salvation_n so_o far_o beyond_o all_o they_o look_v for_o and_o they_o repent_v and_o groan_v for_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n shall_v say_v within_o themselves_o this_o be_v he_o who_o we_o have_v sometime_o in_o derision_n and_o a_o proverb_n of_o reproach_n we_o fool_v account_v his_o life_n madness_n and_o his_o end_n to_o be_v without_o honour_n how_o be_v he_o number_v among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o his_o lot_n be_v among_o the_o saint_n as_o for_o the_o opposition_n you_o meet_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v evident_o fulfil_v in_o they_o before_o your_o face_n and_o they_o be_v none_o other_o than_o you_o be_v warn_v to_o expect_v act._n 14.22_o 2_o tim._n 3.12_o beside_o it_o be_v but_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n pertransibit_fw-la while_n nubecula_fw-la est_fw-la cito_fw-la pertransibit_fw-la and_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v heb._n 10.37_o 6._o according_a to_o your_o several_a ability_n set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o your_o family_n and_o be_v conscientious_a and_o strict_a in_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o easy_a observation_n that_o where_o these_o two_o be_v neglect_v or_o slight_o manage_v the_o fair_a profession_n of_o godliness_n be_v quick_o shrivel_a and_o wither_v away_o never_o plead_v that_o you_o have_v no_o part_n or_o ability_n for_o these_o thing_n if_o you_o will_v set_v upon_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v meet_v you_o therein_o and_o gracious_o assist_v you_o unto_o the_o performance_n psal_n 27.14_o and_o if_o there_o be_v indeed_o first_o a_o willing_a mind_n which_v willingness_n be_v manifest_v by_o vigorous_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n it_n be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o 2_o cor._n 8.12_o see_v gen._n 35.2_o 3._o josh_n 24.15_o psal_n 101._o jer._n 10.25_o isa_n 56.2_o 4_o 5._o isa_n 58.13_o 14._o 7._o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a way_n whereby_o a_o fellowship_n and_o correspondency_n be_v maintain_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o take_v counsel_n of_o the_o word_n we_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o speak_v unto_o we_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o supplication_n we_o have_v the_o liberty_n give_v we_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o remember_v what_o have_v often_o be_v inculcate_v upon_o you_o that_o as_o all_o sort_n of_o blessing_n be_v store_v up_o in_o the_o promise_n so_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o special_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o fulfil_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n jer._n 29.11_o 12_o 13._o psal_n 10.14_o as_o you_o can_v comfortable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v and_o keep_v you_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n unless_o you_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o can_v rational_o expect_v to_o receive_v mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n unless_o you_o seek_v unto_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o mercy_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o mat._n 7.7_o philip._n 4.6_o 7._o eph._n 6.18_o 19_o 8._o live_v in_o the_o daily_a contemplation_n of_o eternity_n and_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n of_o your_o continuance_n here_o study_v how_o you_o may_v subordinate_a all_o your_o affair_n and_o concernment_n in_o this_o world_n unto_o the_o matter_n of_o another_o world_n put_v a_o estimate_n upon_o all_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v reference_n thereunto_o often_o say_v within_o yourselves_o what_o evidence_n have_v i_o to_o prove_v my_o interest_n in_o god_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o i_o look_v for_o eternal_a life_n what_o thought_n be_o i_o likely_a to_o entertain_v of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o i_o be_o to_o depart_v hence_o and_o shall_v be_v see_v no_o more_o how_o precious_a will_v that_o time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n then_o be_v which_o now_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o squander_v away_o upon_o trifle_n what_o answer_n shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o make_v when_o god_n visit_v for_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o my_o relation_n for_o the_o management_n of_o the_o talent_n wherewith_o i_o have_v be_v entrust_v for_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o i_o have_v enjoy_v for_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o my_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n do_v you_o frequent_o press_v these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n home_o upon_o your_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o and_o warm_a by_o meditation_n upon_o your_o heart_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n will_v you_o be_v in_o all_o sobriety_n holiness_n and_o righteousness_n my_o brethren_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o how_o unexpected_o you_o may_v be_v summon_v to_o the_o give_v up_o your_o account_n and_o it_o infinite_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n that_o you_o may_v be_v find_v of_o god_n in_o peace_n boast_v not_o thyself_o of_o to_o morrow_n for_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o 9_o beware_v therefore_o of_o procrastinate_v in_o the_o business_n of_o provide_v for_o your_o immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a snare_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o he_o hold_v sinner_n fast_o in_o their_o spiritual_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n unto_o their_o final_a destruction_n if_o therefore_o you_o will_v set_v effectual_o upon_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n engage_v speedy_o present_o in_o the_o work_n without_o further_a delay_n give_v not_o place_n to_o the_o devil_n deliver_v thyself_o as_o a_o roe_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hunter_n and_o as_o a_o bird_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o fowler_n give_v not_o sleep_v to_o thy_o eye_n nor_o slumber_n to_o thy_o eye_n lid_n psal_n 119.6_o heb._n 