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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n reason_n scripture_n word_n 4,497 5 4.2578 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33961 Defensative armour, against four of Sathan's most fiery darts viz. temptations to atheistical and blasphemous impressions and thoughts, self-murther, despair, and presumption : wherein is discoursed the nature of these temptations, the several tempters to these sins, the arguments ordinarily used by the tempters in the inforcing of them, and some proper advice is offered to those who are exercised with them / by J.C. D.D. ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1680 (1680) Wing C5312; ESTC R12985 145,095 356

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bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o indisputable_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 3._o 3._o and_o st._n paul_n plain_o say_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v life_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n and_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n no_o consider_v man_n therefore_o can_v possible_o raise_v up_o to_o himself_o any_o hope_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o must_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o far_o obey_v as_o god_n will_v accept_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o can_v serve_v the_o devil_n turn_v so_o effectual_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o take_v care_n it_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o have_v be_v several_a notion_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o popish_a notion_n who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n assent_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v without_o any_o practical_a obedience_n for_o many_o a_o man_n assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o yet_o he_o allow_v not_o a_o influence_n upon_o his_o life_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v possess_v of_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v their_o notion_n who_o make_v justify_v faith_n to_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v john_n 1._o 12._o a_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o close_n a_o hearty_a close_n with_o he_o 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i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o book_n open_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o portion_n of_o scripture_n fit_a to_o be_v read_v or_o any_o sermon_n fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o person_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o such_o book_n such_o sermon_n such_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o most_o express_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n most_o lively_o express_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n together_o with_o such_o as_o contain_v or_o explain_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o support_n and_o strength_n and_o help_v under_o and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a pressure_n of_o affliction_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o one_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n concur_v which_o be_v always_o requisite_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v what_o it_o read_v and_o hear_v a_o soul_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o such_o a_o undertake_n from_o the_o rational_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o it_o to_o get_v out_o of_o its_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o far_o near_a and_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o relief_n for_o it_o if_o it_o can_v but_o exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n from_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v it_o and_o who_o have_v promise_v and_o be_v faithful_a which_o two_o point_n be_v of_o very_o great_a import_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v against_o this_o fiery_a dart_n and_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o soul_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o shall_v ever_o listen_v to_o this_o temptation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o reason_n let_v therefore_o every_o soul_n under_o this_o temptation_n make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unbelief_n or_o faint_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o roar_a lion_n thus_o seek_v about_o to_o devour_v soul_n the_o more_o root_v a_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternity_n both_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o damn_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o more_o remote_a and_o difficult_a it_o will_v be_v as_o to_o listen_v to_o any_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n chap._n xi_o further_a direction_n for_o soul_n thus_o tempt_v the_o avoid_n of_o solitude_n the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o freeness_n of_o it_o the_o sureness_n of_o it_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n 3._o dir._n avoid_v solitude_n and_o solitary_a place_n i_o mention_v this_o before_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v prevailing_n of_o melancholy_n but_o let_v i_o a_o little_a far_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o argument_n indeed_o excess_n of_o solitude_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o great_a freedom_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n though_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o soul_n health_n and_o freedom_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o some_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n i_o observe_v elijah_n be_v alone_a when_o he_o pray_v god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o discontent_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o jonah_n ch_n 4._o 5_o 8._o be_v in_o a_o booth_n alone_o out_o of_o the_o city_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v alone_a when_o matth._n 4._o 6._o the_o tempter_n say_v unto_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o of_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v eminent_o true_a that_o solomon_n say_v ecc._n 4._o 11._o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o when_o he_o fall_v for_o he_o have_v none_o other_o to_o help_v he_o up_o these_o act_n be_v commit_v usual_o by_o person_n