from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n and_o while_o he_o search_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o death_n lodge_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o powerful_a relic_n of_o sin_n remain_v in_o the_o justify_v man_n he_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v hate_v sin_n and_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n hate_v it_o also_o which_o god_n can_v easy_o take_v away_o in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o convert_v reconciliation_n and_o justification_n 2._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n if_o a_o reason_n of_o god_n permission_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o saint_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n be_v ask_v after_o a_o reason_n superior_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v it_o can_v none_o be_v give_v nor_o shall_v it_o be_v seek_v after_o but_o to_o quiet_v our_o mind_n in_o this_o case_n these_o follow_a consideration_n may_v suffice_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n our_o wise_a and_o love_a physician_n to_o renew_v and_o restore_v his_o image_n in_o his_o child_n piece_n and_o piece_n till_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o perfection_n in_o all_o the_o lineament_n part_n and_o degree_n thereof_o and_o to_o heal_v our_o sinful_a sickness_n and_o infirmity_n not_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o he_o see_v fit_a this_o way_n of_o bring_v his_o work_n to_o perfection_n by_o degree_n he_o keep_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o he_o do_v not_o perfect_a in_o a_o moment_n but_o in_o six_o day_n so_o also_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v casten_z in_o the_o ground_n every_o year_n he_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o maturity_n for_o man_n use_n in_o less_o time_n than_o some_o month_n he_o do_v not_o form_n infant_n in_o the_o womb_n and_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o their_o appoint_a stature_n and_o strength_n in_o less_o time_n than_o a_o number_n of_o year_n and_o for_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n how_o odious_a and_o loathsome_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o he_o can_v in_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n make_v use_v thereof_o in_o a_o most_o holy_a way_n for_o the_o good_a of_o penitent_a convert_n for_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v that_o a_o difference_n shall_v be_v put_v between_o the_o militant_a church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n wise_a will_n to_o exercise_v his_o militant_a child_n in_o conflict_v against_o sin_n and_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o next_o life_n and_o triumph_n over_o sin_n death_n and_o hell_n may_v be_v the_o sweet_a when_o it_o come_v and_o more_o desire_a till_o it_o come_v 2._o second_o as_o the_o lord_n after_o sub-duing_a of_o the_o canaanite_n do_v not_o forthwith_o cast_v they_o altogether_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a land_n but_o suffer_v a_o multitude_n of_o they_o to_o live_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o israelite_n with_o warfare_n and_o for_o teach_v his_o people_n by_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o the_o victory_n which_o they_o have_v obtain_v over_o the_o canaanite_n be_v not_o purchase_v by_o their_o sword_n or_o bow_n but_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o lead_v forth_o their_o army_n and_o prosper_v they_o so_o do_v he_o not_o abolish_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n after_o their_o conversion_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o the_o victory_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v over_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n in_o their_o conversion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o freewill_n but_o unto_o god_n only_o for_o if_o the_o renew_a convert_n can_v overcome_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o break_a force_n of_o his_o spiritual_a adversary_n within_o he_o which_o his_o renew_a will_n will_v most_o earnest_o expel_v how_o can_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o victory_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n in_o his_o conversion_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corrupt_a and_o unrenewed_a freewill_n 3._o three_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o deny_v themselves_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v he_o and_o to_o make_v they_o so_o do_v strong_a motive_n be_v daily_o furnish_v from_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o for_o how_o can_v a_o renew_a convert_n look_v upon_o his_o own_o ignorance_n error_n folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o his_o mind_n perverseness_n of_o his_o will_n impotency_n to_o good_a and_o propension_n unto_o all_o sin_n and_o not_o loathe_v himself_o and_o so_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n for_o relief_n 4._o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o adversary_n to_o all_o virtue_n do_v furnish_v work_n to_o all_o the_o habit_n infuse_v by_o god_n for_o the_o daily_a exercise_n thereof_o according_a as_o inborn_a sin_n do_v put_v forth_o itself_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o special_a it_o serve_v to_o bear_v down_o pride_n and_o to_o foster_v humility_n for_o this_o do_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v to_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n 5._o nothing_o do_v more_o manifest_a the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o strong_a soldier_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o power_n of_o inborn_a sin_n bring_v forth_o in_o the_o conflict_n against_o the_o new_a creature_n no_o sharp_a spur_n to_o prayer_n and_o implore_v of_o god_n help_n than_o the_o feel_a power_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n this_o also_o do_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 8._o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o 6._o how_o much_o the_o endurance_n of_o this_o conflict_n with_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n do_v serve_v to_o manifest_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o largeness_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o his_o weak_a soldier_n who_o he_o uphold_v and_o comfort_v in_o this_o conflict_n the_o answer_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n make_v manifest_a 2_o cor._n 12._o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n 7._o we_o be_v slow_a to_o believe_v dull_a to_o apprehend_v and_o learn_v that_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ugliness_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n the_o perverse_a wickedness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o wile_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o enmity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n against_o god_n therefore_o in_o and_o by_o the_o frequent_a and_o renew_a conflict_n now_o with_o one_o lust_n then_o with_o another_o we_o be_v force_v by_o experience_n to_o learn_v the_o lesson_n more_o and_o more_o solid_o and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n speak_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o death_n 8._o the_o renew_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o flesh_n shall_v make_v we_o so_o much_o the_o more_o vigilant_a against_o it_o and_o daily_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n because_o we_o must_v fight_v not_o only_o with_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o with_o principality_n power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n which_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o natural_o dwell_v in_o we_o ephes._n 6._o 11._o 12._o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o wit_n only_o 9_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n dwell_v in_o we_o serve_v to_o move_v we_o to_o pity_n and_o to_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n and_o meek_o to_o restore_v our_o weak_a brethren_n who_o be_v overtake_v in_o any_o offence_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v we_o tit._n 3._o 2._o show_v all_o meekness_n to_o all_o man_n for_o we_o ourselves_o also_o be_v sometime_o foolish_a disobedient_a deceive_v etc._n etc._n gal._n 6._o 1._o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v 10._o last_o of_o all_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o relic_n or_o sin_n to_o remain_v in_o true_a convert_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n do_v serve_v to_o decide_v the_o great_a controversy_n between_o
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o
perfection_n which_o the_o law_n do_v require_v albeit_o he_o find_v not_o the_o fruit_n whensoever_o he_o will_v exact_v they_o albeit_o he_o find_v they_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n as_o he_o have_v find_v they_o before_o for_o as_o tree_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a or_o barren_a which_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n albeit_o they_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o winter_n so_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a which_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n at_o one_o time_n of_o mercy_n at_o another_o time_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n at_o another_o time_n the_o evidence_n of_o zeal_n at_o another_o time_n of_o love_n and_o other_o virtue_n albeit_o when_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n offer_v not_o it_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o and_o such_o virtue_n yea_o albeit_o sometime_o when_o occasion_n call_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o and_o such_o gracious_a virtue_n the_o convert_n be_v sometime_o find_v in-laking_a or_o short_a of_o do_v duty_n or_o guilty_a of_o do_v contrary_a to_o duty_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v count_v dead_a for_o all_o that_o because_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o wound_v and_o fall_v sick_a and_o languish_v and_o fall_v in_o a_o swoon_n that_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n till_o it_o be_v recover_v of_o its_o sickness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o jonah_n david_n and_o peter_n who_o faith_n faint_v but_o fail_v not_o altogether_o it_o be_v true_a they_o suspect_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o go_v when_o they_o be_v in_o hard_a exercise_n but_o after_o that_o they_o do_v look_v up_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o do_v show_v themselves_o alive_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n last_o of_o all_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o regrate_a of_o the_o humble_a soul_n of_o its_o barrenness_n and_o short-coming_a of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o of_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v write_v cant._n 2._o 13._o the_o figtree_n put_v forth_o its_o green_a fig_n and_o the_o vine_n with_o the_o tender_a grape_n give_v a_o good_a smell_n for_o he_o that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o lament_v his_o barrenness_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o do_v good_a work_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n v._n q._n but_o how_o can_v a_o man_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o after_o examination_n find_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o his_o conversion_n and_o that_o all_o his_o former_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o unfruitful_a course_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o indeed_o he_o have_v live_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n ans._n let_v such_o a_o man_n examination_n and_o sentence_n of_o himself_o stand_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o sentence_n of_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o from_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o furniture_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o before_o he_o have_v prove_v against_o himself_o that_o in_o time_n by-gone_a he_o have_v noâ—_n be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n have_v not_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o have_v not_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o he_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o i_o have_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n in_o christ_n heretofore_o and_o whether_o i_o must_v now_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v hereafter_o and_o henceforth_o a_o true_a convert_n believe_v in_o christ_n his_o former_a want_n of_o good_a fruit_n altogether_o do_v prove_v he_o not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n for_o time_n bypass_a which_o be_v the_o first_o question_n and_o the_o same_o want_n of_o all_o good_a fruit_n heretofore_o do_v answer_v the_o other_o question_n for_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n that_o now_o except_o he_o will_v perish_v he_o must_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o prove_v of_o this_o assertion_n that_o i_o have_v heretofore_o for_o such_o a_o space_n of_o time_n be_v a_o true_a convert_n i_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n appoint_v show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n but_o in_o prove_v this_o other_o assertion_n to_o wit_n i_o must_v now_o fly_v to_o christ_n while_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v to_o i_o of_o reconciliation_n leave_v i_o perish_v it_o will_v suffice_v to_o produce_v first_o my_o want_n of_o good_a fruit_n and_o next_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n charge_v i_o to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n in_o time_n leâ—t_o i_o perish_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v maintain_v the_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o time_n to_o come_v whether_o he_o find_v he_o have_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o barren_a branch_n in_o time_n bygone_a or_o not_o quest._n vi_o q._n sing_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v carnal_a confidence_n which_o in_o part_n do_v lean_a upon_o good_a work_n for_o see_v assurance_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v not_o attain_v unto_o but_o by_o reason_v from_o our_o good_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v effectual_o and_o be_v elect_v how_o do_v not_o our_o work_n support_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n concern_v our_o call_n and_o election_n and_o so_o may_v be_v lean_v unto_o ans._n a_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o his_o good_a work_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o lean_a his_o confidence_n upon_o his_o work_n but_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v he_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o give_v unto_o he_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n unto_o good_a work_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o walk_v thus_o grace_n be_v by_o god_n word_n and_o work_v clear_v up_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o rest_v upon_o without_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o man_n work_n but_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n only_o then_o when_o he_o observe_v in_o himself_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o lose_v or_o slack_v his_o grip_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o feel_v deadness_n and_o indisposition_n to_o good_a work_n just_o we_o may_v call_v this_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o work_n for_o when_o he_o ought_v with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n as_o he_o find_v the_o body_n of_o death_n powerful_a in_o he_o and_o inborn_a sin_n strong_a to_o hinder_v his_o obedience_n he_o do_v contrary_a way_n abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n languish_v and_o decay_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o look_v like_o a_o departer_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v say_v he_o put_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n quest._n vii_o q._n but_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o i_o except_o i_o do_v observe_v in_o i_o and_o can_v bring_v forth_o my_o good_a work_n to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o lean_v weight_n on_o my_o good_a work_n see_v the_o proof_n of_o my_o faith_n be_v by_o my_o work_n which_o proof_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n i_o can_v prove_v myself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n ans._n 1._o the_o observation_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o be_v not_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o my_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a act_n of_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o a_o refuge_n when_o i_o be_o chase_v by_o the_o law_n by_o the_o
