from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o christ_n testify_v that_o he_o will_v often_o have_v gather_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.4_o you_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o persuasion_n what_o if_o few_o be_v save_v thy_o salvation_n will_v not_o make_v the_o number_n too_o great_a for_o few_o will_v follow_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v what_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o thou_o in_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o the_o word_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v thou_o and_o christ_n seem_v to_o reckon_v thou_o no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n as_o he_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.26_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v thou_o to_o christ_n as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a dispensation_n of_o they_o rom._n 10.4_o if_o a_o prophet_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n send_v of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n be_v declare_v against_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o timely_a warning_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o thou_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o up_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o himself_o teach_v they_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 11._o jonah_n preach_v nothing_o but_o certain_a destruction_n of_o nineveh_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o within_o 40_o day_n chap._n 3.4_o yet_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o terrible_a message_n be_v that_o those_o heathenish_a people_n may_v escape_v destruction_n by_o repentance_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v always_o understand_v with_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o by_o his_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v escape_v they_o by_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n take_v heed_n of_o foster_a any_o thought_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o show_v no_o save_a mercy_n to_o you_o or_o that_o you_o have_v already_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v because_o god_n will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o it_o if_o such_o thought_n prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v than_o the_o worst_a blasphemous_a thought_n that_o terrify_v you_o or_o any_o of_o the_o gross_a abomination_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o because_o they_o obstruct_v your_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v christ_n say_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o hinder_v our_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o very_o sinful_a and_o pernicious_a arise_v in_o we_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n delusion_n and_o utter_o opposite_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o entertain_v such_o unbelieve_a thought_n have_v god_n make_v we_o of_o his_o privy-council_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o damnation_n before_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n as_o for_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n it_o consist_v in_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o account_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o be_v most_o rancorous_a persecutor_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o they_o that_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n continue_v implacable_a malicious_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n to_o the_o end_n without_o any_o repentance_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v that_o you_o desire_v serious_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v that_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o that_o you_o want_v faith_n love_n and_o true_a obedience_n yea_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o malicious_o bend_v to_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o prefer_v atheism_n licentiousness_n or_o any_o false_a religion_n before_o it_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 6._o add_v to_o all_o these_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o incomparable_a glorious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a salvation_n and_o true_a happiness_n and_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o have_v in_o it_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v make_v our_o cup_n to_o run_v over_o with_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.8_o incline_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o never_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o christ_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o his_o incomparable_a preciousness_n and_o excellency_n induce_v they_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.46_o this_o make_v they_o to_o say_v lord_z evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.32_o 33_o 68_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o good_a ointment_n his_o name_n be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v he_o cant._n 1.3_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.8_o 10._o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a beauty_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n draw_v worshipper_n to_o god_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o unparalleled_a excellency_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o temple_n do_v more_o powerful_o draw_v believer_n in_o these_o gospel-day_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o our_o salvation_n to_o discern_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v he_o make_v it_o his_o great_a work_n to_o eclipse_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o until_o he_o see_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o