3.7_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o 2._o and_o now_o i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o no_o further_o with_o this_o preliminary_a discourse_n but_o conclude_v with_o my_o unfeigned_a prayer_n for_o you_o all_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n the_o infinite_a eternal_a and_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o only_a redeemer_n of_o lose_a sinner_n the_o love_n of_o god_n our_o father_n in_o he_o who_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o unto_o death_n and_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a presence_n guidance_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o same_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a and_o immortal_a god_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n the_o sanctify_a assist_v quicken_a comfort_a and_o preserve_a presence_n of_o that_o spirit_n may_v be_v with_o you_o and_o among_o you_o to_o enable_v you_o unto_o your_o duty_n to_o keep_v you_o against_o temptation_n to_o support_v you_o under_o burden_n to_o carry_v you_o through_o difficulty_n to_o strengthen_v your_o weakness_n and_o plentiful_o to_o supply_v all_o your_o want_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v wise_o in_o your_o family_n spiritual_o in_o your_o closet_n sober_o in_o your_o company_n and_o christianly_o in_o all_o your_o conversation_n so_o as_o to_o write_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n upon_o every_o of_o your_o undertake_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n you_o may_v be_v effectual_o instruct_v in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o bring_v forth_o his_o word_n into_o practice_n that_o you_o may_v thereby_o witness_v your_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o be_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n may_v be_v your_o constant_a portion_n here_o and_o you_o may_v be_v everlasting_o bless_v in_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n hereafter_o amen_n 23._o july_n 1668._o write_a by_o one_o who_o true_o and_o affectionate_o desire_v your_o edification_n and_o salvation_n rowland_n stedman_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o may_v be_v interpret_v by_o some_o to_o who_o i_o be_o best_a know_v not_o only_o as_o a_o defect_n in_o prudence_n but_o a_o do_v violence_n and_o tread_v counter_a to_o my_o personal_a inclination_n who_o have_v always_o affect_v the_o privacy_n of_o retirement_n thus_o to_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o consequent_o to_o expose_v my_o sentiment_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o may_v light_v upon_o this_o book_n to_o who_o therefore_o i_o owe_v this_o account_n of_o my_o study_n and_o the_o publication_n thereof_o have_v often_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o ministry_n
bring_v to_o light_n wherein_o the_o way_n be_v reveal_v for_o restore_v fall_v sinner_n to_o their_o primitive_a happiness_n or_o conduct_v soul_n to_o everlasting_a bliss_n god_n have_v gracious_o please_v to_o declare_v this_o way_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o have_v the_o substance_n or_o summary_n of_o that_o record_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o examine_v the_o connexion_n or_o dependence_n which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v with_o and_o upon_o the_o forego_n passage_n of_o the_o chapter_n you_o will_v evident_o find_v our_o apostle_n be_v herein_o give_v a_o succinct_a account_n of_o the_o great_a foundation-truth_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n by_o close_v with_o which_o we_o do_v eminent_o and_o signa_o advance_v the_o 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the_o dialect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 16.31_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n joh._n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o be_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v a_o soul_n to_o heaven_n a_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v touch_v by_o the_o way_n on_o that_o common_a distinction_n as_o useful_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n of_o faith_n or_o three_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o reference_n unto_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o believe_v 1._o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n christum_fw-la credere_fw-la christum_fw-la christo._n in_o christum_fw-la 2._o jesus_n christ_n 3._o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o principle_n that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o mediator_n send_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n so_o the_o very_a devil_n believe_v as_o they_o know_v there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o they_o acknowledge_v this_o principle_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a redeemer_n of_o lose_a sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o unwearied_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o hinder_v poor_a soul_n in_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o labour_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a suggestion_n to_o draw_v their_o affection_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n mark_v 1.24_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n cry_v out_o let_v we_o alone_o thou_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o that_o herein_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n speak_v the_o very_a truth_n you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o v._o 34._o he_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n and_o suffer_v not_o the_o devil_n to_o speak_v because_o they_o know_v he_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o believe_a jesus_n christ_n i.e._n a_o subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o deliver_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v by_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o name_n thus_o a_o simon_n magus_n may_v believe_v he_o may_v own_o the_o verity_n of_o christ_n word_n though_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n act_v 8.12_o 13._o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o simon_n himself_o believe_v also_o thus_o nicodemus_n believe_v