and_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n you_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n young_a joseph_n have_v ability_n to_o repel_v temptation_n and_o old_a david_n have_v ability_n to_o comply_v with_o temptation_n satan_n can_v force_v we_o unto_o evil_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o ever_o force_v we_o unto_o good_a it_o be_v voluntary_o that_o we_o do_v all_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a do_v by_o we_o grace_n do_v find_v we_o sinful_a man_n and_o free_a unto_o evil_n and_o it_o make_v we_o sincere_a christian_n and_o free_a unto_o good_n it_o do_v not_o as_o glory_n do_v take_v away_o our_o possibility_n of_o sin_v in_o mind_n will_n or_o work_n our_o state_n on_o earth_n be_v one_o and_o that_o in_o heaven_n be_v another_o 3_o your_o duty_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o your_o liberty_n to_o side_n with_o the_o spiritual_a principle_n against_o the_o carnal_a to_o take_v the_o part_n of_o purity_n against_o impurity_n and_o strain_v hard_a to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n in_o every_o walk_n not_o allow_v the_o flesh_n one_o step_n to_o keep_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o internal_a light_n shine_v and_o the_o fire_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o your_o heart_n your_o holy_a zeal_n burn_v to_o see_v that_o your_o mind_n be_v blind_v by_o no_o objection_n and_o your_o will_n blunt_v by_o no_o opposition_n and_o your_o life_n blacken_v by_o no_o avoidable_a abomination_n for_o why_o god_n reward_v grace_n with_o grace_n and_o your_o obey_v the_o new_a nature_n in_o you_o strengthen_v it_o and_o the_o strengthen_n thereof_o be_v the_o weaken_n of_o sin_n its_o opposite_a it_o do_v make_v and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v weak_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v it_o be_v aweful_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o frightful_a sin_n to_o receive_v in_o vain_a the_o offer_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o far_o worse_a it_o be_v to_o make_v vain_a and_o not_o improve_v the_o very_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o one_o soul_n this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o we_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o new_a nature_n in_o we_o like_o a_o newborn_a child_n quick_o languish_v if_o it_o be_v not_o tender_o cherish_v and_o beside_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a incense_v if_o it_o be_v but_o little_o make_v of_o and_o not_o by_o all_o possible_a mean_n nourish_v wherefore_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o set_v not_o themselves_o to_o gratify_v but_o to_o crucify_v their_o sense_n appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o content_v not_o themselves_o to_o possess_v unless_o they_o do_v also_o exercise_v and_o increase_n their_o spiritual_a gift_n grace_n and_o comfort_n go_v forward_o in_o they_o and_o go_v apace_o so_o and_o that_o sensible_o and_o visible_o know_v that_o short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n i_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a after_o my_o decease_n to_o have_v these_o thing_n always_o in_o remembrance_n for_o if_o these_o be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n amen_n and_o amen_n bishop_n wilkins_n his_o character_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v here_o add_v for_o your_o profit_n and_o for_o the_o shame_n of_o such_o as_o traduce_v we_o for_o new-fangled_a opinionist_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v person_n of_o a_o moderate_a and_o heal_a temper_n of_o catholic_n and_o comprehensive_a charity_n they_o do_v not_o baptise_v their_o religion_n with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o sect_n nor_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n but_o love_v all_o good_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_n righteousness_n they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o corinthian_a vanity_n in_o cry_v up_o a_o paul_n a_o apollo_n or_o a_o cephas_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o where_o it_o have_v not_o that_o effect_n they_o know_v it_o matter_n not_o what_o church_n such_o a_o man_n be_v of_o because_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o they_o shun_v the_o dangerous_a extreme_n and_o keep_v the_o regular_a mean_a and_o in_o divine_a worship_n prefer_v a_o reverend_a decency_n before_o pompous_a superstition_n or_o popular_a confusion_n neither_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n nor_o admire_v the_o calf_n of_o bethel_n they_o be_v true_a primitive_a christian_n and_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o some_o circumstantial_a difference_n in_o the_o external_n modes_n of_o administration_n and_o they_o suspect_v it_o sinful_a and_o schismatical_a to_o separate_v from_o any_o true_a christian_n who_o agree_v in_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o pure_a age_n they_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o only_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o