our_o salvation_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v necessary_o have_v some_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v before_o we_o can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act._n give_v i_o such_o a_o save_a faith_n as_o will_v produce_v such_o fruit_n as_o these_o no_o other_o faith_n will_v work_v by_o love_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o salvation_n in_o christ_n gal._n 5.6_o the_o apostle_n james_n put_v thou_o upon_o show_v thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n james_n 2.18_o and_o in_o this_o trial_n this_o faith_n of_o assurance_n come_v off_o with_o high_a praise_n and_o honour_n when_o god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o work_v outward_a miracle_n by_o it_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v possible_a to_o they_o and_o it_o have_v frequent_o bring_v forth_o such_o work_n of_o righteousness_n as_o may_v be_v deserve_o esteem_v great_a spiritual_a miracle_n from_o hence_o have_v proceed_v that_o heroic_a fortitude_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n whereby_o their_o absolute_a obedience_n to_o god_n have_v shine_v forth_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v those_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o we_o be_v ever_o call_v to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n as_o protestant_n former_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v their_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n to_o encourage_v we_o in_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n seven_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n which_o exclude_v assurance_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_v faith_n bring_v forth_o many_o evil_a fruit_n it_o tend_v to_o bereave_v our_o soul_n of_o all_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o solid_a comfort_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n by_o place_v it_o after_o sincere_a universal_a obedience_n 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there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o administer_v any_o solid_a comfort_n to_o the_o wound_a spirit_n of_o those_o that_o see_v themselves_o void_a of_o all_o holiness_n under_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n dead_a in_o sin_n not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n you_o do_v but_o increase_v their_o terror_n and_o anguish_n if_o you_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v first_o get_v faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o when_o they_o find_v they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n alas_o they_o know_v that_o they_o can_v believe_v nor_o obey_v except_o god_n prevent_v they_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o what_o if_o they_o be_v even_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n struggle_v with_o death_n pang_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o time_n or_o leisure_n to_o get_v good_a qualification_n and_o examine_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o you_o must_v have_v a_o more_o speedy_a way_n to_o comfort_v such_o by_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o free-promises_a of_o salvation_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o by_o exhort_v they_o to_o apply_v those_o promise_n and_o trust_n on_o christ_n confident_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n holiness_n and_o glory_n assure_v they_o also_o that_o god_n will_v help_v they_o to_o believe_v sincere_o on_o christ_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v because_o god_n command_v it_o several_a other_o evil_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o same_o doctrine_n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o themselves_o and_o prone_a to_o think_v their_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v that_o they_o may_v avoid_v despair_n other_o please_v and_o content_v themselves_o without_o any_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o think_v that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o but_o few_o attain_n to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o they_o show_v little_a love_n to_o christ_n or_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n some_o foster_n doubt_n of_o salvation_n as_o sign_n of_o humility_n though_o they_o will_v hypocritical_o complain_v of_o they_o many_o misspend_v their_o time_n in_o pore_v upon_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o some_o evidence_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n when_o they_o shall_v rather_o be_v employ_v in_o receive_v christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o a_o confident_a faith_n some_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o shall_v call_v god_n father_n and_o what_o apprehension_n they_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o minister_n that_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n use_v any_o expression_n that_o the_o people_n can_v join_v in_o as_o if_o they_o do_v own_o god_n as_o their_o god_n and_o father_n and_o christ_n as_o their_o saviour_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o public_a sing_n of_o many_o of_o david_n psalm_n and_o avoid_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n though_o true_a believer_n have_v some_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o save_v faith_n itself_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o weaken_v in_o many_o by_o this_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o assault_v with_o many_o doubt_n and_o then_o other_o good_a qualification_n must_v needs_o be_v low_a and_o weak_a together_o with_o it_o and_o so_o obscure_a that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n than_o will_v it_o be_v for_o true_a believer_n to_o assure_v themselves_o by_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o which_o be_v the_o only_a assurance_n of_o faith_n some_o prescribe_v mark_n and_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v sincerity_n from_o hypocrisy_n that_o believer_n can_v sufficient_o try_v themselves_o by_o they_o except_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n than_o ordinary_a thus_o many_o believer_n walk_v heavy_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o soul_n conflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n all_o their_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a courage_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o so_o much_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o if_o they_o get_v some_o assurance_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n they_o often_o soon_o lose_v it_o again_o by_o sin_n and_o temptation_n the_o way_n to_o avoid_v these_o evil_n be_v to_o get_v your_o assurance_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n by_o trust_v assure_o on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v your_o self_n upon_o your_o god_n when_o you_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n in_o any_o of_o your_o own_o qualification_n isa_n 50.10_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o choice_a christian_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n direct_v xi_o endeavour_v diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n without_o any_o delay_n and_o then_o also_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n that_o so_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o all_o holiness_n by_o he_o may_v be_v begin_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o you_o explication_n have_v already_o discover_v to_o you_o the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o a_o holy_a practice_n my_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o lead_v you_o to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o for_o the_o immediate_a attainment_n of_o the_o end_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v clear_o perceive_v by_o the_o
