest_v till_o it_o be_v increase_v and_o improve_v to_o great_a perfection_n if_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o else_o yet_o he_o find_v earnest_a and_o hearty_a desire_n after_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o a_o fountain_n of_o pardon_v but_o also_o of_o purge_v grace_n these_o desire_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v judge_v be_v not_o counterfeit_v though_o many_o time_n weak_a now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o the_o soul_n must_v consider_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n though_o a_o man_n grace_n be_v very_o infirm_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o staff_n but_o a_o reed_n and_o a_o reed_n too_o not_o firm_a but_o bruise_v and_o though_o the_o kindle_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o in_o smoke_a flax_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o those_o that_o kindle_v a_o fire_n that_o put_v some_o peel_a stalk_n of_o flax_n or_o straw_n or_o some_o such_o combustible_a thing_n under_o the_o wood_n to_o make_v it_o burn_v which_o if_o it_o be_v moist_a will_v not_o flame_v out_o by_o and_o by_o but_o smoke_n a_o while_n and_o then_o kindle_v though_o grace_n be_v but_o yet_o a_o embryo_n as_o fire_n in_o smoke_a flax_n which_o a_o man_n can_v scarce_o tell_v whether_o it_o will_v burn_v or_o no_o yet_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v much_o of_o it_o as_o a_o servant_n do_v of_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o wisp_n of_o straw_n and_o gentle_o blow_v it_o up_o till_o it_o flame_n isai_n 42._o 3._o he_o be_v to_o consider_v moreover_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o small_a measure_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v ground_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v true_a that_o though_o he_o can_v see_v faith_n repentance_n love_n yet_o where_o these_o desire_n be_v they_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o a_o gracious_a change_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o a_o gracious_a change_n
be_v yea_o &_o amen_o sure_a and_o firm_a in_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o purchase_n propter_fw-la pretium_fw-la solutum_fw-la as_o a_o bargain_n be_v to_o the_o purchaser_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o price_n whether_o any_o man_n think_v they_o so_o or_o no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v they_o sure_a to_o the_o party_n for_o who_o they_o be_v purchase_v per_fw-la possessionem_fw-la inchoatam_fw-la by_o a_o inchoated_a possession_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o lard_n of_o canaan_n by_o a_o few_o cluster_n of_o grape_n and_o a_o man_n enter_v upon_o a_o great_a estate_n by_o the_o cut_n of_o a_o turf_n upon_o the_o land_n assurance_n be_v a_o turf_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n by_o the_o spirit_n i_o can_v add_v many_o more_o place_n i_o will_v name_v at_o present_a only_o one_o more_o and_o that_o be_v rom._n 5._o 5._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o abundant_a shed_v abroad_o of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o our_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a if_o one_o man_n build_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o in_o business_n of_o concernment_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o produce_v he_o in_o open_a court_n his_o testimony_n come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n or_o his_o testimony_n appear_v suspicious_a a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o lose_v his_o cause_n but_o his_o hope_n also_o and_o be_v public_o shame_v for_o his_o confidence_n in_o such_o a_o testimony_n but_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n plentiful_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o will_v never_o make_v we_o ashamed_a his_o testimony_n will_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o his_o cause_n up_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o deputy_n conscience_n whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n whether_o here_o or_o hereafter_o at_o the_o great_a day_n 2._o reason_n and_o herein_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o assurance_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v regular_o be_v a_o demonstration_n a_o demonstration_n say_v logician_n be_v syllogismus_fw-la scientificus_fw-la a_o argument_n that_o produce_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n conclude_v demonstration_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o and_o why._n 1_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v i_o can_v certain_o prove_v that_o the_o tree_n live_v because_o it_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o leaf_n and_o fruit_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o present_a good_a temper_n of_o body_n because_o he_o have_v a_o good_a pulse_n and_o this_o be_v call_v demonstratio_fw-la ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la or_o demonstratio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o the_o spirit_n certain_o prove_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o adoption_n thus_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o certain_a testimony_n the_o major_n of_o this_o argument_n he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a scripture_n and_o set_v forth_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o minor_a or_o second_v proposition_n be_v true_a by_o experience_n which_o i_o see_v by_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v i_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v demonstrative_o true_a such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n 2_o why_o it_o be_v and_o this_o also_o have_v place_n here_o i_o can_v certain_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v day_n because_o the_o sun_n shine_v that_o make_v day_n so_o if_o the_o spirit_n conclude_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v of_o god_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o