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truth_n work_n world_n worship_n 183 4 6.4042 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53721 A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared, the truth and reality of it asserted, and the case of a soul distressed with the guilt of sin and relieved by a discovery of forgiveness with God is at large discoursed / by John Owen. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1669 (1669) Wing O794; ESTC R26853 334,249 417

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for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v redemption_n all_o other_o ground_n of_o hope_n be_v false_a and_o deceive_a obs._n 3_o inexhaustible_a store_n of_o mercy_n and_o redemption_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o sinner_n to_o rest_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n with_o he_o be_v plentiful_a redemption_n such_o be_v your_o misery_n so_o press_v be_v your_o fear_n and_o disconsolation_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o boundless_a grace_n can_v relieve_v or_o support_v you_o there_o be_v therefore_o such_o treasure_n and_o store_n in_o god_n as_o be_v suit_v hereunto_o with_o he_o be_v plenteous_a redemption_n obs._n 4._o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o mercy_n goodness_n grace_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v in_o god_n to_o sinner_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n hence_o it_o be_v here_o call_v redemption_n unto_o this_o also_o we_o have_v speak_v at_o large_a before_o obs._n 5._o all_o that_o wait_n on_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n shall_v have_v a_o undoubted_a issue_n of_o peace_n he_o shall_v redeem_v israel_n let_v he_o say_v god_n lay_v hold_v of_o my_o arm_n that_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v peace_n isa._n 27._o 3._o obs._n 6._o mercy_n give_v to_o they_o that_o wait_v on_o god_n shall_v in_o the_o close_a and_o issue_n be_v every_o way_n full_a and_o satisfy_a he_o shall_v redeem_v his_o people_n from_o all_o their_o iniquity_n and_o these_o proposition_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o word_n as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o in_o themselves_o if_o we_o mind_v their_o relation_n unto_o the_o peculiar_a condition_n of_o the_o soul_n represent_v in_o this_o psalm_n they_o will_v yet_o afford_v we_o the_o ensue_a observation_n obs._n 1_o they_o who_o out_o of_o depth_n have_v by_o faith_n and_o wait_v obtain_v mercy_n or_o be_v support_v in_o wait_v for_o a_o sense_n of_o believe_a mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v fit_v and_o only_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o preach_v and_o 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and_o pardon_v that_o now_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o show_v how_o all_o the_o worship_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o we_o and_o all_o the_o honour_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o his_o holy_a majesty_n thereby_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n namely_o a_o supposition_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o teach_v it_o and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o it_o which_o shall_v brief_o be_v declare_v to_o this_o end_n observe_v 1._o that_o the_o general_n end_v of_o all_o divine_a and_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o raise_v unto_o god_n a_o revenue_n of_o glory_n out_o of_o the_o creation_n such_o be_v god_n infinite_a natural_a selfsufficiency_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o such_o glory_n and_o honour_n he_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o less_o infinite_o and_o eternal_o
they_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n namely_o that_o all_o thing_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n as_o they_o do_v at_o their_o first_o creation_n and_o as_o they_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o forgiveness_n so_o the_o interposition_n of_o sin_n weaken_v disturb_v darken_v they_o as_o to_o any_o improvement_n of_o those_o apprehension_n of_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n which_o they_o have_v if_o they_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o forgiveness_n it_o be_v from_o some_o corrupt_a tradition_n and_o not_o at_o all_o from_o any_o universal_a principle_n that_o be_v inbred_a in_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n holiness_n and_o vindictive_a justice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o real_a solid_a discovery_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v indeed_o a_o great_a work_n many_o difficulty_n and_o hindrance_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n false_a presumption_n of_o forgiveness_n discover_v difference_n between_o they_o and_o faith_n evangelical_n forgiveness_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o produce_v and_o manage_v the_o remain_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n because_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v lie_v obnoxious_a and_o open_a to_o a_o objection_n which_o must_v needs_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o that_o it_o may_v not_o thereby_o be_v render_v useless_a unto_o they_o i_o shall_v remove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o we_o may_v pass_v on_o to_o what_o remain_v it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v do_v not_o all_o this_o lie_n direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o daily_a experience_n do_v we_o not_o find_v all_o man_n full_a enough_o most_o too_o full_a of_o apprehension_n of_o forgiveness_n with_o god_n what_o so_o common_a as_o god_n be_v merciful_a be_v not_o the_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o most_o stifle_v by_o this_o apprehension_n can_v you_o find_v a_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a be_v it_o not_o a_o common_a complaint_n that_o 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that_o their_o conscience_n be_v no_o more_o trouble_v they_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o punish_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n make_v light_a work_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o in_o nothing_o do_v it_o more_o appear_v what_o thought_n they_o have_v of_o god_n he_o that_o have_v slight_a thought_n of_o sin_n have_v never_o great_a thought_n of_o god_n indeed_o mens-undervaluing_a of_o sin_n arise_v mere_o from_o their_o contempt_n of_o god_n all_o sin_n concernment_n flow_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o god_n and_o as_o man_n apprehension_n be_v of_o god_n so_o will_v they_o be_v of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o opposition_n to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o most_o of_o man_n they_o know_v little_a of_o god_n and_o be_v little_o trouble_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v unto_o he_o god_n be_v not_o reverence_v sin_n be_v but_o a_o trifle_n forgiveness_n a_o matter_n of_o nothing_o who_o so_o will_n may_v have_v it_o for_o ask_v but_o shall_v this_o atheistical_a wickedness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o discovery_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v god_n a_o idol_n he_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n holiness_n and_o purity_n who_o know_v not_o sin_n desert_n and_o sinfulness_n know_v nothing_o of_o forgiveness_n second_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n common_o preach_v and_o make_v know_v there_o be_v a_o general_a notion_n beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v man_n i_o say_v from_o hence_o have_v a_o doctrinal_a apprehension_n of_o this_o truth_n without_o any_o real_a satisfactory_a foundation_n of_o that_o apprehension_n as_o to_o themselves_o this_o they_o have_v hear_v this_o they_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v so_o they_o think_v and_o so_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v a_o general_a persuasion_n hereof_o spread_v itself_o over_o all_o to_o who_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v it_o be_v not_o fiducial_o resolve_v into_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v a_o opinion_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o report_n of_o it_o some_o relief_n man_n find_v by_o it_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v perform_v as_o also_o in_o their_o troable_n and_o distress_n whether_o internal_a and_o of_o conscience_n or_o external_a and_o of_o providence_n so_o that_o they_o resolve_v to_o retain_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v unto_o and_o therein_o manifest_a the_o difference_n between_o this_o common_a prevail_a apprehension_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o faith_n discovery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o power_n first_o that_o which_o we_o reject_v be_v loose_a and_o general_a not_o fix_v ingraft_v or_o plant_v on_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v it_o always_o where_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n receive_v thing_n only_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o not_o in_o their_o power_n it_o want_v fixedness_n and_o foundation_n which_o defect_n accompany_v all_o notion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v only_o retain_v in_o the_o memory_n not_o implant_v in_o the_o judgement_n they_o have_v general_a thought_n of_o it_o which_o they_o use_v as_o occasion_n serve_v they_o hear_v that_o god_n be_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o as_o such_o they_o intend_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o for_o the_o true_a bottom_n rise_v and_o foundation_n of_o it_o whence_o or_o on_o what_o account_n the_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o will_v do_v no_o iniquity_n the_o righteous_a god_n who_o judgement_n it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n shall_v yet_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n they_o weigh_v it_o not_o they_o consider_v it_o not_o or_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v in_o a_o slight_a and_o notional_a way_n as_o they_o consider_v