we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o believe_v they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o i_o e._n they_o be_v seal_v from_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o original_a word_n be_v in_o the_o same_o tense_n if_o this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v ordinary_a to_o believer_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v may_v have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n that_o want_v this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n let_v we_o inquire_v now_o whether_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n or_o by_o that_o which_o they_o 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evidence_n to_o show_v that_o believer_n general_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o love_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1.7_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o they_o love_v all_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n col._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o corinthian_n that_o be_v very_o carnal_a and_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3_o 15_o 19_o the_o very_a first_o come_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o much_o assurance_n so_o that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o considerable_a time_n to_o get_v assurance_n by_o reflect_v on_o their_o good_a qualification_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o 6._o likewise_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n when_o they_o be_v illuminate_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v their_o confidence_n which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o because_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o confidence_n belong_v necessary_o to_o justify_v save_v faith_n heb._n 10_o 32_o 34_o 35_o 38._o now_o let_v those_o that_o allege_v the_o example_n or_o experience_n of_o many_o modern_a christian_n to_o disprove_v all_o that_o i_o have_v assert_v and_o consider_v well_o whether_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o scripture_n example_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o confess_v that_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v more_o rare_o profess_v by_o christian_n in_o these_o time_n than_o former_o and_o we_o may_v thank_v some_o teacher_n for_o it_o that_o have_v desert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o former_a protestant_n in_o this_o point_n and_o vent_v against_o it_o several_a error_n such_o as_o have_v be_v already_o name_v and_o now_o will_v take_v advantage_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o those_o doubt_n in_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v chief_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o however_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o i_o assert_v that_o in_o these_o day_n as_o well_o as_o former_o it_o always_o have_v in_o it_o some_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o do_v and_o will_v appear_v at_o least_o in_o resist_v and_o condemn_v all_o doubt_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v assure_o and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n except_o in_o extraordinary_a desertion_n by_o which_o our_o gaze_v must_v not_o be_v try_v we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o concern_v themselves_o they_o will_v judge_v false_o that_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o because_o they_o know_v not_o yet_o by_o mark_n and_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o or_o because_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n when_o there_o be_v many_o doubt_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o much_o oppress_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v as_o life_n in_o a_o faint_a fit_a but_o if_o their_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o discern_v some_o assurance_n in_o themselves_o we_o be_v also_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v those_o for_o true_a believer_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o of_o judge_v this_o point_n by_o their_o experience_n which_o be_v a_o vulgar_a error_n the_o blind_a charity_n of_o some_o move_v they_o to_o take_v all_o for_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o trouble_v concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o only_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o bring_v to_o some_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o they_o think_v it_o duty_n to_o comfort_v such_o ignorant_a person_n by_o persuade_v of_o they_o that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a and_o their_o faith_n right_a though_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thus_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_v false_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o their_o blind_a charity_n to_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o instead_o of_o comfort_v such_o they_o rather_o take_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o seek_v consolation_n by_o save_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o ruin_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o five_o the_o chief_a office_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o its_o direct_a save_a act_n be_v to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v which_o office_n can_v be_v rational_o perform_v except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v our_o heart_n and_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o body_n receive_v thing_n into_o itself_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n so_o the_o soul_n receive_v these_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o lay_v actual_a hold_n on_o they_o by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o will_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n see_v and_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o the_o soul_n receive_v comfort_n from_o outward_a thing_n as_o a_o righteous_a
