true_o know_v christ_n to_o have_v die_v for_o he_o can_v but_o cast_v off_o and_o renounce_v his_o lust_n and_o corruption_n this_o be_v that_o also_o which_o the_o prophet_n teach_v zach._n 12.10_o i_o will_v pour_v upon_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o they_o shall_v mourn_v abundant_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n only_o that_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v aright_o that_o his_o sin_n pierce_v christ_n that_o christ_n in_o all_o that_o he_o suffer_v have_v special_a respect_n unto_o he_o nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o look_v upon_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v pierce_v to_o consider_v it_o to_o be_v move_v with_o admiration_n and_o astonishment_n at_o this_o wonderful_a love_n of_o he_o but_o when_o once_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n have_v make_v a_o man_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o consider_v this_o it_o must_v needs_o affect_v the_o heart_n much_o and_o make_v he_o mourn_v for_o his_o sin_n abundant_o it_o must_v needs_o work_v in_o he_o a_o loathe_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o set_v himself_o against_o they_o o_o that_o all_o we_o applic._n that_o say_v we_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o will_v think_v serious_o of_o this_o certain_o thou_o that_o say_v so_o and_o find_v no_o force_n in_o this_o assurance_n to_o mortify_v sin_n in_o thou_o and_o to_o strengthen_v thou_o against_o thy_o corruption_n deceive_v thy_o own_o soul_n and_o have_v no_o true_a assurance_n that_o christ_n bear_v such_o love_n to_o thou_o as_o to_o endure_v so_o much_o for_o thy_o sake_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o 4._o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o my_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n he_o speak_v of_o as_o appear_z verse_n 2._o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o rank_n hypocrite_n and_o void_a of_o all_o truth_n of_o grace_n how_o fair_a a_o show_n soever_o he_o make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n o_o fearful_a sentence_n against_o the_o most_o of_o such_o as_o say_v they_o have_v faith_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o reason_n why_o true_a faith_n must_v needs_o mortify_v corruption_n wheresoever_o it_o dwell_v it_o apply_v christ_n particular_o to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v it_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o true_a faith_n join_v and_o unit_v we_o unto_o christ._n this_o union_n that_o faith_n make_v between_o we_o and_o christ_n be_v indeed_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a yea_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o ephes._n 5.32_o but_o though_o it_o be_v mystical_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o it_o be_v most_o true_a and_o real_a a_o most_o near_o and_o unspeakable_a union_n that_o faith_n make_v between_o christ_n and_o every_o believe_a soul_n as_o near_o as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n ephes._n 5.23_o as_o between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o as_o between_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n john_n 15.5_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v he_o and_o make_v he_o our_o own_o john_n 1.12_o nay_o we_o feed_v upon_o he_o and_o make_v he_o our_o own_o as_o the_o meat_n we_o eat_v which_o be_v turn_v into_o our_o substance_n be_v make_v our_o own_o john_n 6.35_o by_o faith_n he_o dwell_v in_o we_o ephes._n 3.17_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v graft_v into_o he_o rom._n 11.23_o now_o if_o faith_n do_v so_o join_v we_o unto_o christ_n and_o make_v such_o a_o union_n between_o we_o and_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o it_o must_v needs_o mortify_v and_o kill_v sin_n in_o we_o we_o can_v be_v thus_o join_v unto_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o receive_v virtue_n and_o power_n from_o he_o his_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o unto_o we_o he_o that_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o be_v one_o spirit_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.2_o have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o free_v he_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v thus_o by_o faith_n unite_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n certain_o that_o man_n in_o who_o sin_n reign_v still_o in_o who_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n be_v not_o at_o all_o abate_v be_v not_o unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o consequent_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 1.6_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n lecture_n lxvii_o on_o psalm_n 51.5_o aug._n 14._o 1627._o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n which_o have_v be_v propound_v for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o the_o last_o mean_n of_o mortification_n be_v this_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o get_v strength_n against_o any_o corruption_n must_v not_o content_v himself_o to_o have_v faith_n but_o he_o must_v exercise_v and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o this_o work_n the_o most_o of_o we_o loose_a much_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o faith_n because_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o find_v it_o so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a to_o stand_v we_o in_o any_o stead_n when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o for_o our_o comfort_n be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o be_v wont_a to_o exercise_v it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o action_n we_o have_v a_o old_a proverb_n use_v leg_n and_o have_v leg_n and_o experience_n teach_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v the_o body_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o weaken_v it_o much_o this_o may_v every_o whit_n as_o true_o be_v say_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v they_o by_o practice_n and_o they_o will_v increase_v neglect_v to_o exercise_v they_o and_o they_o will_v decay_v in_o thou_o to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n 25.29_o that_o be_v that_o by_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o employ_v it_o do_v show_v that_o he_o have_v grace_n more_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o be_v shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o thessalonian_n say_v 1_o thess._n 1.3_o he_o remember_v their_o work_n of_o faith_n their_o faith_n be_v ever_o in_o action_n ever_o exercise_v itself_o and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o act_n wherein_o faith_n exercise_v itself_o sure_o in_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n