argument_n be_v demonstrative_a and_o produce_v where_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o home_n a_o certain_a assent_n this_o be_v demonstratio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o conclude_v the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o good_a estate_n by_o a_o argument_n à _fw-la priori_fw-la that_o be_v by_o that_o which_o constitute_v he_o in_o such_o a_o estate_n as_o suppose_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o conversion_n which_o constitute_v he_o such_o or_o rather_o whether_o his_o only_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o that_o convert_v grace_n that_o make_v he_o so_o because_o grace_n in_o its_o first_o generation_n be_v dark_a answ_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n 1._o if_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o immediate_o testify_v or_o mediate_o but_o not_o by_o argument_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v heretofore_o than_o he_o can_v assure_v a_o man_n without_o the_o present_a use_n of_o either_o of_o these_o mean_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o please_v work_v a_o immediate_a consent_n to_o this_o proposition_n at_o first_o conversion_n i_o be_o at_o this_o instant_n beget_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o minor_a proposition_n in_o the_o syllogism_n which_o be_v a_o implicit_a assurance_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o spirit_n testify_v as_o he_o ordinary_o do_v i_o e._n by_o argument_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o own_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o evidence_n or_o in-evidence_n of_o the_o proposition_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o conclusion_n if_o the_o spirit_n give_v light_a to_o they_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v tell_v a_o soul_n under_o his_o own_o vis_fw-la plastica_fw-la in_o the_o very_a womb_n of_o renew_v grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o regeneration_n this_o work_n i_o be_o now_o work_v be_v a_o regenerate_a work_n god_n be_v now_o beget_v true_a grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a evidence_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o conclusion_n thou_o regenerate_v person_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n every_o one_o who_o god_n beget_v to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o certain_o from_o scripture_n the_o assumption_n but_o thou_o be_v one_o who_o god_n at_o this_o instant_n have_v beget_v to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v true_a by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n testify_v to_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n who_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v enable_v to_o feel_v that_o work_n upon_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o evidence_n may_v be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n though_o it_o be_v à _fw-fr priori_fw-la yet_o will_v i_o be_v understand_v wary_o in_o what_o caution_n caution_n i_o say_v herein_o 1._o i_o only_o affirm_v a_o possibility_n of_o receive_v assurance_n this_o way_n not_o a_o usual_a or_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o all_o or_o any_o that_o i_o know_v in_o particular_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o hear_v oftentimes_o plead_v for_o by_o some_o of_o god_n precious_a one_o who_o experience_n in_o this_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v more_o than_o i_o i_o can_v say_v less_o than_o this_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o of_o a_o antinomian_a spirit_n that_o reject_v all_o trial_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o regeneration_n which_o i_o still_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a road_n way_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v assurance_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v more_o 2_o remember_v that_o before_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o habitual_a and_o fix_v settle_a permanent_a actual_a assurance_n be_v collect_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o follow_v the_o first_o act_n of_o unite_n grace_n though_o a_o present_a temporary_a actual_a assurance_n may_v possible_o be_v give_v in_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o actual_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v so_o assure_v at_o first_o not_o to_o rest_v there_o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o ratify_v and_o habituate_v that_o assurance_n
the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o withal_o from_o their_o first_o vocation_n but_o it_o include_v even_o those_o doctrine_n of_o comfort_n which_o precede_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o truth_n they_o be_v part_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v tell_v they_o 2_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a have_v once_o verify_v the_o evidence_n by_o the_o test_n of_o the_o word_n to_o lay_v it_o up_o against_o a_o day_n of_o trial_n divine_a truth_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n for_o direction_n and_o divine_a experience_n for_o consolation_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n this_o court_n recorder_n be_v memory_n and_o its_o record_n in_o such_o a_o day_n be_v of_o especial_a use_n and_o importance_n record_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o other_o former_o see_v psalm_n 119._o 52._o i_o remember_v thy_o judgement_n of_o old_a and_o have_v comfort_v myself_o i_o e._n those_o judgement_n by_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v thy_o people_n to_o triumph_v over_o their_o enemy_n in_o former_a time_n so_o also_o of_o our_o own_o experience_n see_v both_o together_o psal_n 77._o 5_o 6_o the_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o recorder_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v be_v too_o to_o blame_v in_o the_o lay_n up_o his_o evidence_n so_o that_o it_o cost_v much_o search_n before_o he_o can_v find_v it_o