strive_v against_o all_o impediment_n and_o god_n will_v help_v we_o to_o fight_v will_v give_v the_o victory_n and_o reward_n it_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o set_v upon_o our_o duty_n as_o for_o the_o other_o case_n of_o set_v on_o the_o duty_n and_o miss_v of_o furniture_n to_o discharge_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o god_n in_o this_o dispensation_n be_v teach_v we_o that_o both_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o duty_n and_o the_o success_n thereof_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o will_v or_o on_o he_o that_o run_v but_o upon_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n yea_o he_o teach_v we_o by_o experience_n that_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v two_o distinct_a gift_n the_o one_o whereof_o sometime_o he_o will_v give_v and_o not_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o he_o will_v give_v both_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o limit_v the_o lord_n in_o any_o case_n but_o real_o acknowledge_v that_o every_o good_a gift_n it_o from_o he_o that_o we_o may_v aim_v at_o our_o duty_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o the_o blessing_n the_o fourteen_o question_n be_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o convert_n in_o another_o like_a comparison_n of_o his_o disposition_n and_o god_n dispensation_n some_o convert_n out_o of_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v say_v i_o be_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n of_o heart_n have_v sundry_a time_n diligent_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o be_v comfort_v and_o have_v wonder_v within_o myself_o that_o my_o pain_n have_v produce_v no_o hoped-for_a effect_n but_o the_o heart_n have_v lyen_fw-we dead_a like_o the_o child_n of_o the_o shunamit_n when_o gehasi_n lay_v the_o staff_n of_o elisha_n upon_o he_o at_o another_o time_n i_o have_v be_v surprise_v unexpected_o with_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n with_o liberty_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_z the_o no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o what_o to_o think_v of_o this_o divers_a dispensation_n i_o can_v tell_v 2._o for_o answer_v the_o doubt_n may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n and_o wisdom_n towards_o his_o child_n in_o the_o first_o case_n he_o give_v grace_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o suspend_v the_o sensible_a fruit_n thereof_o to_o teach_v we_o 1._o that_o he_o have_v indeed_o tie_v we_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o appoint_v meatis_fw-la but_o leave_v himself_o free_a to_o give_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o what_o time_n and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v 2._o he_o teach_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o benefit_n he_o do_v bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n he_o do_v bestow_v they_o not_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n 3._o he_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o inherent_a virtue_n nor_o effectual_a power_n in_o the_o mean_n but_o that_o the_o mean_n be_v the_o way_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v that_o we_o may_v find_v the_o blessing_n from_o god_n in_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o not_o put_v confidence_n in_o they_o 4._o he_o teach_v we_o whatsoever_o mean_v or_o instrument_n be_v make_v use_n of_o we_o shall_v with_o paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v give_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o increase_n fruit_n and_o success_n unto_o god_n alone_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o other_o case_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v prevent_v his_o child_n use_v of_o mean_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n ere_o he_o call_v thereby_o he_o teach_v we_o the_o same_o lesson_n to_o wit_n that_o what_o blessing_n god_n do_v give_v he_o do_v it_o free_o of_o grace_n and_o not_o for_o work_n 2._o he_o teach_v we_o that_o what_o blessing_n we_o expect_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n he_o will_v give_v it_o not_o when_o we_o will_v nor_o in_o what_o measure_n we_o will_v but_o as_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a for_o our_o good_a and_o his_o own_o glory_n that_o so_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v frustrate_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o mean_n use_v nor_o yet_o conceive_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o a_o deserve_a reward_n of_o work_n but_o as_o a_o gift_n of_o mere_a grace_n the_o fifteen_o question_n shall_v be_v about_o the_o measure_n of_o mortification_n or_o sanctification_n whether_o it_o be_v grow_v or_o decay_v ofttime_n true_a convert_v fall_v in_o this_o doubt_n not_o indeed_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sensible_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n for_o than_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v grow_v in_o holiness_n neither_o fall_v they_o in_o this_o doubt_n when_o their_o condition_n be_v sensible_o evil_a as_o when_o the_o power_n of_o inborn_a sin_n either_o break_v forth_o in_o action_n external_o or_o defile_v their_o spirit_n at_o least_o for_o than_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v decay_v but_o this_o doubt_n arise_v when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o ordinary_a way_n of_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n without_o any_o observable_a change_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n to_o the_o better_a or_o to_o the_o worse_o then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o in_o a_o dubious_a condition_n and_o can_v say_v whether_o mortification_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n or_o sanctification_n be_v on_o the_o grow_a hand_n or_o not_o 2._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o doubt_n about_o the_o measure_n of_o holiness_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o safe_a curious_o to_o inquire_v what_o measure_n of_o holiness_n a_o man_n have_v attain_v for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n so_o for_o man_n to_o search_v out_o their_o own_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o glory_n prov._n 25._o 27._o second_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v the_o question_n for_o god_n use_v to_o hide_v from_o his_o child_n especial_o the_o young_a sort_n these_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v in_o any_o sort_n weaken_v their_o endeavour_n in_o piety_n or_o soft_a pride_n in_o they_o but_o he_o discover_v unto_o they_o their_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o obedience_n that_o he_o may_v set_v forward_o their_o repentance_n and_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n righteousness_n three_o there_o be_v such_o a_o instability_n of_o any_o good_a condition_n wherein_o any_o convert_n may_v be_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o tentation_n such_o a_o vicissitude_n of_o victory_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o daily_a conflict_n that_o hardly_o can_v any_o man_n satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o solution_n of_o this_o question_n for_o he_o who_o think_v himself_o dead_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o riches_n and_o honour_n may_v short_o find_v himself_o overtake_v in_o the_o net_n and_o fall_v soul_o in_o the_o mire_n and_o be_v find_v carnal_a therefore_o let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v let_v he_o watch_v and_o pray_v lest_o he_o be_v overcome_v in_o tentation_n let_v he_o study_v to_o observe_v the_o wickedness_n of_o nature_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o best_a work_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o great_a estimation_n in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n towards_o god_n draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o furniture_n to_o every_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n indeed_o and_o not_o to_o be_v proud_a for_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v constant_o walk_v phil._n 3._o 14_o 15._o 16._o the_o sixteen_o question_n be_v what_o the_o convert_n shall_v think_v or_o do_v in_o hard_a affliction_n when_o the_o convert_n do_v fall_v in_o longsome_a bodily_a disease_n and_o sad_a affliction_n by_o unexpected_a and_o long-lasting_a adversity_n when_o satan_n be_v permit_v to_o vex_v he_o with_o sore_a tentation_n when_o god_n do_v hide_v his_o face_n for_o a_o long_a time_n from_o he_o when_o he_o expose_v he_o unto_o the_o cruel_a persecution_n of_o worldly_a man_n he_o can_v choose_v but_o fall_v in_o many_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n for_o when_o god_n do_v immediate_o afflict_v he_o he_o ready_o suspect_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a at_o he_o if_o he_o louse_v reins_n unto_o satan_n to_o sift_v he_o and_o vex_v he_o if_o he_o answer_v not_o his_o supplication_n comfort_v he_o not_o ready_o what_o wonder_v multitude_n of_o thought_n arise_v in_o his_o heart_n the_o question_n be_v in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v the_o convert_v think_v or_o do_v 2._o for_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n use_v ofttimes_o in_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n and_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o his_o child_n to_o exercise_v they_o as_o be_v say_v and_o satan_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o whisper_v in_o their_o ear_n that_o god_n do_v not_o love_v they_o in_o which_o case_n if_o the_o convert_n do_v not_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n
rest_n v_o 11._o and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v examine_v thereafter_o by_o christ_n himself_o whether_o they_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n or_o not_o the_o same_o way_n of_o gather_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n do_v christ_n own_o apostle_n follow_v in_o his_o own_o company_n christ_n himself_o be_v present_a bodily_a behold_v and_o approve_v their_o baptise_v of_o multitude_n who_o after_o hear_v of_o christ_n sermon_n offer_v to_o receive_v baptism_n and_o go_v down_o to_o the_o water_n arnon_n where_o christ_n apostle_n do_v make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1._o that_o be_v they_o admit_v multitude_n into_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o baptism_n take_v no_o strict_a course_n of_o examination_n of_o they_o then_o john_n do_v but_o admit_v all_o that_o crave_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n be_v satisfy_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o forbid_v to_o baptize_v they_o when_o he_o see_v they_o go_v down_o to_o the_o water_n to_o be_v baptize_v after_o hear_v his_o sermon_n now_o there_o be_v no_o question_n he_o know_v their_o heart_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o will_v afterward_o short_o make_v defection_n from_o he_o and_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o from_o his_o disciple_n fellowship_n as_o be_v plain_a joh._n 6._o 6_o 66_o 70._o this_o way_n of_o receive_v into_o external_a covenant_n all_o these_o who_o receive_v the_o offer_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o inquire_v into_o their_o election_n or_o reprobation_n their_o regeneration_n or_o unregeneration_n for_o the_o time_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_v outward_o and_o in_o the_o letter_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o wise_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o gather_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_a first_o god_n so_o execute_v and_o perfect_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o hinder_v none_o of_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n offer_v therein_o he_o exclude_v no_o man_n from_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n but_o on_o the_o contrair_a he_o open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v the_o outer_a court_n of_o his_o dwell_a house_n that_o they_o may_v so_o draw_v more_o near_o to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o manifest_v any_o man_n reprobation_n second_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o he_o hide_v the_o election_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o other_o and_o from_o themselves_o till_o they_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o evidence_n of_o their_o election_n in_o their_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n three_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o this_o outward_a and_o common_a covenant_v with_o all_o receiver_n of_o the_o offer_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o draw_v the_o confederate_a in_o the_o letter_n to_o be_v confederate_a in_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o require_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o work_v in_o the_o elect_a if_o not_o before_o or_o with_o the_o external_a covenant_v yet_o undoubted_o after_o in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o confederate_a external_o and_o so_o as_o common_a illumination_n be_v a_o mean_a to_o that_o special_a spiritual_a and_o save_a illumination_n and_o dogmatic_a or_o historical_a faith_n be_v a_o mean_a unto_o save_v faith_n and_o external_a call_n be_v a_o mean_a of_o effectual_a call_n so_o external_a covenant_v in_o the_o letter_n be_v a_o mean_v most_o fit_a and_o accommodat_fw-la to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o covenanter_n in_o the_o spirit_n four_o this_o external_a covenant_v wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o believer_n god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o to_o beget_v and_o foster_v faith_n in_o the_o covenant_a parent_n for_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o also_o a_o mean_a to_o comfort_v they_o about_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n whether_o before_o or_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o a_o mean_a to_o give_v they_o good_a hope_n of_o those_o child_n bless_a resurrection_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o in_o covenant_v the_o lord_n do_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o believer_n god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n and_o do_v not_o exact_v the_o condition_n of_o actual_a faith_n from_o their_o die_a infant_n from_o these_o ground_n it_o follow_v first_o that_o some_o be_v take_v external_o and_o conditional_o into_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o engagement_n unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o engagement_n unto_o it_o who_o albeit_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o regenerate_v yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n outward_o christian_n by_o calling_n and_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v also_o in_o the_o church_n before_o christ_n come_n jew_n outward_o and_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v of_o man_n commend_v indeed_o for_o so_o much_o but_o if_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n be_v not_o jew_n in_o god_n account_n and_o unto_o they_o circumcision_n be_v but_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o engagement_n only_o and_o not_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n covenant_v rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o second_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v some_o covenanter_n outward_o and_o inward_o also_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n also_o who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n only_o but_o of_o god_n also_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o not_o only_o have_v engage_v