in_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o rest_v upon_o they_o thus_o must_v we_o exercise_v our_o faith_n if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o grow_v if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o all_o the_o faithful_a 2_o cor._n 5.7_o that_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n in_o our_o whole_a conversation_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o himself_o he_o say_v that_o he_o do_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o galat._n 2.20_o in_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v and_o shall_v exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o we_o loose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n because_o we_o do_v not_o so_o but_o in_o no_o occasion_n of_o our_o life_n can_v we_o have_v more_o use_n of_o our_o faith_n then_o when_o we_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o strong_a corruption_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o overcome_v and_o get_v the_o mastery_n of_o let_v we_o come_v then_o to_o christ_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o confident_o expect_v and_o look_v for_o help_v and_o strength_n from_o he_o against_o it_o and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o through_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v valiant_o say_v david_n psal._n 108.13_o for_o he_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v tread_v down_o our_o enemy_n and_o phil_n 4.13_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o we_o read_v
these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 15.11_o that_o my_o joy_n may_v remain_v in_o you_o and_o that_o your_o joy_n maybeful_a these_o thing_n write_v we_o unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o job._n 1.4_o that_o your_o joy_n maybefull_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n you_o see_v do_v indite_v and_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o this_o end_n principal_o to_o comfort_v his_o people_n to_o work_v in_o their_o heart_n sound_a joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o consequent_o to_o work_v in_o they_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n have_v any_o sound_a joy_n or_o comfort_n in_o he_o without_o that_o therefore_o also_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o work_v this_o assurance_n in_o we_o so_o after_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v speak_v other_o thing_n in_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o word_n pro._n 22._o he_o add_v ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o that_o thy_o trust_n may_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o this_o day_n even_o unto_o thou_o have_v not_o i_o write_v unto_o thou_o excellent_a thing_n in_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n the_o excellent_a thing_n that_o be_v write_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n be_v write_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o to_o this_o end_n principal_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o and_o grow_v confident_a of_o his_o favour_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 5.13_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o it_o be_v intend_v &_o write_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n certain_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o comfortable_a assurance_n may_v be_v find_v by_o god_n people_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o so_o be_v this_o say_v to_o be_v the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o god_n ordain_v the_o preach_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n even_o to_o work_v in_o god_n people_n the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n thou_o child_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o high_a say_v zachary_n of_o his_o son_n john_n luk._n 1.76_o 77_o to_o give_v knowledge_n of_o salvation_n unto_o his_o people_n by_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v esa._n 57.18_o that_o he_o will_v restore_v comfort_n to_o jacob_n and_o to_o his_o mourner_n that_o be_v to_o his_o people_n that_o have_v lose_v the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o next_o word_n ver_fw-la 19_o by_o what_o mean_n he_o will_v do_v it_o even_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o his_o word_n i_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n peace_n peace_n to_o he_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o to_o he_o that_o be_v near_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v heal_v he_o god_n have_v promise_v you_o see_v to_o work_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n utter_v and_o apply_v by_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n peace_n peace_n that_o be_v abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o heal_v all_o that_o anguish_n of_o heart_n which_o the_o doubt_n of_o his_o favour_n do_v work_v in_o they_o before_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o may_v give_v a_o christian_a hope_n to_o find_v comfort_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscionable_a attendance_n upon_o this_o ordinance_n be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v accompany_v his_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n when_o they_o read_v his_o word_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o inspire_v and_o indict_v it_o shall_v open_v and_o apply_v it_o unto_o they_o when_o his_o servant_n do_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n teach_v and_o persuade_v they_o likewise_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v set_v down_o esa._n 59.21_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o with_o my_o people_n and_o church_n say_v he_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o observe_v three_o thing_n in_o this_o promise_n 1._o that_o the_o lord_n promise_v and_o to_o add_v strength_n to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n and_o in_o this_o one_o verse_n it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v that_o the_o lord_n say_v this_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o his_o church_n his_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o every_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n shall_v abide_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v never_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v without_o it_o 2._o that_o this_o word_n shall_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n people_n the_o church_n shall_v never_o utter_o want_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n it_o shall_v never_o want_v preacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v ever_o go_v with_o the_o word_n yea_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n