â—est_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o merâ—ies_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o durable_a nature_n grace_n â—s_v a_o immortal_a seed_n a_o never-dying_a root_n â—rincipium_fw-la continuativum_fw-la joh._n 7.38_o he_o that_o â—elieveth_v in_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n though_o grace_n be_v loseable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n yet_o not_o in_o event_n because_o god_n uphold_v it_o the_o house_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n shall_v stand_v immovable_a 2.17_o prov._n 10.25_o 1_o jâ—h_n 2.17_o the_o righteous_a be_v a_o everlasting_a foundation_n he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o yea_o he_o have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o but_o may_v not_o they_o depart_v from_o god_n no_o not_o total_o and_o final_o for_o god_n have_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jer._n 32.40_o they_o may_v sin_v and_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o stand_n comfort_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o grace_n but_o never_o be_v strip_v naked_a whole_o of_o these_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n god_n have_v secret_a hold_n of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v more_o hold_n of_o he_o than_o other_o have_v they_o be_v restless_a and_o dissatisfied_a till_o they_o enjoy_v god_n and_o these_o mercy_n be_v clear_a to_o they_o this_o golden_a chain_n stretch_v itself_o from_o everlasting_a it_o begin_v in_o free_a election_n and_o end_n in_o final_a salvation_n who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o he_o call_v justify_v glorify_v rom._n 8.29_o 30._o it_o be_v horrid_a sacrilege_n to_o pluck_v one_o link_n from_o this_o golden_a chain_n god_n be_v the_o finisher_n as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o rob_v a_o gracious_a soul_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o stop_v the_o channel_n of_o his_o freegrace_n to_o the_o covenant_v soul_n paul_n can_v make_v a_o bold_a and_o brave_a challengeâ—_n rom._n 8.35_o 38_o 39_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o he_o make_v a_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o conquer_v the_o believe_a soul_n and_o yet_o conclude_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n sweet_a promise_n that_o may_v answer_v all_o arminian_n cavil_v and_o unbelieve_a fear_n concern_v perseverance_n which_o many_o choice_a champion_n have_v produce_v and_o manage_v with_o dexterity_n and_o success_n see_v mr._n prins_n treat_v of_o perseverance_n dr._n prid._n lect._n 7._o de_fw-fr perseusanct_a dr._n ames_n coron_n artic._n 5._o de_fw-fr perseverantiâ_fw-la chap._n iu._n 3._o the_o three_o head_n to_o be_v open_v be_v more_o particular_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o make_v sure_o these_o covenant-mercy_n how_o god_n do_v it_o now_o there_o be_v several_a step_n of_o make_v a_o thing_n sure_a among_o man_n and_o god_n have_v use_v the_o same_o mean_n and_o some_o degree_n more_o to_o make_v these_o mercy_n sure_a to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n 1._o man_n be_v wont_a to_o pass_v their_o word_n when_o they_o promise_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n they_o expect_v credit_n and_o among_o man_n this_o be_v current_a and_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o bare_a word_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v nor_o deny_v himself_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n even_o a_o balaam_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o must_v profess_v it_o numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v it_o or_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a the_o unchangeable_a god_n have_v engage_v his_o word_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a give_v credit_n to_o all_o that_o god_n speak_v by_o dream_n vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n 2._o it_o hence_o neâ—_n 9_o 38._o we_o make_v a_o sure_a covenant_n and_o write_v it_o man_n use_v to_o give_v great_a evidence_n by_o subscribe_v their_o hand_n and_o put_v their_o mind_n and_o promise_v into_o write_v hence_o the_o expression_n and_o practice_n of_o give_v letter_n of_o credence_n and_o we_o use_v to_o say_v man_n be_v mortal_a give_v it_o i_o under_o your_o hand_n that_o will_v abide_v for_o litera_fw-la scripta_fw-la manet_fw-la well_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v condescend_v to_o subscribe_v his_o promise_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o hand_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o record_n therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v it_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n i_o may_v add_v satisfaction_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15.4_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n to_o we_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o gospel_n write_v that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n luk._n 1.4_o and_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v joh._n 20.31_o who_o dare_v now_o dispute_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o sureness_n of_o gospel-promise_n since_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v pass_v away_o but_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v mat._n 5.18_o 3._o man_n use_v to_o call_v in_o witness_n for_o further_a confirmation_n some_o important_a business_n require_v several_a witness_n 19.15_o deut._n 19.15_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n shall_v the_o matter_n be_v establish_v well_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n have_v confirm_v his_o gospel_n to_o we_o by_o three_o and_o three_o witness_n there_o be_v three_o in_o heaven_n the_o glorious_a person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o one_o in_o essence_n though_o three_o person_n 1_o job_n 5.7_o these_o bear_v record_n of_o christ_n godhead_n and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n ver_fw-la 8._o these_o testify_v of_o christ_n manhood_n the_o spirit_n i._n e._n say_v some_o his_o breathe_n out_o his_o soul_n and_o spirit_n in_o his_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o water_n and_o blood_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o side_n when_o it_o be_v pierce_v with_o a_o spear_n that_o show_v he_o be_v real_a man_n and_o that_o he_o do_v real_o die_v loc_fw-la hanc_fw-la sequor_fw-la sententiam_fw-la hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la nec_fw-la puto_fw-la aliam_fw-la posse_fw-la adduci_fw-la veriorem_fw-la aretius_n in_o loc_n see_v mar'orate_a in_o loc_fw-la aretius_n interpret_v these_o three_o latter_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o water_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n represent_v christ_n meritorious_a bloodshed_n and_o still_o this_o interpretation_n further_o confirm_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o consequent_o the_o mercy_n of_o it_o 4._o man_n use_v to_o give_v assurance_n to_o other_o by_o set_v to_o their_o seal_n hence_o the_o practice_n among_o we_o of_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o bill_n bond_n lease_n purchase_n letter_n patent_n and_o this_o seal_n have_v usual_o person_n cognizance_n or_o coat_n of_o arm_n or_o some_o impression_n upon_o it_o and_o leave_v the_o impression_n upon_o the_o wax_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n add_v his_o seal_n there_o be_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n give_v and_o appoint_v purposely_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o assure_v of_o our_o heart_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proâ—mises_n as_o circumcision_n be_v call_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o for_o by_o â—ese_n seal_v both_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v confirm_v to_o we_o and_o holy_a impression_n wrought_v in_o thâ—_n heart_n of_o the_o elect_a there_o be_v also_o privy_a seal_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o bless_a spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n ephes_n 22._o eph._n 4.30.2_o cor._n 1_o 22._o 1.13_o seal_v with_o that_o holy_a spirâ—_n of_o promise_n hereby_o god_n child_n be_v distinguish_v from_o wicked_a man_n and_o confirm_v iâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o it_o bear_v witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o this_o be_v a_o elegant_a similitude_n for_o all_o civil_a charter_n and_o testament_n become_v authentic_a by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o seaâ—_n and_o the_o seal_n in_o â—ormer_a time_n be_v the_o note_n iâ—_n letter_n by_o which_o
verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la quae_fw-la religioâ—i_fw-la sâ—nt_fw-la intrinseca_fw-la cum_fw-la nulla_fw-la ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la soeculis_fw-la ac_fw-la nationibus_fw-la proferri_fw-la potest_fw-la aut_fw-la praemio_fw-la excellentior_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la perfectior_fw-la aut_fw-la modo_fw-la propagari_fw-la jussa_fw-la est_fw-la admirabilior_fw-la hug._n grot._n de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la relig._n christ_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 9_o p._n 52._o joh._n 9.29_o act._n 26.22_o 23._o act._n 17.11_o than_o that_o voice_n which_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a mount_n from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o not_o that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o sure_a than_o the_o very_a undoubted_a word_n of_o jehovah_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o but_o a_o more_o sure_a i._n e._n most_o sure_o a_o comparative_a for_o a_o superlative_a for_o the_o former_a vision_n be_v from_o god_n also_o as_o the_o prophecy_n be_v be_v in_o itself_o as_o sure_a as_o they_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o scripture-testimony_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o that_o vision_n argumentative_o as_o to_o other_o or_o secundum_fw-la nos_fw-la for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v beyond_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n nay_o above_o the_o credit_n that_o any_o will_v give_v to_o man_n for_o man_n may_v suspect_v peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o though_o this_o apparition_n be_v but_o a_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n therefore_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o undoubted_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v by_o long_o use_v settle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a jew_n who_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v as_o come_v from_o god_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n make_v account_n that_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o moses_n write_n will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n job_n 5.45_o 47._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o examine_v doctrine_n by_o the_o prophet_n nay_o our_o saviour_n himself_o affirm_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16.31_o locum_fw-la habebant_fw-la apostoli_fw-la prophetas_fw-la tanquam_fw-la patronos_fw-la â—â—ctrinae_fw-la suae_fw-la fidales_n quoque_fw-la inde_fw-la petebant_fw-la evangelii_n confirmationem_fw-la calv._n in_o loc_n videsi_fw-la mart._n aret._n etc._n etc._n in_o locum_fw-la therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o prophet_n as_o patron_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o thence_o do_v the_o faithful_a fetch_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o text_n be_v then_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o evidence_v the_o consent_n of_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a testimony_n for_o its_o full_a confirmation_n q._n d._n if_o you_o distrust_v i_o in_o commend_v the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n i_o send_v you_o back_o to_o the_o prophet_n who_o without_o all_o exception_n you_o account_v holy_a and_o faithful_a these_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o this_o consent_n be_v to_o be_v evince_v and_o satisfy_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v profess_v such_o a_o plerophory_n and_o abundant_a acquiescence_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n so_o joh._n 6.69_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o simon_n peter_n acknowledge_v it_o mat._n 16.16_o yea_o unbelieving_a thomas_n at_o last_o cry_v out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20.28_o as_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o stupendous_a condescend_v demonstration_n the_o apostle_n john_n testify_v 1_o ep._n 1.1_o concern_v christ_n say_v we_o have_v hear_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n look_v upon_o yea_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o this_o do_v he_o declare_v to_o we_o from_o experience_n of_o several_a sense_n oh_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a thing_n oh_o what_o life_n will_v it_o put_v into_o our_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d comfort_n what_o a_o antidote_n will_v it_o be_v against_o temptation_n corruption_n persecution_n can_v we_o as_o real_o believe_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o corporeal_a object_n what_o beauty_n shall_v we_o discern_v therein_o what_o comfort_n shall_v we_o receive_v therefrom_o what_o will_v we_o not_o do_v and_o endure_v for_o they_o do_v we_o see_v the_o reality_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o covenant-mercy_n as_o we_o do_v of_o common_a mercy_n how_o shall_v our_o heart_n be_v enamour_v therewith_o they_o that_o have_v the_o most_o prevail_a persuasion_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o transcendency_n of_o heavenly_a mercy_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a and_o eminent_a christian_n but_o a_o