we_o will_v then_o bring_v our_o guilty_a soul_n into_o his_o presence_n and_o attend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o grace_n what_o he_o speak_v concern_v we_o we_o will_v willing_o submit_v unto_o and_o this_o sometime_o prove_v a_o anchor_n to_o a_o toss_a soul_n which_o though_o it_o give_v it_o not_o rest_n and_o peace_n yet_o it_o save_v it_o from_o the_o rock_n of_o despair_n here_o it_o abide_v until_o light_n do_v more_o and_o more_o break_v forth_o upon_o it_o three_o faith_n deal_v about_o forgiveness_n do_v common_o eye_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n its_o relation_n to_o the_o mediation_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n so_o the_o apostle_n direct_v 1_o john_n 2._o 2._o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n if_o any_o one_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v in_o depth_n and_o entanglement_n about_o it_o what_o course_n shall_v he_o take_v how_o shall_v he_o proceed_v to_o obtain_v deliverance_n why_o he_o must_v unto_o god_n for_o pardon_n but_o what_o shall_v he_o rely_v upon_o to_o encourage_v he_o in_o his_o so_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n consider_v by_o faith_n the_o atonement_n and_o propitiation_n make_v for_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v still_o pursue_v the_o work_n of_o love_n to_o the_o sue_v out_o of_o pardon_n for_o we_o and_o rest_v thy_o soul_n thereon_o this_o i_o say_v most_o common_o be_v that_o which_o faith_n in_o the_o first_o place_n immediate_o fix_v on_o four_o faith_n eye_n actual_a pardon_n or_o condonation_n so_o god_n propose_v it_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o further_o believe_v isa._n 44._o 22._o i_o have_v blot_v out_o as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n thy_o transgression_n and_o as_o a_o cloud_n thy_o sin_n return_v unto_o i_o for_o i_o have_v redeem_v thou_o actual_a pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v propose_v to_o faith_n as_o a_o encouragement_n unto_o a_o full_a return_v unto_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o particular_n which_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o but_o will_v yield_v peculiar_a relief_n unto_o a_o soul_n deal_v with_o god_n about_o forgiveness_n as_o have_v some_o one_o special_a concernment_n or_o other_o of_o forgiveness_n in_o wrap_v in_o they_o only_o as_o i_o say_v they_o do_v it_o not_o exclusive_o but_o be_v the_o special_a door_n whereby_o believe_v enter_v into_o the_o whole_a and_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o let_v we_o now_o take_v along_o with_o we_o the_o end_n for_o which_o all_o these_o consideration_n have_v be_v insist_v on_o it_o be_v to_o manifest_v that_o a_o real_a discovery_n of_o gospel_n forgiveness_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o importance_n than_o at_o first_o proposal_n it_o may_v be_v it_o appear_v unto_o some_o to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o in_o hope_n in_o expectation_n of_o pardon_n who_o think_v not_o that_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o at_o lest_o what_o it_o be_v if_o they_o may_v but_o obtain_v it_o but_o man_n may_v have_v general_a thought_n of_o impunity_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o any_o save_a acquaintance_n with_o gospel_n mercy_n forgiveness_n discover_v or_o reveal_v only_o to_o faith_n reason_n thereof_o alone_o for_o a_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o be_v include_v in_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a namely_o that_o this_o discovery_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v and_o can_v be_v make_v to_o faith_n alone_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o nothing_o else_o can_v discover_v it_o or_o receive_v it_o no_o reason_v no_o inquiry_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v reach_v unto_o it_o that_o guess_n or_o glimpse_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v of_o old_a of_o somewhat_o so_o call_v and_o which_o false_a worshipper_n have_v at_o present_a be_v not_o the_o forgiveness_n we_o insist_v upon_o but_o a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n this_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o rom._n 1._o 17._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n nothing_o but_o faith_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o it_o it_o be_v that_o righteousness_n of_o god_n whereof_o he_o speak_v that_o consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v reveal_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o believer_n to_o he_o that_o mix_v the_o promise_n with_o faith_n and_o again_o more_o full_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o see_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n or_o the_o reason_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o now_o none_o of_o these_o will_v reach_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n by_o none_o of_o these_o way_n can_v we_o come_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o we_o in_o christ._n how_o then_o shall_v we_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o he_o declare_v v_o 10._o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n now_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o that_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o else_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o to_o give_v evidence_n hereunto_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o this_o great_a mystery_n 1._o be_v too_o deep_a 2._o be_v too_o great_a for_o aught_o else_o to_o discover_v and_o 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o but_o faith_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o make_n of_o this_o discovery_n first_o it_o be_v too_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a to_o be_v fathom_v and_o reach_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o reason_n line_n be_v too_o short_a to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o father_n love_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n build_v thereon_o wherein_o forgiveness_n dwell_v man_n can_v by_o their_o rational_a consideration_n launch_v out_o into_o these_o deep_n nor_o draw_v water_n by_o they_o from_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n reason_n stand_v by_o amaze_v and_o cry_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v it_o can_v but_o gather_v cockle_n shell_n like_v he_o of_o old_a at_o the_o shore_n of_o this_o ocean_n a_o few_o criticism_n upon_o the_o outward_a letter_n and_o so_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o land_n as_o do_v the_o spy_n all_o it_o can_v do_v be_v but_o to_o hinder_v faith_n from_o venture_v into_o it_o cry_v spare_a thyself_o this_o attempt_n be_v vain_a these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v among_o the_o thing_n that_o faith_n put_v off_o and_o lay_v aside_o when_o it_o engage_v the_o soul_n into_o this_o great_a work_n this_o then_o that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o a_o discovery_n of_o forgiveness_n cause_v the_o soul_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o all_o its_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o give_v up_o itself_o to_o a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n though_o it_o can_v go_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o depth_n yet_o it_o enter_v into_o they_o and_o find_v rest_n in_o they_o nothing_o but_o faith_n be_v suit_v to_o rest_n to_o satiate_v and_o content_v itself_o in_o mysterious_a bottomless_a unsearchable_a depth_n be_v a_o soul_n empty_v a_o reason_n deny_v grace_n the_o more_o it_o meet_v withal_o beyond_o its_o search_n and_o reach_v the_o more_o satisfaction_n it_o find_v this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o look_v for_o say_v faith_n even_o for_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a when_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_o more_o beyond_o i_o that_o i_o do_v not_o comprehend_v than_o what_o i_o have_v attain_v unto_o for_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul._n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o real_o puzzle_v and_o overwhelm_v reason_n render_v it_o useless_a what_o it_o can_v compass_v it_o will_v neglect_v or_o despise_v it_o be_v either_o amaze_v and_o confound_v and_o dazzle_v like_o weak_a eye_n at_o too_o great_a a_o light_n or_o fortify_v of_o itself_o by_o inbred_a pride_n and_o obstinacy_n it_o conclude_v that_o this_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o forgiveness_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_a folly_n a_o thing_n not_o for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o to_o trouble_v himself_o about_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o wise_a greek_n