servant_n and_o minister_n according_a to_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o successor_n matthew_n 28.20_o lâ—â—_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o the_o humble_a christian_a that_o will_v fain_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n favour_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v to_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o may_v confident_o expect_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n the_o comforter_n will_v by_o it_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o give_v he_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v shed_v for_o he_o according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n esa._n 54.13_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n yea_o the_o lord_n have_v further_a promise_v that_o whatsoever_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n shall_v speak_v to_o his_o people_n for_o their_o comfort_n by_o warrant_n of_o his_o word_n he_o will_v ratify_v it_o in_o heaven_n and_o make_v it_o good_a to_o their_o soul_n he_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n say_v the_o prophet_n esa._n 44.26_o and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n matthew_n 18.18_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n whosoever_o you_o shall_v assure_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o my_o word_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n i_o will_v from_o heaven_n assure_v their_o heart_n of_o it_o by_o my_o holy_a spirit_n applic._n now_o to_o make_v some_o application_n of_o this_o i_o know_v well_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o time_n make_v much_o against_o this_o the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v both_o be_v unto_o most_o man_n a_o matter_n of_o mere_a ceremony_n and_o formality_n of_o no_o more_o force_n and_o virtue_n than_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n be_v after_o they_o be_v antiquate_v which_o the_o apostle_n call_v galat._n 4.9_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n they_o can_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v accompany_v the_o word_n in_o their_o read_n or_o hear_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o dead_a letter_n they_o feel_v no_o life_n or_o power_n in_o it_o at_o all_o yea_o many_o a_o good_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o object_n i_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a reader_n and_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n a_o long_a time_n but_o can_v get_v no_o comfort_n no_o assurance_n by_o it_o to_o both_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o fault_n and_o defect_n must_v be_v impute_v not_o unto_o the_o word_n but_o unto_o our_o own_o sin_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v accompany_v his_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o find_v they_o not_o go_v together_o be_v this_o that_o
principal_a be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o appear_v verse_n 18._o god_n send_v unto_o he_o seer_n and_o prophet_n that_o â—ake_z to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o it_o be_v peter_n ministry_n that_o prick_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o three_o thousand_o mention_v act_n 2.37_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o save_a sense_n and_o remorse_n for_o that_o horrible_a sin_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v sanctify_v in_o his_o word_n and_o appoint_v to_o that_o end_n jer._n 23._o â—9_n be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o a_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n second_o this_o be_v god_n mean_v whereby_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o work_v in_o they_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o corinthian_n be_v bring_v to_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 4_o 1â—_n in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o and_o the_o ephesian_n 1_o 13._o in_o who_o also_o you_o trust_v after_o that_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o word_n sanctify_v and_o put_v apart_o to_o do_v this_o work_n by_o namely_o to_o bring_v man_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o he_o this_o we_o may_v see_v plentiful_o confirm_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n isaiah_n 57.19_o i_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n peace_n peace_n to_o he_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o to_o he_o that_o be_v near_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v heal_v he_o peace_n peace_n that_o be_v abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o heal_n of_o those_o wound_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n that_o be_v of_o the_o lively_a voice_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v also_o plain_a by_o the_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o hear_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n unto_o christ._n but_o what_o hear_v may_v you_o say_v be_v it_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n private_o read_v or_o the_o hear_n of_o my_o friend_n private_o instruct_v or_o admonish_v no_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n public_o preach_v as_o be_v plain_a rom._n 10_o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hâ—ard_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n private_a man_n that_o publish_v to_o their_o family_n oâ—_n neighbour_n and_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o themselves_o have_v learn_v may_v be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o the_o lâ—per_a that_o be_v cure_v do_v mark_n 1.45_o and_o the_o deaf_a man_n with_o his_o friend_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o christ_n mark_n 7.36_o and_o the_o daemmiack_n luke_n 8.39_o of_o all_o these_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o proper_o signify_v to_o cry_v proclaim_v or_o preach_v and_o be_v the_o very_a same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o be_v this_o the_o preach_v that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v rom._n 10.14_o how_o can_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n no_o very_o he_o mean_v it_o of_o public_a ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o such_o man_n as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o special_a gift_n to_o that_o purpose_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o next_o word_n verse_n 15._o how_o shall_v they_o 〈◊〉_d except_o they_o be_v send_v and_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v 2._o cor._n 5.18_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o again_o verse_n 19_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o for_o the_o three_o degree_n in_o man_n conversion_n 1._o