that_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v therefore_o high_o advisable_v to_o person_n under_o these_o impression_n to_o avoid_v give_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o and_o about_o person_n under_o these_o temptation_n to_o be_v watchful_a as_o to_o this_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o discern_v the_o impression_n be_v most_o strong_a upon_o they_o but_o have_v touch_v upon_o this_o before_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o it_o now_o 4._o dir._n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v what_o motive_n shall_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o their_o life_n but_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o so_o eminent_a evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v now_o these_o evil_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o external_n affliction_n and_o cross_n or_o such_o as_o be_v internal_o horror_n of_o mind_n terror_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o motive_n be_v a_o freedom_n from_o evil_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o advise_v before_o what_o i_o judge_v proper_a viz._n the_o consideration_n whether_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o life_n in_o that_o manner_n will_v indeed_o free_v we_o or_o rather_o make_v our_o condition_n much_o worse_o and_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o procure_v ourselves_o such_o a_o immunity_n but_o now_o suppose_v the_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n viz._n the_o horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o look_v as_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o which_o external_n misery_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o a_o just_a understanding_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o the_o misery_n of_o impenitent_a and_o unpardoned_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o suppose_v the_o motive_n to_o be_v horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n upon_o our_o reflection_n upon_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o soul_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n and_o whet_v upon_o our_o heart_n such_o portion_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n as_o be_v most_o full_o expressive_a of_o it_o true_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n run_v into_o such_o a_o arrear_n with_o god_n justice_n no_o soul_n so_o guilty_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gracious_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v from_o eternity_n contract_v with_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o redeemer_n part_v in_o which_o covenant_n be_v also_o fulfil_v by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a soul_n fulfil_v his_o part_n in_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o it_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o although_o its_o past_a sin_n can_v be_v make_v never_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v no_o more_o condemn_v the_o soul_n then_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v they_o shall_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o not_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v reckon_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v its_o righteousness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n know_v and_o believe_v this_o and_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o gracious_a covenant_n shall_v ever_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o its_o life_n from_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n by_o its_o reflection_n upon_o its_o guilt_n of_o sin_n though_o a_o ignorant_a person_n that_o know_v not_o this_o or_o a_o unbelieving_a soul_n which_o though_o it_o may_v have_v receive_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v believe_v it_o may_v from_o this_o motive_n
it_o please_v not_o god_n to_o renew_v they_o by_o repentance_n if_o thou_o find_v a_o heart_n to_o repent_v to_o bleed_v for_o sin_n and_o turn_n from_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o thou_o to_o despair_n or_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o thou_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o true_a repentance_n be_v never_o too_o late_o for_o it_o always_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n annex_v 4._o four_o as_o to_o that_o text_n heb._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v strict_o as_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v as_o if_o it_o concern_v all_o person_n that_o sin_n against_o their_o light_n and_o knowledge_n but_o only_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wilful_a sin_v for_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n will_v be_v in_o a_o sad_a state_n if_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n remain_v for_o any_o that_o after_o the_o receive_n and_o own_v of_o the_o truth_n do_v in_o any_o degree_n know_o and_o wilful_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o this_o also_o appear_v by_o the_o context_v and_o the_o text_n heb._n 6._o to_o which_o this_o be_v apparent_o parallel_n 1._o it_o speak_v of_o adversary_n v._n 27._o 2._o of_o such_o as_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o which_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n it_o be_v apparent_a he_o speak_v of_o christian_n that_o make_v a_o total_a open_a defection_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o judaisme_n this_o be_v that_o which_o v._o 26._o he_o call_v the_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o a_o malicious_a contempt_n and_o despise_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o blood_n count_v it_o a_o unholy_a thing_n the_o truth_n which_o he_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v undoubted_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v before_o open_v in_o this_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o have_v enlarge_v in_o a_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v true_o god_n and_o true_o man_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n shadow_v out_o by_o the_o jewish_a high_a priest_n now_o say_v he_o if_o a_o man_n sin_n wilful_o that_o be_v have_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v this_o truth_n afterward_o reject_v it_o deny_v it_o apostatise_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o leave_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n