misspend_v the_o precious_a time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n which_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n they_o high_o provoke_v god_n never_o to_o give_v they_o time_n or_o grace_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o other_o imagine_v that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n they_o may_v lawful_o defer_v the_o believe_v of_o it_o until_o they_o have_v sufficient_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o other_o different_a doctrine_n or_o until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o assure_v they_o full_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o they_o that_o be_v call_v seeker_n misspend_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v so_o clear_o evidence_n its_o self_n by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o if_o people_n do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o blind_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o the_o image_n of_o his_o grace_n mercy_n power_n justice_n and_o holiness_n appear_v manifest_o engrave_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n people_n be_v proud_a when_o they_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_o incline_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o will_v know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o joh._n 7.17_o they_o will_v quick_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o whatever_o other_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 16.31_o another_o sort_n of_o people_n there_o be_v that_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n instead_o of_o any_o endeavour_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o they_o call_v wait_v upon_o god_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o right_n wait_v on_o god_n require_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v rather_o disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o appointment_n which_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o jam._n 1.22_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o spiritual_a feast_n luke_n 14.23_o and_o not_o only_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n or_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lest_o christ_n repute_v we_o no_o better_o than_o eve-dropper_n that_o holy_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n commend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o believe_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o depend_v thereon_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 23.13_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o quiet_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 3.26_o what_o be_v it_o that_o these_o delude_a one_o wait_n for_o before_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v be_v it_o for_o more_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o way_n to_o increase_v thy_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o talon_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v receive_v already_o believe_v hearty_o on_o christ_n for_o all_o thy_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o little_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o thou_o have_v and_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o knowledge_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.34_o be_v it_o for_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n that_o thou_o wait_v then_o thou_o wait_v as_o those_o impotent_a folk_n lie_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n wait_v for_o the_o season_n when_o the_o angel_n will_v come_v down_o and_o move_v the_o water_n know_v then_o that_o if_o thou_o enter_v into_o christ_n now_o by_o faith_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o he_o water_n of_o life_n and_o the_o spirit_n move_v they_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o quicken_a of_o thy_o soul_n god_n have_v appoint_v by_o his_o word_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v that_o the_o present_a time_n shall_v be_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n heb._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o thou_o shall_v never_o know_v at_o what_o time_n god_n have_v purpose_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o thou_o until_o thou_o do_v actual_o believe_v do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o manifestation_n or_o flow_n in_o of_o god_n save_v love_n to_o thy_o soul_n then_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v sill_z thou_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15.13_o thou_o have_v sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thy_o soul_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v but_o trust_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o thy_o god_n when_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n of_o sensible_a comfort_n any_o other_o way_n otherwise_o thou_o wait_v for_o comfort_n in_o vain_a and_o this_o thou_o shall_v have_v at_o the_o lord_n hand_n thou_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50.10_o 11._o do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o qualification_n to_o prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a qualification_n thou_o can_v not_o have_v they_o before_o faith_n but_o they_o be_v either_o include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o they_o be_v fruit_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v large_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v wait_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o no_o more_o strange_a than_o true_a some_o foolish_o wait_v to_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o despair_a thought_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o spiritual_a death_n and_o bring_v forth_o hatred_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o prevent_v they_o by_o believe_v god_n love_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o wait_v for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n make_v these_o despair_a thought_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sin_n work_n for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o to_o prize_n christ_n the_o more_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o yet_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n without_o they_o by_o god_n give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o of_o christ_n salvation_n together_o several_a example_n of_o these_o be_v above_o mention_v who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o desire_v or_o wait_v for_o any_o evil_n of_o sin_n such_o as_o these_o despair_a thought_n be_v that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o neither_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v worse_a before_o we_o be_v better_o when_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a present_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n 4._o in_o the_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o may_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o when_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o thereby_o be_v beget_v anew_o in_o christ_n our_o name_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o perfect_a we_o may_v lie_v in_o bed_n till_o noon_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o