i_o commune_v with_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n the_o septuagint_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d my_o spirit_n dig_v as_o we_o do_v for_o hide_a treasure_n that_o must_v have_v much_o rubbish_n remove_v ere_o we_o can_v come_v at_o it_o but_o their_o sense_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o different_a read_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n other_o read_z scopabam_fw-la i_o sweep_v it_o seem_v by_o his_o careless_a keep_n he_o have_v suffer_v his_o evidence_n to_o be_v throw_v inâ—…_n dusty_a corner_n among_o waste_a paper_n and_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o sweep_v for_o they_o ere_o he_o can_v find_v they_o but_o however_o when_o he_o find_v they_o he_o make_v excellent_a use_n of_o they_o for_o by_o they_o he_o recover_v strength_n to_o check_v his_o present_a unbelief_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a ver_fw-la 5._o and_o i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n ver_fw-la 6._o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a ver_fw-la 10._o and_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n v._n 11._o and_o these_o remembrance_n prove_v a_o great_a strengthen_n to_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n david_n have_v some_o psalm_n to_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n psalm_n 38_o and_o 70._o and_o christ_n have_v leave_v ordinance_n for_o this_o end_n the_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 12_o 13._o and_o sacrament_n do_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d luke_n 22._o 19_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o special_a mean_n of_o keep_v fresh_a one_o another_o experience_n by_o conference_n and_o communication_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a good_a course_n to_o charge_n memory_n to_o record_v careful_o all_o the_o visit_n and_o smile_n and_o embrace_n of_o god_n spirit_n together_o with_o all_o the_o passage_n which_o may_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o afterward_o as_o we_o do_v in_o evidence_n concern_v a_o temporal_a estate_n we_o record_v the_o seal_v day_n and_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o conveyance_n so_o in_o this_o case_n bid_v memory_n put_v down_o at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o place_n upon_o such_o a_o prayer_n sermon_n when_o i_o be_v in_o such_o a_o exigency_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o hair_n breadth_n between_o i_o and_o despair_n such_o a_o sad_a cloud_n be_v scatter_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o such_o a_o promise_n give_v i_o as_o much_o comfort_n and_o joy_n as_o my_o heart_n can_v hold_v and_o i_o then_o set_v to_o my_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a by_o believe_v joh_n 2._o 33_o and_o i_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o these_o experience_n by_o a_o follow_a assistance_n against_o such_o corruption_n or_o strength_n against_o such_o temptation_n or_o power_n more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n this_o course_n be_v careful_o take_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v how_o great_a a_o awe_n it_o will_v cast_v upon_o a_o man_n jealous_a and_o suspicious_a heart_n that_o it_o will_v scarce_o dare_v to_o entertain_v a_o doubt_n against_o a_o evidence_n so_o clear_a and_o so_o careful_o record_v except_o satan_n can_v imbezel_n the_o record_n or_o corrupt_v they_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o treacherous_a memory_n in_o some_o considerable_a passage_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a he_o know_v to_o commence_v a_o fresh_a suit_n against_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n in_o such_o case_n will_v as_o the_o psalmist_n have_v recourse_n to_o those_o record_n and_o clear_v his_o title_n against_o such_o disturbance_n psal_n 77._o suprà _fw-la chap._n xxvii_o the_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v these_o evidence_n in_o the_o second_o place_n 2_o strengthen_v your_o evidence_n daily_o 1_o by_o strengthen_v ordinance_n 1_o the_o word_n hear_v read_z meditate_a upon_o all_o these_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o time_n be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o care_n david_n always_o keep_v up_o a_o faint_a assurance_n with_o a_o word_n my_o soul_n melt_v for_o heaviness_n strengthen_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal_n 119._o 28._o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n in_o my_o affliction_n for_o thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o psal_n 50._o uphold_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 116._o promise_n be_v the_o food_n of_o faith_n cordial_n of_o hope_n the_o crutch_n of_o patience_n the_o principal_a feather_n in_o the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n threaten_n caution_n we_o against_o those_o course_n as_o will_v weaken_v assurance_n precept_n direct_v we_o in_o such_o way_n as_o will_v continue_v and_o improve_v it_o example_n be_v so_o many_o rule_v case_n as_o they_o say_v in_o law_n which_o may_v add_v light_n to_o a_o man_n when_o there_o be_v need_n to_o search_v record_n as_o before_o say_v the_o whole_a word_n be_v the_o fuel_n that_o maintain_v the_o fire_n of_o assurance_n and_o meditation_n blow_v up_o the_o coal_n 2_o prayer_n and_o this_o apply_v the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o soul_n perpetual_a plea_n against_o all_o litigious_a molestation_n if_o satan_n or_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n at_o any_o time_n call_v his_o evidence_n into_o question_n away_o fly_v prayer_n to_o god_n and_o plead_v promise_n and_o example_n holy_a precedent_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o temptation_n this_o way_n it_o be_v that_o way_n of_o continual_a intercourse_n with_o god_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n daily_a return_n of_o holy_a familiarity_n which_o can_v but_o nourish_v a_o constant_a persuasion_n of_o his_o unchangeable_a