faint_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sloth_n all_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n proceed_v from_o a_o want_n of_o a_o effectual_a assent_n to_o gospel-revelation_n alas_o there_o be_v more_o atheism_n and_o insidelity_n in_o the_o world_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o do_v man_n as_o certain_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o hell_n as_o they_o see_v and_o know_v there_o be_v stone_n and_o tree_n earth_n and_o water_n will_v not_o this_o have_v strange_a influence_n upon_o their_o practice_n will_v they_o not_o be_v other_o manner_n of_o person_n than_o they_o be_v especial_o if_o they_o do_v faithful_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n paul_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o his_o day_n look_v not_o on_o the_o thing_n see_v but_o on_o thing_n not_o see_v i._n e._n eternal_a thing_n 2_o cor._n 4.18_o moses_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o make_v he_o to_o endure_v any_o thing_n heb._n 11.27_o o_o christian_n rest_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o bare_a conjecture_n but_o press_v forward_o till_o you_o arrive_v at_o a_o full_a assurance_n you_o can_v be_v too_o sure_a in_o these_o case_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o mighty_a full_a expression_n col._n 2.2_o to_o this_o purpose_n ver_fw-la 1._o he_o tell_v of_o a_o conflict_n that_o he_o have_v for_o they_o and_o the_o laodicean_n i_o e._n a_o care_n fear_v desire_v good_a man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o heartrending_a conflict_n and_o agony_n why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n why_o it_o be_v that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v be_v knit_v together_o in_o love_n and_o to_o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n observe_v the_o climax_n here_o be_v 1._o assurance_n he_o desire_v for_o they_o then_o 2._o full_a assurance_n further_o 3._o riches_n of_o full_a assurance_n yet_o again_o 4._o all_o riches_n of_o full_a assurance_n yea_o not_o a_o rash_a and_o ignorant_a but_o such_o a_o assurance_n 5._o of_o understanding_n i._n e._n with_o a_o settle_a judgement_n and_o not_o only_o to_o have_v such_o assurance_n and_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o all_o this_o 6._o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o but_o why_o be_v he_o so_o earnest_a for_o all_o this_o ver_fw-la 4_o this_o i_o say_v or_o pray_v for_o you_o lest_o any_o man_n beguile_v you_o with_o entice_a word_n q._n d._n you_o will_v find_v all_o this_o little_a enough_o when_o a_o subtle_a disputer_n shall_v set_v upon_o you_o with_o cunning_a artifice_n to_o draw_v you_o from_o the_o truth_n you_o will_v perhaps_o feel_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o the_o full_a persuasion_n that_o creature_n can_v arrive_v unto_o that_o you_o may_v keep_v your_o hold_n and_o not_o be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o little_o know_v what_o storm_n may_v assault_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n peter_n make_v a_o glorious_a profession_n yet_o his_o faith_n be_v stagger_v in_o a_o temptation_n and_o santan_n be_v a_o cunning_a sophister_n he_o desire_v to_o have_v you_o that_o he_o may_v five_o you_o and_o toss_v you_o so_o as_o to_o shake_v away_o the_o pure_a grain_n of_o gospel-truth_n he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o cheat_v you_o of_o your_o religion_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o paul_n be_v so_o jealous_a over_o the_o corinthian_n with_o godly_a jealousy_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_n and_o he_o have_v store_n of_o device_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 13_a hence_o be_v it_o that_o teacher_n have_v always_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o settle_v and_o ground_v their_o hearer_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o teach_v as_o luke_n his_o theophilus_n
to_o thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o 5._o walk_v close_o with_o god_n as_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n of_o obtain_v and_o maintain_v assurance_n psal_n 50.23_o to_o he_o â—hat_n order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o â—hew_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n close-walkers_a have_v many_o choice_a discovery_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o oh_o the_o peace_n â—hat_n such_o have_v as_o keep_v god_n commandment_n oh_o the_o sweet_a refreshment_n which_o result_v from_o a_o lively_a obedience_n the_o work_v of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o isa_n 32.17_o 21._o psal_n 25_o 14._o mat._n 