strengthen_v and_o set_v forward_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o necessary_a duty_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a prudence_n must_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n who_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o christian_a duty_n chap._n xvi_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o his_o softness_n of_o heart_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a disposition_n to_o weep_v upon_o any_o occasion_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o from_o the_o sinner_n a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n so_o that_o he_o there_fw-mi not_o any_o more_o harden_v himself_o against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n but_o do_v tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n thereof_o as_o speak_v isaiah_n 66._o 2._o and_o in_o his_o prayer_n do_v pour_v forth_o his_o heart_n ordinary_o with_o tear_n he_o may_v as_o experience_n have_v teach_v fall_v in_o a_o suspicion_n of_o this_o ordinar_n or_o frequent_a melt_a of_o heart_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o childish_a or_o woman-like_a temper_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o no_o evidence_n of_o contrition_n for_o spiritual_a cause_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o commend_v in_o the_o penitent_a 2._o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o either_o hand_n if_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a in_o this_o condition_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o make_v light_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v from_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o tear_n if_o once_o he_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o tear_n and_o make_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n on_o either_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v for_o some_o sincere_a convert_n have_v entertain_v the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tear_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o soft_a temper_n of_o their_o natural_a complexion_n &_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n have_v resist_v their_o inclination_n to_o mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o let_v forth_o of_o tear_n so_o far_o that_o they_o have_v become_v so_o dry_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v pray_v more_o perfunctorious_o than_o before_o that_o when_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n and_o tear_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o one_o tear_n for_o ease_v of_o their_o grieve_a heart_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v that_o some_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n concern_v their_o tear_n have_v lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o their_o tear_n as_o they_o have_v number_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o drop_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o from_o the_o less_o or_o more_o quantity_n of_o they_o make_v reckon_v of_o their_o own_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n and_o of_o god_n acceptation_n of_o their_o prayer_n less_o or_o more_o 3._o this_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n and_o easiness_n to_o be_v move_v unto_o tear_n for_o spiritual_a motive_n be_v a_o rare_a gift_n few_o they_o be_v who_o with_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n bear_v they_o down_o do_v lament_v their_o natural_a sinfulness_n in_o their_o best_a condition_n with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24._o few_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o affectionate_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o people_n soul_n as_o to_o pour_v out_o tear_n both_o in_o secret_a and_o open_o for_o promove_v thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20._o 19_o 21._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 4._o few_o like_a timothy_n who_o heart_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v his_o tear_n and_o remember_v they_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 4._o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o that_o from_o age_n to_o age_n sundry_a be_v who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v this_o constant_o melt_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n free_a donation_n some_o with_o tear_n some_o without_o tear_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v find_v in_o such_o mourner_n a_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o let_v not_o the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tenderness_n be_v but_o natural_a weakness_n of_o spirit_n or_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v entertain_v only_o let_v the_o giver_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o tender_a heart_n be_v rely_v upon_o and_o not_o their_o tear_n as_o if_o they_o be_v any_o more_o than_o witness_n of_o their_o honest_a affection_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o such_o prayer_n may_v prove_v sincere_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n both_o when_o they_o can_v mourn_v and_o also_o when_o their_o heart_n seem_v wither_v hard_a and_o dry_a chap._n xvii_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o all_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n which_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o tender_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o with_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n as_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o of_o their_o ordinar_n tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n so_o other_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o they_o find_v not_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o soft_a in_o their_o devotion_n all_o convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a worship_n to_o god_n if_o a_o man_n draw_v near_o he_o with_o his_o lip_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o whereupon_o every_o convert_n when_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o his_o duty_n go_v about_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o understanding_n and_o inward_a affection_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v sin_n deprecat_fw-la wrath_n ask_v of_o god_n thing_n necessary_a intercede_v for_o other_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o work_n and_o work_a so_o as_o his_o affection_n may_v be_v conform_a to_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o conscience_n may_v approve_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o hearty_a affection_n and_o god_n may_v with_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n approve_v the_o worshipper_n but_o some_o