sovereign_a authority_n omniscience_n perfect_a holiness_n exact_a justice_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o law_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n prepare_v for_o the_o godly_a and_o misery_n for_o the_o wicked_a to_o all_o eternity_n meditation_n on_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v indeed_o very_o useful_a to_o press_v upon_o our_o conscience_n the_o strictness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o holy_a duty_n and_o to_o move_v we_o to_o go_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o strength_n to_o perform_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v this_o life_n and_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v for_o immediate_a performance_n we_o must_v meditate_v believe_o on_o christ_n save_a benefit_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n be_v minister_v to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v rom._n 1.16_o 2_o cor._n 3.6_o act._n 20.32_o you_o must_v take_v special_a care_n to_o act_v faith_n in_o your_o meditation_n mix_v the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n with_o it_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o profit_v you_o heb._n 4.2_o and_o if_o you_o set_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n frequent_o before_o your_o eye_n by_o meditate_v on_o it_o believe_o you_o will_v be_v strengthen_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n psal_n 26.2_o and_o by_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o will_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n be_v sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o those_o that_o be_v guide_v to_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o such_o artificial-method_n as_o the_o vulgar_a can_v easy_o learn_v you_o may_v let_v your_o thought_n run_v in_o it_o at_o liberty_n without_o confine_v they_o to_o any_o rule_n of_o method_n you_o will_v find_v your_o soul_n much_o enliven_v by_o it_o and_o enrich_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o meditation_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o methodical_a and_o curious_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n 4._o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o institution_n because_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o circumcision_n be_v former_o rom._n 4.11_o but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o make_v it_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o contrary_a righteousness_n of_o work_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n do_v that_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o many_o christian_n do_v that_o transform_v the_o new_a covenant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n into_o which_o new_a devise_v covenant_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v enter_v by_o their_o baptism_n i_o may_v say_v of_o baptism_n thus_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o circumcision_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o baptism_n be_v make_v no_o baptism_n rom._n 2.26_o if_o thou_o be_v baptize_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o continue_v in_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o christ_n be_v become_v of_o no_o effect_n to_o you_o you_o be_v all_o fall_v from_o grace_n gal._n 3.2.4_o beware_v also_o of_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o baptism_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v who_o hold_v that_o it_o confer_v grace_n by_o the_o very_a work_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o as_o many_o ignorant_a people_n do_v that_o trust_v rather_o on_o their_o baptism_n than_o on_o christ_n like_v to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o place_v their_o confidence_n on_o circumcision_n and_o other_o external_a privilege_n phil._n 3.4_o 5._o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v with_o many_o that_o be_v baptize_v 1_o cor._n 10.2_o 5._o and_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o baptise_a with_o the_o unbaptised_a as_o well_o as_o the_o circumcise_a with_o the_o uncircumcised_a jer._n 9.25_o beware_v also_o of_o advance_v baptism_n to_o a_o equal_a partnership_n with_o faith_n in_o your_o salvation_n as_o some_o do_v who_o account_v all_o baptism_n null_n and_o void_a beside_o that_o which_o be_v administer_v to_o person_n grow_v up_o to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o be_v rebaptise_v at_o those_o year_n be_v to_o be_v account_v alien_n from_o the_o true_a church_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n if_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v null_a and_o void_a yet_o the_o want_n of_o true_a baptism_n will_v be_v no_o damn_v matter_n to_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v circumcision_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o baptism_n in_o its_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o israelite_n omit_v it_o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n without_o fear_v that_o any_o will_v fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n for_o want_n of_o it_o john_n 5.6_o 7._o many_o precious_a saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o persecution_n have_v go_v to_o heaven_n through_o a_o baptism_n of_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n before_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v baptise_a with_o water_n and_o in_o those_o ancient_a time_n when_o the_o custom_n of_o defer_v baptism_n too_o much_o prevail_v we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o none_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o defer_v that_o ordinance_n or_o neglect_v it_o take_v notice_n further_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o avoid_v the_o pernicious_a error_n of_o those_o that_o pervert_v baptism_n contrary_a to_o its_o institution_n but_o you_o must_v be_v also_o diligent_a in_o the_o improve_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o here_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o put_v the_o question_n serious_o to_o your_o soul_n what_o good_a use_v you_o do_v make_v of_o your_o baptism_n how_o often_o or_o seldom_o do_v you_o think_v upon_o it_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o christian_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v many_o sincere_a convert_v do_v so_o little_o think_v upon_o their_o own_o baptism_n and_o study_v to_o make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o that_o its_o of_o no_o more_o profit_n to_o their_o soul_n than_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v baptise_a yea_o their_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o aggravate_v by_o render_v such_o a_o ordinance_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o their_o soul_n through_o their_o own_o gross_a neglect_n though_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o