4.2_o joh._n 14.15_o 16._o v._o 21._o if_o you_o keep_v constant_o in_o the_o â—ear_n of_o god_n he_o will_v discover_v to_o you_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o covenant_n he_o will_v cause_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o arise_v upon_o you_o if_o you_o keep_v his_o commandment_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o comforter_n and_o he_o will_v manifest_v himself_o to_o you_o but_o if_o you_o grow_v careless_a and_o remiss_a in_o your_o walk_n and_z step_z aside_o to_o any_o gross_a sin_n no_o wonder_n if_o you_o have_v little_a assurance_n of_o these_o covenant-mercy_n for_o these_o do_v separate_v betwixt_o you_o and_o your_o god_n you_o and_o comfort_n this_o obscure_a david_n interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o unsuitable_a act_n cost_v he_o many_o a_o tear_n and_o sad_a thought_n of_o heart_n which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o of_o break_a bone_n and_o bitter_o groan_v out_o his_o sad_a complaint_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n yea_o for_o one_o act_n of_o sloth_n and_o security_n the_o church_n lose_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n cant._n 5.26_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v like_o a_o filthy_a vapour_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n that_o cause_v a_o mist_n and_o a_o thick_a mist_n between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o will_v keep_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o shine_v upon_o we_o it_o beget_v jealousy_n suspicion_n and_o uncomfortable_a fear_n in_o the_o soul_n whether_o god_n be_v we_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n and_o walk_v humble_o witâ—_n god_n 6._o be_v much_o in_o self-observation_n somâ—_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n but_o know_v it_o not_o for_o want_v of_o self-discovery_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n to_o consider_v boâ—_n your_o heart_n and_o way_n indeed_o the_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d deceitful_a but_o you_o shall_v take_v the_o candle_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o conscience_n anâ—_n deal_v impartial_o with_o your_o heart_n seek_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o some_o nook_n or_o other_o you_o will_v find_v a_o covenant-mercy_n can_v thou_o not_o say_v as_o peter_n iâ—_n sincerity_n 38.3_o joh_n 21_o 17._o isa_n 38.3_o thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o oâ—_n with_o hezekiah_n that_o you_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n in_o uprighteness_n do_v thou_o not_o find_v iâ—_n thy_o heart_n a_o care_n to_o please_v god_n fear_v to_o offend_v he_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hatred_n of_o sin_n love_v tâ—_n the_o saint_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n despise_v thâ—_n world_n and_o low_a thought_n of_o thy_o best_a duty_n well_o now_o a_o sound_a search_n and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d notable_a way_n to_o assure_v to_o yourselves_o youâ—_n interest_n in_o these_o covenant-mercy_n and_o sâ—_n prove_v yourselves_o 14.14_o gal._n 6.4_o prov._n 14.14_o your_o rejoice_v and_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v from_o yourselves_o if_o thou_o can_v but_o find_v one_o save_a grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n in_o truth_n thou_o may_v gather_v some_o evidence_n thence_o and_o god_n child_n have_v take_v comfort_n in_o their_o sincere_a love_n to_o the_o brethren_n when_o they_o have_v have_v scarce_o discern_v any_o other_o grace_n and_o so_o have_v assure_v their_o heart_n before_o god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o â—he_n truth_n see_v 1_o john_n 3.18_o 19_o there_o be_v neâ—er_o a_o good_a work_n do_v if_o it_o be_v right_a for_o principle_n rule_n and_o end_n but_o it_o will_v help_v we_o â—o_o a_o discovery_n of_o our_o state_n that_o our_o work_n â—s_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n 3.21_o therefore_o â—et's_n be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n and_o try_v our_o heart_n and_o act_n so_o may_v we_o attain_v assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n 7._o reflect_v upon_o and_o recollect_v your_o former_a experience_n this_o be_v david_n usual_a method_n â—o_o assure_v his_o heart_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n 12._o psal_n 77.6_o psal_n 143.5_o 6._o job_n 23.11_o 12._o and_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n psal_n 77.10_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a day_n of_o old_a his_o song_n in_o the_o night_n this_o course_n take_v job_n and_o many_o