love_n as_o mutual_a letter_n maintain_v a_o good_a intelligence_n among_o friend_n 3_o sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v remembrancer_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o the_o seal_v of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o particular_a applicatory_a sign_n and_o token_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_n not_o only_o to_o give_v as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o but_o also_o to_o confirm_v and_o continue_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n require_v a_o frequent_a attendance_n upon_o that_o ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 25._o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o imply_v frequent_a drink_n it_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o frequent_a reduction_n of_o those_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o our_o consideration_n must_v needs_o strengthen_v it_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v strengthen_v by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o those_o action_n by_o which_o they_o be_v first_o beget_v and_o produce_v now_o though_o gracious_a habit_n be_v not_o get_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a power_n as_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v yet_o they_o be_v produce_v as_o i_o before_o have_v show_v by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o natural_a method_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o though_o no_o ground_n apprehend_v by_o the_o understanding_n can_v of_o themselves_o beget_v faith_n yet_o a_o divine_a power_n never_o produce_v they_o but_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o some_o ground_n and_o therefore_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o god_n in_o all_o its_o
again_o to_o a_o assure_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o precede_a doctrine_n when_o a_o man_n be_v find_v in_o two_o contrary_a tale_n we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o they_o we_o may_v believe_v a_o man_n can_v never_o this_o suppose_a have_v solid_a comfort_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v recant_v it_o and_o testify_v the_o quite_o contrary_a chap._n xxxv_o the_o cause_n of_o legal_a terror_n in_o saint_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o legal_a terror_n which_o after_o conversion_n and_o assurance_n many_o time_n surprise_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n answ_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a cause_n be_v satan_n who_o combine_v with_o our_o own_o suspicious_a and_o distrustful_a or_o melancholy_a spirit_n or_o by_o divine_a permission_n or_o last_o by_o take_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n bring_v we_o into_o this_o darkness_n psal_n 143._o 3._o the_o enemy_n have_v persecute_v my_o soul_n he_o have_v make_v i_o to_o dwell_v in_o darkness_n like_o those_o that_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a i_o have_v long_o ago_o bury_v all_o my_o comfort_n and_o they_o be_v almost_o quite_o out_o of_o remembrance_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o my_o soul_n call_v the_o enemy_n by_o a_o special_a emphasis_n because_o the_o most_o deadly_a malicious_a enemy_n the_o saint_n have_v he_o sow_n all_o manner_n of_o tare_n of_o corruption_n tentation_n doubt_n in_o god_n field_n the_o heart_n of_o saint_n now_o this_o he_o do_v as_o but_o now_o i_o hint_v 1_o partly_o by_o combine_v with_o our_o own_o suspicious_a heart_n and_o increase_a jealousy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o sadness_n as_o many_o time_n he_o do_v the_o heart_n that_o know_v its_o own_o wickedness_n and_o deceitfulness_n many_o time_n reject_v sound_a and_o solid_a joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o delusion_n mere_o upon_o suspicion_n and_o wariness_n occasion_v by_o its_o former_a experience_a liablenesse_n to_o self-deception_n now_o here_o satan_n strike_v in_o and_o increase_v the_o jealousy_n that_o the_o heart_n have_v of_o itself_o as_o a_o malicious_a tale-bearer_n that_o find_v suspicion_n ready_a to_o break_v out_o ever_o and_o anon_o between_o friend_n be_v at_o hand_n perpetual_o to_o blow_v the_o coal_n and_o hint_v to_o they_o both_o several_o such_o and_o such_o presumption_n of_o each_o other_o till_o at_o last_o he_o have_v weaken_v all_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o make_v a_o irreparable_a breach_n between_o they_o fie_o fie_o say_v the_o old_a serpent_n will_v thou_o believe_v these_o comfort_n and_o joy_n be_v real_a and_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v thou_o know_v thy_o own_o heart_n no_o better_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v how_o it_o speak_v peace_n to_o thou_o heretofore_o and_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o country_n can_v not_o persuade_v thou_o that_o thy_o condition_n be_v not_o safe_a then_o and_o since_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v how_o when_o thou_o wente_v to_o examine_v and_o search_v thyself_o it_o hide_v sin_n by_o pretence_n and_o excuse_n and_o apology_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o deceive_v thou_o now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o now_o here_o many_o time_n the_o soul_n give_v up_o and_o yield_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o damn_v all_o its_o comfort_n for_o mere_a fantasy_n and_o dream_n and_o all_o its_o assurance_n for_o a_o imposture_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n plead_v the_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o spirit_n concurrence_n in_o that_o testimony_n than_o satan_n begin_v to_o take_v the_o matter_n upon_o himself_o alas_o say_v he_o and_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v that_o satan_n can_v turn_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o by_o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14._o consequence_n easy_o cheat_v a_o credulous_a heart_n into_o a_o belief_n that_o his_o