shall_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v and_o malicious_o go_v on_o in_o that_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n what_o ever_o remedy_n he_o may_v dream_v of_o find_v in_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n he_o will_v indeed_o find_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o their_o sacrifice_n will_v do_v he_o good_a nor_o will_v christ_n expiate_v for_o he_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o his_o sin_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v much_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o import_v of_o that_o text_n according_a to_o which_o it_o will_v not_o much_o concern_v one_o in_o thy_o circumstance_n 4._o temptation_n but_o will_v some_o soul_n say_v there_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o math._n 12._o 31._o mar._n 3._o 28._o saint_n john_n call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n admit_v those_o two_o text_n heb._n 6._o 6_o 7._o and_o heb._n 10._o 26_o 27_o 28._o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v to_o that_o say_v of_o it_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o can_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o it_o i_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o i_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o look_v for_o that_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o be_v to_o devour_v the_o adversary_n thus_o speak_v the_o tempter_n thus_o after_o he_o do_v the_o poor_a soul_n speak_v that_o be_v tempt_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o thou_o to_o conclude_v that_o thou_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o unpardonable_a sin_n till_o thou_o can_v tell_v what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o it_o be_v how_o can_v thou_o tell_v that_o thou_o have_v commit_v it_o now_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v a_o question_n which_o have_v exercise_v so_o long_o the_o great_a divine_n and_o yet_o remain_v not_o determine_v by_o they_o at_o least_o not_o agree_v in_o by_o any_o considerable_a consent_n some_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a the_o d●nial_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n after_o they_o have_v see_v his_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o god_n alone_o can_v do_v and_o revile_v reproach_v and_o persecute_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o they_o have_v see_v in_o he_o or_o hear_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n in_o those_o text_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v primary_o and_o immediate_o speak_v of_o but_o those_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n can_v be_v thus_o interpret_v yet_o what_o this_o specifical_a sin_n be_v be_v not_o agree_v among_o the_o best_a divine_n 2._o second_o many_o of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o hear_v these_o complaint_n apparent_o have_v not_o light_a enough_o i_o mean_v not_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v apparent_a from_o heb._n 6._o that_o whatever_o this_o sin_n be_v it_o must_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o know_v enlighten_v person_n such_o as_o have_v be_v once_o enlighten_v as_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n so_o that_o ignorant_a person_n can_v be_v under_o this_o gild_n they_o must_v be_v know_v person_n and_o such_o as_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n 3._o three_o it_o be_v also_o thus_o far_o agree_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o total_a and_o final_a fall_v away_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o man_n have_v make_v and_o this_o must_v ●e_v conjoin_v with_o malice_n express_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n or_o both_o such_o as_o may_v ●e_v interpret_v a_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n a_o trample_a underfoot_n the_o ●lood_o of_o the_o covenant_n a_o account_v it_o a_o unholy_a thing_n a_o crucify_a christ_n afresh_o 4._o four_o there_o must_v be_v a_o perseverance_n in_o this_o apostasy_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o the_o end_n without_o repentance_n or_o it_o can_v be_v this_o sin_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o such_o as_o commit_v this_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v renew_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v now_o it_o be_v certain_a any_o sin_n that_o be_v repent_v of_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v forgive_v i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o consider_v what_o woeful_a apostasy_n some_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v have_v make_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o what_o blasphemy_n come_v from_o their_o tongue_n and_o pen_n against_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n impute_v that_o to_o melancholic_a fancy_n and_o dream_n and_o to_o impression_n from_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o its_o impression_n teach_n and_o operation_n and_o when_o i_o also_o consider_v with_o what_o a_o heat_n and_o passion_n of_o madness_n many_o be_v carry_v out_o i●_n persecute_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o th●●_n in_o a_o age_n so_o ferrtile_a of_o mean_n that_o they_o either_o have_v know_v do_v know_v or_o may_v know_v other_o thing_n my_o heart_n ache_v and_o tremble_v for_o many_o poor_a soul_n and_o i_o can_v but_o fear_n many_o more_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o be_v under_o this_o tremenduo●_n gild_n nor_o know_v i_o how_o they_o can_v 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not_o continue_v they_o be_v as_o quick_o down_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o man_n a_o little_a thing_n raise_v their_o hope_n and_o a_o little_a thing_n again_o sink_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o hope_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n some_o person_n build_v up_o hope_n upon_o very_a light_n and_o unjustifiable_a ground_n their_o hope_n be_v indeed_o but_o a_o presumption_n like_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o house_n top_n which_o a_o little_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n kill_v but_o other_o soul_n build_v up_o their_o hope_n upon_o more_o sure_a and_o wary_a foundation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o shake_v we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v