to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v performer_n real_o of_o their_o engagement_n and_o unto_o those_o their_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o outward_a and_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o inward_a also_o in_o the_o spirit_n also_o approven_v of_o god_n also_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o old_a jew_n inward_o performer_n of_o their_o engagement_n to_o live_v by_o â—aith_n jew_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n only_o who_o praise_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n only_o rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o three_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n absolute_o or_o without_o condition_n require_v of_o they_o for_o their_o part_n who_o god_n take_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n absolute_o such_o as_o be_v elect_a infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o who_o that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o original_a sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n christ_n have_v engage_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n who_o therefore_o ere_o they_o die_v he_o do_v immediate_o quicken_v and_o sanctify_v and_o translate_v to_o heaven_n after_o death_n of_o such_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mark_v 10._o 14._o how_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o old_a differ_v from_o that_o which_o now_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n albeit_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o itself_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o in_o paradise_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n because_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v of_o one_o kind_n and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o world_n end_n yet_o the_o external_a outletting_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n differ_v as_o it_o be_v propound_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o after_o it_o for_o in_o paradise_n this_o covenant_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n that_o christ_n shall_v assume_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n or_o humane_a nature_n and_o by_o his_o power_n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o choose_a people_n which_o shall_v militat_fw-la against_o the_o devil_n under_o his_o banner_n 2._o and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n found_v upon_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o posterity_n of_o adam_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v make_v with_o adam_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n the_o lord_n in_o
every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v to_o these_o water_n etc._n etc._n isa._n 55._o and_o beside_o these_o promise_n which_o contain_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o condition_n and_o do_v already_o believe_v such_o as_o be_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v conditional_a serve_v to_o make_v man_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v real_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o least_o outward_o and_o solemn_o enter_v such_o as_o joh._n 15._o 7_o 10._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o you_o and_o if_o you_o keep_v my_o command_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o joh._n 12._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n and_o joh._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o obj._n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o do_v of_o one_o or_o more_o work_n but_o faith_n receive_v christ_n offer_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o work_n as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o see_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o have_v or_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o and_o do_v exercise_n such_o virtue_n ans._n albeit_o the_o endeavour_n to_o work_v good_a work_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o no_o man_n can_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o shall_v find_v these_o virtue_n in_o himself_o and_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o his_o constant_a exercise_n thereof_o yet_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v use_n of_o after_o a_o man_n have_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o condition_n require_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o because_o many_o make_v pretence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v themselves_o to_o new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n law_n and_o be_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o profess_a repentance_n but_o be_v indulgent_a to_o their_o vicious_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o in_o effect_n do_v renounce_v all_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v good_a work_n in_o stead_n of_o renounce_v a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o good_a work_n therefore_o god_n do_v put_v the_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v christian_a virtue_n on_o all_o profess_a believer_n as_o a_o condition_n distinguish_v a_o sincere_a believer_n from_o a_o hypocrite_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v please_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v external_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n while_n it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n not_o work_v by_o love_n against_o which_o sort_n of_o pretend_a believer_n jame_v chap._n 2._o dispute_v such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v direct_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v outward_o already_o in_o covenant_n and_o do_v serve_v for_o these_o several_a use_n first_o that_o such_o as_o both_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v endeavour_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o such_o conditional_a promise_n may_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n grace_n for_o grace_n grace_v to_o believe_v and_o grace_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o the_o honest_a heart_a may_v be_v encourage_v te_fw-la set_v upon_o these_o duty_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v furnish_v for_o they_o out_o of_o the_o rich_a fountain_n of_o christ_n grace_n john_n 1._o 16._o three_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o in-lake_n of_o any_o such_o command_v duty_n or_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o any_o vice_n in_o themselves_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o aâ—d_v to_o fly_v more_o earnest_o to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o first_o they_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o from_o he_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v joh._n 15._o 5._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o you_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n four_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v believer_n in_o christ_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o give_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o work_v one_o grace_n before_o another_o in_o his_o own_o order_n as_o the_o foresay_a promise_n do_v import_v five_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o love_n and_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n six_o they_o serve_v to_o move_v believer_n to_o join_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o for_o certify_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o call_n and_o election_n by_o their_o growth_n therein_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o 12._o last_o of_o all_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v these_o who_o be_v destitute_a and_o void_a of_o such_o qualification_n and_o be_v careless_a to_o have_v they_o manifest_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v a_o far_o off_o and_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v in_o baptism_n ecclesiastical_o purge_v form_n their_o old_a sin_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 9_o obj._n how_o can_v this_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o solemn_a make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o all_o that_o profess_v they_o do_v accept_v of_o the_o offer_n stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o or_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n ans._n the_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o be_v make_v clear_a of_o old_a by_o god_n make_v offer_n of_o grace_n unto_o and_o covenant_v with_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o not_o with_o any_o other_o psa._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n anâ—_n as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o 2._o and_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_v with_o all_o that_o profess_v to_o accept_v the_o offer_n do_v consist_v with_o the_o election_n of_o some_o only_a as_o well_o now_o as_o of_o old_a when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n external_a and_o conditional_a with_o all_o israel_n of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v not_o elect_v to_o life_n and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v albeit_o they_o be_v in_o number_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v save_v isa._n 10._o 22._o for_o by_o this_o course_n god_n be_v not_o frustrate_v of_o his_o purpose_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o covenant_v with_o the_o mix_a multitude_n of_o israelit_n for_o the_o elect_a by_o faith_n obtain_v righteousness_n and_o life_n but_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v rom._n 11._o 7._o 3._o this_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o moral_a covenant_n with_o all_o that_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o accept_v the_o offer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_v the_o elect_a only_o no_o less_o now_o then_o of_o old_a when_o christ_n do_v make_v offer_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10._o 26._o and_o do_v receive_v sundry_a in_o among_o his_o disciple_n in_o external_a covenant_n who_o do_v afterward_o forsake_v he_o joh._n 6._o 66._o but_o yet_o he_o do_v save_v and_o do_v save_o all_o his_o elect_a sheep_n who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o joh._n 10._o 65._o and_o however_o this_o doctrine_n sound_v harsh_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o reprobat_fw-la or_o not_o elect_v or_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o all_o and_o every_o man_n but_o for_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o proud_a man_n
faith_n and_o to_o follow_v hard_o after_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o so_o extol_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o believer_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o command_v thereof_o as_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v very_o profitable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n the_o poison_n and_o power_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o fly_v daily_o to_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o draw_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o precious_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 15._o when_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v christian_n virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o the_o order_n of_o god_n work_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v by_o we_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n of_o sin_n shall_v go_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o christ_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9_o 13._o and_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o fruit_n by_o scripture_n go_v before_o the_o sensible_a feeling_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o quiet_v of_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o approbation_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n approve_v for_o after_o we_o have_v believe_v we_o come_v to_o be_v seal_v ephes._n 1._o 13._o now_o for_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o order_n many_o real_a christian_n do_v make_v unto_o themselves_o a_o very_a un-comfortable_a life_n for_o albeit_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o inability_n to_o help_v themselves_o and_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o help_v and_o do_v lead_v a_o life_n blameless_a yet_o do_v they_o unhappy_o suspend_v the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v disquiet_v themselves_o so_o as_o they_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n but_o do_v quarrel_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n till_o they_o shall_v feel_v and_o perceive_v with_o approbation_n of_o their_o conscience_n such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o have_v fore-imagined_n to_o be_v the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o faith_n yea_o and_o they_o refuse_v to_o account_v themselves_o person_n justify_v because_o they_o can_v perceive_v such_o mature_a fruit_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o conceive_v must_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v also_o to_o be_v in_o the_o justify_v person_n before_o he_o can_v lay_v hold_n on_o justification_n such_o person_n do_v in_o effect_n invert_v the_o order_n which_o they_o shall_v observe_v for_o when_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o new_a obedience_n and_o because_o they_o be_v load_v with_o sin_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v god_n reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n pour_v in_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a they_o take_v another_o and_o contrary_a course_n by_o suspend_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o work_n and_o do_v exact_a of_o themselves_o work_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o hinder_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n as_o they_o do_v require_v it_o be_v reason_n indeed_o to_o prove_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o it_o be_v just_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v account_v dead_a which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o but_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o condemn_v weak_a faith_n accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n because_o it_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o so_o fair_a and_o full_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n when_o they_o perceive_v such_o impotency_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a and_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o they_o to_o fly_v unto_o the_o redeemer_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o in_o he_o to_o seek_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o to_o be_v suck_a juice_n and_o sap_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o true_a vine_n for_o if_o we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o abide_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n job._n 15._o 4_o 5._o for_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o good_a work_n for_o only_o they_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o do_v bring_v forth_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o not_o they_o who_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o want_n of_o fruit_n do_v loose_a or_o slacken_v their_o grip_n of_o faith_n and_o upon_o discouragement_n be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 16._o the_o like_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o preparatory_a disposition_n of_o such_o as_o may_v confident_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v for_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n aught_o to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o death_n deserve_v for_o their_o sin_n aught_o to_o come_v with_o contrition_n of_o heart_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o humble_a renunciation_n of_o all_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o yet_o must_v not_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o measure_n or_o sincerity_n of_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o themselves_o be_v keep_v back_o or_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o they_o not_o only_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v both_o the_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n require_v in_o such_o as_o have_v access_n unto_o christ_n but_o also_o do_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o such_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o such_o stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o stubborness_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o christ_n or_o fit_a to_o be_v comfort_v by_o he_o such_o person_n i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v forthwith_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o ofttimes_o sincerity_n of_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o as_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o own_o short-coming_a in_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n more_o than_o in_o many_o other_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o must_v be_v wary_a also_o while_o we_o require_v sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o like_a preparatory_a disposition_n in_o they_o who_o may_v come_v unto_o christ_n lest_o we_o secret_o import_v and_o insinuat_fw-la a_o sort_n of_o merit_n to_o be_v in_o such_o disposition_n so_o as_o if_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v himself_o thus_o qualify_v can_v expect_v no_o good_a at_o christ_n hand_n except_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n such_o preparatory_a disposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o price_n of_o purchase_v address_n to_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o hold_v this_o fast_n that_o the_o more_o poor_a and_o empty_a a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o ought_v to_o draw_v the_o more_o near_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n because_o in_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a disposition_n for_o receive_v thereof_o he_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n who_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n act._n 5._o 31._o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n unto_o who_o all_o they_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n do_v sigh_n in_o themselves_o ought_v and_o safe_o may_v come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o he_o a_o more_o ample_a