before_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o necessity_n or_o acquaint_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n he_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.2_o as_o a_o carnal_a person_n who_o never_o taste_v of_o save_a grace_n may_v have_v much_o knowledge_n in_o his_o understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o may_v be_v under_o such_o conviction_n upon_o his_o judgement_n as_o in_o a_o sort_n to_o approve_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n rom_n 2.17.18_o 3._o but_o last_o there_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o a_o man_n be_v so_o powerful_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o his_o own_o obnoxiousness_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heart_n so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o righteousness_n together_o with_o the_o utter_a insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o way_n of_o deliverance_n that_o thereupon_o he_o do_v actual_o close_a with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n and_o make_v application_n to_o he_o cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o author_n although_o believe_v on_o christ_n do_v not_o always_o signify_v a_o save_a faith_n as_o see_v joh._n 2.23_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o do_v and_o so_o may_v fit_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o way_n of_o distinction_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o phrase_n peculiar_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o use_v by_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n a_o believe_v on_o or_o in_o the_o son_n joh._n 11.25_o 26._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v for_o mark_v it_o sir_n that_o assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n unto_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a naked_a lifeless_a assent_n but_o a_o compound_a and_o operative_a assent_n such_o as_o do_v engage_v the_o heart_n to_o comply_v with_o those_o truth_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a soul_n in_o subjection_n unto_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o be_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n 2._o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o thus_o believe_v he_o that_o do_v so_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o i.e._n in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n he_o have_v it_o grave_v upon_o the_o very_a table_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o what_o be_v this_o witness_n which_o a_o believer_n have_v in_o himself_o answ_n you_o may_v understand_v it_o either_o of_o these_o three_o way_n 1._o in_o relation_n to_o his_o spiritual_a state_n he_o have_v a_o fundamental_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o here_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n if_o right_o improve_v whereupon_o to_o raise_v a_o testimony_n of_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v faith_n which_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v a_o sure_a token_n that_o the_o person_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o grace_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n spiritual_a action_n as_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a principle_n so_o they_o be_v evidence_n of_o that_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v 1_o joh._n 5.1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n not_o with_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n as_o before_o 145.18_o before_o when_o a_o particular_a duty_n be_v produce_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n or_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o
as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o john_n 3.3_o 3._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n in_o we_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o that_o work_n do_v act_n in_o his_o name_n as_o purchase_v by_o christ_n and_o receive_v commission_n from_o he_o and_o be_v send_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n john_n 16.16_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v in_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n our_o lord_n jesus_n undertake_v to_o sanctify_v and_o comfort_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o establish_v his_o people_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o do_v accomplish_v that_o undertake_n by_o his_o death_n the_o spirit_n be_v purchase_v and_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v send_v 4._o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n may_v be_v style_v christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o from_o the_o tendency_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v sinner_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v they_o ready_a to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n hereby_o we_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o possession_n be_v take_v of_o we_o to_o his_o use_n and_o behoof_n that_o we_o may_v cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o col._n 3.24_o for_o you_o serve_v the_o lord_n christ_n mat._n 19.28_o you_o that_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o your_o regenerate_a condition_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o you_o in_o your_o new-birth_n for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v well_o understand_v the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n pluck_v sinner_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o seize_v on_o they_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n carry_v we_o out_o to_o he_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n and_o 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they_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o law_n such_o a_o union_n there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o we_o call_v it_o a_o legal_a union_n because_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o acquit_v the_o person_n thus_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o suffering_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o full_o and_o firm_o as_o if_o the_o party_n himself_o have_v suffer_v and_o satisfy_v and_o likewise_o we_o call_v it_o a_o legal_a