invitation_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o disbelieve_v forgiveness_n be_v to_o call_v the_o truth_n holiness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n into_o question_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v forgiveness_n pretend_v what_o you_o please_v it_o be_v in_o truth_n because_o you_o hate_v repentance_n you_o do_v but_o deceive_v your_o soul_n when_o you_o pretend_v you_o come_v not_o up_o to_o repentance_n because_o you_o can_v believe_v forgiveness_n for_o in_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o this_o duty_n god_n engage_v all_o his_o property_n to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o he_o have_v pardon_n and_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n 4._o much_o less_o cause_n be_v there_o to_o doubt_v of_o forgiveness_n where_o sincere_a repentance_n be_v in_o any_o measure_n wrought_v no_o soul_n come_v to_o repentance_n but_o upon_o god_n call_v god_n call_v none_o but_o who_o he_o have_v mercy_n for_o upon_o their_o come_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o they_o shut_v themselves_o out_o from_o forgiveness_n so_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o repentance_n 5._o god_n express_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o prescribe_v repentance_n unto_o man_n one_o instance_n may_v suffice_v isa._n 55._o 7._o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o perverse_a wicked_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o man_n of_o iniquity_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o will_v multiply_v to_o pardon_v you_o see_v to_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n perverse_o wicked_a and_o such_o as_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o sin_v what_o do_v he_o call_v they_o unto_o plain_o to_o repentance_n to_o the_o duty_n we_o have_v insist_v on_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o invitation_n unto_o such_o profligate_v sinner_n why_o the_o abundant_a forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n that_o be_v with_o he_o superabounding_a unto_o what_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o as_o rom._n 5._o 20._o and_o this_o be_v another_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o and_o a_o infallible_a bottom_n for_o say_v to_o build_v upon_o in_o its_o approach_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v nor_o can_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o evidence_n be_v call_v into_o question_n but_o on_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o this_o connexion_n of_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v that_o principle_n from_o whence_o god_n convince_v a_o stubborn_a unbelieve_a people_n that_o all_o his_o way_n and_o deal_n with_o sinner_n be_v just_a and_o equal_a ezek._n 18._o 25._o and_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o failure_n in_o it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o every_o soul_n then_o that_o be_v under_o a_o call_n to_o repentance_n whether_o out_o of_o his_o natural_a condition_n or_o from_o any_o backslide_n into_o folly_n after_o conversion_n have_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n to_o rest_v on_o as_o to_o the_o pardon_n he_o inquire_v after_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o deal_v with_o he_o on_o term_n of_o mercy_n if_o out_o of_o love_n to_o sin_n or_o the_o power_n of_o unbelief_n he_o refuse_v to_o close_v with_o he_o on_o these_o term_n his_o condemnation_n be_v just_a and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o that_o this_o consideration_n be_v well_o imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o say_v notwithstanding_o the_o general_a presumption_n that_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v of_o this_o matter_n yet_o these_o principle_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v inculcate_v for_o necessary_a 1._o such_o be_v the_o atheism_n that_o lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o pretence_n and_o profession_n we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v press_v upon_o they_o evidence_n of_o the_o very_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o god_n in_o so_o do_v we_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o inbred_a notion_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v eject_v to_o help_v carry_v on_o the_o work_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o necessary_a in_o reference_n unto_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o mere_a revelation_n our_o word_n have_v need_n be_v line_n upon_o line_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v do_v have_v cause_n enough_o to_o cry_v out_o as_o be_v say_v lord_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v this_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v 2._o what_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o the_o obstacle_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n hinder_v soul_n from_o a_o save_a reception_n of_o this_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v remember_v those_o who_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o they_o between_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o conscience_n law_n gospel_n grace_n sin_n and_o forgiveness_n 3._o many_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o save_a persuasion_n of_o it_o yet_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o upon_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n and_o so_o not_o know_v how_o to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n of_o it_o into_o its_o proper_a principle_n be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o lie_v against_o it_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v miserable_o fluctuate_v about_o it_o all_o their_o day_n these_o have_v need_n to_o have_v these_o principle_n inculcate_v on_o they_o be_v they_o ponder_v aright_o some_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o say_v with_o the_o samaritan_n who_o first_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o report_n of_o the_o woman_n john_n 4._o they_o have_v but_o a_o report_n before_o but_o now_o they_o find_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v according_a unto_o it_o yea_o to_o exceed_v it_o a_o little_a experience_n of_o a_o man_n own_o unbelief_n with_o the_o observation_n that_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v of_o the_o uncertain_a progress_v and_o fluctuation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o other_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o work_n we_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o it_o will_v yet_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o multiply_v argument_n and_o evidence_n in_o this_o case_n the_o truth_n insist_v on_o be_v grant_v as_o one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v not_o then_o by_o any_o call_v in_o question_n so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o so_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o for_o what_o be_v grant_v and_o plain_a needs_o little_a confirmation_n but_o several_a thing_n may_v be_v return_v in_o answer_n hereunto_o all_o which_o may_v at_o once_o be_v here_o plead_v for_o the_o multiplication_n of_o our_o argument_n in_o this_o matter_n forgiveness_n that_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v effectual_o believe_v by_o many_o sundry_a thing_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v in_o point_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v not_o so_o believe_v as_o to_o be_v improve_v in_o practice_n we_o have_v in_o part_n show_v before_o and_o shall_v afterward_o undeniable_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o believe_v this_o truth_n with_o that_o faith_n that_o will_v interest_n they_o in_o it_o and_o give_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v any_o of_o we_o that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n with_o god_n if_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v no_o more_o than_o that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o king_n be_v rich_a whilst_o we_o be_v poor_a and_o starve_a my_o aim_n be_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o as_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o mere_a speculative_a truth_n but_o so_o to_o evidence_n it_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o its_o be_v and_o revelation_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v believe_v whereon_o all_o our_o blessedness_n depend_v 2._o it_o need_v never_o the_o less_o confirmation_n because_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a fundamental_a truth_n but_o rather_o the_o more_o and_o that_o because_o both_o of_o the_o worth_n and_o weight_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n say_v the_o apostle_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n so_o say_v i_o of_o this_o which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v full_o confirm_v especial_o whilst_o we_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o those_o only_o which_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o withal_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v but_o that_o he_o know_v they_o