other_o saint_n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o believe_a hebrew_n call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o they_o be_v illuminate_v they_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n heb._n 10.32_o and_o this_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o god_n smile_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n you_o will_v say_v what_o be_o i_o better_o for_o remember_v what_o goodness_n be_v in_o i_o in_o time_n past_a which_o i_o be_o now_o fall_v from_o and_o have_v lose_v i_o answer_v much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o these_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sure_a mercy_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v obscure_v yet_o never_o abolish_v where_o god_n love_v once_o he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n joh._n 13.1_o 1.23_o job_n 19.28_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o the_o bud_n and_o blossom_n of_o comfort_n may_v be_v nip_v but_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o incorruptible_a seed_n remain_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n have_v life_n though_o possible_o it_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o himself_o or_o other_o grace_n may_v be_v hide_v yet_o alive_a as_o the_o sap_n return_v into_o the_o root_n in_o winter_n want_v of_o comfortable_a sense_n and_o feeling_n be_v not_o a_o loss_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o case_n search_v your_o record_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v some_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o former_a time_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o godly_a woman_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o write_v down_o how_o god_n deal_v with_o her_o heart_n and_o time_n place_n manner_n of_o her_o communion_n with_o god_n a_o time_n of_o destruction_n come_v the_o comfort_n and_o counsel_n of_o minister_n friend_n be_v in_o vain_a 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a man_n get_v her_o book_n show_v it_o under_o her_o own_o hand_n which_o she_o can_v noâ—_n deny_v clear_v the_o immutable_a love_n of_o god_n ply_v she_o with_o it_o drive_v the_o nail_n home_o and_o thereby_o she_o recover_v her_o assurance_n thus_o may_v you_o therefore_o recollect_v experience_n 8._o strengthen_v every_o grace_n the_o greateâ—_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o be_v be_v discernible_a little_a grace_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o discover_v aâ—_n much_o grace_n a_o great_a measure_n of_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n carry_v a_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n along_o with_o it_o and_o have_v a_o self-evidencing_a testimony_n of_o the_o soul_n sincerity_n christian_n do_v you_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n knowledge_n temperance_n patience_n godliness_n brotherly-kindness_n charity_n foâ—_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v yoâ—_n shall_v both_o be_v fruitful_a and_o they_o will_v help_v you_o to_o clear_v up_o your_o call_n and_o election_n 2_o pet._n 1_o 5-10_a these_o resemble_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o the_o more_o godlike_a a_o chrstian_a grow_v the_o more_o clear_a will_v he_o be_v in_o point_n of_o state_n saint_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n be_v usual_o more_o free_a from_o doubt_n while_o sincere_a yet_o weak_a believer_n be_v much_o pester_v with_o jealousy_n and_o misgiving_n the_o more_o you_o get_v of_o these_o sure_a mercy_n into_o your_o heart_n the_o more_o sure_a you_o be_v of_o your_o interest_n in_o they_o the_o fast_o hold_v you_o have_v of_o god_n the_o sure_a you_o will_v be_v you_o have_v indeed_o hold_v of_o he_o every_o step_n towards_o zion_n will_v add_v new_a strength_n stability_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o holy_a pilgrim_n increase_v repentance_n and_o you_o increase_v assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n increase_v faith_n and_o that_o bring_v on_o assurance_n of_o faith_n strengthen_v hope_n and_o you_o settle_v your_o anchor_n grow_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o way_n courage_n and_o zeal_n