this_o be_v the_o mean_a whereby_o he_o have_v ever_o be_v wont_a to_o change_v and_o renew_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o work_v all_o save_a grace_n in_o they_o how_o come_v god_n people_n of_o who_o conversion_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v testimony_n to_o save_v grace_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n so_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o galatian_n that_o be_v gentile_n gal._n 2.2_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o say_v so_o peter_n say_v of_o the_o faithful_a he_o write_v unto_o that_o be_v jew_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o uncorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o pet._n 1.22_o yea_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o he_o express_v himself_o verse_n 25._o 2._o this_o be_v the_o mean_a god_n have_v sanctify_v in_o his_o word_n and_o appoint_v unto_o this_o work_n of_o change_v renew_v and_o breed_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n therefore_o paul_n call_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o cor._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n 1.21_o call_v it_o the_o engraft_a word_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o the_o science_n of_o a_o good_a apple_n graft_v into_o a_o crab-tree-stocke_n have_v virtue_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o so_o have_v the_o word_n preach_v for_o of_o that_o he_o speak_v as_o appear_v verse_n 19.22_o 23._o virtue_n to_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n reason_n now_o if_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o shall_v find_v three_o give_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a to_o accompany_v this_o ordinance_n of_o he_o with_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n matth._n 18.20_o i_o be_o with_o you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o best_a minister_n be_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n never_o so_o good_a to_o convert_v a_o soul_n neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n neither_o he_o that_o water_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n â—_o 7_o this_o be_v the_o only_a work_n of_o almighty_a god_n yea_o such_o a_o work_n as_o wherein_o he_o show_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o work_n that_o ever_o he_o wrought_v the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o ephâ—sians_n chap._n 1.18_o 19_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o â—â—ward_n that_o believe_v accord_v to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n o_o that_o those_o man_n who_o think_v they_o can_v repent_v when_o they_o will_v and_o easy_o convert_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n will_v think_v serious_o of_o this_o place_n and_o see_v their_o error_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o consider_v how_o wonderful_a a_o change_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v wrought_v in_o man_n how_o it_o have_v tame_v and_o subdue_v such_o sinner_n as_o have_v seem_v most_o desperate_a as_o have_v be_v most_o hard-hearted_a and_o unlikely_a ever_o to_o come_v to_o grace_n publicates_n and_o harlot_n be_v win_v to_o god_n by_o johns_n ministry_n matth._n 21_o 3._o many_o of_o those_o priest_n that_o have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o crucify_a christ_n by_o it_o be_v make_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n act_v 6.7_o ignorant_n and_o graceless_a man_n have_v feel_v themselves_o rebuke_v and_o judge_v and_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o their_o heart_n discover_v unto_o they_o by_o it_o 1._o cor._n 14.25_o it_o have_v pull_v down_o their_o strong_a hold_n and_o cast_v down_o their_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o in_o they_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n stop_v their_o mouth_n quite_o and_o make_v they_o past_o reason_v against_o it_o and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o one_o of_o their_o thought_n into_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n 2._o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o yea_o so_o quite_o change_v their_o nature_n that_o the_o wolf_n can_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n with_o the_o young_a lion_n esa._n 11.6_o how_o be_v this_o change_n wrought_v only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v call_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o lip_n esa._n 11.4_o yea_o some_o that_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n when_o they_o have_v come_v to_o hear_v it_o have_v harden_v their_o heart_n against_o it_o and_o come_v with_o hateful_a mind_n
knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v with_o joyfulness_n mark_v 1_o how_o earnest_o he_o pray_v for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o they_o that_o have_v already_o great_o profit_v in_o it_o 2_o that_z he_o desire_v this_o as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o other_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v their_o strength_n special_o the_o grace_n of_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n with_o comfort_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o you_o to_o be_v strengthen_v in_o patience_n nor_o to_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n with_o comfort_n unless_o you_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n in_o all_o wisdom_n &_o spiritual_a understanding_n this_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o breed_v knowledge_n in_o we_o that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v all_o true_a patience_n and_o comfort_n and_o hope_v in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v ground_v upon_o that_o which_o we_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o david_n confirm_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n in_o many_o passage_n of_o the_o 119._o psalm_n that_o psalm_n appear_v plain_o to_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a affliction_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a that_o david_n be_v exercise_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o his_o affliction_n he_o cry_v there_o unto_o god_n for_o nothing_o 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2091._o of_o another_o we_o read_v that_o be_v so_o simple_a as_o he_o be_v common_o repute_v little_o better_a than_o a_o idiot_n pag_n 2232._o of_o another_o who_o in_o a_o letter_n of_o he_o do_v admire_v this_o himself_o that_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a as_o he_o be_v yet_o he_o find_v such_o strength_n and_o assistance_n from_o god_n in_o his_o suffering_n as_o he_o do_v page_n 2080._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ._n 1._o that_o all_o these_o have_v