acceptance_n of_o worship_n from_o we_o be_v a_o infallible_a demonstration_n that_o he_o will_v not_o execute_v against_o we_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o first_o curse_n and_o this_o be_v clear_o evidence_v in_o the_o first_o record_n of_o solemn_a institute_v worship_n perform_v by_o sinner_n gen._n 4_o 4._o god_n have_v respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o his_o offer_n some_o think_v that_o god_n give_v a_o visible_a pledge_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o abel_n and_o his_o offer_n it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n for_o how_o else_o shall_v cain_n so_o instant_o know_v that_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o offer_n be_v accept_v but_o that_o he_o and_o he_o be_v refuse_v however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o testimony_n god_n give_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o his_o offer_n the_o same_o he_o give_v concern_v his_o person_n and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o have_v respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o then_o to_o his_o offer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o hereby_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a heb._n 11._o 4._o that_o be_v the_o witness_n or_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o now_o this_o be_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n without_o which_o he_o can_v neither_o be_v righteous_a nor_o accept_v for_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n this_o god_n declare_v by_o acceptance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o thus_o we_o also_o if_o we_o have_v any_o testimony_n of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o we_o in_o any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n shall_v employ_v it_o to_o the_o same_o end_n have_v god_n enlarge_v our_o heart_n in_o prayer_n have_v he_o give_v we_o a_o answer_n unto_o any_o of_o our_o supplication_n have_v he_o refresh_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o preach_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o particular_a about_o which_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o have_v be_v our_o do_v so_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o lose_v our_o experience_n they_o lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o separate_v from_o their_o proper_a root_n and_o so_o be_v easy_o lose_v but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o improve_v such_o particular_a experience_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o accept_v our_o person_n thereon_o for_o without_o that_o none_o of_o our_o worship_n or_o service_n will_v please_v he_o or_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o 2._o hereby_o god_n let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o upon_o new_a term_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o sin_n we_o may_v enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o engagement_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n and_o he_o can_v deceive_v we_o but_o yet_o by_o this_o command_n of_o he_o for_o his_o worship_n we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v if_o there_o be_v not_o forgiveness_n with_o he_o for_o it_o give_v we_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v and_o assurance_n of_o find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o which_o without_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v this_o than_o god_n declare_v by_o his_o institution_n of_o and_o command_v for_o his_o worship_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o shall_v indispensable_o hinder_v those_o who_o giveup_a themselves_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_n from_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o 4._o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o worship_n for_o sinner_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n bear_v witness_n hereunto_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v when_o either_o they_o neglect_v they_o or_o will_v be_v intermix_v their_o own_o imagination_n with_o they_o what_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n conceive_v or_o invent_v that_o may_v have_v any_o influence_n into_o this_o matter_n to_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o their_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o soul_n upon_o our_o first_o invitation_n unto_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o god_n intend_v a_o new_a revenue_n of_o glory_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o our_o sin_n without_o which_o we_o can_v give_v no_o glory_n to_o he_o by_o our_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v do_v only_o by_o forgiveness_n forgiveness_n 5._o there_o be_v some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n appoint_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n especial_o in_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o first_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n this_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o he_o express_o declare_v in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v of_o god_n to_o declare_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_v 1._o 4._o it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n submit_v unto_o that_o ordinance_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o as_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n he_o be_v to_o observe_v all_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n not_o for_o any_o need_n he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n of_o the_o especial_a end_n and_o signification_n of_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o as_o he_o be_v our_o sponsor_n surety_n and_o mediator_n stand_v in_o our_o stead_n in_o all_o that_o he_o so_o do_v he_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n matth._n 3._o 13._o so_o be_v he_o circumcise_v so_o he_o be_v baptize_v both_o which_o have_v respect_n unto_o sin_n though_o absolute_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v free_a from_o no_o obedience_n unto_o any_o command_n of_o god_n but_o as_o be_v say_v baptism_n itself_o as_o appoint_v to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n for_o sinner_n to_o observe_v be_v a_o declaration_n of_o that_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n it_o be_v so_o in_o its_o first_o institution_n god_n call_v a_o man_n in_o a_o marvellous_a and_o miraculous_a manner_n give_v he_o a_o ministry_n from_o heaven_n command_v he_o to_o go_v and_o baptise_v all_o those_o who_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o profess_v repentance_n of_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o he_o to_o have_v a_o testimony_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o as_o to_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o this_o ordinance_n he_o appoint_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o represent_v the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o pardon_n unto_o their_o sense_n by_o a_o visible_a pledge_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o their_o sin_n wherein_o their_o spiritual_a defilement_n do_v consist_v even_o as_o water_n take_v away_o the_o outward_a filth_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o hereby_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o sure_o as_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v save_v in_o the_o ark_n swim_v upon_o the_o water_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o now_o how_o great_a a_o deceit_n must_v needs_o in_o this_o whole_a matter_n have_v be_v put_v upon_o poor_a sinner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a that_o they_o may_v obtain_v forgiveness_n with_o god_n after_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o lord_n christ_n take_v it_o into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n i_o dispute_v not_o now_o who_o be_v the_o proper_a immediate_a object_n of_o it_o whether_o they_o only_a who_o actual_o can_v make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o believer_n with_o their_o infant_n seed_n for_o my_o part_n i_o believe_v that_o all_o who_o christ_n love_v and_o pardon_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o pledge_n thereof_o and_o the_o sole_a reason_n which_o they_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o why_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_a parent_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v be_v because_o they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n and_o therein_o we_o know_v their_o mistake_n but_o i_o treat_v not_o now_o of_o these_o thing_n only_o this_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o prescription_n of_o this_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o church_n the_o great_a intention_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v to_o ascertain_v unto_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n