convert_n be_v who_o albeit_o in_o sincerity_n they_o worship_v god_n yet_o they_o count_v all_o their_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n except_o they_o find_v their_o affection_n waken_v up_o and_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o some_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o give_v sense_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n to_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n hence_o ofttimes_o do_v suspicion_n arise_v without_o just_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v desert_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o and_o this_o suspicion_n be_v entertain_v do_v send_v forth_o complaint_n and_o bring_v on_o coldrifenesse_n in_o prayer_n and_o discouragement_n 2._o this_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n do_v ofttimes_o chastise_v by_o withdraw_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o order_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o word_n also_o that_o he_o who_o complain_v that_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n because_o he_o sound_v not_o such_o measure_n of_o affection_n as_o he_o will_v have_v have_v nor_o that_o consolation_n which_o he_o wish_v to_o have_v shall_v find_v himself_o in_o worse_a take_n after_o his_o complain_n than_o he_o be_v in_o at_o first_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o condition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o want_v of_o word_n to_o express_v the_o case_n wherein_o he_o be_v may_v fall_v on_o a_o convert_n by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o this_o suspicion_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v we_o rom._n 8._o 26._o likeways_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v but_o when_o this_o cut_a short_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o any_o measure_n do_v follow_v after_o suspicion_n of_o god_n respect_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o the_o complain_n and_o discourage_v convert_n it_o be_v a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n from_o god_n threaten_v the_o convert_n with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o desertion_n and_o heavy_a temptation_n except_o he_o repent_v his_o folly_n and_o return_n to_o god_n who_o by_o his_o suspicion_n and_o misbelief_n he_o have_v offend_v 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o
life_n of_o necessity_n must_v acknowledge_v himself_o a_o man_n in_o himself_o unrighteous_a and_o a_o lose_a man_n and_o that_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o so_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o course_n unto_o life_n eternal_a of_o the_o term_n whereupon_o this_o covenant_n be_v offer_v and_o press_v in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v diverse_o propound_v in_o scripture_n exod._n 19_o 5._o the_o lord_n propound_v it_o thus_o if_o you_o will_v obey_v my_o voice_n indeed_o and_o keep_v my_o covenant_n than_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n the_o condition_n require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o enter_v in_o covenant_n be_v most_o eminent_a for_o this_o people_n be_v in_o covenant_n from_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n covenant_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n before_o their_o come_n forth_o of_o egypt_n and_o therefore_o the_o condition_n previous_a to_o their_o enter_v in_o covenant_n and_o require_v for_o close_v the_o bargain_n be_v not_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o at_o this_o time_n this_o condition_n the_o people_n do_v accept_v and_o give_v answer_n to_o god_n by_o moses_n vers_fw-la 8._o all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v we_o will_v do_v another_o form_n and_o expression_n be_v use_v act_v 16._o 31._o paul_n and_o silas_n say_v to_o the_o jailor_n now_o anxious_a how_o to_o be_v save_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n the_o jailor_n accept_v of_o the_o condition_n and_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o all_o his_o house_n vers_n 33._o the_o condition_n of_o his_o person_n take_v with_o guiltiness_n and_o grant_v his_o lose_a condition_n be_v speak_v of_o vers_n 37._o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o next_o room_n and_o be_v accept_v where-upon_a baptism_n be_v administer_v unto_o he_o psal._n 27._o 8._o in_o other_o word_n the_o same_o condition_n be_v propound_v the_o lord_n crave_v faith_n seek_v communion_n on_o with_o god_n for_o the_o condition_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n the_o psalmist_n accept_v the_o condition_n and_o answer_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n will_v i_o seek_v isa._n 45._o 22._o christ_n require_v faith_n in_o these_o he_o call_v and_o upon_o that_o condition_n promise_v salvation_n look_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d all_o you_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v you_o save_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v set_v down_o vers_n 24._o sure_o shall_v one_o say_v in_o the_o lord_n have_v i_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n likewise_o the_o way_n of_o make_v this_o covenant_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o christ_n offer_v himself_o a_o saviour_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o believer_n receive_v christ_n on_o the_o other_o part_n joh._n 1._o 11_o 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n and_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o upon_o this_o only_a condition_n of_o consent_v to_o reconciliation_n offer_v he_o sum_v up_o most_o short_o and_o clear_o the_o covenant-making_a we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o for_o make_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o the_o hearer_n do_v honest_o answer_v thus_o the_o offer_n and_o condition_n please_v i_o well_o i_o consent_v to_o be_v reconcile_v now_o he_o who_o consent_v to_o be_v reconcile_v 1._o grant_v his_o natural_a enimity_n 2._o accept_v christ_n the_o mediator_n redeemer_n reconciler_n offer_v to_o he_o by_o god_n who_o fullness_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o 3._o obliedge_v himself_o to_o entertain_v this_o friendship_n all_o his_o life_n after_o last_o of_o all_o the_o make_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sometime_o press_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o follow_v under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o precept_n 1._o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o command_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v command_v we_o in_o which_o word_n the_o condition_n or_o estate_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v and_o enter_v in_o covenant_n be_v presuppose_v