for_o remove_v of_o our_o guiltiness_n and_o save_v we_o from_o condemnation_n but_o also_o have_v undertake_v to_o the_o father_n to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o at_o last_o to_o present_v we_o perfect_a without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n for_o which_o end_n he_o have_v take_v by_o appointment_n the_o threefold_a office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n three_o it_o import_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o this_o rich_a gift_n and_o right_n intimate_fw-la unto_o we_o judicial_o from_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o command_v duty_n we_o be_v to_o go_v about_o we_o do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n suck_v by_o faith_n sap_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o he_o because_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n incarnate_a be_v make_v unto_o we_o and_o judicial_o intimate_fw-la from_o god_n to_o we_o our_o sanctification_n the_o four_o sentence_n be_v this_o christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o we_o redemption_n which_o import_v first_o that_o we_o who_o have_v flee_v from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n unto_o christ_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v sanctify_v be_v yoke_v in_o a_o warfare_n with_o our_o sinful_a flesh_n the_o world_n and_o satan_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o death_n natural_a and_o the_o grave_n in_o which_o warfare_n we_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o able_a to_o stand_v nor_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o misery_n whereunto_o we_o be_v subject_a except_o by_o divine_a power_n we_o be_v support_v bring_v through_o and_o save_v second_o it_o import_v that_o christ_n not_o only_o have_v pay_v a_o satisfactory_a price_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n against_o the_o power_n of_o whatsoever_o adversary_n but_o also_o that_o he_o have_v undertake_v the_o work_n and_o have_v by_o compact_n with_o the_o father_n oblige_v himself_o to_o deliver_v we_o powerful_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o overcome_v to_o our_o behoove_v all_o our_o enemy_n and_o tread_v they_o underfoot_o and_o that_o he_o be_v judicial_o establish_v in_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o make_v over_o to_o we_o for_o our_o assurance_n by_o decreet_a intimate_fw-la to_o we_o three_o it_o import_v our_o duty_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o right_n and_o gift_n of_o christ_n god-man_n make_v over_o unto_o we_o by_o god_n decreet_a now_o intimate_fw-la we_o shall_v rely_v by_o faith_n on_o he_o as_o the_o pledge_n of_o perfect_v our_o salvation_n thorough_o and_o fight_v out_o our_o battle_n against_o all_o adversar_n power_n and_o all_o misery_n in_o his_o strength_n rejoice_v in_o his_o victory_n over_o all_o our_o enemy_n for_o god_n have_v make_v he_o unto_o uâ—_n redemption_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n doubt_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o feel_a unworthiness_n be_v answer_v these_o premise_a consideration_n may_v serve_v for_o the_o more_o easy_a solution_n of_o doubt_n and_o particular_a case_n wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n may_v be_v trouble_v about_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v needful_a also_o by_o way_n of_o example_n to_o propound_v some_o usual_a question_n in_o particular_a the_o answer_v whereof_o may_v serve_v to_o answer_v all_o question_n which_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o like_a original_n for_o 1._o howsoever_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o regenerate_a shall_v noâ—_n peâ—ish_v and_o that_o their_o state_n in_o grace_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o that_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v establish_v by_o christ_n undertake_v to_o make_v they_o persevere_v according_a to_o the_o charge_n give_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o fâ—ther_n joh._n 6._o 39_o 40._o yet_o it_o iâ—_n true_a also_o that_o every_o regenerate_a man_n be_v noâ—_n clear_a about_o his_o regeneration_n and_o many_o regenerate_a person_n have_v only_o a_o conjectural_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v who_o be_v not_o come_v up_o as_o yet_o to_o a_o assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o bless_a estate_n and_o the_o number_n be_v not_o great_a of_o these_o who_o always_o or_o any_o long_a time_n together_o do_v enjoy_v that_o serenity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o can_v confident_o triumph_v and_o glory_n with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 5._o 3_o 4._o 5._o because_o of_o desertion_n and_o tentation_n raise_v doubt_n in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v their_o estate_n ofttimes_o holy_a person_n be_v disquiet_v with_o such_o person_n while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o case_n a_o pastor_n or_o a_o prudent_a friend_n must_v deal_v so_o as_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o infirm_a and_o with_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o not_o convert_v because_o the_o same_o remedy_n will_v serve_v to_o strengthen_v a_o weak_a believer_n and_o to_o draw_v a_o soul_n sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n unto_o faith_n in_o christ._n 2._o but_o let_v we_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o doubt_n of_o some_o that_o be_v regenerate_v and_o their_o pretend_a reason_n for_o their_o doubt_n some_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n that_o they_o question_v if_o themselves_o or_o any_o like_a unto_o themselves_o can_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n mean_v time_n their_o carriage_n be_v such_o a_o become_v a_o christian_n blameless_a i_o feel_v in_o 〈◊〉_d say_v ouâ—_n such_o strength_n of_o inward_a corruption_n as_o do_v defile_v every_o best_a action_n i_o go_v about_o i_o see_v what_o holiness_n be_v require_v in_o thoâ—e_n that_o approach_v unto_o god_n that_o i_o do_v utter_o loathe_v myself_o as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n yea_o say_v another_o i_o think_v it_o no_o small_a presumption_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o christ_n or_o count_v myself_o among_o his_o saint_n and_o follower_n this_o for_o a_o short_a time_n be_v the_o case_n of_o isaiah_n when_o in_o a_o vision_n he_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o hear_v the_o seraphim_n proclaim_v he_o thâ—ee_o holy_a isa._n 6._o 5._o woe_n be_v i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n and_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o people_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o peâ—er_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n waken_v up_o by_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n godhead_n in_o the_o miraculous_a tack_n of_o fishâ—s_n luk._n 5_o 8._o fall_v down_o at_o christ_n knee_n he_o cry_v depart_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o be_o utter_o unworthy_a to_o be_v admit_v unto_o fellowship_n with_o thy_o holy_a majesty_n the_o like_a also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o parable_n luk._n 18._o 13._o out_o of_o which_o case_n after_o some_o wrestle_n of_o say_v he_o come_v forth_o towards_o god_n yet_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o nor_o dare_v to_o life_n up_o hiâ—_n eye_n to_o heaven_n wherein_o be_v point_v out_o to_o we_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n hinder_v he_o to_o approach_v confident_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n five_o or_o six_o consideration_n may_v be_v represent_v to_o the_o party_n afflict_v with_o this_o proviso_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n be_v not_o discharge_v or_o diminish_v but_o wise_o entertain_v in_o he_o rather_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v presuppose_v that_o any_o man_n can_v esteem_v himself_o so_o unworthy_a and_o far_o from_o merit_v any_o good_a at_o god_n hand_n as_o he_o be_v indeed_o but_o yet_o his_o doubt_n how_o he_o dare_v or_o may_v draw_v near_o unto_o christ_n because_o of_o his_o feel_a unworthiness_n may_v be_v solve_v 1._o if_o he_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o offer_v make_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o these_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o admit_v any_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v into_o it_o but_o such_o only_a who_o do_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n and_o do_v fly_v unto_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v mat._n 9_o 13._o i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o
this_o doubt_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v pre-supposed_n and_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o that_o be_v afflict_v with_o this_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o follow_v duty_n howbeit_o heartles_o do_v live_v blameless_a in_o a_o evil_a world_n and_o so_o be_v not_o idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a only_o this_o do_v trouble_v they_o that_o they_o find_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o do_v expect_v they_o miss_v joy_n in_o god_n consolation_n in_o their_o prayer_n patience_n in_o affection_n cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n in_o follow_v their_o call_n they_o do_v not_o find_v sensible_a approbation_n of_o their_o work_n from_o god_n as_o they_o do_v promise_n to_o themselves_o and_o do_v expect_v hence_o flow_v their_o tear_n lamentation_n and_o complaint_n of_o themselves_o and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o all_o without_o just_a cause_n for_o as_o in_o bodily_a sickness_n sometime_o more_o malady_n than_o one_o be_v complicat_fw-la and_o to_o each_o of_o they_o respect_n must_v be_v have_v for_o perfect_v the_o cure_n so_o in_o this_o case_n more_o practical_a error_n do_v concur_v and_o each_o of_o they_o must_v be_v decipher_v and_o remove_v we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o four_o the_o first_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v the_o suspending_a of_o his_o faith_n upon_o a_o tacit_a condition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o effect_n be_v produce_v and_o that_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n of_o his_o diligence_n and_o work_n be_v feel_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o warrantable_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n except_o after_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o trial_n take_v whether_o it_o shall_v produce_v such_o or_o such_o fruit_n or_o not_o and_o here_o three_o deceit_n do_v concur_v the_o first_o be_v a_o faith_n with_o a_o secret_a reservation_n if_o such_o fruit_n follow_v be_v by_o suggestion_n of_o the_o tempter_n thrust_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o absolute_a believe_v without_o reservation_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o try_v of_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o through_o temptation_n the_o afflict_a tacit_o crave_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o god_n that_o when_o god_n perform_v the_o prescribe_a condition_n than_o the_o man_n faith_n after_o that_o may_v rest_v upon_o he_o other_o way_n not_o for_o when_o a_o sinner_n come_v to_o christ_n he_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o sense_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n see_v it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o reveal_v thyself_o to_o i_o a_o blind_a impotent_a sinner_n run_v towards_o hell_n and_o have_v offer_v thyself_o to_o i_o for_o a_o saviour_n in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n behold_v o_o lord_n i_o hearty_o receive_v the_o grace_n offer_v i_o embrace_v thy_o word_n and_o thyself_o offer_v to_o i_o in_o thy_o word_n and_o do_v give_v up_o myself_o whole_o to_o thy_o government_n that_o thou_o may_v repair_v in_o i_o the_o lose_a image_n of_o god_n and_o powerful_o carry_v i_o on_o unto_o salvation_n instead_o of_o say_v thus_o and_o close_a absolute_o the_o bargain_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o the_o tempter_n will_v have_v the_o poor_a afflict_a man_n to_o speak_v as_o it_o be_v to_o this_o sense_n o_o lord_n the_o condition_n whereupon_o thou_o do_v offer_v to_o be_v my_o god_n and_o saviour_n do_v please_v i_o well_o but_o because_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v deceive_v myself_o in_o perform_v that_o condition_n i_o require_v another_o condition_n of_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v first_o let_v i_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v find_v within_o sometime_o hence_o then_o will_v i_o count_v myself_o a_o believer_n and_o will_v rest_v on_o thou_o but_o if_o i_o find_v not_o such_o fruit_n as_o may_v evidence_n true_a faith_n in_o i_o i_o must_v pronounce_v my_o say_v either_o no_o faith_n or_o a_o dead_a faith_n which_o have_v a_o name_n of_o faith_n but_o neither_o power_n nor_o life_n in_o it_o for_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a as_o james_n say_v ch_n 2._o 26._o now_o what_o be_v this_o else_o in_o effect_n then_o to_o make_v a_o new_a condition_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n if_o god_n shall_v do_v as_o the_o sinner_n give_v he_o direction_n that_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v make_v he_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n first_o when_o it_o become_v he_o absolute_o to_o embrace_v christ_n that_o he_o may_v both_o be_v forgive_v of_o sin_n and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o faith_n another_o fault_n be_v here_o also_o which_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a person_n do_v require_v mature_a fruit_n from_o a_o weak_a faith_n from_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o fix_v but_o suspend_v on_o a_o condition_n which_o be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a then_o if_o a_o foolish_a gardner_n shall_v require_v fruit_n of_o a_o young_a tree_n late_o plant_v yea_o before_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v