obstruct_v your_o diligence_n in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a case_n who_o will_v live_v at_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o the_o most_o do_v who_o will_v have_v his_o life_n to_o hang_v in_o doubt_n in_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v in_o this_o great_a case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o soul_n must_v live_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n but_o most_o of_o all_o consider_v that_o our_o very_a life_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o the_o next_o moment_n we_o may_v step_v into_o eternity_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n awake_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o have_v indeed_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o mercy_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o know_v they_o have_v a_o interest_n therein_o that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o assure_v their_o heart_n before_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o joh._n 3.19_o chap._n xiii_o iii_o the_o three_o head_n of_o direction_n iâ—_n this_o in_o what_o case_n may_v a_o covenant_v soul_n make_v use_n of_o or_o improve_v these_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v propound_v these_o seven_o case_n wherein_o a_o gracious_a soul_n may_v and_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o these_o covenant_n mercy_n 1._o in_o case_n of_o dissetle_v suggestion_n tâ—_n atheism_n or_o unbelief_n when_o reason_n begin_v to_o dispute_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o shake_v our_o confidence_n or_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n than_o study_n and_o improve_v these_o sure_a undoubted_a mercy_n and_o lean_a upon_o divine_a authority_n if_o god_n speak_v it_o the_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o doubt_n his_o ipsâ—_fw-la dixit_fw-la be_v beyond_o all_o demonstration_n divine_n distinguish_v of_o maxim_n in_o divinity_n some_o whereof_o be_v mixt_o divine_a other_o be_v mere_o divine_a intelliguntur_fw-la primo_fw-la creduâ—tur_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la in_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n reason_n may_v serve_v in_o the_o second_o place_n first_o they_o be_v believe_v then_o understand_v as_o a_o man_n believe_v the_o immortality_n oâ—_n the_o soul_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o the_o same_o from_o reason_n fidâ—m_fw-la rationes_fw-la precedentes_fw-la minuunt_fw-la fidem_fw-la sed_fw-la rationes_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la augent_fw-la fidâ—m_fw-la only_a reason_n must_v not_o herâ—_n come_v before_o faith_n but_o know_v her_o place_n for_o if_o she_o shall_v offer_v to_o go_v before_o aâ—_n a_o usher_n to_o make_v way_n for_o faith_n wâ—_n shall_v never_o believe_v therefore_o schoolman_n say_v reason_n go_v before_o faith_n weakened_a faith_n but_o reason_n come_v after_o faith_n strengthen_v it_o so_o that_o reason_n make_v not_o the_o matter_n more_o sure_a ex_fw-la parte_fw-la veritatis_fw-la dictantis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o speaker_n read_v see_v weem'_v portrait_n of_o imag._n ep._n to_o read_v sed_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la intellectus_fw-la dissentientis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o now_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o divine_a and_o fall_v direct_o under_o faith_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n of_o incarnation_n reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o admire_v those_o hide_a mystery_n that_o she_o can_v never_o reach_v unto_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o doubt_v or_o unbelief_n gospel-mystery_n be_v without_o all_o controversy_n here_o thy_o way_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v but_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o protestation_n asseveration_n bond_n or_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n consider_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o give_v your_o full_a assent_n to_o all_o reveal_v truth_n you_o may_v better_o believe_v god_n than_o your_o sense_n sense_n may_v deceive_v we_o god_n can_v many_o man_n be_v brutish_a will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n they_o be_v mere_a sadducee_n about_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o sir_n will_v you_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o see_v then_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o rome_n or_o london_n because_o you_o have_v not_o see_v they_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o that_o tempt_a spirit_n who_o persuade_v you_o now_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o divine_a thing_n can_v doubt_v thereof_o himself_o for_o he_o to_o his_o cost_n feel_v the_o truth_n thereof_o though_o without_o any_o comfortable_a interest_n therein_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v jam._n 2.19_o o_o therefore_o reveâ—â—tum_fw-la non_fw-fr est_fw-fr disputatio_fw-la aâ—t_fw-la