delusion_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n sic_fw-la not_o we_o ulysses_n be_v thou_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o that_o subtle_a enemy_n that_o thou_o can_v take_v every_o fair_a pretence_n of_o he_o for_o gospel_n and_o adventure_v thy_o soul_n upon_o it_o 2_o partly_o by_o combine_v with_o a_o mere_a melancholy_a distemper_n melancholy_n be_v muse_v and_o thoughtful_a it_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o body_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n anvil_n whereon_o he_o hammer_v all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n all_o manner_n of_o deadly_a weapon_n to_o wound_v the_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o mighty_a power_n upon_o the_o fantasy_n and_o can_v suggest_v thing_n to_o it_o as_o he_o please_v the_o fantasy_n or_o imagination_n be_v the_o looking-glass_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n by_o reflection_n be_v first_o discover_v to_o it_o now_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o satan_n to_o represent_v in_o this_o glass_n what_o bugbear_n shape_v he_o please_v to_o affright_v the_o soul_n withal_o &_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o fix_a entertainment_n of_o the_o thought_n with_o such_o object_n of_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n to_o make_v such_o strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n abuse_v by_o mere_a fantasy_n as_o no_o reason_v or_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o can_v remove_v that_o strange_a affection_n of_o the_o fantasy_n which_o some_o say_v persuade_v nabuchadnezzar_n that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a beast_n 4._o dan._n 4._o and_o the_o frequent_a parallel_n to_o this_o in_o 8._o wierus_n de_fw-fr praestigiis_fw-la virg._n eclog._n 8._o humane_a write_n render_v such_o a_o interpretation_n not_o incredible_a many_o time_n be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o good_a soul_n that_o dwell_v as_o be_v say_v of_o galba_n wit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o most_o habitat_fw-la ingenium_fw-la galbae_n malè_fw-la habitat_fw-la dreggy_a part_n of_o live_a earth_n of_o a_o melancholy_a constitution_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o satan_n act_v the_o fantasy_n many_o time_n the_o soul_n real_o be_v persuade_v into_o horrid_a apprehension_n of_o its_o own_o condition_n and_o to_o strengthen_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o delusion_n he_o can_v present_v strange_a spectra_fw-la image_n and_o representation_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o very_a outward_a sense_n by_o which_o such_o inward_a apprehension_n be_v oftentimes_o fortify_v and_o increase_v he_o do_v like_o a_o cunning_a fisher_n mud_n the_o water_n that_o his_o net_n may_v be_v less_o discern_v and_o thence_o in_o such_o case_n person_n under_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v 1_o many_o time_n to_o believe_v other_o more_o than_o themselves_o as_o suspect_v such_o delusion_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n 2_o to_o labour_n after_o mean_n of_o remove_v bodily_a distemper_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v more_o itself_o be_v less_o clog_v with_o a_o distemper_a body_n the_o body_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v the_o soul_n prison_n 3_o to_o admit_v of_o lawful_a avocation_n from_o the_o continue_a meditation_n of_o such_o subject_n as_o by_o their_o fix_v on_o the_o fantasy_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v remove_v the_o very_a humour_n of_o melancholy_n be_v a_o dull_a heavy_a humour_n that_o must_v be_v stir_v as_o much_o by_o exercise_n as_o physic_n and_o so_o must_v the_o fantasy_n that_o it_o beget_v be_v cure_v by_o avocation_n 3_o partly_o by_o the_o permission_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n god_n give_v the_o soul_n over_o in_o some_o case_n into_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v job_n once_o to_o do_v with_o he_o what_o he_o will_v only_o spare_v his_o 6._o job_n 2._o 6._o life_n for_o some_o notorious_a affront_n offer_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o abuse_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o some_o bold_a intrenchment_n upon_o his_o majesty_n and_o authority_n or_o some_o other_o like_o cause_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n god_n withdraw_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o satan_n to_o improve_v such_o a_o sensible_a defect_n and_o decay_n of_o influence_n to_o infer_v a_o soul_n utter_a rejection_n by_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o live_v much_o by_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o fantasy_n not_o only_o in_o humane_a affair_n but_o even_o in_o divine_a and_o when_o faith_n be_v at_o low_a water_n as_o ordinary_o it_o be_v upon_o god_n with-drawing_n than_o be_v sense_n most_o predominant_a now_o the_o devil_n can_v make_v strange_a conclusion_n appear_v undeniable_a in_o such_o case_n if_o you_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o argue_v from_o what_o you_o feel_v do_v not_o perceive_v will_n he_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n cast_v out_o all_o thy_o prayer_n regard_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o thy_o groan_n how_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v thou_o one_o smile_n though_o thou_o woo_v he_o never_o so_o much_o and_o will_v thou_o contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o experience_n still_o believe_v that_o he_o