sometime_o be_v uncertain_a of_o we_o be_v command_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o to_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a those_o soul_n that_o have_v gain_v their_o 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examination_n or_o frequent_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o to_o our_o spiritual_a hope_n will_v put_v the_o soul_n both_o upon_o frequent_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o discern_v that_o its_o hope_n be_v abate_v by_o the_o prevailing_n of_o its_o lust_n and_o also_o upon_o frequent_a prayer_n beg_v the_o reviving_n and_o upholding_n of_o it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o live_v in_o close_a communion_n with_o god_n i_o propound_v to_o you_o before_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n all_o sin_n but_o some_o especial_o to_o prevent_v temptation_n to_o despair_n but_o this_o be_v something_o more_o we_o be_v at_o first_o beget_v to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o word_n upon_o fervent_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o hope_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v first_o beget_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o soul_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o must_v find_v the_o ground_n and_o bottom_n of_o our_o hope_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o preach_v where_o it_o be_v do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o whet_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n and_o to_o antidote_n despair_n nor_o certain_o can_v often_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v useless_a but_o contrariwise_o of_o very_o great_a use_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o ordinance_n have_v add_v a_o sign_n to_o his_o word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proper_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o hope_n in_o short_a all_o communion_n with_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o internal_a by_o meditation_n and_o the_o secret_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n upon_o god_n or_o more_o external_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v we_o to_o perform_v a_o homage_n to_o he_o by_o must_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o more_o freedom_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o have_v with_o god_n the_o more_o we_o be_v with_o he_o the_o true_a and_o more_o just_a apprehension_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o and_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n now_o all_o despair_n flow_v from_o unjust_a and_o unkind_a apprehension_n and_o impression_n of_o god_n and_o from_o a_o too_o great_a a_o estrangement_n from_o he_o it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o know_v the_o lord_n name_v will_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n but_o above_o all_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n that_o obtain_v all_o grace_n all_o mercy_n from_o god_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o subject_a direct_v you_o to_o what_o i_o judge_v most_o proper_a to_o prevent_v in_o the_o soul_n fit_v or_o more_o settle_a habit_n of_o despair_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v most_o advisable_a to_o keep_v satan_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o more_o easy_a to_o oppose_v the_o first_o assault_n or_o avoid_v give_v he_o advantage_n to_o it_o than_o to_o grapple_v with_o it_o chap._n iu._n what_o despair_v soul_n shall_v do_v they_o ought_v to_o consult_v the_o physician_n if_o no_o bodily_a distemper_n give_v a_o rise_n to_o such_o dark_a thought_n what_o business_n they_o have_v with_o god_n no_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o warrant_v despair_n sometime_o none_o plead_v the_o usual_a argument_n plead_v from_o our_o many_o sin_n the_o greatness_n
he_o with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o a_o particular_a malice_n or_o ill_a will_n to_o thou_o in_o say_v god_n can_v nor_o will_v not_o pardon_v thy_o sin_n or_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o thou_o thou_o deny_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n also_o of_o any_o other_o who_o circumstance_n of_o sin_v be_v as_o great_a as_o thou_o be_v now_o seem_v it_o to_o thou_o a_o light_a thing_n o_o christian_n to_o deny_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o to_o set_v limit_n to_o infinite_a mercy_n 3._o three_o this_o sin_n always_o carry_v with_o it_o also_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n he_o have_v tell_v thou_o mat._n 12._o 31._o that_o all_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o any_o shall_v blaspheme_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v forgive_v that_o if_o thy_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n if_o as_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n no_o say_v thou_o i_o have_v sin_v i_o have_v blaspheme_v and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v i_o have_v scarlet_a sin_n and_o god_n will_v not_o make_v they_o as_o snow_n i_o have_v crimson_a sin_n and_o god_n will_v not_o make_v they_o as_o wool_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o put_v the_o lie_n upon_o god_n to_o deny_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o say_v he_o have_v say_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o some_o will_v say_v it_o to_o i_o after_o this_o rate_n of_o argue_v god_n shall_v save_v all_o man_n and_o woman_n breathe_v these_o word_n be_v nomore_o speak_v to_o i_o than_o to_o any_o other_o i_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o urge_v these_o great_a and_o precious_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ground_n for_o sinner_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v pardon_v and_o save_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n but_o only_o as_o general_a ground_n of_o hope_n that_o there_o may_v perhaps_o be_v mercy_n find_v with_o god_n for_o we_o and_o as_o assurance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n that_o if_o we_o miss_v of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n the_o fault_n shall_v not_o be_v just_o charge_v on_o god_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o in_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o repent_v nor_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n who_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n