be_v persuade_v those_o christian_n be_v most_o in_o the_o right_n who_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a etc._n etc._n and_o not_o they_o that_o think_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v maintain_v by_o their_o own_o party_n they_o place_n religion_n more_o in_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o piety_n than_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o ceremonious_a form_n they_o be_v neither_o fond_a of_o needless_a ritual_n nor_o yet_o molest_v with_o groundless_a scruple_n but_o long_o for_o the_o philadelphian_a state_n of_o the_o church_n wish_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v with_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v the_o eternal_a god_n they_o pay_v a_o great_a deference_n to_o antiquity_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fond_a of_o error_n as_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o mere_o for_o its_o gray_a hair_n but_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o other_o man_n though_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o spiritual_a guide_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o inquire_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n and_o not_o follow_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a except_o they_o carry_v a_o lantern_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o refer_v the_o decision_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n among_o good_a christian_n primary_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o they_o know_v every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o therefore_o where_o they_o see_v man_n do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o give_v they_o a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n as_o know_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v there_o be_v many_o controversy_n among_o christian_n of_o that_o intricacy_n that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n must_v determine_v who_o be_v most_o in_o the_o right_n therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o judge_v of_o man_n final_a estate_n or_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o speculative_a opinion_n or_o different_a relish_v of_o thing_n because_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v what_o he_o can_v and_o not_o what_o he_o will_n they_o admire_v to_o see_v some_o christian_n so_o egregious_o mistake_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o true_a catholicism_n as_o to_o confine_v salvation_n to_o their_o particular_a communion_n and_o they_o think_v it_o strange_a to_o hear_v man_n contend_v for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n when_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n declare_v that_o the_o way_n to_o the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v by_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o exercise_n of_o holy_a live_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n they_o never_o charge_v other_o man_n doctrine_n with_o such_o odious_a consequence_n as_o they_o never_o intend_v nor_o asperse_v their_o person_n with_o such_o invidious_a name_n as_o they_o never_o deserve_v but_o make_v charitable_a allowance_n for_o their_o different_a education_n constitution_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n suppose_v that_o other_o man_n may_v differ_v from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n that_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o and_o sometime_o from_o themselves_o they_o be_v for_o a_o religious_a loyalty_n and_o prefer_v the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a authority_n before_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n in_o all_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o superior_n they_o do_v it_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o reservation_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o change_v their_o mind_n when_o better_a information_n lead_v they_o to_o it_o not_o think_v they_o undervalue_v their_o judgement_n by_o so_o do_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o bigottism_n and_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o if_o the_o merciful_a god_n shall_v damn_v we_o all_o for_o such_o thing_n for_o which_o straitlaced_n christian_n condemn_v one_o another_o none_o can_v be_v save_v they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a human_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n so_o acceptable_a to_o the_o great_a god_n as_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a charity_n under_o our_o different_a form_n they_o neither_o make_v their_o opinion_n article_n of_o faith_n nor_o their_o modes_n term_n of_o communion_n but_o believe_v those_o principle_n and_o practice_v those_o precept_n which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v all_o agree_v in_o well_o know_v if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v they_o can_v not_o lose_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n while_o they_o sincere_o love_v