the_o spirit_z of_o bondage_n and_o adoption_n large_o and_o practical_o handle_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o work_v both_o those_o effect_n and_o the_o proper_a case_n of_o conscience_n belong_v to_o they_o both_o in_o two_o treatise_n whereunto_o be_v add_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o afflict_a condition_n by_o way_n of_o supplement_n in_o some_o case_n relate_v to_o the_o second_o treatise_n by_o simon_n ford_z b._n d._n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o read_v london_n print_v by_o t._n maxey_n for_o sa._n gellibrand_n at_o the_o ball_n in_o paul_n church_n yard_n 1655._o to_o the_o reverend_n the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n of_o christ-church_n in_o oxford_n with_o the_o student_n graduate_n and_o under-graduate_n who_o be_v or_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o that_o foundation_n together_o with_o the_o reverend_a principal_n of_o magdalen_n hall_n and_o all_o the_o master_n commoner_n and_o other_o student_n there_o to_o you_o father_n and_o brethren_n i_o do_v upon_o good_a advice_n dedicate_v and_o devote_v these_o ensue_a treatise_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o relation_n that_o i_o have_v have_v to_o both_o house_n as_o have_v receive_v the_o first_o element_n of_o rational_a learning_n in_o the_o one_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o employment_n of_o special_a trust_n in_o the_o other_o and_o partly_o because_o the_o subject_n they_o treat_v of_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o most_o of_o you_o and_o the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o into_o the_o bulk_n it_o now_o appear_v in_o be_v undertake_v with_o the_o advice_n and_o encouragement_n of_o that_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v ornament_n of_o his_o college_n and_o the_o whole_a university_n dr_n reynolds_n with_o who_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o acquaintance_n while_o he_o continue_v there_o and_o of_o partnership_n in_o suffering_n when_o he_o be_v remove_v thence_o i_o confess_v this_o piece_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o a_o university_n of_o the_o old_a stamp_n have_v not_o quaintness_n enough_o to_o expect_v any_o approbation_n from_o so_o learned_a a_o body_n but_o i_o hope_v and_o partly_o know_v that_o very_o many_o of_o your_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o practical_a divinity_n than_o i_o doubt_v must_v of_o your_o predecessor_n be_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v it_o a_o little_a room_n and_o it_o will_v not_o take_v up_o much_o in_o your_o library_n here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o practical_a question_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v the_o inward_a and_o experimental_a part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n succinct_o handle_v and_o i_o shall_v bold_o say_v to_o my_o utmost_a ability_n sincere_o and_o faithful_o how_o judicious_o and_o satisfactory_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o those_o of_o you_o who_o be_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o to_o judge_v as_o you_o see_v cause_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v not_o have_v spend_v my_o pain_n in_o wait_v upon_o a_o more_o excellent_a subject_n nor_o can_v you_o in_o read_v yea_o if_o the_o subject_n have_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o author_n than_o the_o author_n have_v of_o the_o unprofitablenesse_n of_o the_o subject_n i_o dare_v promise_v you_o that_o as_o i_o have_v so_o you_o will_v receive_v some_o considerable_a benefit_n from_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o preface_n to_o you_o at_o this_o time_n but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o study_n of_o practical_a divinity_n among_o you_o as_o that_o which_o have_v more_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n in_o it_o than_o all_o the_o quaint_a notion_n of_o your_o ancient_a schoolman_n or_o the_o high_a attainer_n of_o this_o wanton_a age_n and_o by_o way_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v by_o a_o useful_a employment_n of_o your_o part_n revenue_n and_o opportunity_n confute_v and_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n who_o wait_v for_o your_o halting_n observe_v your_o fail_n and_o gape_v for_o the_o spoil_n of_o your_o building_n and_o revenue_n that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v by_o god_n assistance_n part_v of_o the_o constant_a devotion_n of_o he_o who_o be_v you_o solemn_o devote_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o all_o pious_a and_o practical_a learning_n simon_n ford_n decem._n 13._o 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n of_o these_o treatise_n especial_o those_o of_o my_o present_a congregation_n in_o read_v and_o those_o of_o my_o once-auditory_a the_o people_n of_o witney_n in_o oxfordshire_n christian_n whoever_o you_o be_v to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v know_v that_o you_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o truth_n here_o treat_v on_o as_o deep_o as_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o live_v here_o holy_o or_o unho_o comfortable_o or_o uncomfortable_o yea_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v hereafter_o everlasting_o whether_o you_o look_v on_o or_o overlook_v they_o but_o for_o your_o own_o account_n which_o i_o will_v willing_o further_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o speak_v plain_a truth_n without_o be_v solicitous_a how_o it_o will_v go_v off_o in_o this_o nice_a and_o tender_a age._n sure_a i_o be_o that_o my_o master_n will_v account_v my_o talon_n not_o amiss_o bestow_v upon_o such_o a_o subject_n except_o for_o this_o only_a that_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v too_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o or_o better_v by_o it_o in_o the_o study_n and_o preach_v thereof_o my_o hope_n be_v by_o this_o publication_n you_o and_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n improve_v it_o together_o and_o mingle_v our_o prayer_n that_o it_o may_v mutual_o do_v good_a to_o you_o of_o my_o former_a and_o present_a auditory_n i_o recommend_v these_o treatise_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n see_v they_o be_v more_o peculiar_o you_o the_o one_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o witney_n because_o of_o my_o unsettlement_n from_o oxford_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o full_a hear_n of_o the_o first_o and_o