union_n because_o of_o the_o analogy_n it_o bear_v unto_o the_o proceed_n of_o law_n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n among_o man_n the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v a_o save_a faith_n whereby_o believer_n receive_v christ_n and_o take_v hold_v on_o he_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n christ_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o by_o a_o live_a faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o so_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o knit_v together_o you_o know_v faith_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o such_o expression_n a_o receive_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o john_n 1.12_o but_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_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 mark_v it_o we_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v he_o home_o to_o ourselves_o by_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o under_o the_o law_n when_o a_o man_n q._n d._n ran_o for_o refuge_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o altar_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n so_o by_o faith_n a_o sinner_n betake_v himself_o for_o shelter_n and_o security_n unto_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o christ_n heb._n 6.18_o that_o we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o loc_n we_o we_o who_o to_o flee_v from_o deserve_a wrath_n have_v take_v our_o course_n towards_o jesus_n in_o hope_n to_o get_v the_o salvation_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o he_o dicks_n in_o loc_n that_o be_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n the_o object_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n who_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o person_n in_o who_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v and_o upon_o who_o to_o rely_v and_o place_v our_o hope_n by_o faith_n we_o lay_v hold_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o this_o lay_n hold_v on_o christ_n a_o believer_n be_v join_v unto_o christ_n and_o make_v one_o with_o he_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o put_v on_o his_o righteousness_n phil._n 3.9_o that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o god_n he_o provide_v it_o for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v over_o to_o we_o and_o become_v we_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o mediator_n this_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o mutual_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o a_o believer_n and_o the_o union_n thereupon_o the_o bond_n whereof_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n concern_v which_o i_o will_v propose_v only_o these_o four_o thing_n to_o your_o serious_a perusal_n and_o meditation_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v distinct_o speak_v of_o a_o fourfold_a faith_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o historical_a faith_n 2._o a_o temporal_a faith_n 3._o a_o faith_n of_o miracle_n 4._o a_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o this_o be_v a_o ordinary_a school-distinction_n so_o it_o be_v a_o scripture-distinction_n which_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n and_o its_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o historical_a faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v divine_a truth_n and_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o god_n faith_n god_n this_o be_v by_o some_o call_v a_o dogmatical_a faith_n such_o a_o faith_n the_o apostle_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v in_o agrippa_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n act_v 26.27_o king_n agrippa_z believe_v thou_o the_o prophet_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o believe_v q.d._n i_o be_o confident_a thou_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n agrippa_n be_v a_o jew_n and_o always_o conversant_a in_o judea_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o who_o own_v their_o original_a to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o they_o be_v discover_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o believe_v i_o be_o well_o assure_v thou_o dare_v not_o deny_v their_o divine_a authority_n this_o we_o call_v a_o historical_a faith_n because_o it_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o it_o be_v a_o narrative_a of_o thing_n do_v and_o contain_v prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v as_o it_o comprehend_v matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v to_o be_v perform_v doctrine_n assert_v prophecy_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o like_a and_o pray_v mark_v it_o sir_n this_o faith_n be_v diversify_v according_a to_o the_o different_a testimony_n on_o which_o it_o be_v bottom_v verit_fw-la bottom_v quia_fw-la testes_fw-la quibus_fw-la fidem_fw-la adhibemus_fw-la ex_fw-la lege_fw-la &_o ordine_fw-la communi_fw-la sunt_fw-la homines_fw-la vel_fw-la deus_fw-la idcirco_fw-la sicut_fw-la testimonium_fw-la sic_fw-la etiam_fw-la fides_fw-la distinguitur_fw-la in_o
mercy_n annex_v to_o it_o it_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o sincere_a spiritual_a and_o evangelical_n discharge_v of_o that_o duty_n compare_v matt_n 7.7_o hos_fw-la 5.6_o with_o jer._n 29.12_o 13._o so_o joel_n 2.32_o prov._n 1.28_o with_o psal_n 145.18_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o his_o regeneration_n for_o how_o can_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sin_n r_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n unless_o there_o be_v the_o â—oot_n of_o grace_n plant_v in_o the_o heart_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v mean_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v the_o witness_n himself_o that_o be_v he_o be_v able_a to_o seal_v to_o those_o t_o uth_n experimental_o from_o the_o work_n they_o have_v have_v upon_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o effect_n wrought_v by_o they_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o hear_v by_o report_n of_o the_o awaken_n convince_a and_o convert_v power_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a witness_n of_o its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o witness_n he_o have_v