still_o it_o remain_v the_o duty_n of_o we_o that_o will_v obtain_v this_o pardon_n to_o confess_v its_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o and_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o the_o despair_v soul_n throw_v all_o the_o blame_n of_o its_o miscarriage_n upon_o god_n and_o ordinary_o do_v not_o say_v i_o do_v not_o repent_v i_o can_v repent_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n but_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n in_o god_n god_n can_v or_o god_n will_v not_o pardon_v i_o now_o i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o impeachment_n as_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o forgive_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o of_o christ_n to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a so_o of_o that_o goodness_n and_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o a_o comparison_n do_v the_o soul_n make_v here_o betwixt_o finite_a and_o infinite_a betwixt_o which_o two_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n let_v thy_o sin_n be_v what_o they_o will_v or_o can_v they_o can_v be_v but_o finite_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a the_o sea_n be_v but_o a_o finite_a creature_n yet_o what_o can_v you_o imagine_v so_o great_a that_o the_o sea_n will_v not_o swallow_v up_o and_o cover_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v see_v any_o more_o it_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o god_n himself_o do_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o by_o it_o to_o express_v the_o plenty_n of_o his_o forgive_a mercy_n see_v that_o excellent_a text_n micah_n 7._o 18_o 19_o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n he_o retain_v not_o his_o anger_n for_o ever_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n he_o will_v turn_v again_o he_o will_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o he_o will_v subdue_v our_o iniquity_n and_o thou_o will_v cast_v all_o their_o sin_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n now_o despair_v conclusion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n in_o god_n that_o our_o iniquity_n be_v too_o many_o or_o too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v give_v god_n the_o lie_n as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n say_v 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n make_v god_n a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n 2._o second_o this_o sin_n as_o it_o impli_v these_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o unbelief_n in_o god_n promise_n and_o with_o very_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n by_o unbelief_n here_o i_o understand_v the_o negation_n of_o a_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v of_o those_o good_a thing_n concern_v which_o the_o soul_n despair_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o can_v be_v say_v in_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n be_v high_o applicable_a in_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o despair_n speak_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o unbelief_n imaginable_a it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o soul_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n another_o thing_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v in_o as_o to_o my_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o i_o in_o god_n this_o speak_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o unbelief_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v 2._o beside_o it_o necessary_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o very_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v think_v reverent_o and_o worthy_o of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v root_v in_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o although_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n yea_o abundant_o pardon_v yet_o he_o will_v show_v it_o no_o favour_n but_o adjudge_v it_o to_o a_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o torment_n nay_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v forbear_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v annihilate_v 3._o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o despair_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o sad_a for_o as_o a_o lively_a hope_n of_o obtain_v any_o good_a quicken_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o reason_n dictate_v as_o probable_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n what_o we_o desire_v so_o the_o despair_n of_o obtain_v any_o such_o good_a quite_o deadn_v the_o heart_n and_o take_v it_o off_o all_o thought_n of_o use_v mean_n to_o obtain_v that_o which_o it_o conclude_v with_o itself_o impossible_a to_o be_v obtain_v this_o be_v manifest_a upon_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o such_o soul_n as_o at_o any_o time_n be_v under_o any_o fit_n of_o despair_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o hear_v sermon_n to_o pray_v to_o read_v in_o short_a not_o to_o use_v any_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n so_o that_o a_o great_a sin_n can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v than_o this_o sin_n of_o despair_n be_v oh_o that_o those_o will_v think_v of_o this_o who_o find_v in_o their_o soul_n any_o motion_n temptation_n or_o inclination_n towards_o it_o that_o they_o will_v think_v how_o much_o dishonour_n god_n have_v from_o this_o sin_n above_o other_o 3._o again_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v advantage_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n to_o reflect_v upon_o those_o great_a precedent_n of_o free_a grace_n which_o we_o have_v upon_o record_n in_o holy_a writ_n let_v they_o remember_v the_o instance_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o injurious_a but_o yet_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o instance_n of_o david_n restore_v again_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n after_o the_o guilt_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n of_o peter_n who_o receive_v kind_n look_v from_o christ_n after_o he_o have_v thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o that_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o curse_v and_o swear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v he_o of_o mary_n magdalen_n out_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o seven_o devil_n let_v such_o a_o