well_o settle_v in_o the_o ground_n yea_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o stand_v in_o his_o garden_n except_o it_o shall_v first_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n whereby_o it_o may_v evidence_n itself_o worthy_a of_o pain_n take_v on_o it_o a_o three_o fault_n be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a in_o this_o case_n do_v pre-suppose_a that_o true_a faith_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n both_o in_o nature_n and_o time_n for_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n till_o after_o he_o perceive_v and_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n upon_o this_o ground_n he_o can_v never_o believe_v till_o he_o first_o find_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o effect_n then_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o effect_n must_v go_v before_o its_o cause_n unto_o this_o threefold_a self-deceit_n we_o offer_v this_o one_o remedy_n in_o general_n that_o the_o afflict_a person_n in_o the_o foresay_a case_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o barrenness_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v small_a or_o no_o fruit_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o fasten_v himself_o the_o more_o on_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n without_o delay_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v virtue_n and_o furniture_n from_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v he_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o abundance_n as_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o he_o and_o he_o only_o can_v make_v a_o good_a tree_n of_o a_o evil_a imp_n and_o cause_v it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a vine_n wherein_o it_o be_v ingraft_v and_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o canticle_n ch_n 2._o 13._o do_v make_v no_o small_a account_n of_o the_o green_a fig_n and_o tender_a grape_n let_v not_o the_o afflict_a despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n 4._o the_o second_o practical_a error_n in_o the_o afflicted_n foresay_a case_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a person_n have_v imagine_v in_o himself_o that_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n will_v present_o follow_v upon_o his_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v forthwith_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n able_a to_o pray_v eloquent_o make_v cheerful_a in_o sing_v song_n of_o praise_n unto_o god_n ready_a and_o expedit_fw-la to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v feel_v constant_o a_o uninterrupted_n peace_n in_o his_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o after_o that_o by_o experience_n he_o have_v find_v that_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o enter_v upon_o any_o good_a work_n without_o a_o fight_n with_o satan_n and_o with_o his_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o other_o impediment_n and_o withal_o he_o do_v feel_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with-drawn_a hereupon_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n unrenewed_a 5._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a know_v that_o the_o hope_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v albeit_o according_a to_o his_o childish_a fore-conception_n they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o in_o a_o time_n due_a and_o acceptable_a god_n shall_v perform_v all_o his_o promise_n
these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n the_o apostle_n live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n phil._n 4._o 12._o i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o suffer_v need_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v i_o thus_o must_v christian_n soldier_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o toil_a in_o warfare_n in_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o watch_v and_o run_v hazard_n of_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o victory_n and_o promise_a glory_n hold_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o explication_n of_o this_o case_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o hinder_v the_o tender_a heart_a believer_n from_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v shine_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o strength_n continual_o psal._n 105._o 4._o but_o all_o our_o speech_n do_v drive_v at_o this_o main_o that_o the_o afflict_a in_o his_o discouragement_n and_o unquietness_n meek_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n howsoever_o he_o be_v exercise_v always_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o vocation_n through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n look_v unto_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o soft_a negligence_n in_o well_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o condition_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o to_o require_v of_o a_o christian_a a_o stoical_a stupidity_n under_o trouble_n but_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a in_o all_o cross_a dispensation_n and_o vexation_n endeavour_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n give_v glory_n to_o he_o whatsoever_o measure_n he_o shall_v bestow_v more_o or_o less_o because_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v rest_n matth._n 11._o 24._o chap._n ix_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v arise_v from_o his_o uncertainty_n as_o what_o time_n he_o be_v convert_v be_v solve_v there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o journey_n to_o heaven_n begin_v to_o halt_v and_o make_v slow_a progress_n by_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o true_a convert_n footstep_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v convert_v at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o in_o conference_n with_o sundry_a of_o the_o saint_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o from_o that_o time_n can_v reckon_v their_o age_n in_o christ_n or_o from_o this_o be_v their_o doubt_n arisen_a that_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o some_o modern_a writer_n they_o have_v read_v or_o from_o the_o sermon_n of_o some_o well_o esteem_v preacher_n they_o have_v hear_v some_o such_o doctrine_n whereupon_o the_o true_a convert_n fall_v out_o with_o himself_o in_o say_v i_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o a_o godly_a family_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n after_o hear_v the_o head_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n i_o have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o entertain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o amendment_n of_o my_o life_n i_o love_v these_o who_o i_o see_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o i_o do_v hate_v the_o way_n of_o the_o profane_a but_o because_o i_o can_v tell_v when_o or_o what_o day_n or_o year_n i_o be_v real_o convert_v as_o i_o know_v sundry_a of_o the_o godly_a of_o my_o acquaintance_n can_v do_v therefore_o i_o doubt_v whether_o my_o conversion_n be_v begin_v or_o not_o but_o mean_a time_n though_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v off_o the_o way_n i_o have_v be_v follow_v yet_o i_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o heartless_a till_o i_o be_v clear_v of_o my_o doubt_n 2._o for_o remove_v this_o doubt_n we_o must_v yield_v this_o far_o to_o the_o afflict_a that_o many_o indeed_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o be_v civil_o educate_v and_o from_o their_o bairn-age_n accustom_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o do_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o if_o such_o person_n be_v question_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o repent_v or_o believe_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v unconvert_v but_o have_v still_o be_v please_v and_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v never_o convert_v but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o be_v renew_v in_o who_o piece_n and_o piece_n without_o any_o notable_a change_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n have_v grow_v with_o the_o grow_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v of_o god_n therein_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v mark_n 4._o 26._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o but_o to_o solve_v the_o doubt_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n know_v or_o not_o know_v the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n provide_v he_o be_v indeed_o regenerate_v and_o make_v a_o new_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v of_o good_a courage_n if_o after_o serious_a examination_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v humble_v frequent_o in_o the_o sense_n not_o only_o of_o his_o actual_a sin_n and_o short-coming_a of_o his_o duty_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o original_n and_o indwelling_a corruption_n or_o body_n of_o death_n if_o as_o he_o do_v indeed_o loath_a himself_o and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o best_a work_n so_o he_o serious_o embrace_v the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o strength_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o many_o imperfection_n he_o may_v conclude_v he_o be_v regenerate_v for_o if_o these_o three_o be_v join_v in_o he_o in_o any_o measure_n of_o honesty_n he_o need_v not_o be_v anxious_a what_o day_n month_n or_o year_n the_o holy_a spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v these_o thing_n in_o he_o only_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o grow_v in_o humility_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o to_o hold_v on_o this_o way_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o impediment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o apostle_n exeem_v such_o a_o man_n from_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o unconvert_v phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o say_v he_o be_v the_o circumcision_n or_o the_o christian_a convert_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n chap._n x._o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehension_n that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n be_v not_o from_o the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n but_o either_o from_o terror_n or_o self-love_n which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v but_o carnal_a some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o the_o change_n of_o their_o way_n from_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n whereof_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o also_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_n yet_o after_o a_o considerable_a time_n do_v fall_n in_o suspicion_n whether_o that_o time_n of_o their_o change_n be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n some_o of_o they_o bring_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n save_o this_o that_o they_o be_v never_o much_o trouble_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n but_o most_o part_n allure_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o to_o eshew_v the_o way_n of_o sin_v by_o the_o love_n
thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v be_v grant_v unto_o the_o unregenerat_a for_o the_o use_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o observe_v of_o this_o difference_n shall_v teach_v the_o afflict_a to_o esteem_v well_o of_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o humane_a society_n or_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v study_v to_o humility_n and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o measure_n let_v he_o esteem_v more_o of_o they_o then_o of_o all_o these_o common_a gift_n how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v as_o also_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n estate_n which_o content_v itself_o with_o probability_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o real_a verity_n concern_v his_o own_o estate_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bearing_z witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o reveal_v unto_o we_o what_o thing_n be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o wit_n among_o other_o gift_n give_v unto_o we_o eyesalve_n to_o make_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v blind_a poor_a naked_a and_o miserable_a with_o grace_n lead_v we_o to_o buy_v without_o money_n or_o price_n from_o christ_n gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o garment_n to_o hide_v our_o nakedness_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n estate_n we_o see_v nothing_o save_o what_o be_v outward_a and_o can_v pierce_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o god_n only_o can_v and_o do_v search_v but_o concern_v our_o own_o estate_n we_o may_v know_v certain_o if_o we_o search_v well_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o wherefore_o that_o the_o afflict_a may_v overcome_v this_o doubt_n let_v he_o leave_v unto_o god_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o apostat_n which_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n of_o sin_n nor_o serious_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v his_o own_o estate_n let_v he_o study_v to_o discern_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o more_o and_o more_o and_o daily_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o he_o discern_v the_o loathsomnesse_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o the_o more_o hearty_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o consecrat_v himself_o whole_o unto_o he_o that_o in_o his_o furniture_n draw_v by_o faith_n out_o of_o christ_n he_o may_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v pass_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o unregenerat_a and_o be_v a_o true_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n effectual_o call_v and_o elect_v of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n because_o some_o godly_a person_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o hypocrite_n some_o true_a convert_n do_v suspect_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n because_o some_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o their_o acquaintance_n who_o judgement_n otherways_o be_v not_o to_o be_v light_o reject_v not_o only_o do_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o by_o word_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o behaviour_n towards_o they_o declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o 2._o this_o tentation_n do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o of_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o own_o conversion_n and_o when_o they_o perceive_v their_o own_o suspicion_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o suspicion_n and_o testimony_n of_o some_o saint_n howsoever_o rash_o judge_v other_o man_n heart_n no_o wonder_n the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n question_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n grow_v strong_a against_o they_o by_o this_o stratagem_n satan_n use_v to_o assault_v the_o strong_a in_o faith_n and_o to_o vex_v they_o at_o least_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o job_n who_o faith_n be_v mighty_o assault_v when_o his_o godly_a friend_n mistake_v his_o affliction_n and_o condemn_v he_o as_o a_o wicked_a hypocrite_n the_o like_a we_o see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 38._o 11._o when_o his_o friend_n stand_v aloof_o from_o his_o plague_n 3._o for_o strengthen_v the_o afflict_a under_o this_o tentation_n first_o let_v he_o examine_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o acurat_o because_o of_o the_o suspicion_n that_o the_o godly_a have_v of_o he_o after_o which_o examination_n if_o he_o find_v any_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o himself_o and_o of_o faith_n fly_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n and_o of_o endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o much_o infirmity_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n let_v he_o not_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n but_o rather_o strengthen_v what_o he_o find_v of_o the_o lord_n gracious_a work_n in_o he_o although_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o