in_o those_o other_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o self-denial_n readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n and_o forsake_v the_o world_n be_v a_o evidence_n if_o not_o how_o little_a sincerity_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o at_o least_o it_o be_v of_o how_o little_o grow_v and_o thrive_a there_o be_v among_o professor_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n virtue_n or_o perfection_n in_o any_o man_n but_o what_o be_v as_o a_o emanation_n from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n so_o expressive_a of_o some_o divine_a excellency_n or_o perfection_n somewhat_o that_o be_v in_o god_n in_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n infinite_o more_o excellent_a we_o be_v create_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n whatever_o be_v good_a or_o comely_a in_o we_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o image_n especial_o the_o ornament_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o thing_n have_v in_o they_o a_o resemblance_n of_o and_o a_o correspondency_n unto_o some_o excellency_n in_o god_n whereunto_o by_o the_o way_n of_o analogy_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v this_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n lose_v by_o sin_n a_o shadow_n of_o it_o only_o remain_v in_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v permit_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n the_o recovery_n that_o we_o have_v by_o grace_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o initial_a renovation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o ephes._n 4._o 22._o it_o be_v the_o implant_n upon_o our_o nature_n those_o grace_n which_o may_v render_v we_o again_o like_a unto_o he_o and_o nothing_o be_v grace_n or_o virtue_n but_o what_o so_o answer_v to_o somewhat_o in_o god_n so_o then_o whatever_o be_v in_o we_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o god_n absolute_o perfect_o in_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n infinite_o more_o excellent_a let_v we_o now_o therefore_o put_v these_o thing_n together_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v forgiveness_n in_o we_o for_o those_o that_o do_v offend_v we_o forgiveness_n without_o limitation_n and_o bound_n the_o grace_n hereof_o he_o bestow_v on_o his_o saint_n set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o it_o and_o manifest_v many_o way_n that_o he_o account_v it_o among_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o our_o endowment_n one_o of_o the_o most_o lovely_a and_o praise_v worthy_a qualification_n of_o any_o person_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o now_o say_v be_v there_o forgiveness_n with_o he_o or_o no_o he_o that_o make_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o thus_o prescribe_v forgiveness_n to_o we_o that_o bestow_v the_o grace_n of_o it_o upon_o we_o be_v there_o not_o forgiveness_n with_o he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v though_o we_o be_v good_a yet_o god_n be_v not_o though_o we_o be_v benign_a and_o bountiful_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o he_o that_o find_v this_o grace_n wrought_v in_o he_o in_o any_o measure_n and_o yet_o fear_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o in_o god_n for_o himself_o do_v therein_o and_o so_o far_o prefer_v himself_o above_o god_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o curse_a unbelief_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v there_o not_o forgiveness_n with_o god_n forgiveness_n in_o man_n will_v be_v no_o virtue_n with_o all_o those_o quality_n that_o incline_v thereto_o such_o be_v meekness_n pity_n patience_n compassion_n and_o the_o like_a which_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o set_v loose_a humane_a nature_n to_o rage_n and_o madness_n for_o as_o every_o truth_n consist_v in_o its_o answerableness_n to_o the_o prime_n and_o eternal_a verity_n so_o virtue_n consist_v not_o absolute_o nor_o primary_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o a_o rule_n of_o command_n but_o in_o a_o correspondency_n unto_o the_o first_o absolute_a perfect_a be_v and_o its_o perfection_n property_n of_o forgiveness_n the_o greatness_n and_o freedom_n of_o it_o forgiveness_n the_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n forego_v have_v we_o hope_v undeniable_o evince_v the_o great_a truth_n we_o have_v insist_v on_o which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n profession_n religion_n and_o worship_n the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o lay_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o in_o its_o address_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o also_o to_o give_v encouragement_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n so_o to_o do_v this_o end_n remain_v now_o to_o be_v explain_v and_o press_v which_o work_n yet_o before_o we_o direct_o close_v withal_o two_o thing_n be_v further_a to_o be_v premise_v and_o the_o first_o be_v to_o propose_v some_o of_o those_o adjunct_n of_o and_o consideration_n about_o this_o forgiveness_n as_o may_v both_o encourage_v and_o necessitate_v we_o to_o seek_v out_o after_o it_o and_o to_o mix_v the_o testimony_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o with_o faith_n unto_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n the_o other_o be_v to_o show_v how_o needful_a all_o this_o endeavour_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o great_a unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o most_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o than_o we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o this_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n be_v such_o as_o become_v he_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o greatness_n goodness_n and_o all_o other_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n such_o as_o that_o therein_o he_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n what_o he_o say_v concern_v some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v still_o and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o god_n may_v be_v much_o more_o say_v concern_v this_o great_a effect_n of_o his_o grace_n still_o your_o soul_n and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o narrow_a difficult_a halving_a and_o manacle_v forgiveness_n that_o be_v find_v among_o man_n when_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v among_o they_o but_o it_o be_v full_a free_a boundless_a bottomless_a absolute_a such_o as_o become_v his_o nature_n and_o excellency_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n whereofhe_fw-mi will_v be_v know_v so_o to_o be_v and_o hence_o 1._o god_n himself_o do_v real_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v his_o forgiveness_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o our_o thought_n and_o imagination_n can_v reach_v unto_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v he_o and_o like_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o object_n for_o faith_n alone_o which_o can_v rest_v in_o that_o which_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v never_o safe_a than_o when_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o infiniteness_n but_o set_v mere_a rational_a thought_n or_o the_o imagination_n of_o our_o mind_n at_o work_n about_o such_o thing_n and_o they_o fall_v unconceivable_o short_a of_o they_o they_o can_v neither_o conceive_v of_o they_o aright_o nor_o use_v they_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o purpose_n be_v not_o forgiveness_n in_o god_n somewhat_o beyond_o what_o man_n can_v imagine_v no_o flesh_n can_v be_v save_v this_o himself_n express_v isa._n 55._o 7_o 8_o 9_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n and_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v my_o way_n high_a than_o your_o way_n and_o my_o thought_n than_o your_o thought_n they_o be_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o context_n thought_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o way_n of_o pardon_n whereof_o he_o speak_v these_o our_o apprehension_n come_v short_a of_o we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o infinite_a largeness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o impious_o wicked_a man_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o deceit_n and_o perverse_a wickedness_n he_o who_o design_n and_o course_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o lie_n sin_n and_o iniquity_n such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o will_v have_v little_a or_o no_o hope_n of_o that_o we_o will_v scarce_o think_v it_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o deal_v withal_o about_o a_o hopeless_a conversion_n or_o can_v scarce_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v he_o up_o as_o one_o profligate_v and_o desperate_a but_o let_v he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v obtain_v forgiveness_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o yes_o for_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