hear_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o last_o the_o other_o of_o read_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pulpit_n make_v partaker_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o divers_a of_o you_o desire_v it_o from_o the_o press_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o print_a labour_n of_o your_o minister_n will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o account_v for_o as_o the_o transient_a breath_n of_o a_o utter_v sermon_n that_o reverend_a and_o holy_a man_n my_o predecessor_n now_o with_o god_n dr._n taylor_n have_v charge_v much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o you_o my_o present_a people_n and_o the_o whole_a town_n this_o way_n i_o fear_v his_o work_n be_v in_o few_o of_o your_o house_n and_o in_o few_o of_o your_o heart_n it_o be_v thirty_o or_o forty_o shilling_n well_o spend_v if_o less_o will_v not_o do_v it_o to_o buy_v they_o if_o not_o into_o your_o private_a family_n yet_o into_o your_o several_a church_n to_o be_v keep_v among_o other_o church_n utensil_n if_o for_o no_o other_o use_n yet_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o the_o backslide_n and_o fearful_a apostasy_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o admirer_n and_o follower_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o you_o and_o as_o for_o i_o i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o esteem_v my_o poor_a labour_n may_v be_v to_o after_o time_n at_o present_a i_o have_v with_o grief_n of_o he_o be_v i_o speak_v it_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o many_o of_o you_o that_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v spend_v my_o labour_n in_o vain_a hitherto_o it_o may_v be_v much_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o may_v be_v from_o my_o own_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o win_v upon_o you_o and_o i_o must_v confess_v a_o people_n so_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v need_v a_o far_o wise_a man_n and_o more_o experience_v than_o i_o be_o to_o solder_v they_o together_o and_o beget_v such_o a_o esteem_n of_o my_o ministry_n in_o all_o dissent_v party_n as_o may_v render_v it_o effectual_a to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o water_v the_o seed_n sow_v with_o my_o prayer_n for_o and_o tear_n over_o you_o it_o may_v be_v the_o many_o public_a contest_v which_o god_n know_v unwilling_o have_v divert_v my_o study_n and_o preach_v too_o often_o to_o controversy_n may_v be_v the_o occasional_a cause_n of_o my_o too_o great_a unsuccessfulnesse_n among_o you_o but_o however_o i_o pray_v consider_v i_o have_v preach_v and_o now_o print_n enough_o if_o you_o have_v never_o hear_v more_o from_o i_o then_o these_o sermon_n to_o render_v you_o utter_o inexcusable_a if_o any_o of_o you_o still_o bar_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n with_o a_o sinful_a
prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n herein_o contain_v i_o beseech_v you_o for_o christ_n sake_n let_v none_o of_o you_o turn_v they_o into_o matter_n of_o dispute_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o differ_v from_o any_o of_o your_o judgement_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o usual_a policy_n of_o satan_n to_o make_v use_n of_o difference_n in_o opinion_n though_o never_o so_o small_a and_o trivial_a as_o impregnable_a fortification_n against_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o person_n from_o who_o we_o differ_v i_o pray_v remember_v that_o although_o the_o matter_n here_o treat_v of_o according_a to_o christian_n various_a experience_n may_v beget_v different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n yet_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o these_o treatise_n be_v of_o common_a and_o that_o necessary_a use_v to_o all_o let_v we_o not_o lose_v that_o we_o agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o use_v of_o it_o while_o we_o strive_v for_o a_o unprofitable_a victory_n in_o that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v i_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n avoid_v of_o purpose_n peremptory_a decision_n in_o doubtful_a point_n and_o all_o unsavoury_a reflection_n to_o my_o best_a judgement_n altogether_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v all_o make_v use_n of_o that_o wherein_o all_o saint_n agree_v and_o not_o trouble_v other_o with_o that_o wherein_o you_o disagree_v the_o lord_n grant_v you_o may_v and_o then_o i_o know_v my_o present_a labour_n will_v not_o total_o be_v lose_v if_o but_o one_o poor_a soul_n be_v convert_v support_v comfort_v hereby_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o reward_n for_o my_o slender_a pain_n however_o because_o we_o must_v cast_v out_o the_o net_n to_o catch_v as_o many_o fish_n as_o we_o can_v though_o we_o must_v be_v content_v with_o how_o few_o soever_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v into_o it_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v way_n to_o your_o acceptance_n by_o this_o preface_n and_o have_v so_o do_v commend_v it_o and_o you_o and_o this_o piece_n of_o i_o to_o god_n blessing_n and_o entreat_v you_o to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o your_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o unworthy_a author_n your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n simon_n ford_z decem._n 13._o 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n will_v i_o fear_v meet_v with_o some_o disgust_n at_o least_o not_o saving_o relish_v with_o every_o palaâ—e_n in_o these_o time_n wherein_o people_n be_v so_o strong_o addict_v to_o a_o pleasurable_a religion_n desire_v as_o well_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n without_o those_o terror_n and_o disquiet_n of_o conscience_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o new_a birth_n as_o a_o please_a continuance_n in_o their_o regenerate_v estate_n in_o christ_n without_o those_o renewing_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o course_n of_o