full_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n out_o of_o god_n word_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o they_o do_v suffer_v for_o though_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o many_o other_o 2._o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n their_o knowledge_n be_v full_o proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o capacity_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o least_o pot_n may_v be_v as_o full_a as_o the_o great_a vessel_n that_o be_v 3._o that_o little_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v be_v save_v and_o spiritual_a they_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n in_o the_o hide_a part_n god_n have_v make_v they_o to_o know_v wisdom_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hold_v out_o in_o such_o suffering_n with_o such_o constancy_n and_o patience_n as_o they_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v ascribe_v so_o much_o unto_o knowledge_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o that_o give_v strength_n and_o stability_n unto_o they_o second_o 2_o knowledge_n be_v the_o seed_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o grace_n do_v grow_v it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v breed_v and_o beget_v in_o we_o this_o point_n be_v evident_a even_o in_o nature_n for_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v move_v by_o the_o understanding_n that_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o man_n can_v neither_o love_v nor_o hate_n desire_n nor_o fear_n rejoice_v norâ—_n mourn_v for_o any_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o apprehension_n he_o have_v of_o it_o first_o in_o his_o understanding_n but_o see_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o these_o two_o point_n 1._o god_n do_v never_o ordinary_o work_v any_o save_a grace_n in_o any_o that_o have_v no_o knowledge_n 2._o where_o knowledge_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n all_o other_o save_v grace_n will_v follow_v for_o the_o first_o see_v what_o the_o holy_a apostle_n say_v 2_o pet._n 1.2_o 3._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v to_o you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n knowledge_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o to_o that_o sweet_a peace_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o yea_o to_o have_v they_o multiply_v in_o we_o but_o he_o go_v further_a in_o the_o next_o word_n according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n knowledge_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n give_v and_o work_v in_o we_o every_o other_o grace_n also_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o true_a say_v till_o he_o have_v knowledge_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v rom._n 10.14_o and_o esa._n 53.11_o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v aright_o or_o do_v any_o other_o service_n unto_o god_n till_o he_o have_v knowledge_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n say_v david_n to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o my_o lip_n shall_v utter_v praise_n when_o thou_o have_v teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n say_v david_n psalm_n 119.171_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v till_o than_o i_o can_v never_o do_v it_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v say_v solomon_n eccles._n 5.1_o then_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n till_o by_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v get_v knowledge_n all_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n we_o do_v unto_o god_n be_v but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n they_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o spirit_n nor_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o proof_n god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n his_o elect_a of_o all_o sort_n say_v paul_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o those_o shall_v be_v save_v who_o god_n will_v save_v second_o where_o knowledge_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v all_o other_o grace_n must_v needs_o follow_v 1._o sound_v knowledge_n will_v breed_v holy_a affection_n and_o desire_n if_o thou_o know_v that_o gift_n of_o god_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o woman_n john_n 4_o 10._o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v unto_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o drink_v thou_o will_v have_v ask_v of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o live_a water_n if_o a_o man_n know_v christ_n aright_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o thirst_n after_o he_o and_o prize_v he_o above_o all_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n do_v right_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o comfort_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o godliness_n and_o the_o reward_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o desire_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o if_o man_n do_v right_o know_v the_o torment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o wicked_a man_n they_o must_v needs_o tremble_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o 2._o it_o will_v
5.6_o that_o she_o have_v change_v god_n judgement_n into_o wickedness_n more_o than_o the_o nation_n and_o his_o statute_n more_o than_o the_o country_n that_o be_v round_o about_o she_o and_o yet_o unto_o judah_n god_n give_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o deny_v they_o to_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n be_v worse_a people_n and_o do_v not_o make_v so_o good_a use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n do_v as_o be_v plain_a by_o christ_n speech_n matth._n 11.21_o and_o yet_o unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o deny_v unto_o the_o other_o the_o gentile_n that_o live_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v be_v nothing_o so_o moral_a man_n nor_o be_v comparable_a in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n unto_o socrates_n and_o aristides_n unto_o cato_n and_o scipio_n and_o divers_a other_o that_o we_o read_v of_o for_o of_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o even_o till_o the_o time_n of_o their_o call_n tit._n 3.3_o serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_v and_o that_o they_o be_v odious_a man_n and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 11._o that_o they_o have_v be_v not_o only_a thief_n and_o drunkard_n and_o extortioner_n and_o adulterer_n but_o even_o effeminate_a person_n and_o bugger_n abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n and_o yet_o to_o these_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o gospel_n and_o deny_v it_o unto_o the_o