within_o himself_o as_o have_v feel_v that_o efficacy_n so_o that_o he_o can_v say_v to_o the_o minister_n as_o the_o man_n of_o sychar_n to_o the_o woman_n joh._n 4.42_o now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o your_o report_n for_o we_o have_v find_v it_o ourselves_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n because_o it_o have_v subdue_v our_o heart_n and_o wrought_v mighty_o upon_o our_o spirit_n or_o as_o the_o strange_a that_o come_v into_o the_o church_n assembly_n upon_o who_o the_o word_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a as_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v into_o his_o bosom_n and_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n o_o say_v he_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n sure_o this_o be_v none_o other_o than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o the_o minister_n be_v a_o witness_n without_o he_o and_o the_o energy_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o witness_n within_o he_o 3._o or_o three_o you_o may_v understand_v it_o metonymical_o the_o witness_n for_o the_o person_n witness_v q.d._n he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n confer_v upon_o he_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o jesus_n loc_fw-la no_o man_n out_o of_o sincere_a off_o ction_n and_o true_a faith_n can_v profess_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n engl._n annot._n in_o loc_fw-la and_o without_o who_o they_o can_v never_o believe_v in_o jesus_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 3._o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v speak_v it_o spiritual_o from_o the_o heart_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o speak_v it_o so_o as_o to_o subscribe_v to_o this_o principle_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o lordship_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v note_v in_o the_o context_n the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o believe_v 2._o we_o have_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n the_o horrid_a and_o heinous_a nature_n thereof_o it_o do_v implicit_o charge_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n and_o virtual_o impeach_v he_o as_o a_o liar_n v._o 10._o latter_a part_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n how_o do_v unbelief_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n answ_n 1._o not_o by_o the_o contamination_n or_o pollution_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n contract_v any_o defilement_n thereby_o he_o can_v be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n nor_o taint_v with_o sin_n jam._n 1.13_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o pollution_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v be_v taint_v he_o be_v infinite_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o unbelief_n do_v not_o take_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n but_o put_v a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o mercy_n promise_v 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o and_o mark_v what_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 3.3_o 4._o what_o if_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v god_n forbid_v q._n d._n let_v not_o such_o a_o curse_a thought_n enter_v into_o your_o heart_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n must_v abide_v firm_a and_o immutable_a to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n therein_o we_o make_v our_o fellow_n servant_n oftentimes_o sinner_n by_o real_a infection_n when_o the_o guilt_n be_v spread_v into_o their_o soul_n be_v seduce_v by_o we_o and_o make_v partaker_n with_o we_o but_o god_n be_v holy_a holy_a holy_a isa_n 6.3_o infinite_o holy_a unchangeable_o holy_a capable_a of_o nothing_o but_o holiness_n our_o unbelief_n do_v not_o hurt_v he_o but_o ourselves_o job_n 35.6_o 2._o but_o it_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n in_o a_o way_n of_o calumniation_n or_o detraction_n unbeliever_n do_v real_o and_o consequential_o though_o unjust_o charge_n god_n with_o this_o imperfection_n they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n for_o do_v they_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o will_v undoubted_o subscribe_v to_o his_o word_n by_o question_v the_o matter_n witness_v we_o impute_v falsehood_n to_o the_o person_n witness_v testantis_fw-la tantum_n valet_fw-la testimonium_fw-la quantum_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la testantis_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o unbelief_n as_o it_o be_v the_o damn_v sin_n that_o lock_v up_o a_o man_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o his_o transgression_n so_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o heinous_a and_o sinful_a sin_n it_o carry_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o it_o it_o make_v as_o if_o god_n be_v a_o liar_n as_o by_o believe_v we_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.33_o calv._n non_fw-la quod_fw-la dei_fw-la fidem_fw-la labefactet_fw-la corum_fw-la impietas_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la eos_fw-la non_fw-la stat_fw-la quin_fw-la issum_fw-la arguant_fw-la vanitatis_fw-la calv._n so_o by_o unbelief_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n lie_v falsehood_n to_o his_o charge_n o_o the_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o man_n heart_n o_o the_o horrid_a abomination_n of_o this_o great_a ungodliness_n and_o the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o god_n towards_o unbelieve_a sinner_n that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n 3._o now_o the_o text_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o specification_n of_o that_o record_n which_o be_v propound_v as_o the_o object_n matter_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o which_o unbeliever_n do_v asperse_v and_o calumniate_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o liar_n they_o will_v not_o acquiess_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o scripture_n they_o call_v in_o question_n the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v concern_v his_o son_n and_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o this_o record_n be_v or_o what_o special_a matter_n it_o do_v contain_v the_o apostle_n