for_o it_o be_v import_v that_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v nor_o only_a that_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o unable_a to_o relieve_v himself_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v natural_o averse_a from_o the_o way_n of_o seek_v righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v need_n that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o god_n draw_v he_o to_o christ._n second_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o make_n of_o covenant_n be_v propound_v which_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ._n in_o the_o three_o room_n the_o conâ—ition_n requireâ—_n of_o he_o that_o be_v enter_v in_o covenant_n by_o believe_a 〈◊〉_d christ_n be_v that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v command_v we_o this_o offer_a and_o command_v condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n some_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v accept_v and_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o do_v perform_v sincere_o albeit_o weak_o other_o some_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n engage_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o their_o mouth_n profess_v they_o be_v sinner_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o will_v submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o government_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o such_o man_n faith_n change_v not_o their_o old_a disposition_n and_o way_n of_o live_v but_o it_o suffer_v they_o to_o serve_v their_o belly_n or_o mammon_n or_o vain_a glory_n and_o such_o other_o idol_n yet_o because_o the_o church_n be_v not_o judge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n they_o must_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n all_o who_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o profess_v they_o do_v accept_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n grace_n and_o promise_v subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n obj._n but_o how_o can_v the_o church_n receive_v man_n in_o church-fellowship_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o lively_a faith_n ans._n the_o church_n be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o the_o secret_n thereof_o because_o it_o can_v see_v faith_n in_o itself_o but_o must_v look_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o the_o own_o order_n and_o time_n the_o church_n be_v witness_n to_o their_o engagement_n but_o not_o judge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o most_o vile_a sinner_n if_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o sinfulness_n and_o do_v solemn_o consent_v unto_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o according_a to_o this_o covenant_n nothing_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o covenanter_n of_o merit_n but_o of_o grace_n only_o which_o the_o church_n know_v god_n can_v give_v and_o sometime_o do_v give_v unto_o counterfeit_v confederate_n make_v they_o sincere_a in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ordinance_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o confederate_a christian_a in_o the_o letter_n external_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o covenanter_n in_o the_o spirit_n inward_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a man_n rom._n 2._o 28._o and_o albeit_o the_o external_a covenant_n do_v not_o bring_v on_o righteousness_n and_o life_n except_o a_o man_n be_v also_o a_o covenanter_n inward_o in_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n make_v daily_o uâ—e_v of_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o outward_a covenant_v be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o bless_a mean_n unto_o many_o to_o beget_v and_o foster_v faith_n and_o help_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o 4._o it_o may_v and_o shall_v suffice_v we_o that_o god_n in_o the_o first_o frame_v of_o a_o national_a church_n do_v admit_v and_o command_v moses_n to_o admit_v all_o the_o israelite_n in_o covenant_n of_o who_o very_o few_o be_v convert_v or_o reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o moses_n or_o from_o the_o true_o godly_a in_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n as_o be_v plain_o show_v to_o we_o deut._n 28._o 29._o where_o god_n bear_v witness_n against_o the_o people_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o engagement_n and_o moses_n speak_v out_o this_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o people_n audience_n while_o he_o be_v renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v unregenerat_a deut._n 29._o obj._n but_o some_o will_v insist_v
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o
doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ._n of_o which_o question_n there_o be_v enough_o write_v by_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o and_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o fall_v in_o convenient_o to_o be_v dispute_v 2._o concern_v the_o other_o pretence_n of_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v by_o sundry_a such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o respect_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v blame_v in_o that_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o charity_n of_o many_o wax_n cold_a when_o so_o many_o speak_v vanity_n every_o man_n to_o his_o neighbour_n ps._n 12._o 2._o for_o this_o our_o lord_n foretell_v mat._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a to_o cut_v charity_n short_a because_o of_o man_n illdeserving_a river_n of_o tear_n say_v david_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o command_n here_o be_v love_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o pity_n towards_o perish_a â—ouls_n such_o mourner_n be_v spare_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n wrath_n ezek._n 9_o 9_o 1._o ob._n but_o some_o may_v say_v the_o same_o psalmist_n do_v hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a ans._n 1._o but_o he_o do_v so_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n not_o with_o a_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a hatred_n against_o their_o person_n but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a and_o sincere_a hatred_n tend_v to_o the_o abolish_n of_o their_o vice_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o person_n for_o which_o end_n the_o psalmist_n present_v his_o affection_n to_o be_v examine_v of_o god_n and_o teach_v man_n by_o his_o example_n to_o purify_v their_o heart_n in_o hate_v sinner_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d caâ—e_o that_o god_n do_v reveal_v unto_o the_o prophet_n the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o enemy_n of_o god_n for_o who_o perdition_n he_o pray_v