other_o that_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o these_o foul_a vice_n but_o be_v also_o for_o moral_a virtue_n and_o for_o the_o use_n they_o make_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n most_o rare_a and_o excellent_a man_n and_o may_v not_o we_o all_o to_o conclude_v set_v our_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n from_o our_o own_o experience_n applic._n be_v our_o nation_n or_o be_v those_o town_n in_o our_o land_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o plentiful_o preach_v or_o be_v many_o of_o ourselves_o before_o our_o call_n better_a people_n than_o any_o of_o those_o be_v to_o who_o the_o lord_n still_o deny_v the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n no_o no_o the_o lord_n know_v and_o our_o own_o heart_n know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o lord_n in_o give_v we_o his_o gospel_n have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o any_o goodness_n he_o see_v be_v in_o we_o nothing_o move_v he_o to_o it_o but_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n towards_o we_o we_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o further_o and_o procure_v so_o much_o as_o our_o outward_a call_n all_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n alone_o lecture_n cii_o on_o psalm_n 51.6_o november_n 4._o 1628._o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o show_v this_o to_o be_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o inward_a call_n that_o that_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v whole_o unto_o the_o lord_n nothing_o unto_o man_n himself_o and_o this_o shall_v also_o appear_v unto_o we_o in_o these_o three_o point_n 1._o it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o that_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n become_v effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o man_n 2._o the_o work_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d make_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n effectual_a in_o any_o be_v no_o common_a work_n 3._o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o make_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o be_v most_o free_a nothing_o that_o man_n can_v do_v can_v either_o procure_v or_o hinder_v it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o best_a course_n i_o can_v take_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v be_v by_o answer_v a_o question_n or_o two_o that_o may_v be_v move_v touch_v the_o sufficiency_n and_o power_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n first_o 1._o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n speak_v great_a thing_n and_o ascribe_v much_o to_o the_o word_n itself_o in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o as_o a_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23.29_o and_o like_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o yea_o the_o prophet_n express_o say_v psal._n 19.7_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n 2._o of_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v say_v both_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o and_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o that_o they_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o god_n and_o paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o that_o he_o be_v their_o father_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n and_o 9.1_o that_o they_o be_v his_o work_n in_o the_o lord_n yea_o philem_n 19_o thou_o owe_v to_o i_o even_o thy_o own_o self_n 1._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o these_o place_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a virtue_n or_o power_n inherent_a in_o the_o word_n itself_o or_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o give_v unto_o it_o of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o fire_n to_o warm_v we_o or_o in_o our_o food_n to_o nourish_v we_o or_o in_o the_o seed_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n 2._o second_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v thus_o to_o speak_v and_o to_o ascribe_v thus_o much_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o be_v that_o he_o may_v dignify_v this_o ordinance_n of_o he_o and_o work_v in_o his_o people_n a_o high_a esteem_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v they_o 1._o it_o be_v that_o noble_a instrument_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n by_o and_o without_o which_o he_o use_v not_o to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o any_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o corinthian_n 1.21_o to_o save_v man_n and_o we_o be_v the_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o beeleeve_v say_v he_o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o even_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v to_o every_o man_n and_o rom._n 10.14_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n 2._o he_o use_v to_o work_v with_o it_o and_o to_o accompany_v it_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n though_o not_o in_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v it_o yet_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n matth._n â—8_o 20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o make_v the_o apostle_n to_o say_v and_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2.14_o that_o he_o do_v make_v manifest_a the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n by_o they_o in_o every_o place_n god_n never_o place_v the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o place_n but_o he_o use_v to_o make_v it_o savoury_a and_o fruitful_a unto_o some_o 3._o to_o show_v we_o the_o high_a account_n the_o lord_n himself_o make_v of_o this_o his_o ordinance_n how_o he_o esteem_v of_o it_o we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 2.15_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v even_o where_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o work_v with_o our_o ministry_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n yet_o even_o there_o also_o our_o ministry_n be_v never_o the_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o he_o joy_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o 3._o three_o and_o last_o i_o answer_v to_o this_o first_o question_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n that_o the_o word_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o have_v to_o convert_v and_o work_v grace_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o but_o whole_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o work_v with_o it_o and_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o ascribe_v so_o much_o unto_o the_o word_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v interprete_v itself_o in_o sundry_a place_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o teach_v thou_o to_o profit_n say_v the_o lord_n esa_n 48.17_o that_o any_o man_n profit_v by_o the_o best_a mean_n it_o be_v of_o god_n only_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n james_n 1.18_o as_o though_o he_o 〈◊〉_d â—ay_n we_o be_v indeed_o beget_v again_o by_o the_o word_n but_o