inform_v you_o in_o the_o subsequent_a verse_n this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n which_o word_n be_v a_o compendium_n of_o the_o christian_n charter_n a_o abbreviature_n of_o the_o great_a deed_n of_o gift_n or_o conveyance_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n the_o record_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v touch_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o you_o have_v observable_a for_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o word_n these_o four_o part_n 1._o the_o mercy_n provide_v or_o the_o blessing_n convey_v that_o be_v eternal_a life_n what_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o eternal_a life_n in_o this_o place_n ravan_n vita_fw-la aeterna_fw-la sumitur_fw-la 1._o propriè_fw-la pro_fw-la beato_fw-la electorum_fw-la statu_fw-la post_fw-la hanc_fw-la vitam_fw-la 2._o impropriè_fw-fr seu_fw-la metonymicè_fw-la pro_fw-la viâ_fw-la seu_fw-la medio_fw-la perveniendi_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la aeternam_fw-la ravan_n i_o answer_v 1._o express_o and_o primary_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n the_o bless_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o glory_n the_o river_n of_o pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n for_o ever_o the_o
this_o powerful_a assailant_n but_o mind_n it_o christian_n although_o this_o shall_v much_o excite_v you_o to_o watchfulfulness_n yet_o here_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o discouragement_n be_v satan_n a_o potent_a enemy_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o conquer_a enemy_n that_o christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o you_o have_v break_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n his_o temptation_n shall_v quicken_v you_o to_o run_v to_o christ_n for_o succour_n and_o to_o clasp_v the_o fast_o about_o he_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a to_o cast_v off_o your_o confidence_n a_o sincere_a believer_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v recollect_v himself_o with_o david_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o be_v not_o my_o saviour_n strong_a than_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o deliver_v i_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o may_v give_v i_o up_o again_o unto_o his_o will_n do_v he_o break_v in_o with_o a_o mighty_a force_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o eject_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o his_o habitation_n and_o come_v and_o dwell_v in_o i_o that_o afterward_o he_o may_v surrender_v up_o his_o dwell_a place_n to_o his_o great_a adversary_n why_o satan_n by_o be_v my_o enemy_n be_v christ_n enemy_n thereby_o in_o who_o i_o be_o and_o unto_o who_o i_o be_o close_o unite_v and_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o get_v the_o victory_n although_o he_o may_v permit_v he_o to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v i_o for_o a_o time_n that_o my_o faith_n may_v be_v exercise_v deseri_fw-la exercise_v deus_fw-la bonos_fw-es non_fw-la negligit_fw-la cum_fw-la negligit_fw-la nec_fw-la obliviscitur_fw-la sed_fw-la quasi_fw-la obliviscitur_fw-la ideo_fw-la videtur_fw-la deferere_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la vult_fw-la deseri_fw-la yet_o he_o will_v bruise_v he_o under_o my_o foot_n short_o rom._n 16.20_o mark_v how_o he_o rebuke_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o case_n of_o joshua_n zech._n 3.2_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o satan_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o o_o satan_n even_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v choose_v jerusalem_n rebuke_v thou_o be_v not_o this_o a_o brand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n q.d._n have_v i_o preserve_v he_o to_o this_o time_n by_o a_o special_a preservation_n that_o now_o i_o may_v deliver_v he_o into_o thy_o merciless_a hand_n so_o do_v christ_n pluck_v poor_a soul_n as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o his_o own_o kingdom_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n mat_n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o gate_n of_o bell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n all_o the_o might_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o adherent_n the_o gate_n of_o city_n be_v the_o place_n where_o their_o arm_n and_o ammunition_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o there_o their_o judge_n and_o counsellor_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v and_o advise_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o place_n so_o that_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v mean_v the_o strength_n and_o crafty_a machination_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n they_o may_v trouble_v and_o vex_v the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o not_o against_o the_o mean_a faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o rock_n but_o every_o particular_a saint_n behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n elect_v precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v 1_o pet._n 2.6_o 3._o a_o three_o particular_a that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o disunite_v a_o believer_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n temptation_n object_v spirit_n object_v temptation_n be_v 1._o injected_a such_o as_o the_o tempter_n dart_v immediate_o into_o the_o soul_n 2._o ascendent_n which_o arise_v from_o some_o stir_a humour_n or_o inferior_a faculty_n 3._o object_v which_o proceed_v from_o external_a object_n bait_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o school_n distinguish_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o inventory_n of_o all_o the_o world_n good_n and_o accommodation_n 1_o joh._n 2.16_o these_o be_v the_o very_a engine_n whereby_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v seduce_v and_o common_o they_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o posterity_n to_o follow_v after_o which_o some_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o put_v a_o good_a conscience_n far_o away_o from_o they_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n they_o have_v forsake_v christ_n and_o for_o earthly_a profit_n