in_o sundry_a psalm_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v minister_v and_o the_o church_n preserve_v from_o their_o malice_n this_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imiâ—aâ—_n by_o they_o who_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n â—hey_n be_v and_o can_v justify_v before_o god_n the_o integrity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—_z in_o the_o particular_a 2._o ob._n but_o put_v case_n say_v one_o that_o i_o be_o a_o civil_a judge_n shall_v my_o charity_n hinder_v justice_n and_o cut_v off_o malefactor_n man-slayer_n or_o other_o suchlike_a ans._n not_o for_o charity_n to_o the_o malefactor_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o malefactor_n be_v adjudge_v to_o death_n for_o when_o joshua_n be_v to_o destroy_v achan_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v jos._n 7._o 19_o likeways_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o denounce_v the_o destruction_n of_o city_n and_o nation_n have_v melt_a heart_n in_o compassion_n towards_o they_o who_o be_v condemn_v by_o god_n is._n 16._o 11._o jer_z 48._o 36._o and_o christ_n our_o lord_n charity_n itself_o weep_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o jerusalem_n destinat_fw-la just_o to_o destruction_n mat._n 23._o 37._o 3._o obj._n but_o say_v he_o a_o special_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v towards_o believer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n gal._n 6._o 10._o ans._n it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n which_o household_n consist_v of_o all_o they_o who_o by_o profession_n have_v subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 4._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n rom._n 9_o 6._o so_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ans._n who_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o judge_n either_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v elect_v who_o not_o or_o to_o discern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o man_n whereby_o thou_o may_v abandon_v charity_n towards_o he_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o his_o spirit_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o save_v grace_n he_o have_v give_v to_o ourselves_o but_o not_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o other_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o god_n who_o only_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n have_v reserve_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o alone_o can_v discern_v who_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o in_o who_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n 5._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n iâ—_n not_o blind_a but_o shall_v be_v according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v otherways_o i_o shall_v esteem_v a_o man_n a_o true_a convert_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o so_o deceive_v myself_o ans._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n inward_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o one_o always_o with_o the_o judgement_n according_a to_o verity_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v equity_n and_o command_v duty_n reserve_v the_o judgement_n according_a to_o verity_n to_o god_n for_o this_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n give_v ground_n phil._n 1._o 6_o 7._o in_o charity_n judge_v all_o the_o philippian_n to_o be_v sincere_a convert_n he_o say_v his_o speech_n and_o estimation_n of_o they_o be_v according_a as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o think_v now_o equity_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o they_o all_o as_o he_o say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 7._o charity_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n estate_n and_o condition_n in_o grace_n according_a to_o verity_n he_o do_v forbid_v man_n to_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3._o 5._o rom._n 14._o 4._o jam._n 4._o 12._o and_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o charity_n of_o sylvanus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o faithful_a brother_n as_o i_o suppose_v 2._o if_o we_o see_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v our_o charity_n be_v not_o blind_a but_o clear-sighted_a 6._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o mens_fw-la profanity_n wickedness_n and_o atheism_n may_v clear_o be_v see_v for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n ps._n 36._o 1._o and_o christ_n speak_v of_o false_a prophet_n mat._n 7._o 16._o say_v you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n ans._n what_o the_o prophet_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o christ_n say_v be_v true_a and_o we_o grant_v that_o man_n ill_a deed_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n do_v be_v wray_v their_o naughty_a inward_a disposition_n but_o what_o serve_v this_o to_o justify_v thy_o rash_a judgement_n of_o thy_o brother_n that_o there_o be_v no_o save_v work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o because_o they_o can_v perceive_v the_o evident_a sign_n thereof_o in_o he_o in_o who_o possible_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o reign_a vice_n or_o open_a out-breaking_a scandal_n what_o do_v this_o serve_v to_o hinder_v expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o charity_n towards_o open_a sinner_n so_o long_o as_o god_n wait_v patient_o on_o their_o repentance_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v wary_a lest_o we_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o man_n ill_a manner_n or_o corrupt_a doctrine_n another_o thing_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n 7._o ob._n but_o we_o be_v forbid_v say_v he_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o sinner_n who_o may_v entice_v we_o to_o sin_n pro._n 1._o 11._o and_o to_o make_v friendship_n with_o a_o angry_a man_n pro._n 22._o 24._o ans._n this_o wariness_n may_v consist_v with_o charity_n for_o albeit_o we_o can_v be_v partaker_n with_o evil_a worker_n or_o enter_v in_o needless_a familiarity_n with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v converse_v and_o be_v free_a of_o damnage_n from_o they_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n or_o carry_v ourselves_o so_o towards_o they_o as_o they_o can_v take_v no_o good_a from_o our_o hand_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n heb._n 12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 10_o 8._o obj._n albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v in_o common_a duty_n of_o civility_n and_o humanity_n prudent_o behave_v ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v carry_v otherways_o to_o profess_a christian_n if_o their_o conversation_n