god_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o obey_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v of_o peaceable_a and_o reconcile_a disposition_n and_o neither_o call_n for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n nor_o kindle_v fire_n upon_o earth_n to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o they_o as_o well_o know_v that_o truth_n can_v be_v engrave_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o point_n of_o sword_n nor_o can_v their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v with_o flame_a faggot_n they_o neither_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n broad_a nor_o narrow_a than_o the_o head_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n have_v make_v it_o and_o they_o walk_v on_o sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o that_o path_n which_o upon_o great_a consideration_n they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o right_n without_o rude_o justle_a those_o who_o they_o fear_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o think_v the_o best_a way_n to_o find_v out_o to_o what_o mother_n the_o child_n of_o truth_n belong_v be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o solomon_n test_n viz._n to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o they_o that_o first_o lie_v down_o the_o sword_n of_o division_n when_o one_o party_n say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n in_o this_o church_n and_o another_o say_v lo_o he_o be_v there_o they_o believe_v what_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o be_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o think_v their_o zeal_n lukewarm_a except_o it_o burn_v up_o their_o discretion_n but_o can_v join_v the_o prudence_n of_o the_o serpent_n with_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o dove_n and_o be_v grieve_v to_o observe_v man_n contend_v so_o eager_o about_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o that_o they_o threaten_v to_o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n they_o take_v more_o pain_n to_o make_v good_a their_o baptismal_a covenant_n than_o to_o dispute_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n as_o if_o they_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o water_n of_o strife_n and_o they_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o a_o devout_a participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n than_o in_o metaphysical_a contest_v about_o the_o real_a presence_n they_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o man_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n they_o choose_v rather_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n than_o wrangle_v about_o it_o and_o more_o sollicitous_o observe_v the_o complexion_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o the_o colour_n of_o minister_n garment_n nor_o do_v they_o so_o contend_v about_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n as_o to_o reprobate_n themselves_o for_o want_n of_o charity_n but_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o so_o do_v they_o know_v they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest_n finis_fw-la
and_o the_o scent_n of_o rose_n be_v deadly_a unto_o vulture_n theological_a one_o do_v know_v that_o aaron_n golden_a bell_n make_v as_o mortal_a a_o noise_n and_o the_o rose_n of_o sharon_n send_v forth_o as_o deadly_a a_o odour_n unto_o some_o men._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o i_o be_o with_o more_o concernment_n aware_a that_o there_o be_v of_o the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n who_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v hard_a thought_n of_o the_o character_n here_o present_v imagine_v they_o to_o wound_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v away_o their_o veil_n though_o they_o do_v in_o truth_n nothing_o less_o these_o be_v weak_a christian_n and_o of_o they_o the_o most_o bruise_a reed_n the_o prevention_n of_o who_o self-injurious_a mistake_n i_o have_v endeavour_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o my_o book_n and_o lest_o what_o be_v there_o say_v shall_v be_v read_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o it_o like_v i_o here_o to_o say_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o same_o end_n my_o character_n be_v such_o evidence_n as_o be_v suit_v only_o unto_o the_o well-grown_a in_o christianity_n they_o do_v speak_v what_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v of_o right_n aught_o to_o be_v and_o what_o they_o do_v necessary_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o speak_v what_o they_o all_o actual_o appear_v to_o be_v or_o what_o they_o all_o be_v any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n nor_o be_v they_o intend_v at_o all_o for_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o weak_a christian_n but_o for_o trial_n of_o growth_n of_o grace_n in_o elder_a one_o and_o strong_a and_o for_o teach_v christian_n of_o all_o rank_n unto_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o must_v aspire_v and_o indeed_o unto_o weakling_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v