ready_a to_o die_v second_o let_v he_o consider_v whether_o this_o exercise_n and_o affliction_n be_v a_o correction_n from_o god_n chastise_v he_o for_o his_o rash_a judgement_n of_o other_o who_o possible_o he_o have_v wound_v with_o such_o rash_a suspicion_n of_o they_o but_o whether_o he_o find_v this_o or_o not_o let_v he_o not_o despise_v this_o exercise_n but_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n in_o who_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n that_o he_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n head_n and_o foot_n and_o let_v he_o study_v unto_o more_o and_o more_o sincerity_n that_o he_o may_v approve_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o discreet_a judge_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o let_v he_o not_o alienat_fw-la himself_n altogether_o so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v from_o they_o by_o who_o suspicion_n his_o faith_n and_o good_a name_n have_v be_v wound_v but_o in_o humility_n and_o charity_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a follow_v of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n labour_v to_o commend_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n conscience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o need_v not_o stand_v for_o the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o any_o man_n for_o by_o so_o do_v job_n be_v victorious_a over_o this_o tentation_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n estate_n for_o first_o the_o ignorance_n of_o another_o man_n heart_n make_v the_o judge_n to_o judge_v what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v grant_v unto_o his_o child_n liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o from_o their_o action_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o condition_n and_o temper_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o action_n but_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n who_o outward_o do_v what_o be_v right_a do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n who_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o search_n of_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o only_o know_v who_o be_v the_o upright_a and_o who_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o who_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n the_o outward_a conversation_n of_o both_o be_v like_o one_o to_o another_o again_o to_o know_v another_o man_n manner_n engine_n inclination_n and_o way_n of_o his_o life_n do_v require_v long_o converse_v with_o he_o comparison_n of_o his_o action_n one_o with_o another_o and_o a_o prudent_a conjunction_n of_o all_o sign_n of_o his_o inward_a disposition_n before_o a_o discreet_a charitable_a judgement_n can_v be_v have_v of_o he_o and_o whosoever_o do_v judge_v rash_o of_o other_o man_n heart_n do_v not_o well_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v in_o judge_v for_o many_o presume_v too_o much_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o condition_n and_o state_n and_o make_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o rule_n and_o pattern_n unto_o other_o and_o so_o become_v too_o too_o rigid_a censurer_n and_o severe_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n condition_n and_o state_n except_o they_o find_v it_o like_v to_o their_o own_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o
and_o for_o draw_v he_o to_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o refuge_n in_o his_o worst_a condition_n chap._n xxviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n concern_v his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n vigorous_a and_o powerful_a there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o albeit_o they_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v their_o conversation_n blameless_a and_o without_o give_v scandal_n unto_o they_o they_o live_v among_o yet_o frequent_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_v of_o their_o state_n in_o grace_n because_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o such_o a_o power_n of_o inbred_a corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o can_v hardly_o consist_v as_o they_o conceive_v with_o regeneration_n and_o save_v say_v because_o james_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 11._o make_v the_o question_n thus_o do_v a_o fountain_n send_v forth_o at_o the_o same_o plâ—ce_n sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a wrestle_v with_o and_o say_v with_o himself_o what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o myself_o who_o heart_n be_v so_o pollute_a that_o it_o cast_v forth_o continual_o dirt_n and_o mire_n how_o shall_v i_o reckon_v myself_o among_o the_o saint_n how_o shall_v i_o incrude_v myself_o among_o the_o justify_v who_o find_v so_o little_a evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o i_o for_o faith_n shall_v purify_v the_o heart_n from_o this_o pollution_n whereof_o i_o do_v just_o complain_v 2._o for_o solve_v of_o this_o doubt_n many_o thing_n be_v already_o speak_v which_o serve_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o case_n and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a in_o this_o condition_n but_o because_o one_o and_o the_o same_o doubt_n do_v diverse_o present_v itself_o now_o in_o one_o shape_n then_o in_o another_o and_o do_v vex_v the_o afflict_a in_o sundry_a way_n we_o shall_v answer_v this_o doubt_n propose_v as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o first_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o may_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o honesty_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 66._o 18._o i_o do_v not_o regard_v iniquity-in_a my_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o so_o delight_v in_o sin_n but_o that_o sin_n be_v still_o my_o affliction_n and_o my_o daily_a grief_n second_o let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n do_v break_v forth_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n or_o not_o or_o if_o it_o do_v burst_v out_o in_o some_o passionate_a fit_n whether_o he_o do_v open_v the_o sluice_n and_o give_v it_o way_n or_o whether_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o out-breaking_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o what_o do_v break_v forth_o three_o let_v he_o examine_v whether_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n to_o wash_v he_o and_o help_v he_o against_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n or_o not_o if_o after_o examination_n he_o can_v in_o any_o measure_n of_o honesty_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o lamentation_n and_o recourse_n unto_o christ_n for_o delivery_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o he_o may_v be_v assure_v he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n be_v sell_v unto_o sin_n by_o his_o native_a corruption_n captivate_v he_o and_o a_o man_n set_v of_o himself_o unto_o sin_n as_o a_o voluntary_a servant_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o renew_a man_n may_v be_v in_o sundry_a case_n a_o captive_a to_o sin_n and_o be_v a_o fighter_n against_o sin_n but_o a_o man_n sell_v himself_o to_o sin_n be_v a_o slave_n voluntary_o suffer_v sin_n to_o reign_v in_o his_o mortal_a body_n let_v the_o afflict_a therefore_o comfort_v himself_o because_o in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n between_o his_o native_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o inclination_n to_o holiness_n neither_o let_v he_o by_o misunderstand_a scripture_n former_o cite_v vex_v himself_o for_o his_o faith_n be_v indeed_o upon_o the_o work_n and_o the_o way_n of_o purify_n his_o heart_n first_o because_o he_o do_v fly_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o cleanse_v he_o from_o all_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o remission_n grant_v second_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o to_o draw_v virtue_n by_o faith_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n three_o he_o be_v about_o to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o purge_v out_o the_o leaven_n of_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n albeit_o he_o can_v purge_v it_o out_o all_o at_o once_o or_o whole_o in_o in_o this_o life_n and_o four_a because_o albeit_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o estate_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o allowable_a yet_o it_o do_v bear_v witness_n that_o the_o remainder_n of_o pollution_n in_o he_o be_v his_o grief_n affliction_n and_o vexation_n so_o also_o that_o other_o scripture_n james_n 3._o 11._o which_o faith_n that_o out_o of_o the_o same_o fountain_n proceed_v not_o salt_n water_n and_o sweet_a be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o as_o if_o no_o rot_a speech_n can_v possible_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n at_o any_o time_n for_o james_n do_v witness_v that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o that_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n his_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o nothing_o but_o a_o presumptuous_a boast_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o real_a and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o regeneration_n that_o out_o of_o a_o man_n mouth_n pretend_v to_o bless_v god_n curse_v of_o man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o god_n shall_v flow_v forth_o as_o water_n flow_v forth_o from_o a_o run_a fountain_n without_o controlment_n chap._n xxix_o show_v how_o to_o quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n and_o resist_v his_o sinful_a suggestion_n whether_o of_o short_a endurance_n or_o of_o long_a continuance_n sometime_o on_o a_o sudden_a satan_n cast_v a_o fiery_a dart_n of_o tentation_n unto_o some_o sin_n as_o his_o messenger_n seek_v to_o prepare_v the_o lodging_n for_o he_o which_o tentation_n he_o do_v so_o furious_o press_v as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v refuse_v or_o can_v not_o be_v resist_v and_o possible_o may_v so_o bearin_a his_o tentation_n as_o the_o convert_n may_v be_v afraid_a that_o satan_n shall_v prevail_v find_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v overpower_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v out_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v experience_n of_o 2_o cor._n 12_o 7_o 8_o 9_o who_o find_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v buffet_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n and_o unable_a of_o himself_o to_o resist_v he_o the_o remedy_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o afflict_a with_o the_o apostle_n be_v humble_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o inborn_a sinfulness_n and_o inability_n to_o overcome_v tentation_n 2._o that_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n the_o captain_n of_o militant_a soldier_n and_o do_v pray_v unto_o he_o instant_o to_o help_v to_o bear_v out_o in_o the_o conflict_n and_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o tempter_n 3._o let_v he_o hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n of_o promise_a grace_n and_o wrestle_v on_o so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o exercise_v he_o so_o with_o such_o a_o tentation_n job_n also_o be_v exercise_v which_o so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v carnal_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n speak_v for_o it_o the_o tentation_n be_v very_o fearful_a and_o no_o less_o than_o self-murder_n job_n 7._o 13_o 14_o 15._o when_o i_o say_v my_o couch_n shall_v ease_v my_o complaint_n than_o thou_o scarre_v i_o with_o dream_n and_o terrify_v i_o with_o night-vision_n so_o that_o my_o soul_n choose_v strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o life_n the_o remedy_n whereof_o be_v with_o job_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o redeemer_n and_o fix_v faith_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o present_v the_o tentation_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o humble_a lamentation_n strive_v against_o the_o suggestion_n and_o never_o to_o give_v over_o rely_v on_o god_n as_o he_o do_v 2._o sometime_o satan_n when_o he_o can_v find_v instrument_n to_o charge_v the_o convert_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n as_o he_o find_v in_o job_n trial_n by_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n he_o use_v immediate_o to_o fall_v a_o rail_n against_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o convert_n and_o charge_v he_o false_o with_o deep_a guiltiness_n as_o calumniator_n use_v to_o do_v in_o their_o furious_a flyte_n and_o slander_v
be_v gross_o scandalous_a for_o with_o such_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 11._o ans._n this_o place_n pertain_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n judicial_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n as_o ver_fw-la 12._o follow_v do_v declare_v and_o this_o as_o it_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o natural_a duty_n of_o parent_n or_o child_n or_o party_n marry_v one_o to_o another_o so_o it_o can_v well_o consist_v with_o charity_n towards_o the_o excommunicate_a who_o in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n shall_v be_v thus_o deal_v with_o that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n give_v warrant_n for_o when_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o excommunicate_a such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thess._n 3._o 14_o 15._o he_o subjoine_v for_o keep_v charity_n to_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n say_v count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 9_o obj._n but_o i_o say_v he_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o deceive_v ofttimes_o when_o i_o esteem_v charitable_o of_o some_o love_v they_o dear_o and_o bestow_v not_o spare_o on_o those_o who_o prove_v afterward_o unworthy_a of_o such_o respect_n and_o deal_n ans._n our_o lord_n word_n may_v satisfy_v this_o objection_n promise_v whatsoever_o be_v do_v to_o a_o disciple_n in_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o want_v a_o reward_n thou_o therefore_o need_v not_o count_v thyself_o deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o if_o thou_o by_o rash_a intrude_a thyself_o to_o judge_v better_a or_o worse_o of_o the_o man_n inward_a condition_n have_v deceive_v thyself_o be_v more_o wise_a in_o time_n come_v for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a 1._o let_v not_o the_o convert_n mistake_v in_o the_o point_n of_o charity_n be_v fear_v to_o be_v mistake_v and_o hinder_v from_o exercise_n of_o his_o charity_n because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o man_n profession_n there_o be_v relation_n enough_o between_o he_o and_o the_o party_n towards_o who_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v such_o as_o bond_n natural_a civil_a ecclesiastic_a and_o spiritual_a oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n 2._o let_v he_o be_v spare_v in_o judge_v of_o his_o neighbour_n even_o within_o himself_o and_o far_o more_o in_o express_v his_o judgement_n of_o he_o to_o his_o prejudice_n 3._o let_v he_o rather_o judge_v this_o that_o he_o lay_v no_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o foot_n which_o may_v hinder_v he_o in_o a_o good_a or_o harden_v he_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n rom._n 14._o 13._o let_v he_o not_o be_v rigid_a and_o censorious_a in_o aggrege_v every_o sinful_a infirmity_n in_o his_o neighbour_n for_o this_o be_v forbid_v jam._n 3._o 1_o 2._o in_o a_o word_n let_v a_o convert_v beware_v to_o alienat_fw-la any_o man_n from_o make_v use_n of_o his_o charity_n whether_o by_o injust_a suspicion_n of_o he_o or_o inhuman_a deal_n with_o he_o or_o imprudent_a speech_n of_o he_o but_o rather_o let_v his_o whole_a carriage_n towards_o all_o in_o every_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o patent_n door_n may_v be_v for_o mutual_a give_v and_o get_v good_a one_o by_o another_o chap._n xx._n concern_v the_o convert_n mistake_v his_o condition_n because_o of_o feel_a in-lake_n in_o his_o charity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o convert_v mistake_v of_o their_o condition_n and_o have_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o their_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a condition_n and_o some_o instance_n of_o their_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o