yield_v his_o people_n help_v this_o way_n as_o he_o be_v the_o other_o and_o more_o willing_a too_o 3_o if_o the_o principal_a work_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o be_v not_o to_o cure_v the_o body_n of_o man_n but_o to_o heal_v their_o soul_n 4_o if_o we_o have_v his_o express_a promise_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o all_o their_o corruption_n which_o they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o bodily_a infirmity_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o than_o be_v cure_v by_o he_o of_o all_o their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o help_n at_o all_o from_o he_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o soul_n sure_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o 1._o either_o we_o do_v not_o so_o earnest_o desire_v help_v for_o our_o soul_n this_o way_n as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o body_n the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o will_v fain_o be_v deliver_v from_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o power_n of_o they_o or_o no_o we_o be_v indifferent_a 2._o or_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o christ_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n of_o we_o as_o they_o do_v in_o they_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o mercy_n with_o god_n and_o comfort_n and_o peace_n we_o look_v to_o have_v through_o christ_n alone_o but_o we_o seek_v not_o to_o he_o for_o grace_n to_o sanctify_v we_o and_o mortify_v sin_n in_o we_o nor_o look_v to_o receive_v that_o benefit_n by_o he_o also_o or_o else_o 3_o we_o seek_v not_o to_o christ_n for_o help_v this_o way_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o heart_n to_o receive_v help_n from_o he_o in_o this_o case_n but_o of_o we_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o other_o jam._n 4.2_o 3._o we_o desire_v to_o have_v grace_n and_o can_v obtain_v we_o fight_v and_o war_n against_o our_o lust_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o victory_n over_o they_o because_o we_o ask_v not_o we_o seek_v not_o to_o christ_n we_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v we_o ask_v not_o in_o faith_n in_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o obtain_v it_o of_o god_n through_o christ._n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o promise_n and_o confident_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n and_o so_o by_o faith_n draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o dry_v up_o all_o the_o filthy_a issue_n that_o be_v in_o our_o fowl_n as_o the_o israelite_n look_v on_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n in_o faith_n heal_v they_o num._n 21.8_o 9_o so_o let_v thy_o eye_n be_v upon_o christ_n with_o expectation_n &_o dependence_n upon_o he_o as_o jehoshaphat_n speak_v 2_o chron._n 20.12_o in_o another_o case_n for_o help_v and_o virtue_n will_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o to_o cure_v thou_o all_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 21.22_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v have_v his_o promise_n for_o they_o as_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v you_o shall_v receive_v and_o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v say_v he_o thou_o may_v have_v help_n against_o that_o spirit_n that_o have_v possess_v thy_o son_n from_o his_o very_a childhood_n though_o my_o disciple_n can_v not_o cast_v he_o out_o mar._n 9.23_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v certain_o it_o be_v possible_a enough_o for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o get_v power_n over_o our_o strong_a corruption_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o mortification_n than_o we_o be_v yet_o come_v unto_o if_o we_o will_v employ_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o work_n if_o we_o will_v make_v claim_n to_o these_o promise_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o and_o confident_o expect_v strength_n and_o help_n from_o god_n through_o christ_n against_o they_o say_v not_o any_o of_o you_o 1_o alas_o i_o be_o so_o sinful_a and_o unworthy_a a_o wretch_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o believe_v and_o be_v so_o confident_a that_o christ_n will_v help_v i_o for_o first_o 1_o thy_o unworthiness_n will_v not_o bar_v thou_o from_o receive_v help_n from_o christ._n in_o all_o the_o cure_v he_o do_v upon_o man_n he_o have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o person_n mat._n 8.16_o he_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v sick_a without_o all_o respect_n of_o person_n he_o sell_v not_o his_o grace_n but_o give_v it_o free_o esa._n 55.1_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n second_o 2._o the_o more_o unworthy_a thou_o feel_v thyself_o to_o be_v the_o more_o fit_a thou_o be_v to_o receive_v help_n from_o he_o for_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a jam._n 4.6_o and_o among_o all_o that_o receive_v help_v from_o christ_n those_o have_v the_o strong_a faith_n and_o do_v most_o confident_o expect_v help_n from_o he_o that_o have_v in_o themselves_o the_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o centurion_n luke_n 7.7_o 8._o and_o of_o the_o woman_n that_o have_v the_o bloody_a issue_n mar._n 5.27_o 33_o 34._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.27_o 28._o neither_o say_v second_o 2_o alas_o i_o can_v believe_v i_o go_v to_o christ_n i_o pray_v against_o my_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o against_o my_o frowardness_n and_o against_o my_o blasphemous_a thought_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n nor_o certain_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v i_o help_v against_o they_o for_o first_o 1._o do_v as_o the_o poor_a man_n do_v that_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o have_v his_o son_n dispossess_v mar._n 9_o 24._o mourn_n and_o weep_v for_o thy_o unbelief_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o give_v credit_n unto_o god_n second_o 2._o do_v again_o as_o he_o do_v pray_v hearty_o to_o god_n to_o help_v thy_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o three_o 3._o then_o know_v assure_o thou_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n though_o a_o weak_a one_o and_o that_o this_o weak_a one_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v help_n to_o thou_o from_o he_o as_o it_o do_v for_o that_o poor_a man_n mar._n 9.25_o three_o