this_o will_v further_o improve_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o former_a consideration_n if_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n for_o one_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o man_n use_v it_o quite_o unto_o another_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o believe_v the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o steal_v the_o word_n and_o delude_v their_o own_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o weigh_v to_o what_o end_v and_o purpose_n this_o forgiveness_n be_v first_o reveal_v by_o god_n for_o which_o also_o its_o manifestation_n be_v still_o continue_a in_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v show_v before_o who_o it_o be_v to_o who_o this_o revelation_n be_v first_o make_v and_o what_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o when_o it_o be_v so_o make_v unto_o he_o a_o lose_v wretched_a creature_n without_o hope_n or_o help_v he_o be_v how_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o obtain_v acceptance_n with_o god_n he_o know_v not_o god_n reveal_v forgiveness_n unto_o he_o by_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o all_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o it_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n all_o shall_v be_v of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 6._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n than_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n again_o god_n intend_v it_o as_o a_o new_a foundation_n of_o obedience_n of_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n that_o man_n shall_v love_v because_o forgive_v and_o be_v holy_a because_o pardon_v as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o a_o spring_n of_o new_a obedience_n in_o he_o all_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o grace_n be_v god_n end_n in_o its_o revelation_n our_o enquiry_n then_o be_v whether_o man_n do_v receive_v this_o revelation_n as_o unto_o these_o end_n and_o use_v it_o for_o these_o purpose_n and_o these_o only_a i_o may_v evince_v the_o contrary_a by_o pass_v through_o the_o general_n abuse_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o common_a in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v needful_a instead_o of_o believe_v the_o most_o of_o man_n seem_v to_o put_v a_o study_a despite_n on_o the_o gospel_n they_o either_o proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v a_o unholy_a and_o pollute_a way_n by_o turn_v its_o grace_n into_o lasciviousness_n or_o a_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a way_n by_o strive_v to_o twist_v it_o in_o with_o their_o own_o righteousness_n both_o which_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n as_o may_v be_v add_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o word_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o exhortation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o it_o appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o pretence_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o serious_o receive_v this_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o god_n poor_a creature_n sport_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n and_o perish_v by_o their_o own_o delusion_n exhortation_n unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n reason_n for_o it_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o believe_v we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o the_o direct_a use_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n for_o have_v lay_v our_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n that_o will_v not_o fail_v and_o have_v give_v as_o we_o hope_v sufficient_a evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o our_o last_o work_n be_v to_o make_v that_o improvement_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o all_o along_o be_v aim_v at_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o truth_n be_v all_o sinner_n whatever_o no_o sort_n of_o sinner_n be_v unconcern_v in_o it_o none_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o and_o we_o may_v cast_v they_o all_o under_o two_o head_n first_o such_o as_o never_o yet_o sincere_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n nor_o have_v ever_o yet_o receive_v forgiveness_n from_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o believe_v these_o we_o have_v already_o endeavour_v to_o undeceive_v and_o to_o discover_v those_o false_a presumption_n whereby_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v their_o own_o soul_n these_o we_o will_v guide_v now_o into_o safe_a and_o pleasant_a path_n wherein_o they_o may_v find_v assure_v rest_n and_o peace_n second_o other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v receive_v it_o but_o be_v again_o entangle_v by_o sin_n or_o cloud_v by_o darkness_n and_o temptation_n or_o weaken_v by_o unbelief_n know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o their_o peace_n and_o comfort_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n represent_v in_o this_o psalm_n and_o which_o we_o shall_v therefore_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n our_o exhortation_n then_o be_v unto_o both_o to_o the_o first_o that_o they_o will_v receive_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o will_v improve_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v peace_n to_o the_o former_a that_o they_o will_v not_o overlook_v disregard_n or_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n as_o be_v tender_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o will_v stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o mix_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v declare_v unto_o they_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n those_o who_o be_v yet_o utter_a stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o never_o yet_o upon_o save_v ground_n believe_v this_o forgiveness_n who_o never_o yet_o once_o taste_v of_o gospel_n pardon_n poor_a sinner_n this_o word_n be_v unto_o you_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v the_o same_o word_n before_o or_o other_o like_v unto_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o may_v be_v often_o it_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o time_n it_o be_v your_o concernment_n to_o hear_v it_o again_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v accomplish_v this_o counsel_n of_o god_n we_o must_v declare_v that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n act_n 20._o 26_o 27._o and_o that_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_v exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o and_o for_o you_o woe_n unto_o you_o when_o god_n leave_v thus_o speak_v unto_o you_o when_o he_o refuse_v to_o exhort_v you_o any_o more_o wo_n unto_o you_o this_o be_v god_n departure_n from_o any_o person_n or_o people_n when_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o no_o more_o about_o forgiveness_n and_o faith_n he_o woe_n unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o hos._n 9_o 12._o o_o that_o god_n therefore_o will_v give_v unto_o such_o person_n see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n that_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n may_v never_o more_o be_v speak_v unto_o they_o in_o vain_a now_o in_o our_o exhortation_n to_o such_o person_n we_o shall_v proceed_v gradual_o according_a as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o do_v require_v consider_v therefore_o 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o your_o sin_n all_o the_o evil_a that_o your_o own_o heart_n know_v you_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o that_o hide_a mass_n or_o evil_a treasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o you_o which_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o look_v into_o notwithstanding_o that_o charge_n that_o lie_v upon_o you_o from_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n and_o curse_v of_o the_o law_n which_o you_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o just_a ground_n that_o you_o have_v to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n be_v your_o enemy_n and_o will_v be_v so_o unto_o eternity_n yet_o there_o be_v term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n provide_v and_o propose_v between_o he_o and_o your_o soul_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v speak_v out_o by_o the_o word_n we_o have_v insist_v on_o whatever_o else_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o this_o it_o positive_o assert_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n whereby_o sinner_n may_v come_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n for_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o have_v not_o confirm_v it_o by_o so_o many_o testimony_n by_o so_o many_o evidence_n in_o vain_a now_o that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o great_a a_o privilege_n this_o be_v and_o how_o much_o your_o concernment_n lie_v in_o it_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o belong_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n it_o be_v your_o peculiar_a advantage_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o angel_n that_o sin_v there_o be_v never_o any_o term_n of_o peace_n or_o