we_o but_o once_o in_o our_o life_n yet_o we_o ought_v frequent_o to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o ourselves_o into_o what_o be_v we_o baptise_a act_n 19.2_o what_o this_o ordinance_n seal_n what_o do_v it_o engage_v we_o to_o and_o according_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o our_o baptism_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o grace_n which_o it_o seal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o fulfil_v its_o engagement_n we_o shall_v often_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v make_v christ_n disciple_n by_o baptism_n and_o engage_v to_o hear_v he_o rather_o than_o moses_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n as_o john_n baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n say_v to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o i._n e._n on_o christ_n jesus_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o our_o baptism_n seal_v our_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n and_o our_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o being_n no_o long_o under_o the_o former_a schoolmaster_n the_o law_n gal._n 3.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o that_o it_o seal_v to_o we_o the_o put_n off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o forgive_n of_o our_o trespass_n col._n 2.12_o 13._o our_o be_v make_v member_n of_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.12_o 13._o we_o may_v find_v by_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o which_o be_v more_o full_o discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n
5_o 6_o 7._o and_o in_o public_a assembly_n heb._n 10.25_o zach._n 14.16_o 17._o and_o doubtless_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v first_o in_o general_n because_o god_n communicate_v all_o salvation_n to_o a_o people_n ordinary_o by_o or_o in_o a_o church_n either_o by_o take_v they_o into_o fellowship_n or_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n by_o his_o church_n to_o the_o world_n a_o church_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n where_o god_n dwell_v 1_o tim._n 3.15_o he_o have_v place_v his_o name_n and_o salvation_n there_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n of_o old_a joel_n 2.32_o 2_o chron._n 6.5_o 6._o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n those_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n whereby_o he_o convert_v other_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o his_o spring_n be_v there_o psal_n 87._o he_o make_v the_o several_a member_n of_o a_o church_n instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o fullness_n from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n convey_v to_o each_o other_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o head_n eph._n 4.16_o all_o the_o newborn_a be_v bring_v forth_o and_o nourish_v by_o the_o church_n isa_n 66.8_o 10._o ch_z 49.20_o &_o 60.4_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v shall_v join_v to_o a_o church_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o its_o gate_n and_o unite_v as_o member_n brethren_n and_o companion_n psal_n 122.2_o 4_o 6._o and_o wrath_n be_v denounce_v against_o those_o that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o it_o at_o least_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n they_o can_v have_v god_n for_o their_o father_n that_o have_v not_o that_o for_o their_o mother_n can._n 1.7_o 8._o this_o make_v those_o that_o desire_v fellowship_n with_o god_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o people_n zech._n 8.23_o 2._o in_o particular_a fellowship_n with_o the_o saint_n conduce_v to_o holiness_n many_o way_n 1._o by_o manifold_a help_n to_o holiness_n which_o be_v receive_v thereby_o as_o 1._o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n act._n 2.42_o isa_n 2.3_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o all_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o labour_n in_o watch_v over_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o thess_n 5.12_o 13._o isa_n 25.6_o none_o of_o these_o help_n can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o fellowship_n of_o saint_n each_o with_o other_o and_o if_o believer_n have_v be_v to_o have_v stand_v single_a by_o themselves_o and_o not_o maintain_v fellowship_n with_o each_o other_o for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o common_a good_a none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v have_v continue_v neither_o can_v any_o believer_n be_v extant_a at_o this_o day_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n but_o even_o the_o very_a name_n of_o believer_n have_v be_v abolish_v 2._o mutual_a prayer_n which_o be_v the_o more_o forcible_a when_o all_o pray_v together_o mat._n 18.19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 1.10_o 11._o jam._n 5.16_o rom._n 15.30_o 3._o mutual_a admonition_n instruction_n consolation_n to_o help_v each_o other_o when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v and_o to_o promote_v the_o good_a work_n in_o each_o other_o 1_o thess_n 5.14_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o wise_n shall_v be_v wise_a prov._n 13.20_o wo_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o when_o he_o fall_v see_v eccl._n 4.9_o 12._o in_o church-fellowship_n there_o be_v many_o helper_n many_o to_o watch_v soldier_n have_v their_o security_n in_o company_n and_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant._n 6.10_o so_o for_o quicken_a affection_n iron_n sharpen_v iron_n prov._n 27.17_o likewise_o the_o counsel_n of_o a_o friend_n like_o ointment_n and_o perfume_n rejoice_v the_o heart_n prov._n 27.9_o yea_o the_o wound_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o precious_a balm_n psal_n 141.5_o 4._o external_n support_v which_o mitigate_v affliction_n and_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v mutual_o eph._n 4.28_o 1_o pet._n 4.9_o 10._o the_o affliction_n be_v increase_v when_o none_o care_v for_o our_o soul_n psal_n 142.4_o 5._o excommunication_n when_o offence_n be_v exceed_o heinous_a or_o man_n obstinate_a in_o sin_n this_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o better_o and_o more_o hopeful_a it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o church_n for_o a_o person_n amendment_n than_o to_o be_v whole_o without_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n and_o better_a to_o be_v a_o lose_a sheep_n than_o a_o goat_n or_o swine_n for_o excommunication_n cut_v off_o actual_a communion_n only_o until_o repentance_n be_v evident_a and_o not_o absolute_o abolish_v the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o church-member_n though_o it_o judge_v one_o to_o be_v a_o unnatural_a brother_n and_o a_o pernicious_a rot_a member_n at_o present_a not_o fit_a for_o act_n of_o communion_n beside_o admonition_n which_o be_v still_o to_o be_v afford_v 2_o thes_n 3.15_o and_o any_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v that_o may_v serve_v to_o cure_n and_o restore_v he_o the_o church_n reach_v forth_o a_o hand_n to_o help_v such_o a_o person_n though_o they_o do_v not_o join_v hand_n in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o it_o communicate_v to_o he_o not_o with_o he_o yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o grace_n as_o to_o repent_v it_o be_v better_a he_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o 6._o the_o lively_a example_n of_o saint_n be_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o church-fellowship_n to_o teach_v and_o encourage_v phil._n 3.17_o ch_n 4.9_o 2_o tim._n 3.