meat_n or_o poison_n as_o they_o shall_v use_v they_o reasonable_o or_o mad_o poison_n if_o they_o shall_v wild_o conclude_v from_o they_o their_o unsoundness_n argue_v that_o they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a life_n because_o they_o have_v it_o not_o as_o yet_o advance_v unto_o such_o and_o such_o strength_n and_o beauty_n but_o meat_n if_o they_o shall_v just_o conclude_v from_o they_o their_o great_a imperfection_n argue_v that_o sure_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v profound_o humble_a and_o perpetual_o diligent_a because_o some_o christian_n be_v and_o all_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o characterise_v though_o they_o be_v so_o far_o short_a this_o warning_n i_o give_v wish_v it_o may_v be_v take_v by_o every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o least_o and_o low_a grace_n that_o be_v true_a their_o saviour_n and_o i_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o can_v have_v compassion_n on_o they_o that_o be_v most_o ignorant_a among_o they_o and_o most_o out_o of_o the_o way_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v his_o gospel_n without_o his_o bowel_n unto_o each_o soul_n i_o take_v up_o st._n paul_n word_n unto_o the_o jailer_n do_v thyself_o no_o harm_n yea_o the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a apostle_n than_o st._n paul_n utter_v unto_o tremble_a daniel_n o_o man_n great_o belove_v fear_v not_o peace_n be_v unto_o thou_o be_v strong_a yea_o be_v strong_a be_v it_o add_v also_o that_o concern_v the_o best_a reader_n that_o i_o expect_v i_o be_o not_o without_o some_o jealousy_n and_o a_o presumption_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v superfluous_a to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o plain_a truth_n well_o know_v to_o they_o solid_a meat_n when_o best_o prepare_v require_v the_o labour_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o its_o digestion_n all_o write_n be_v fruitless_a unto_o those_o who_o reading_n be_v careless_a and_o to_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v as_o swine_n that_o do_v look_v all_o way_n but_o upward_o and_o do_v every_o thing_n for_o benefit_n more_o than_o pray_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o best_a that_o dare_v to_o restrain_v prayer_n and_o withhold_v their_o pain_n do_v as_o oft_o sit_v down_o by_o the_o loss_n in_o our_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n we_o may_v not_o loiter_v at_o noon_n if_o we_o have_v set_v out_o before_o other_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o have_v real_o get_v before_o they_o any_o good_a way_n alas_o the_o more_o have_v be_v do_v by_o we_o the_o more_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v for_o we_o and_o where_o most_o have_v be_v receive_v there_o will_v most_o be_v require_v the_o most_o holy_a reader_n and_o hearer_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o industrious_a the_o strong_a shall_v work_v hard_a joint_o do_v conscience_n and_o interest_n so_o bind_v a_o sin_n and_o grief_n and_o shame_v it_o be_v to_o so_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o salvation_n they_o do_v so_o seem_v who_o intermit_v foul_o or_o abate_v their_o pursuit_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n and_o what_o do_v they_o less_o all_o of_o they_o than_o say_v in_o the_o language_n of_o practice_n this_o hideous_a thing_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o very_a gate_n of_o hell_n as_o near_o by_o they_o as_o may_v be_v without_o descent_n within_o they_o and_o everlasting_a abode_n it_o be_v report_v that_o a_o myrtle_n rod_n in_o a_o traveller_n hand_n keep_v he_o from_o weariness_n it_o may_v be_v hope_v these_o consideration_n in_o a_o reader_n be_v mind_n may_v have_v some_o like_a effect_n as_o for_o the_o flock_n unto_o who_o this_o write_n be_v a_o pastoral_a letter_n unto_o they_o i_o have_v other_o opportunity_n of_o communicate_v what_o shall_v be_v think_v far_o necessary_a and_o i_o will_v not_o here_o add_v more_o unto_o they_o or_o any_o other_o than_o that_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o if_o phylactery_n be_v in_o use_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v wear_v about_o my_o neck_n blessed_n be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n regeneration_n make_v we_o son_n and_o heir_n but_o make_v we_o not_o perfect_o so_o as_o it_o make_v we_o not_o perfect_o holy_a we_o must_v be_v breed_v and_o qualify_v as_o well_o as_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v before_o we_o can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o way_n unto_o all_o right_a consolation_n on_o earth_n and_o full_a glorification_n in_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alone_a that_o merit_v all_o and_o faith_n alone_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n nothing_o contradict_v by_o st._n james_n that_o interess_v we_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n james_n see_v dr._n manton_n on_o james_n now_o the_o lord_n who_o delight_v to_o magnify_v his_o power_n in_o