in_o a_o good_a condition_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o mistake_v in_o the_o convert_v complain_v of_o his_o condition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o evil_a when_o indeed_o his_o condition_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a and_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o do_v lament_v their_o condition_n because_o they_o can_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n benefit_n and_o favour_n bestow_v on_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v can_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o threaten_a judgement_n as_o be_v require_v and_o can_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o mercy_n dispense_v towards_o other_o and_o can_v come_v up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o to_o mourn_v with_o they_o that_o mourn_v which_o do_v so_o afflict_v they_o as_o they_o reckon_v this_o their_o condition_n altogether_o evil_a and_o be_v near_o unto_o discouragement_n because_o of_o their_o apprehend_a hardness_n of_o heart_n 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a 1._o let_v the_o convert_v consider_v that_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereof_o he_o complain_v be_v not_o that_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o charge_v any_o man_n of_o this_o sin_n who_o lament_v his_o sinfulness_n but_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o go_v on_o in_o they_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o reprove_v misregarding_a what_o god_n say_v command_v commend_v or_o threaten_v mean_a time_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o those_o inlake_n whereof_o the_o convert_n do_v complain_v be_v sinful_a defect_n of_o duty_n and_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n unto_o hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o this_o defect_n lament_v be_v charge_v in_o scripture_n for_o hardness_n of_o heart_n 2._o let_v the_o convert_n consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o evil_a whereof_o he_o complain_v and_o the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n point_v out_o that_o evil_a unto_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o disallow_v it_o and_o lament_v it_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o condition_n not_o altogether_o evil_a but_o such_o as_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v in_o himself_o for_o it_o and_o also_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o discover_v this_o defect_n and_o make_v he_o lament_v it_o 3._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o his_o lament_v his_o coldrise_n affection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o small_a compassion_n towards_o man_n be_v good_a and_o commendable_a for_o this_o lament_v the_o defect_n bear_v witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o desire_v towards_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o begin_v renovation_n of_o his_o heart_n 4._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o may_v be_v make_v good_a use_n of_o this_o condition_n both_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n because_o of_o feel_v defect_n of_o needful_a grace_n and_o also_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o application_n of_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o hide_v the_o nakedness_n of_o feel_a defect_n and_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v the_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o 5._o and_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o convert_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o defect_n in_o his_o affection_n study_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o go_v about_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o lover_n of_o god_n in_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o compassionate_a affection_n towards_o man_n in_o misery_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n and_o so_o what_o seem_v to_o he_o in-laking_a in_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v find_v forthcoming_a in_o his_o hand_n and_o action_n for_o the_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o neighbour_n chap._n xxi_o concern_v the_o convert_n despise_v of_o his_o own_o exercise_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o his_o feel_a vanity_n of_o mind_n therein_o ali_n true_a convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n strive_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_a in_o his_o worship_n the_o less_o can_v be_v comport_v with_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v hinder_v his_o worship_n when_o therefore_o a_o true_a convert_n do_v perceive_v in_o himself_o so_o great_a levity_n of_o his_o thought_n that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o hear_v sermon_n pray_v to_o god_n or_o sing_a of_o psalm_n his_o mind_n run_v out_o to_o think_v of_o naughty_a and_o profane_a thing_n impertinent_a idle_a and_o foolish_a matter_n unworthy_a of_o his_o thought_n at_o any_o time_n but_o most_o untimous_a and_o sinful_a in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n he_o be_v so_o displease_v with_o his_o condition_n that_o he_o condemn_v all_o the_o service_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v about_o for_o the_o time_n and_o cast_v it_o away_o as_o altogether_o pollute_v and_o
private_a when_o he_o find_v a_o indisposition_n of_o mind_n unto_o it_o sundry_a convert_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o unfitnesse_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o offer_v immediate_a worship_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n or_o thanksgiving_n especial_o in_o private_a do_v fall_n in_o doubt_n with_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o delay_v the_o offer_n of_o their_o worship_n till_o they_o find_v themselves_o well_o dispose_v for_o it_o or_o to_o go_v on_o as_o they_o may_v albeit_o they_o apprehend_v their_o lip_n pollute_v and_o their_o heart_n far_o away_o from_o god_n their_o fear_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v lest_o they_o shall_v pollute_v the_o worship_n and_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o fear_v lest_o they_o fall_v in_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o omit_v a_o prescribe_a duty_n the_o question_n shall_v be_v what_o the_o doubt_a convert_n shall_v determine_v and_o do_v 2._o for_o answer_v this_o case_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o 2._o book_n chap._n 17._o in_o as_o far_o as_o the_o convert_n determine_v not_o and_o do_v not_o what_o be_v right_a but_o go_v wrong_a and_o please_v himself_o in_o his_o bad_a condition_n but_o here_o we_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n as_o the_o convert_n be_v in_o doubt_n only_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o deceive_v himself_o in_o which_o case_n we_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o convert_v doubt_v so_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o case_n of_o indisposition_n and_o unâ—itnesse_n for_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o be_v ordinary_o and_o ofttimes_o a_o chastisement_n of_o we_o draw_v on_o by_o ourselves_o because_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o study_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o do_v not_o foster_v that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v furnish_v we_o mater_fw-la of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n upon_o observation_n of_o our_o fault_n against_o god_n and_o of_o god_n favour_n daily_a and_o hourly_o remarkable_o run_v towards_o we_o hence_o it_o be_v when_o our_o ordinar_n time_n of_o secret_a worship_n do_v come_v we_o find_v our_o vaige_a mind_n hardly_o call_v home_o from_o their_o wander_a our_o conscience_n challenge_v we_o for_o our_o loose_a and_o uncircumspect_a walk_n our_o affection_n dull_a and_o dead_a and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n take_v as_o with_o a_o palsy_n that_o we_o can_v bestir_v ourselves_o in_o worship_n as_o we_o shall_v and_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o case_n let_v the_o convert_v be_v humble_v and_o confess_v his_o fault_n and_o take_v with_o this_o chastisement_n and_o â—â—ye_n unto_o christ_n who_o hear_v and_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o pollution_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o let_v he_o nor_o defer_v his_o worship_n till_o another_o occasion_n but_o wrestle_v against_o all_o impediment_n and_o follow_v out_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n blessing_n god_n for_o his_o point_v out_o unto_o he_o his_o want_n and_o weakness_n his_o wander_a and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n his_o slip_n and_o slide_v in_o his_o way_n and_o for_o open_v unto_o he_o a_o â—ountain_n in_o christ_n for_o wash_v his_o pollution_n and_o heal_a his_o wound_n and_o that_o the_o convert_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o follow_v on_o this_o way_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o convert_v worship_n may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o the_o convert_n be_v much_o displease_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o faith_n without_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o heart_n enlargement_n and_o there_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o god_n with_o feel_a enlargement_n of_o heart_n the_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o faith_n be_v pleasant_a unto_o god_n albeit_o the_o worshipper_n in_o perplexity_n and_o wrestle_n with_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n be_v much_o displease_v with_o himself_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n with_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n be_v pleasant_a both_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o worshipper_n also_o as_o ps._n 119._o 32._o david_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n say_v he_o when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n but_o when_o this_o enlargement_n by_o sensible_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o perceive_v the_o psalmist_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o his_o own_o estimation_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o forbear_v or_o delay_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o well_o in_o bond_n as_o in_o freedom_n quicken_v i_o say_v he_o according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n therefore_o let_v the_o convert_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o psalmist_n who_o ps._n 5._o 3._o resolve_v to_o call_v on_o god_n with_o his_o voice_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o prayer_n external_o pre-suppose_a his_o spiritual_a power_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o he_o unable_a to_o back_v his_o petition_n with_o suitable_a affection_n my_o voice_n say_v he_o shall_v thou_o hear_v in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o and_o ps._n 27._o 7._o hear_v i_o when_o i_o cry_v with_o my_o voice_n have_v mercy_n also_o upon_o i_o and_o answer_v i_o 2._o for_o his_o encouragement_n in_o this_o case_n to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o worship_n let_v he_o confess_v unto_o god_n the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v present_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o conscience_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n my_o god_n these_o be_v my_o sin_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v before_o thou_o with_o tear_n which_o for_o the_o present_n be_v dry_v up_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v thy_o favour_n and_o benefit_n wherewith_o i_o be_o loadenâ—d_v which_o i_o shall_v acknowledge_v with_o joy_n and_o sense_n of_o thy_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o lord_n delight_v in_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n ps._n 51._o 8._o this_o will_v be_v find_v our_o reasonable_a service_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v for_o rom._n 12._o 1_o 2._o the_o eight_o question_n be_v how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o convert_n doubt_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o god_n pursue_v by_o long-lasting_a affliction_n it_o fall_v forth_o ofttimes_o when_o a_o true_a convert_n be_v a_o long_a time_n press_v under_o some_o last_a cross_n or_o calamity_n do_v inquire_v after_o the_o special_a cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o when_o he_o can_v be_v clear_a what_o to_o determine_v do_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v of_o his_o condition_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n common_a to_o he_o and_o other_o convert_v to_o be_v innummerable_a but_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v some_o special_a sin_n pursue_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n which_o because_o he_o can_v condescend_v upon_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o doubt_v what_o to_o think_v or_o do_v 2._o for_o answer_v we_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o case_n be_v more_o troublesome_a than_o dangerous_a for_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v observe_v his_o sin_n common_a to_o he_o and_o other_o convert_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n be_v daily_o humble_v before_o god_n for_o his_o know_a sin_n he_o must_v not_o be_v anxious_a albeit_o he_o know_v not_o the_o particular_a sin_n pursue_v as_o he_o apprehend_v for_o albeit_o the_o lord_n afflict_v no_o man_n but_o such_o as_o have_v sin_n in_o they_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o always_o in_o afflict_v of_o his_o child_n pursue_v unknown_a sin_n in_o they_o for_o sometime_o he_o afflict_v his_o child_n to_o preveen_v his_o sin_v hedge_v up_o his_o way_n with_o thorn_n lest_o he_o shall_v follow_v after_o belove_a lust_n sometime_o he_o do_v afflict_v he_o to_o try_v his_o faith_n to_o teach_v he_o patience_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n such_o as_o be_v die_v to_o the_o world_n seek_v after_o thing_n spiritual_a compassion_n towards_o other_o in_o affliction_n 2._o when_o the_o afflict_a have_v compose_v his_o mind_n to_o reverence_n god_n dispensation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v then_o let_v he_o yet_o again_o look_v upon_o his_o affliction_n and_o it_o may_v be_v he_o shall_v read_v in_o the_o rod_n what_o be_v the_o lord_n quarrel_n 3._o whether_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o special_a cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n or_o not_o let_v he_o turn_v all_o his_o indignation_n zeal_n and_o hatred_n against_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o bitter_a root_n and_o bulk_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o motion_n of_o original_a sin_n or_o concupiscence_n in_o himself_o 4._o and_o let_v his_o whole_a exercise_n stir_v he_o up_o to_o have_v christ_n in_o great_a estimation_n to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o believer_n and_o