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 9.2_o 2_o by_o those_o holy_a duty_n that_o be_v require_v and_o do_v appertain_v to_o this_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n all_o act_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o fellowship_n be_v holy_a as_o hear_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n prayer_n mutual_a admonition_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v consider_v some_o such_o holy_a act_n whereby_o we_o be_v rather_o doer_n than_o receiver_n and_o which_o we_o perform_v towards_o other_o as_o 1._o godly_a discourse_n teach_v admonish_a comfort_v other_o in_o christ_n which_o we_o can_v so_o perform_v towards_o other_o as_o towards_o those_o we_o have_v strict_a fellowship_n with_o in_o christ_n other_o like_a swine_n trample_v these_o jewel_n under_o foot_n and_o saint_n therefore_o be_v force_v to_o refrain_v from_o godly_a discourse_n in_o their_o company_n amos_n 5.10_o 13_o 16._o and_o 6.10_o but_o holy_a discourse_n be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o they_o mal._n 3.16_o and_o be_v great_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o holiness_n prov._n 11.25_o 2._o in_o help_v succour_a and_o converse_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n we_o do_v good_a to_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o we_o ourselves_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n act_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o towards_o christ_n whereas_o if_o we_o do_v good_a to_o other_o without_o we_o do_v good_a only_o for_o christ_n sake_n but_o not_o to_o christ_n mat._n 25.35_o 49._o psal_n 16.2_o 3._o we_o have_v advantage_n in_o general_n to_o do_v all_o duty_n that_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o fellow-member_n which_o we_o can_v do_v if_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o a_o natural_a member_n can_v perform_v its_o office_n to_o other_o member_n if_o separate_v from_o they_o 2_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v right_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o holiness_n only_o in_o christ_n 1._o one_o rule_n be_v do_v not_o trust_v on_o church-membership_a or_o on_o church_n as_o if_o this_o or_o that_o relation_n in_o fellowship_n commend_v you_o to_o god_n of_o itself_o whereas_o a_o churchway_n be_v but_o a_o help_n to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o fellowship_n the_o israelite_n stumble_v at_o christ_n by_o trust_v on_o their_o carnal_a privilege_n and_o set_v they_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n whereas_o they_o shall_v have_v only_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n confidence_n in_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v abandon_v as_o paul_n example_n teach_v phil._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o glory_n in_o paul_n apollo_n cephas_n but_o in_o christ_n else_o we_o glory_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o man_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o &_o 3.21_o trust_v on_o church-priviledge_n be_v a_o inlett_n to_o formality_n and_o licentiousness_n jer._n 7.4_o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_o thence_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n isa_n 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 2.20_o 2._o follow_v no_o church_n any_o further_a than_o you_o may_v follow_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n and_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o it_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o follow_v christ_n and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o zech._n 8.23_o if_o a_o church_n
that_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o new_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o not_o as_o in_o a_o natural_a condition_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o holiness_n right_o for_o this_o end_n now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a advantageous_a way_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a desirable_a property_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o have_v this_o property_n that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o abasement_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o exaltation_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n design_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o end_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o rom._n 11.6_o isa_n 2.17_o ezek._n 36.21_o 22.31.32_o psal_n 145.4_o and_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o be_v the_o hallow_n sanctify_a and_o glorify_v god_n name_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a petition_n mat._n 6._o and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o act_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o be_v the_o end_n of_o give_v the_o law_n rom._n 3.19_o 20._o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n and_o will_v have_v he_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o col._n 1.17_o 18._o that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n joh._n 14.13_o and_o this_o property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o it_o we_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v like_o he_o and_o a_o way_n according_a to_o his_o heart_n as_o christ_n prove_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o argument_n joh._n 7.18_o and_o paul_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n by_o grace_n through_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o it_o exclude_v all_o boasting_n of_o the_o creature_n rom._n 3.27_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 1.29.30_o 31._o eph._n 3.8_o 9_o this_o property_n appear_v evident_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o sanctification_n by_o christ_n in_o we_o through_o faith_n for_o first_o it_o show_v that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o our_o natural_a will_n or_o any_o power_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o way_n rom._n 7.18_o however_o