instrument_n weakness_n magnify_v the_o same_o in_o this_o essay_n cause_v it_o to_o promote_v that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n amen_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o my_o especial_a care_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v and_o to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o attend_v the_o weekly_a lecture_n in_o bridges-street_n and_o at_o chelsey_n and_o at_o newington-butt_n belove_a brethren_n it_o be_v well_o nigh_o four_o year_n that_o i_o have_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o fish_v for_o soul_n among_o you_o i_o be_o not_o unsensible_a with_o how_o great_a weakness_n i_o have_v cast_v the_o gospel_n net_n and_o i_o can_v but_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o god_n grace_n have_v do_v in_o this_o tract_n of_o time_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v boast_v that_o i_o have_v be_v toil_v nor_o can_v i_o complain_v that_o i_o have_v take_v nothing_o unto_o the_o heavenly_a author_n be_v all_o the_o praise_v ascribe_v if_o the_o draught_n be_v as_o large_a as_o it_o have_v indeed_o appear_v i_o remember_v that_o then_o when_o peter_n and_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o draught_n of_o fish_n which_o they_o have_v take_v he_o cry_v out_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n nor_o will_v i_o that_o the_o divine_a goodness_n shall_v make_v i_o to_o forget_v my_o sin_n and_o weakness_n few_o of_o my_o brethren_n have_v so_o many_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o in_o kindness_n god_n so_o order_v it_o lest_z in_o my_o forgetfulness_n i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n i_o make_v you_o this_o present_a without_o any_o superstitious_a respect_n unto_o our_o new-year_n day_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o pagan_a one_o gratian_n say_v some_o christian_n have_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o i_o have_v read_v that_o the_o old_a catholic_n church_n keep_v a_o fast_a to_o bewail_v
come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n desire_v god_n to_o seal_v unto_o he_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o lay_v hold_v on_o and_o to_o promote_v his_o crave_n for_o christ_n as_o a_o fountain_n of_o both_o pardon_v and_o purify_n grace_n they_o that_o rash_o deny_v this_o do_v audacious_o and_o most_o barbarous_o exclude_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o christian_n under_o desertion_n and_o doubt_v all_o bruise_a reed_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v the_o sit_v as_o well_o as_o needy_a of_o any_o soul_n for_o the_o holy_a banquet_n i_o will_v be_v the_o short_a in_o the_o remain_a duty_n because_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o first_o a_o second_o duty_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v often_o make_v a_o mean_n of_o work_a assurance_n in_o believer_n be_v self-examination_n not_o all_o that_o man_n will_v call_v by_o the_o name_n hereof_o but_o that_o which_o real_o be_v so_o that_o which_o be_v strict_o manage_v and_o be_v as_o constant_o issue_v that_o wherein_o a_o man_n set_v god_n before_o he_o and_o have_v beseech_v his_o gracious_a conduct_n and_o counsel_n fall_v to_o compare_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o do_v do_v with_o what_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v examine_v his_o action_n and_o especial_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o same_o q._n d._n have_v i_o repent_v or_o do_v i_o and_o be_v my_o repentance_n sincere_a have_v i_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n or_o do_v i_o so_o and_o be_v my_o faith_n sound_a and_o unfeigned_a have_v i_o begin_v or_o be_o i_o begin_v a_o life_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o be_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o integrity_n that_o i_o do_v so_o speak_v out_o conscience_n for_o judge_v thou_o must_v and_o conclude_v one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o i_o will_v not_o sleep_v till_o thou_o tell_v i_o what_o thy_o sentence_n be_v at_o lest_o what_o it_o be_v that_o thou_o incline_v to_o believe_v of_o my_o action_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o they_o and_o of_o my_o state_n thence_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o if_o thou_o do_v say_v i_o do_v not_o repent_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o sincere_o so_o do_v i_o will_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o present_a rot_a title_n i_o will_v beg_v for_o god_n spirit_n and_o a_o new_a heart_n by_o he_o wrought_v and_o new_a act_n by_o he_o excite_v and_o a_o new_a claim_n will_v i_o make_v ere_o i_o stir_v out_o of_o this_o place_n if_o thou_o o_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n within_o i_o if_o thou_o say_v that_o upon_o thy_o utmost_a search_n thing_n appear_v better_a unto_o thou_o and_o that_o by_o the_o scripture_n judge_v thou_o believe_v i_o to_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_n sound_a believer_n sincere_a obeyer_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o