and_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o so_o save_v the_o believer_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 9_o and_o 2._o 1._o 7._o as_o for_o the_o last_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o know_v take_v notice_n of_o or_o confess_v every_o sin_n wherewith_o we_o be_v daily_o pollute_v or_o from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o put_v repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o exercise_n about_o every_o particular_a sin_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o of_o this_o impossibility_n acknowledge_v by_o they_o have_v seek_v and_o obtain_v renew_v remission_n of_o their_o innumerable_a sin_n ps._n 40._o 12._o and_o ps._n 19_o 12_o 13._o 8._o second_o such_o as_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n upon_o confession_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o know_v and_o do_v remember_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v confess_v all_o their_o sin_n particular_o because_o he_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o deny_v or_o excuse_v any_o sin_n in_o himself_o but_o be_v willing_a to_o open_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o to_o canfesse_v every_o particular_a if_o he_o be_v able_a he_o have_v present_v a_o contrite_a heart_n before_o god_n which_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n ps._n 51._o 8_o 9_o ps._n 32._o 5._o and_o this_o much_o also_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o publican_n who_o make_v a_o short_a and_o general_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o sincerity_n and_o go_v home_o justify_v luk._n 18._o 13_o 14._o three_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o a_o watchful_a conscience_n to_o observe_v daily_o as_o many_o particular_a sprouting_n from_o the_o root_n of_o inborn_a sin_n as_o may_v humble_v he_o daily_o and_o bear_v down_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o furnish_v to_o he_o mater_fw-la for_o exercise_v of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o this_o lesson_n the_o lord_n do_v teach_v his_o people_n under_o the_o law_n by_o the_o twice_o offer_v sacrifice_n every_o day_n morning_n and_o evening_n that_o his_o people_n observe_v daily_o the_o run_a issue_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v daily_o have_v their_o recourse_n by_o faith_n unto_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o hitherto_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o look_v is._n 45._o 22._o and_o 1_o job._n 2._o 1._o mean_a time_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n let_v we_o beware_v to_o lay_v any_o sort_n of_o merit_n upon_o our_o daily_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o our_o repentance_n otherways_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v offerer_n unto_o god_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o we_o and_o not_o suitor_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o beware_v to_o be_v discourage_v albeit_o we_o do_v not_o find_v daily_o the_o renew_a intimation_n and_o sense_n of_o remission_n but_o as_o we_o apply_v the_o law_n to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n so_o let_v we_o apply_v the_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n pronounce_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o favour_n of_o every_o penitent_a soul_n that_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n the_o ten_o question_n shall_v be_v concern_v spiritual_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o qualification_n which_o may_v be_v join_v with_o or_o separat_fw-la from_o the_o special_a work_n of_o true_a conversion_n and_o save_a grace_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 9_o 10._o tell_v we_o of_o sundry_a qualification_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o unconvert_v man_n and_o also_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o better_a thing_n which_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n and_o be_v sure_a evidence_n of_o regeneration_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n there_o be_v among_o other_o these_o five_o 1._o a_o legal_a conviction_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o renounce_n of_o unlawful_a pleasure_n join_v with_o a_o refrain_v even_o from_o lawful_a and_o allow_v worldly_a delight_n 3._o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o sanctification_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 4._o a_o purpose_n to_o live_v righteous_o holy_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 5._o a_o outward_a change_n of_o manner_n and_o conversation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v blameless_a before_o man_n these_o and_o such_o like_a qualification_n may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v find_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o true_a convert_n but_o also_o in_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n before_o conversion_n such_o be_v israel_n rom._n 9_o 31._o which_o follow_v after_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n do_v and_o go_a about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 3._o of_o this_o sort_n be_v such_o of_o the_o papist_n who_o go_v about_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o own_o work_n and_o do_v but_o mock_v at_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n call_v it_o blasphemous_o a_o putatious_a or_o conceit_a righteousness_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o servant_n do_v reckon_v the_o imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o superfluity_n of_o the_o saint_n righteousness_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o work_n of_o supererogation_n to_o be_v worth_a a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n as_o they_o find_v their_o merchant_n concern_v these_o five_o qualification_n some_o convert_n especial_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o those_o with_o who_o they_o will_v join_v in_o the_o society_n of_o church-membership_a may_v make_v question_n what_o to_o think_v whether_o they_o be_v save_v grace_n or_o common_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o for_o answer_v we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o man_n judge_v of_o those_o qualification_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o judge_n of_o another_o in_o who_o these_o qualification_n appear_v to_o be_v for_o a_o man_n judge_v of_o himself_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o certain_a discern_v of_o save_a grace_n in_o himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v 1_o cor._n 2_o 11_o 12._o in_o which_o case_n of_o our_o judge_n of_o ourselves_o this_o much_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o those_o qualification_n join_v with_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v seek_v furniture_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o new_a obedience_n he_o may_v be_v quiet_a and_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o himself_o for_o unto_o such_o a_o person_n the_o description_n of_o a_o true_a convert_n may_v safe_o be_v apply_v phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n etc._n etc._n and_o pre-suppose_a he_o have_v observe_v these_o qualification_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o have_v observe_v his_o close_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o application_n of_o the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n through_o he_o he_o neither_o need_v nor_o shall_v trouble_v himself_o or_o other_o with_o question_v whether_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n in_o he_o before_o his_o fix_v on_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a or_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n always_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o save_v faith_n have_v in_o it_o the_o substance_n of_o historical_a dogmatical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o both_o save_a faith_n and_o historical_a dogmatical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n may_v produce_v belief_n of_o the_o law_n and_o convince_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n due_a for_o sin_n and_o produce_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n also_o without_o application_n of_o the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n determine_v whether_o these_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o virtue_n of_o dogmatical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o save_a faith_n until_o the_o time_n that_o the_o humble_a sinner_n fly_v in_o unto_o christ_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v furniture_n from_o he_o for_o new_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o so_o put_v difference_n betwixt_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o unregenerat_a and_o unreconciled_a man_n but_o when_o the_o man_n be_v come_v up_o to_o apply_v christ_n and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o furniture_n to_o carry_v he_o on_o the_o way_n unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o his_o wisdom_n to_o dispute_v whether_o these_o
of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o tentation_n he_o can_v stand_v out_o in_o the_o conflict_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v guard_v and_o strengthen_v his_o say_v first_o let_v he_o seek_v wisdom_n from_o god_n to_o expound_v the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o himself_o by_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o exercise_v of_o who_o by_o affliction_n he_o have_v discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o sinful_a lust_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n temperance_n and_o compassion_n towards_o other_o in_o affliction_n second_o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o on_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n make_v intercession_n for_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v always_o remember_v that_o as_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o unto_o christ_n so_o affliction_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o christ_n the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n three_o let_v he_o learn_v in_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o condition_n accurat_o to_o distinguish_v the_o lord_n part_v exercise_v he_o with_o trouble_n for_o trial_n and_o train_v he_o on_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n so_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o afflict_a child_n and_o satan_n part_n in_o cruelty_n craftiness_n and_o malice_n tempt_v and_o and_o vex_v he_o and_o his_o own_o part_n who_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o affliction_n than_o be_v come_v upon_o he_o which_o consideration_n may_v keep_v he_o from_o fret_v and_o murmur_v in_o his_o trouble_n how_o heavy_a soever_o it_o be_v four_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o sin_v and_o suffer_v of_o trouble_n that_o he_o may_v choose_v to_o endure_v affliction_n rather_o than_o by_o sin_v draw_v on_o much_o more_o trouble_n 3._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_a convert_n seem_v to_o himself_o desert_v of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v he_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o desert_v who_o can_v observe_v the_o decay_a of_o save_a grace_n from_o the_o measure_n he_o have_v find_v before_o he_o be_v not_o altogether_o desert_v who_o love_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o long_v after_o it_o and_o can_v go_v to_o god_n and_o regrat_a his_o desertion_n as_o a_o sad_a affliction_n for_o if_o our_o love_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o afflict_a child_n yet_o have_v he_o presume_a his_o own_o footstep_n with_o the_o unction_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v quicken_v and_o kindle_v his_o child_n love_n and_o desire_v towards_o he_o this_o regret_v desertion_n be_v but_o in_o part_n not_o altogether_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o a_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a desertion_n the_o lord_n rest_v in_o his_o love_n albeit_o he_o hide_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o time_n he_o preserve_v the_o habit_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o his_o own_o seed_n in_o the_o afflict_a heart_n albeit_o he_o do_v not_o always_o draw_v they_o forth_o unto_o action_n if_o he_o withdraw_v the_o sight_n of_o save_v grace_n yet_o he_o augment_v the_o estimation_n of_o they_o and_o langour_n to_o find_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o he_o if_o the_o afflict_a observe_v well_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n so_o that_o in_o his_o hard_a condition_n he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 73._o nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o hold_v i_o with_o thy_o right_a hand_n 4._o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n with_o immediate_a affliction_n from_o himself_o to_o suffer_v not_o only_a satan_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o faith_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o child_n but_o also_o to_o superadd_a a_o fiery_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o cruel_a persecution_n for_o righteousness_n let_v he_o still_o for_o all_o this_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n because_o in_o all_o such_o battle_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o soldier_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o their_o strength_n but_o with_o the_o tentation_n will_v give_v a_o issue_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v and_o will_v furnish_v strength_n to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v overcome_v for_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n for_o all_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o will_v give_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n humble_v himself_o under_o one_o or_o all_o these_o exercise_n and_o not_o doubt_v of_o his_o condition_n see_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o affliction_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o present_a be_v a_o bitter_a potion_n but_o yet_o reach_v forth_o to_o the_o patient_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o physician_n and_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v a_o fire_n but_o will_v not_o consume_v the_o burn_a bush_n it_o be_v a_o furnace_n but_o will_v not_o destroy_v any_o metal_n but_o dross_n only_o it_o be_v a_o labour_n but_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n bring_v forth_o the_o quiet_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o rough_a file_n but_o the_o more_o sharp_a it_o be_v it_o shall_v so_o much_o soon_o rub_v away_o the_o rust_n of_o the_o vessel_n of_o grace_n make_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o penitent_a more_o bright_a and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n render_v he_o more_o humble_a in_o his_o thought_n more_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n mor_n constant_a in_o the_o faith_n more_o strong_a to_o bear_v whatsoever_o burden_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o he_o more_o desirous_a to_o grow_v in_o all_o virtue_n more_o careful_a to_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n more_o innocent_a in_o his_o conversation_n more_o clean_a in_o his_o conscience_n and_o at_o last_o more_o bless_v let_v not_o then_o the_o afflict_a convert_n regard_v the_o labour_n he_o be_v put_v to_o but_o look_v to_o the_o fruit_n reckon_v the_o worth_n of_o heal_v and_o not_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o potion_n let_v he_o not_o look_v to_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o affliction_n but_o to_o the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n chastise_v he_o who_o express_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o chasten_v all_o who_o he_o love_v lest_o they_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n let_v he_o not_o shift_v the_o battle_n but_o set_v his_o eye_n on_o the_o crown_n and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n how_o many_o soever_o his_o tribulation_n shall_v be_v for_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n by_o trouble_n do_v decay_v so_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v daily_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o who_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o such_o exercise_n have_v for_o encouragement_n of_o all_o who_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n say_v our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o the_o seventeen_o and_o last_o question_n shall_v be_v about_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n do_v oftentime_o drive_v true_a convert_n to_o many_o doubt_n for_o when_o carnal_a lust_n and_o sinful_a passion_n seem_v to_o be_v subdue_v and_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n mortify_v incontinent_a upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n as_o die_v ash_n when_o sulphureous_a powder_n be_v cast_v upon_o they_o they_o kindle_v and_o be_v inflame_v and_o when_o their_o spirit_n be_v most_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a corrupt_a nature_n stand_v up_o and_o make_v opposition_n so_o that_o the_o coâ—vert_n can_v do_v the_o good_a he_o will_v yea_o such_o be_v the_o power_n thereof_o that_o ofttimes_o it_o force_v he_o to_o the_o ill_a he_o will_v not_o in_o which_o warfare_n be_v oft_o overcome_v he_o be_v so_o weary_a that_o he_o fall_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o lamentation_n rom._n 7._o 24_o cry_v o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o