and_o advantage_n have_v let_v go_v the_o pursuit_n of_o heavenly_a blessing_n and_o to_o get_v honour_n of_o man_n have_v neglect_v that_o honour_n that_o come_v of_o god_n only_o see_v luk._n 8.14_o 2_o tim._n 4.10_o john_n 12.42_o 43._o but_o these_o be_v outside_n christian_n who_o thus_o forsake_v their_o station_n and_o run_v away_o from_o their_o master_n aug._n master_n charitas_fw-la quae_fw-la descri_fw-la potest_fw-la nunquam_fw-la vera_fw-la fuit_fw-la aug._n such_o as_o be_v indeed_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n will_v never_o let_v he_o go_v for_o they_o have_v renounce_v these_o thing_n already_o for_o his_o sake_n when_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n at_o his_o command_n they_o find_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n more_o solid_a and_o substantial_a pleasure_n than_o sin_n can_v minister_v unto_o its_o follower_n and_o great_a riches_n than_o the_o whole_a earth_n can_v afford_v they_o account_v it_o their_o high_a dignity_n and_o preferment_n to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o attendant_n they_o see_v that_o in_o the_o covenant_n which_o do_v infinite_o outbid_v the_o world_n in_o all_o that_o it_o can_v promise_v unto_o they_o that_o serve_v it_o beside_o through_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o believer_n and_o they_o be_v crucify_v unto_o it_o and_o redeem_v from_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v have_v that_o power_n and_o prevalency_n over_o they_o as_o upon_o other_o gal._n 1.4_o gal._n 6.14_o 4._o false_a teacher_n and_o seducer_n may_v be_v think_v likely_a to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n they_o have_v oftentimes_o cunning_a artifices_fw-la to_o deceive_v and_o be_v of_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n they_o be_v wont_v to_o come_v as_o messenger_n of_o righteousness_n and_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n they_o pretend_v to_o high_a attainment_n and_o plead_v the_o spirit_n and_o new_a light_n for_o introduce_v their_o abomination_n and_o may_v not_o these_o subtle_a emissary_n of_o the_o devil_n overturn_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n people_n may_v not_o they_o so_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o believer_n and_o christ_n why_o sir_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o assure_v we_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v they_o may_v lead_v captive_a silly_a unsettled_a person_n who_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n they_o may_v beguile_v unstable_a soul_n who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nay_o they_o may_v possible_o fly_v blow_v the_o soul_n of_o christ_n peculiar_a servant_n with_o wretched_a error_n and_o taint_v their_o faith_n but_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o overturn_v their_o faith_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a as_o the_o apostle_n assert_v express_o in_o this_o respect_n 2_o tim._n 2.18_o 19_o and_o therefore_o their_o seduction_n be_v mention_v as_o to_o deceive_v the_o elect_a with_o a_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a mat._n 24.24_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a intimate_v that_o eventual_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o be_v place_v out_o of_o harm_n way_n they_o be_v put_v through_o grace_n without_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o gunshot_n as_o to_o a_o total_a seduction_n from_o the_o faith_n as_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 2.20_o not_o that_o this_o shall_v
god_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o conversion_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v these_o six_o property_n and_o each_o of_o they_o must_v be_v inquire_v after_o in_o the_o business_n of_o self-examination_n it_o must_v be_v 1._o spiritual_a 2._o universal_a 3._o evangelical_n 4._o sincere_a 5._o thrive_v 6._o steadfast_a obedience_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v spiritual_a obedience_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o wait_v upon_o and_o who_o servant_n we_o be_v his_o essence_n be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o must_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v if_o we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n acceptable_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o peculiar_a people_n bodily_a exercise_n and_o a_o mere_a external_a devotion_n will_v strike_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o make_v up_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a joh._n 4.23_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o these_o be_v the_o true_a worshipper_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o god_n account_n who_o he_o will_v gracious_o receive_v and_o own_o in_o their_o performance_n when_o people_n serve_v he_o in_o a_o bare_a external_a bodily_a manner_n he_o reckon_v they_o as_o his_o great_a enemy_n their_o service_n be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o dissimulation_n which_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o substance_n lie_v in_o what_o be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o the_o father_n seek_v to_o worship_v he_o i.e._n such_o worship_n he_o command_v and_o his_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v with_o although_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v here_o with_o a_o peculiar_a reference_n to_o institute_v worship_n yet_o it_o hold_v strong_o as_o to_o natural_a worship_n also_o even_o of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o particular_n of_o his_o service_n for_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v render_v v._o 24._o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n so_o that_o our_o obedience_n if_o it_o prove_v we_o a_o choose_a generation_n who_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o for_o himself_o must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o 1._o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o flow_v 2._o extent_n how_o far_o it_o reach_v 3._o subject_a whereon_o it_o be_v terminate_v 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v it_o must_v be_v such_o obedience_n as_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n