importunate_a scruple_n and_o refuse_v all_o comfort_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o bid_v my_o soul_n bless_v the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o magnify_v his_o name_n i_o will_v humble_o hope_v in_o his_o grace_n and_o loud_o praise_v he_o in_o that_o hope_n uncertainty_n or_o somewhat_o worse_a must_v be_v they_o who_o will_v not_o thus_o examine_v themselves_o but_o of_o soul_n well_o inform_v about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o qualify_v for_o self-examination_n and_o much_o exercise_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n they_o be_v few_o if_o any_o that_o do_v long_o endure_v torment_v uncertainty_n vain_a be_v all_o trial_n indeed_o that_o be_v not_o bring_v unto_o a_o issue_n and_o utter_o unqualify_v they_o be_v for_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n and_o rule_v of_o trial._n a_o three_o duty_n be_v put_v our_o one_o talon_n to_o use_v with_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o and_o without_o murmur_v against_o god_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n repent_v as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a thou_o shall_v soon_o discern_v thyself_o to_o repent_v believe_v and_o obey_v especial_o if_o thou_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o little_a light_n that_o keep_v thou_o from_o very_a distraction_n and_o horror_n as_o bad_a as_o francis_n spira_n it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o god_n will_v increase_v it_o unto_o the_o light_n of_o noonday_n a_o four_o duty_n be_v accumulate_v diligence_n in_o all_o ordinance_n fervence_n in_o prayer_n loose_v peter_n bond_n it_o make_v hannah_n countenance_n to_o be_v sad_a no_o more_o etc._n etc._n accurate_a reading_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n have_v do_v as_o great_a thing_n and_o so_o have_v holy_a conference_n of_o which_o i_o have_v late_o print_v much_o in_o a_o little_a room_n spiritual_a sing_v of_o psalm_n be_v notable_o commend_v by_o devout_a ancient_n and_o our_o modern_a divine_n for_o this_o purpose_n a_o five_o duty_n be_v abound_v in_o such_o act_n of_o obedience_n as_o do_v most_o singular_o thwart_v flesh_n and_o blood_n e._n gr_n full_o often_o do_v god_n hasten_v to_o make_v know_v his_o mercy_n to_o they_o who_o resist_v carnal_a temptation_n and_o exceed_v in_o mercy_n towards_o man_n isai_n 58.7_o to_o the_o 11_o to_o they_o who_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o name_n and_o estate_n in_o reprove_v sinner_n to_o they_o who_o bring_v their_o body_n into_o most_o subjection_n and_o make_v least_o of_o carnal_a pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n spiritual_a consolation_n to_o they_o that_o unwearied_o promote_v peace_n though_o ill_o requite_v by_o the_o party_n differ_v mat._n 5.9_o to_o they_o that_o resolute_o and_o painful_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n do_v love_n their_o enemy_n and_o pardon_v their_o injury_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o salvation_n a_o six_o duty_n be_v a_o most_o peculiar_a war_n against_o that_o one_o sin_n which_o above_o any_o or_o all_o other_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n some_o one_o such_o there_o be_v and_o when_o once_o that_o capital_a makebate_n be_v with_o a_o due_a specialty_n of_o care_n and_o pain_n resist_v assurance_n may_v be_v soon_o expect_v god_n use_v to_o command_v a_o calm_a as_o soon_o as_o such_o jonah_n be_v cast_v overboard_o a_o seven_o duty_n be_v bear_v in_o mind_n the_o many_o argument_n which_o we_o may_v plead_v humble_o with_o god_n before_o we_o get_v assurance_n of_o his_o love_n e._n gr_n 1_o his_o name_n long-suffering_a of_o great_a mercy_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n 2_o our_o own_o extremity_n these_o heman_n do_v plead_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o plead_v psal_n 88.14_o 15._o 3_o our_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v other_o their_o offence_n against_o we_o luk._n 11.4_o 4_o our_o minister_n and_o friend_n compassion_n and_o prayer_n alas_o shall_v man_n iron_n bowel_n yern_v and_o shall_v the_o lord_n gracious_a one_o be_v restrain_v psal_n 80.4_o 5_o the_o ill_a use_n that_o ill_a man_n and_o good_a one_o too_o be_v like_a to_o make_v of_o our_o horror_n and_o tremble_n psal_n 69.6_o 6_o last_o and_o principal_o the_o universal_a offer_n of_o grace_n by_o christ_n jesus_n make_v and_o of_o all_o sinner_n unto_o heavy_a lade_v one_o and_o weary_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o such_o life_n as_o sin_n do_v make_v they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o gracious_a man_n lay_v up_o these_o thing_n in_o his_o heart_n indeed_o he_o find_v not_o in_o his_o bible_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o every_o one_o that_o be_v a_o sound_a believer_n shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o in_o this_o world_n be_v make_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o assurance_n nevertheless_o he_o can_v be_v content_a with_o the_o