â—ubitatio_fw-la post_fw-la evangâ—lium_fw-la reveâ—â—tum_fw-la silence_n all_o unbelieving_a and_o dispute_v thought_n doubt_v not_o after_o these_o clear_a revelation_n and_o demonstration_n admit_v not_o this_o grand_a gospel-sin_n of_o unbelief_n this_o damn_v infidelity_n but_o cry_v out_o as_o the_o poor_a man_n lord_z i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mark_v 9.24_o 2._o in_o case_n of_o guilt_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o fear_n of_o acceptance_n then_o have_v recourse_n to_o these_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n these_o be_v mercy_n therefore_o mercy_n be_v work_v towards_o a_o poor_a sinner_n in_o misery_n they_o be_v make_v sure_a by_o christ_n to_o all_o heir_n of_o promise_n and_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o sensible_o apprehend_v he_o by_o faith_n at_o some_o time_n yeâ—_n he_o can_v powerful_o comprehend_v thou_o what_o though_o thy_o sin_n be_v many_o yet_o mercy_n answer_v all_o demerit_n it_o be_v not_o only_a mercy_n but_o mercy_n multitude_n of_o tender_a mercy_n he_o be_v plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v he_o do_v not_o consult_v thy_o fitness_n but_o his_o freegrace_n come_v then_o poor_a guilty_a sinner_n venture_v thy_o weary_a soul_n upon_o these_o sure_a mercy_n he_o iâ—_n meet_v thou_o half_a way_n as_o the_o prodigals_n father_n and_o ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o thy_o neck_n his_o bowel_n be_v yern_v towards_o thy_o sin_v soul_n he_o be_v very_o free_a and_o liberal_a 〈◊〉_d distribute_v be_v not_o thou_o coy_a and_o shy_a in_o entertain_v these_o sure_a mercy_n hâ—_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a do_v thou_o bid_v hiâ—_n gracious_a tender_v welcome_a yea_o but_o say_v the_o trouble_a soul_n though_o there_o be_v mercy_n yet_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o belong_v to_o i_o i_o know_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o some_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o i_o be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o i_o reply_v why_o not_o to_o thou_o what_o scripture_n or_o reason_n have_v thou_o to_o suspect_v that_o thou_o be_v exclude_v the_o grant_n be_v in_o general_a term_n jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v what_o be_v lose_v and_o thou_o be_v lose_v and_o feel_v thyself_o to_o be_v lose_v do_v not_o he_o bid_v weary_a soul_n come_v to_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thou_o may_v just_o fear_v thou_o may_v go_v without_o he_o but_o thou_o say_v thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o thou_o know_v he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a sinner_n yea_o chief_a of_o sinner_n and_o do_v not_o paul_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o such_o and_o yet_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o consider_v soul_n if_o thou_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o these_o mercy_n whence_o â—hen_o be_v all_o those_o fear_n doubt_n jealousy_n complaint_n inquiry_n whence_o be_v these_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o misery_n these_o conviction_n of_o the_o nothingness_n of_o thy_o duty_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o mercy_n only_o to_o relieve_v thy_o perish_a soul_n whence_o be_v those_o melt_n of_o heart_n for_o offend_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o struggling_n against_o sin_n from_o the_o sense_n of_o mercy_n â—hat_n mean_v those_o prayer_n and_o tear_n those_o tossing_n of_o thy_o soul_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o â—ears_n about_o thy_o interest_n in_o mercy_n and_o yet_o thou_o who_o thus_o complain_v will_v not_o give_v up_o thy_o title_n or_o quit_v thy_o claim_n to_o these_o covenant-mercy_n for_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o common_a mercy_n in_o the_o world_n thou_o be_v not_o content_a without_o these_o thy_o enquiry_n be_v chief_o after_o these_o thy_o expectation_n iâ—_n most_o from_o and_o dependence_n most_o upon_o these_o covenant-mercy_n these_o and_o these_o alone_o be_v thy_o salvation_n and_o desire_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o thy_o soul_n have_v no_o interest_n as_o yet_o in_o these_o why_o shall_v thou_o despair_v of_o future_a interest_n shall_v thou_o not_o rather_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n by_o a_o present_a application_n thereof_o by_o actual_a believe_v stand_v out_o stand_v off_o no_o long_o take_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n give_v up_o thyself_o to_o he_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o believe_v remember_v alâ—_n the_o way_n the_o