peace_n you_o may_v find_v this_o be_v the_o put_n of_o the_o hand_n into_o the_o side_n of_o christ_n but_o bless_v be_v they_o who_o believe_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o see_v rule_n iii_o if_o you_o have_v at_o any_o time_n former_o receive_v any_o especial_a or_o immediate_a pledge_n or_o testimony_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o your_o soul_n as_o unto_o their_o sincerity_n and_o consequent_o their_o regeneration_n labour_v to_o recover_v it_o and_o to_o revive_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o upon_o your_o spirit_n now_o in_o your_o darkness_n and_o trouble_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v but_o few_o believer_n but_o that_o god_n do_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o in_o one_o duty_n or_o other_o enter_v into_o or_o come_v out_o of_o one_o temptation_n or_o another_o give_v some_o singular_a testimony_n unto_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n concern_v their_o sincerity_n and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o sometime_o he_o do_v this_o in_o a_o duty_n wherein_o he_o have_v enable_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v so_o near_o a_o approach_n unto_o he_o as_o that_o it_o have_v be_v warm_v enliven_a sweeten_v satisfy_v with_o the_o presence_n the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o uprightness_n sometime_o when_o a_o man_n be_v enter_v into_o any_o great_a temptation_n trial_n difficult_a or_o dangerous_a duty_n that_o death_n itself_o be_v fear_v in_o it_o god_n come_v in_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o by_o a_o secret_a intimation_n of_o his_o love_n which_o he_o give_v he_o to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o for_o his_o furniture_n and_o provision_n in_o his_o way_n and_o thereby_o testify_v to_o he_o his_o sincerity_n and_o this_o serve_v like_o the_o food_n of_o elijah_n for_o forty_o day_n in_o a_o wilderness_n condition_n sometime_o he_o be_v please_v to_o shine_v immediate_o into_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n wherewith_o it_o be_v surprise_v as_o not_o look_v for_o any_o such_o expression_n of_o kindness_n and_o be_v thereby_o relieve_v against_o its_o own_o press_a self-condemnation_n and_o sometime_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o give_v these_o token_n of_o love_n unto_o the_o soul_n as_o its_o refreshment_n when_o it_o be_v come_v off_o from_o the_o storm_n of_o temptation_n wherewith_o it_o have_v be_v toss_v and_o many_o other_o time_n and_o season_n there_o be_v wherein_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v unto_o believer_n some_o especial_a testimony_n in_o their_o conscience_n unto_o their_o own_o integrity_n but_o now_o these_o be_v all_o wrought_v by_o a_o transient_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a and_o enable_v the_o heart_n unto_o a_o spiritual_a sensible_a apprehension_n and_o receive_n of_o god_n express_v kindness_n towards_o it_o these_o thing_n abide_v not_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o in_o their_o power_n which_o they_o have_v upon_o our_o affection_n but_o immediate_o pass_v away_o they_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o faith_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v but_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o lose_v they_o most_o know_v no_o other_o use_n of_o they_o but_o whilst_o they_o feel_v they_o yea_o through_o ignorance_n in_o our_o duty_n to_o improve_v they_o they_o prove_v like_o a_o sudden_a light_n bring_v into_o a_o dark_a place_n and_o again_o remove_v which_o seem_v to_o increase_v and_o real_o aggravate_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o darkness_n the_o true_a use_n of_o they_o be_v to_o lay_v they_o up_o and_o ponder_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v supportment_n and_o testimony_n unto_o we_o in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n have_v you_o then_o who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o state_n or_o condition_n whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o ever_o receive_v any_o such_o refresh_n and_o cheer_v testimony_n from_o god_n give_v unto_o your_o integrity_n and_o your_o acceptance_n with_o he_o thereupon_o call_v it_o over_o again_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o those_o discouragement_n which_o arise_v from_o your_o present_a darkness_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o which_o keep_v you_o off_o from_o share_v in_o the_o consolation_n tender_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o word_n of_o grace_n rule_n iu._n a_o due_a spiritual_a consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v that_o work_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o the_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o work_n be_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o 6._o and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o we_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o where_o ever_o then_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v there_o have_v be_v a_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o word_n upon_o his_o soul._n this_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o after_o ordinary_o it_o will_v discover_v itself_o such_o impression_n will_v be_v make_v in_o it_o upon_o the_o soul_n such_o a_o change_n will_v be_v wrought_v and_o produce_v in_o it_o as_o will_v not_o escape_v a_o spiritual_a diligent_a search_n and_o enquiry_n and_o this_o be_v much_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o uncertain_a concern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o work_n in_o themselves_o let_v they_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n upon_o their_o soul_n what_o light_n thereby_o have_v be_v communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n what_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n have_v be_v make_v to_o they_o what_o sense_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v wrought_v in_o they_o what_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o soul_n to_o choose_v accept_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n what_o resignation_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n it_o have_v be_v wrought_v unto_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o transaction_n there_o have_v be_v between_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n about_o these_o thing_n how_o far_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o whether_o you_o have_v break_v off_o the_o treaty_n with_o god_n and_o refuse_v his_o term_n or_o if_o not_o where_o the_o stay_n be_v between_o you_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n since_o god_n have_v gracious_o begin_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o you_o that_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o a_o through_o close_a with_o he_o in_o the_o work_n and_o design_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o defect_n must_v of_o necessity_n lie_v on_o your_o part_n god_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a have_v he_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v you_o he_o will_v not_o have_v deal_v with_o you_o so_o far_o as_o he_o have_v do_v there_o be_v nothing_o then_o remain_v to_o firm_a your_o condition_n but_o a_o resolve_a act_n of_o your_o own_o will_n in_o answer_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o search_n may_v the_o soul_n come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o at_o least_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v where_o the_o stick_n be_v whence_o their_o uncertainty_n do_v arise_v and_o what_o be_v want_v to_o complete_a their_o desire_n again_o this_o work_n may_v be_v discover_v by_o its_o effect_n there_o be_v something_o that_o be_v produce_v by_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n which_o may_v also_o be_v consider_v either_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o be_v and_o existence_n or_o unto_o its_o act_n and_o operation_n in_o the_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v spirit_n joh._n 3._o 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v spirit_n a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 15._o 17._o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n a_o new_a life_n a_o spiritual_a life_n gal._n 2._o 20._o ephes._n 2._o 1._o in_o brief_a it_o be_v a_o habitual_a furnishment_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o new_a spiritual_a vital_a principle_n enable_v a_o person_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o lead_v a_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o god_n this_o principle_n be_v by_o this_o work_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o act_n it_o consist_v in_o all_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o mind_n will_n heart_n or_o affection_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v require_v