possession_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o assurance_n and_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v man_n use_v not_o to_o be_v quiet_v with_o bread_n and_o water_n though_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o no_o but_o all_o do_v employ_v their_o thought_n for_o further_a provision_n he_o be_v one_o that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o without_o assurance_n can_v be_v do_v to_o despise_v the_o world_n to_o bear_v its_o reproach_n to_o die_v for_o christ_n sake_n to_o be_v bold_a at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o honey_n to_o his_o taste_n to_o be_v enlarge_v in_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n to_o be_v further_v in_o repentance_n to_o be_v fortify_v against_o error_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o order_n to_o these_o if_o he_o have_v never_o gain_v assurance_n he_o be_v seek_v it_o if_o he_o have_v it_o he_o be_v diligent_o maintain_v it_o if_o he_o have_v lose_v it_o he_o be_v at_o work_n to_o regain_v it_o and_o one_o cordial_n he_o have_v
which_o do_v ever_o more_o or_o less_o support_n and_o hearten_v he_o even_o this_o which_o upon_o the_o request_n of_o a_o pious_a brother_n and_o providential_a hearer_n i_o will_v set_v forth_o before_o i_o conclude_v he_o be_v always_o assure_v that_o whoever_o have_v the_o least_o true_a grace_n he_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o increase_n thereof_o he_o that_o have_v any_o one_o holy_a quality_n have_v all_o and_o he_o that_o have_v all_o though_o in_o all_o he_o be_v now_o a_o babe_n he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n and_o if_o he_o be_v now_o a_o man_n he_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v a_o giant_n in_o they_o unto_o his_o newborn_a child_n the_o lord_n god_n will_v give_v grace_n say_v the_o man_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n psal_n 84.11_o q._n d._n where_o he_o give_v the_o principle_n in_o conversion_n he_o will_v give_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n in_o conversation_n and_o where_o he_o give_v the_o practice_n he_o will_v give_v the_o progress_n and_o where_o he_o give_v the_o progress_n he_o will_v give_v the_o final_a perseverance_n the_o scripture_n make_v five_o grand_a privilege_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n vocation_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o chariot_n of_o salvation_n which_o have_v two_o before_o wheel_n election_n and_o redemption_n which_o precede_v it_o and_o two_o hinder_v wheel_n justification_n and_o adoption_n that_o follow_v it_o now_o these_o be_v inseparable_a the_o elect_n be_v certain_o redeem_a the_o redeem_a must_v be_v call_v the_o call_v must_v be_v justify_v the_o justify_v must_v be_v glorify_v be_v call_v we_o be_v ascend_v into_o the_o chariot_n aforesaid_a and_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v where_o we_o be_v we_o may_v look_v forth_o and_o see_v the_o fore_a wheel_n our_o election_n and_o redemption_n and_o the_o hinder_a wheel_n our_o justification_n and_o glorification_n or_o if_o we_o never_o know_v it_o while_o we_o breathe_v and_o never_o see_v the_o wheel_n that_o carry_v we_o yet_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o he_o know_v who_o be_v he_o grace_n in_o conversion_n infuse_v be_v rather_o a_o seed_n than_o a_o habit_n a_o very_a small_a thing_n and_o small_a thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v see_v it_o be_v long_o ere_o many_o can_v discern_v it_o in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v never_o so_o little_a but_o that_o god_n see_v it_o plain_o and_o never_o so_o little_a worth_n in_o god_n eye_n but_o that_o he_o preserve_v it_o by_o his_o almighty_a hand_n and_o this_o of_o grace_n both_o most_o free_a and_o most_o engage_v free_a and_o without_o all_o merit_n or_o motive_n in_o we_o but_o engage_v and_o bind_v by_o inviolable_a promise_n of_o he_o even_o double_a promise_n promise_v make_v unto_o christ_n the_o dear_a redeemer_n of_o we_o and_o promise_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n i_o may_v also_o add_v it_o be_v engage_v by_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o repeated_o make_v unto_o we_o he_o be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o these_o promise_n and_o who_o imagine_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v a_o enemy_n or_o other_o than_o a_o extraordinary_a friend_n and_o help_n unto_o practical_a holiness_n st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v sober_a to_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n to_o be_v obedient_a child_n not_o to_o fashion_v themselves_o according_a to_o former_a lust_n but_o to_o be_v holy_a even_o as_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o that_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o as_o the_o mighty_a engagement_n and_o encouragement_n hereunto_o he_o advance_v these_o consideration_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v elect_a according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n that_o elect_v grace_n have_v issue_v and_o sparkle_v