strict_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n call_v for_o now_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o carry_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o prejudicacy_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o point_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n but_o desire_v earnest_o the_o clear_n of_o every_o save_a truth_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n who_o desire_v in_o sincerity_n to_o be_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v offend_v with_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v i_o encourage_v to_o the_o serious_a study_n of_o this_o book_n as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a so_o it_o be_v handle_v not_o only_o with_o much_o solidity_n of_o judgement_n and_o acuteness_n of_o learning_n but_o also_o with_o much_o â—piritualnesse_n as_o in_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v not_o only_o present_v the_o â—_z of_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o speculation_n for_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o also_o suit_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n in_o a_o way_n of_o practice_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o open_v scripture_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o save_a duty_n of_o people_n to_o practice_v what_o they_o know_v whereupon_o that_o which_o epictetus_n make_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o make_v use_n of_o rule_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o course_n of_o life_n the_o same_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n s_o james_n make_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o not_o they_o who_o be_v hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o their_o deed_n so_o it_o be_v the_o incumbent_a work_n of_o minister_n in_o all_o they_o deliver_v either_o in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o by_o the_o press_n for_o the_o win_n of_o people_n unto_o christ_n or_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n not_o to_o keep_v in_o high_a notion_n or_o speculation_n of_o truth_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v practicable_a without_o which_o all_o teach_n and_o discourse_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a what_o austin_n note_v of_o the_o three_o great_a philosopher_n that_o socrates_n excel_v in_o philosophia_fw-la activa_fw-la and_o pythagoras_n in_o contemplativa_fw-la but_o that_o plato_n utramque_fw-la jungendo_fw-la philosophiam_fw-la perfecisse_fw-la laudatur_fw-la the_o same_o i_o must_v say_v of_o divine_n they_o do_v most_o excel_v in_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o join_v the_o practical_a and_o the_o speculative_a together_o how_o far_o this_o life_n blood_n run_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o this_o treatise_n will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v please_v to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o they_o who_o do_v not_o before_o hand_n stomach_n the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o it_o will_v not_o i_o persuade_v myself_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o the_o elaborate_a pain_n the_o author_n have_v take_v in_o this_o work_n wherein_o be_v many_o great_a and_o precious_a truth_n assert_v many_o knotty_a point_n which_o have_v not_o a_o little_a puzzle_v the_o spirit_n of_o tender_a christian_n clear_v up_o to_o their_o comfort_n material_a question_n satisfactory_o answer_v and_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n lay_v open_a very_o full_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o bondage_n before_o conversion_n and_o the_o state_n of_o adoption_n after_o it_o and_o all_o this_o and_o very_o much_o more_o in_o a_o solid_a way_n both_o of_o scholastical_a and_o practical_a divinity_n deserve_v much_o encouragement_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o who_o soul_n sake_n he_o have_v thus_o travel_v but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a provocation_n to_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o take_v pain_n both_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v than_o the_o diligence_n of_o people_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v as_o i_o shall_v therefore_o commend_v this_o work_n to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n of_o all_o into_o who_o hand_n god_n providence_n may_v cast_v it_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o i_o licence_n it_o for_o the_o press_n as_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v exceed_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o grace_n the_o comfort_n of_o afflict_a conscience_n the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o ignorant_a in_o point_n of_o so_o necessary_a concernment_n the_o conviction_n of_o folly_n in_o those_o who_o presume_v of_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o have_v have_v any_o sense_n of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o many_o way_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n tho._n temple_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n have_v learn_v to_o deny_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v study_v and_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o that_o grecian_a strain_n who_o the_o orator_n smart_o censure_v of_o old_a do_v illis_fw-la eruditionem_fw-la do_v doctrinam_fw-la fidem_fw-la &_o religionem_fw-la nunquam_fw-la isti_fw-la coluerunt_fw-la for_o he_o have_v be_v at_o athens_n and_o learn_v christ_n there_o as_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n do_v act._n 17._o 34._o he_o can_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v impart_v to_o carnal_a gospeler_n mat._n 16._o 17._o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v beg_v the_o testimony_n revelation_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 17._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4._o ephes_n 1._o 17._o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o a_o witness_n