be_v engage_v not_o a_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o lip_n and_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o the_o mouth_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v remove_v far_o from_o he_o not_o a_o serve_v he_o only_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o compulsion_n under_o some_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n not_o in_o a_o slothful_a careless_a and_o lukewarm_a manner_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v a_o weariness_n to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o our_o work_n but_o when_o we_o serve_v he_o aright_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v engage_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o jer._n 30.21_o 22._o we_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12.11_o and_o our_o inward_a part_n must_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n when_o a_o man_n tongue_n do_v speak_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o his_o heart_n join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o business_n when_o his_o hand_n do_v act_n in_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o his_o spirit_n concur_v in_o the_o action_n and_o carry_v he_o on_o thereunto_o this_o be_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o spirit_n although_o he_o call_v for_o the_o body_n also_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n as_o indeed_o he_o deserve_v the_o whole_a man_n yet_o not_o as_o a_o picture_n or_o image_n without_o life_n and_o soul_n but_o as_o animate_v by_o the_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n and_o let_v thy_o eye_n observe_v my_o way_n q.d._n a_o slave_n will_v give_v i_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o body_n a_o hypocrite_n will_v offer_v up_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o son_n i_o must_v have_v the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v spiritual_a obedience_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o how_o far_o it_o reach_v such_o as_o set_v we_o in_o opposition_n against_o spiritual_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o fleshly_a such_o as_o cause_v we_o to_o fight_v against_o secret_a pride_n and_o envy_n and_o earthliness_n and_o unbelief_n and_o malice_n and_o double-mindedness_a and_o the_o like_a as_o well_o as_o to_o obstain_v from_o rot_a communication_n and_o gross_a outward_a pollution_n it_o must_v be_v such_o obedience_n as_o be_v exercise_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n as_o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n adore_v his_o majesty_n and_o admire_v his_o work_n and_o set_v the_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o as_o well_o as_o in_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o holiness_n and_o open_o walk_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o must_v carry_v we_o to_o such_o work_n as_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o secret_a recess_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o set_v we_o a_o strive_n against_o such_o corruption_n as_o be_v forge_v and_o fabricate_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o no_o eye_n can_v observe_v but_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o the_o filthiness_n both_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n rom._n 8.5_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n psal_n 73.1_o true_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v clean_a of_o heart_n see_v further_o psal_n 24.3_o 4._o mat._n 6.21_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n whereon_o it_o be_v terminate_v it_o end_v in_o the_o further_o renew_v and_o purify_n the_o spirit_n and_o get_v more_o degree_n of_o habitual_a grace_n into_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o be_v not_o only_o content_v to_o be_v keep_v free_a from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n but_o do_v mourn_v and_o lament_v under_o the_o principle_n of_o sin_n and_o labour_n to_o deaden_a that_o principle_n when_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o do_v much_o for_o god_n but_o fain_o will_v have_v our_o spirit_n transform_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o will_v be_v if_o you_o be_v convert_v if_o a_o carnal_a person_n resist_v the_o temptation_n he_o think_v his_o work_n be_v do_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o glory_n in_o himself_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a business_n be_v dispatch_v but_o a_o convert_n lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n he_o follow_v the_o corrupt_a stream_n to_o the_o poisonous_a fountain_n whence_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v he_o but_o cleanse_v the_o fountain_n and_o take_v revenge_n upon_o his_o lust_n that_o lodge_n within_o he_o rom._n 7.23_o 24._o paul_n actual_a sin_n cause_v he_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o heart_n by_o which_o he_o be_v turn_v aside_o i_o see_v say_v he_o another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n this_o be_v the_o first_o qualification_n it_o must_v be_v spiritual_a obedience_n 2._o if_o you_o will_v prove_v your_o conversion_n and_o consequential_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o your_o obedience_n it_o must_v be_v universal_a obedience_n not_o a_o partial_a and_o restrictive_a serve_v of_o god_n but_o a_o follow_v he_o full_o as_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a circuit_n of_o holiness_n reach_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o caleh_n num._n 14.24_o he_o follow_v the_o lord_n full_o and_o that_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o another_o spirit_n and_o of_o a_o gracious_a temper_n indeed_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o his_o obedience_n be_v universal_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a universality_n must_v go_v to_o the_o right_a qualify_a our_o obedience_n that_o it_o may_v be_v evidential_a of_o a_o convert_a estate_n it_o must_v be_v universal_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o 1._o agent_n or_o person_n obey_v 2._o rule_n of_o obedience_n 3._o time_n and_o season_n of_o the_o performance_n 1._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o agent_n or_o person_n