forth_o in_o their_o regeneration_n from_o which_o they_o have_v a_o lively_a hope_n build_v on_o the_o foresay_a promise_n of_o enjoy_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o then_o assure_v they_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.2_o 3_o 5_o 13._o the_o gracious_a man_n do_v therefore_o contemn_v all_o cavil_n against_o this_o doctrine_n as_o one_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o multiply_v grace_n unto_o he_o however_o he_o live_v and_o walk_v no_o but_o to_o multiply_v it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v that_o he_o argue_v with_o himself_o have_v god_n promise_v that_o be_v plant_v in_o christ_n i_o shall_v be_v keep_v still_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o and_o nothing_o shall_v hinder_v this_o love_n of_o god_n inflame_v i_o with_o desire_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o assurance_n of_o victory_n over_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o his_o grace_n make_v i_o forward_o to_o fight_v they_o with_o all_o my_o strength_n i_o shall_v have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o that_o i_o remember_v the_o five_o work_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v send_v to_o work_v in_o believer_n which_o comprehend_v all_o that_o i_o do_v know_v my_o need_n of_o first_o that_o of_o teach_v and_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n second_o that_o of_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o one_o remembrance_n three_o that_o of_o quicken_a to_o perform_v know_v and_o remember_v duty_n four_o that_o of_o comfort_v and_o make_v one_o perform_v they_o with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n of_o heart_n five_o that_o of_o restore_a one_o heart_n after_o that_o by_o any_o temptation_n prevail_v it_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o frame_n my_o heart_n will_v die_v away_o in_o i_o if_o by_o these_o bless_a work_n of_o he_o i_o can_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v sevenfold_a grace_n derive_v into_o i_o i_o mean_v 1._o exciting_a grace_n to_o make_v my_o lazy_a soul_n stir_v up_o itself_o as_o isai_n 64.7_o 2._o coworking_a grace_n to_o make_v my_o weak_a soul_n able_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n that_o i_o choose_v as_o psal_n 119.35_o 3._o resist_v grace_n to_o make_v my_o timorous_a soul_n dare_v to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o eph._n 6._o 4._o uphold_v grace_n to_o make_v my_o burden_a soul_n bear_v submissive_o both_o god_n affliction_n man_n oppression_n satan_n buffet_n as_o it_o be_v phil._n 1.29_o 5._o recover_v grace_n to_o bring_v back_o my_o stray_a soul_n when_o it_o wander_v like_o a_o lose_a sheep_n as_o psal_n 119._o 6._o preserve_v grace_n to_o settle_v and_o secure_v my_o soul_n apt_a to_o stray_v again_o when_o it_o be_v recover_v as_o jud._n v._n 1._o 7._o increase_v grace_n to_o make_v addition_n of_o many_o cubit_n unto_o my_o spiritual_a stature_n as_o it_o be_v eph._n 4.16_o so_o that_o though_o i_o be_o a_o despicable_a shrub_n i_o have_v expectation_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o will_v make_v i_o a_o lofty_a cedar_n though_o i_o be_o but_o a_o bruise_a reed_n i_o expect_v that_o which_o will_v make_v i_o a_o stately_a pillar_n in_o god_n temple_n i_o live_v and_o i_o hope_v to_o die_v upon_o that_o admirable_a word_n of_o my_o saviour_n joh._n 6.57_o as_o the_o live_a father_n have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o live_v by_o the_o father_n so_o he_o that_o eat_v i_o shall_v live_v by_o i_o my_o dear_a brethren_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o among_o you_o will_v say_v that_o i_o have_v speak_v your_o very_a heart_n in_o these_o page_n but_o there_o be_v also_o little_a child_n who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o come_v and_o tell_v i_o another_o thing_n and_o almost_o clean_a contrary_n namely_o that_o their_o heart_n can_v utter_v the_o one_o half_a of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o that_o they_o must_v go_v cast_v away_o their_o hope_n if_o none_o be_v saint_n but_o who_o have_v these_o five_o mark_n i_o must_v beseech_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a they_o may_v have_v all_o the_o five_o say_a mark_n and_o not_o discern_v themselves_o to_o have_v they_o but_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o true_o and_o not_o have_v all_o of_o they_o seminal_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o heart_n sow_o therein_o though_o not_o yet_o come_v up_o as_o be_v desirable_a and_o be_v i_o be_o every_o week_n exercise_v with_o complaint_n occasion_v by_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o i_o will_v here_o answer_v these_o two_o question_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o gracious_a person_n be_v so_o common_o under_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o they_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o what_o may_v we_o take_v for_o the_o least_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v from_o god_n withdraw_a light_n or_o withhold_a