nature_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o law_n or_o natural_a help_n col._n 3.21_o and_o so_o it_o serve_v to_o work_v self-loathing_a and_o abasement_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o nature_n as_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o past_a cure_n and_o to_o be_v put_v off_o not_o reform_v by_o put_v on_o christ_n it_o remain_v wicked_a and_o only_o wicked_a after_o we_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n 2._o it_o show_v that_o all_o our_o good_a work_n and_o live_n to_o god_n be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n at_o all_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v not_o mere_o according_a to_o our_o natural_a power_n as_o he_o enable_v carnal_a man_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o above_o our_o own_o power_n by_o christ_n unite_v to_o we_o and_o in_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n all_o man_n live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o universal_a support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o be_v and_o activity_n they_o act_n heb._n 1.3_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o act_n as_o creature_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o god_n act_v more_o immediate_o in_o his_o people_n who_o be_v one_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n with_o christ_n and_o act_v not_o by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o immediate_a principal_a agent_n of_o all_o their_o good_a work_n and_o they_o be_v christ_n work_n proper_o who_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o saint_n work_v by_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o who_o light_n and_o power_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v act_n and_o be_v act_v gal._n 2.20_o eph._n 3.16_o 17._o colos_n 1.1_o so_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o work_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thank_v he_o for_o they_o as_o free_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o phil._n 1.11_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v not_o by_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v other_o but_o by_o himself_o the_o wicked_a be_v support_v in_o act_v only_o according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o they_o act_v wicked_o thus_o all_o be_v say_v to_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n act_v 17.27_o but_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n not_o by_o ourselves_o but_o by_o himself_o hos_fw-la 1.7_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o enable_v we_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o he_o which_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o ascribe_v to_o he_o luk._n 18.11_o but_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o work_v as_o one_o with_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o work_v as_o one_o with_o the_o father_n by_o the_o father_n work_v in_o he_o we_o act_v as_o branch_n by_o the_o juice_n of_o the_o vine_n as_o member_n by_o the_o animal_n spirit_n of_o the_o head_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n by_o marriage_n to_o he_o as_o our_o husband_n and_o work_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o he_o as_o the_o live_a bread_n that_o we_o feed_v on_o he_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a man_n colos_n 3.11_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o 2._o it_o have_v this_o property_n that_o it_o consist_v well_o with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contrary_a error_n do_v not_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a by_o its_o harmony_n with_o other_o truth_n and_o sit_v link_a with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o golden_a chain_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o evidence_v they_o to_o be_v true_a by_o their_o harmony_n with_o it_o i_o have_v show_v that_o man_n mistake_v the_o true_a way_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n in_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o popish_a socinian_n and_o arminian_n tenant_n because_o man_n can_v serious_o take_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o they_o judge_v not_o to_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n but_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n will_v evidence_n that_o those_o gospel_n doctrine_n which_o they_o refuse_v be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o that_o those_o tenant_n which_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o holiness_n move_v they_o to_o embrace_v be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o holiness_n however_o satan_n appear_v to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o such_o tenant_n whatever_o man_n say_v its_o certain_a that_o legalist_n be_v indeed_o the_o antinomian_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o truth_n confirm_v by_o it_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n viz._n not_o only_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n and_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o utter_a impotency_n to_o do_v spiritual_a good_a and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n to_o god_n in_o all_o people_n according_a to_o nature_n psal_n 51.5_o rom._n 5.12_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a inability_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n true_o in_o any_o point_n many_o deny_v this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o people_n believe_v this_o they_o will_v excuse_v their_o sin_n by_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o despair_v of_o all_o strive_v to_o do_v good_a work_n and_o leave_v off_o all_o endeavour_n and_o grow_v licentious_a and_o they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v more_o conduce_v to_o godliness_n to_o hold_v and_o teach_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o original_a sin_n or_o corruption_n derive_v from_o adam_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v do_v away_o either_o in_o the_o world_n by_o universal_a redemption_n or_o in_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o that_o there_o be_v freewill_n restore_v whereby_o people_n be_v able_a to_o incline_v themselves_o to_o do_v good_a that_o man_n may_v be_v more_o encourage_v to_o set_v upon_o good_a work_n and_o their_o neglect_n make_v inexcusable_a all_o this_o be_v indeed_o forcible_a against_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o holiness_n by_o the_o freewill_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o endeavour_v which_o i_o direct_v you_o to_o avoid_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o new_a way_n to_o holiness_n since_o the_o fall_n original_a sin_n may_v make_v we_o despair_v but_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o