of_o we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v life_n unto_o our_o duty_n without_o which_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v but_o dead_a work_n and_o render_v they_o acceptable_a unto_o the_o live_n god_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o large_a to_o pursue_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n i_o only_o mention_v they_o that_o person_n who_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o consolation_n tender_v from_o the_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n because_o they_o can_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v unto_o such_o person_n alone_o unto_o who_o these_o consolation_n do_v true_o and_o real_o belong_v may_v know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o let_v such_o person_n then_o not_o fluctuate_v up_o and_o down_o in_o general_n and_o uncertainty_n with_o heartless_a complaint_n which_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o let_v they_o real_o put_v thing_n to_o the_o trial_n by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n they_o inquire_v after_o it_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n whereby_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o assurance_n and_o establishment_n concern_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o which_o may_v give_v they_o encouragement_n in_o their_o course_n of_o obedience_n but_o suppose_v all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v what_o if_o a_o man_n by_o the_o utmost_a search_n and_o enquiry_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v can_v attain_v any_o satisfactory_a persuasion_n that_o indeed_o this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n have_v pass_v upon_o his_o soul_n be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o keep_v he_o off_o from_o accept_v of_o supportment_n and_o consolation_n from_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o objection_n lay_v down_o before_o i_o say_v therefore_o further_o that_o 1._o regeneration_n do_v not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n precede_v the_o soul_n interest_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n or_o its_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o do_v not_o precede_v it_o in_o order_n of_o time_n not_o determine_v which_o have_v precedency_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o i_o confess_v which_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n lead_v unto_o be_v that_o absolution_n acquitment_n or_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o save_a grace_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o precede_v all_o grace_n in_o the_o sinner_n whatever_o but_o because_o this_o absolution_n or_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v real_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o that_o faith_n also_o be_v the_o radical_a grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o our_o regeneration_n for_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v as_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a purifier_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o place_v these_o two_o together_o and_o shall_v not_o dispute_v as_o to_o their_o priority_n in_o nature_n but_o in_o time_n the_o one_o do_v not_o precede_v the_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o a_o assurance_n of_o be_v regenerate_v be_v no_o way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o believe_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o forgiveness_n so_o that_o although_o a_o man_n have_v not_o the_o former_a it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v the_o latter_a when_o convince_v person_n cry_v out_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v the_o answer_n be_v believe_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o convince_v sinner_n be_v call_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o direct_v first_o to_o secure_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o then_o afterward_o to_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v first_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v tender_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o by_o he_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n nor_o upon_o this_o proposition_n be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o question_v whether_o they_o have_v faith_n or_o no_o but_o actual_o to_o believe_v and_o faith_n in_o its_o operation_n will_v evidence_n itself_o see_v act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o suppose_v then_o that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v that_o you_o be_v regenerate_v that_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o you_o have_v no_o prevail_a refresh_v constant_a evidence_n or_o persuasion_n thereof_o shall_v this_o hinder_v you_o shall_v this_o discourage_v you_o from_o believe_a forgiveness_n from_o close_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v in_o yourselves_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v with_o god_n not_o at_o all_o nay_o this_o aught_o exceed_o to_o excite_v and_o stir_v you_o up_o unto_o your_o duty_n herein_o for_o 1._o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o indeed_o you_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v only_o bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o light_n and_o conviction_n this_o be_v the_o way_n for_o a_o translation_n into_o a_o estate_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n if_o you_o will_v forbear_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o and_o for_o forgiveness_n until_o you_o be_v regenerate_v you_o may_v and_o probable_o you_o will_v come_v short_a both_o of_o forgiveness_n and_o regeneration_n also_o here_o lay_v your_o foundation_n and_o then_o your_o building_n will_v go_v on_o this_o will_v open_v the_o door_n unto_o you_o and_o give_v you_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n christ_n be_v the_o door_n do_v not_o think_v to_o climb_v up_o over_o the_o wall_n enter_v by_o he_o or_o you_o will_v be_v keep_v out_o 2._o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v bear_v again_o but_o yet_o know_v it_o not_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o this_o be_v a_o way_n whereby_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o evidence_n thereof_o it_o be_v good_a embrace_v of_o all_o sign_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v so_o to_o improve_v they_o but_o the_o best_a course_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o genuine_a natural_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o the_o most_o settle_a apprehension_n concern_v our_o relation_n unto_o god_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o believe_v first_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o christ._n let_v the_o faith_n hereof_o be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o your_o soul_n this_o will_v insensible_o influence_n your_o heart_n into_o a_o comfort_a gospel_n persuasion_n of_o your_o state_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n which_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o assure_a rest_n and_o peace_n to_o wind_v up_o this_o discourse_n remember_v that_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v with_o reference_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o general_n may_v be_v apply_v unto_o every_o particular_a objection_n or_o cause_n of_o fear_n or_o discouragement_n that_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o that_o head_n such_o be_v all_o objection_n that_o arise_v from_o particular_a sin_n from_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n by_o their_o greatness_n or_o circumstance_n or_o relapse_n into_o they_o the_o way_n that_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n unto_o fear_n be_v by_o beget_v a_o apprehension_n in_o man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o suppose_v they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o overtake_v or_o entangle_v the_o rule_n therefore_o lay_v down_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o straits_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n in_o all_o such_o particular_a case_n last_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o particular_a add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o objection_n which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o in_o our_o way_n nor_o of_o any_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o yet_o have_v be_v mention_v it_o be_v not_o unmeet_a to_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o it_o may_v not_o leave_v intanglement_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o now_o this_o be_v that_o some_o know_v not_o nor_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o save_a work_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v usual_o and_o ordinary_o speak_v unto_o and_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v it_o 1._o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n whereon_o