and_o last_o object_n say_v not_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a who_o though_o they_o have_v have_v true_a faith_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o obtain_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o vanquish_v their_o lust_n i_o have_v in_o my_o prayer_n against_o my_o corruption_n call_v to_o mind_n these_o promise_n you_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o make_v claim_v to_o they_o and_o be_o never_o the_o near_o yea_o paul_n though_o he_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n yet_o complain_v rom._n 7.23_o that_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n do_v bring_v he_o still_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n the_o faithful_a do_v indeed_o receive_v from_o christ_n their_o justification_n in_o this_o life_n full_o and_o perfect_o but_o as_o for_o their_o sanctification_n it_o be_v but_o little_a that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v receive_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o strong_a corruption_n that_o may_v be_v discern_v even_o in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o first_o christ_n do_v not_o utter_o destroy_v sin_n in_o any_o believer_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v here_o for_o he_o see_v that_o will_v not_o be_v good_a for_o we_o in_o many_o respect_n as_o we_o hear_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n second_o 2._o he_o do_v give_v to_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n a_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n and_o power_n to_o overcome_v their_o corruption_n than_o he_o do_v unto_o other_o ephes._n 4.7_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ._n three_o 3._o every_o believer_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o corruption_n have_v receive_v from_o he_o a_o deadly_a blow_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o reign_v more_o he_o have_v so_o much_o strength_n give_v he_o as_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v quite_o overcome_v nor_o bring_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n any_o more_o but_o shall_v be_v make_v able_a to_o maintain_v war_n against_o it_o for_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o all_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n rev._n 1.6_o and_o rom._n 6._o â—4_n sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o for_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n 4._o four_o proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n shall_v our_o sanctification_n be_v and_o our_o strength_n to_o overcome_v our_o corruption_n and_o
not_o rest_v nor_o content_v yourselves_o with_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o want_v knowledge_n not_o in_o this_o that_o your_o life_n be_v civil_a and_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a that_o you_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a too_o and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o join_v to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o peter_n 1.5_o a_o unblameable_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n without_o knowledge_n no_o nor_o this_o neither_o that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a meaning_n and_o desire_n to_o do_v well_o that_o you_o be_v devout_a and_o give_v much_o to_o prayer_n for_o the_o apostle_n bear_v record_v rom._n 10.2_o that_o they_o have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n a_o zealous_a care_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v on_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o all_o that_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o thes_n 2.16_o second_o i_o will_v fain_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o rest_v nor_o content_v yourselves_o with_o some_o smattering_n or_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n but_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o knowledge_n to_o increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o to_o attain_v unto_o a_o settle_a and_o well_o ground_a judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o religion_n to_o a_o certainty_n and_o full_a resolution_n in_o they_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.20_o be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v you_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n say_v he_o rom._n 14.5_o even_o in_o the_o least_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o practice_n a_o christian_n shall_v seek_v for_o certainty_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n and_o this_o none_o of_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o unless_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v rich_o and_o plentiful_o in_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v col._n 3.16_o but_o for_o the_o better_a enforce_v of_o this_o exhortation_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a i_o will_v speak_v distinct_o of_o it_o and_o observe_v this_o method_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o this_o knowledge_n be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o seek_v for_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v at_o such_o cost_n and_o charge_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o â—_o i_o will_v give_v you_o motive_n that_o may_v provoke_v we_o thus_o to_o seek_v it_o 3._o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o mean_n we_o must_v use_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o all_o knowledge_n no_o not_o all_o knowledge_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n be_v so_o high_o esteem_v of_o 1._o many_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v never_o convert_v unto_o god_n nor_o ever_o have_v truth_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o knowledge_n even_o unto_o this_o knowledge_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o knowledge_n as_o of_o a_o ordinary_a gift_n common_a to_o all_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 81._o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v glory_v in_o yea_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n have_v have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o get_v and_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o have_v delight_v much_o in_o it_o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o those_o hypocrite_n isaiah_n 58.2_o and_o delight_v to_o know_v my_o way_n 2._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o graceless_a man_n have_v much_o excel_v many_o of_o god_n dear_a servant_n this_o way_n judas_n no_o doubt_n have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christ_n best_a hearer_n have_v yea_o satan_n himself_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n know_v the_o truth_n much_o more_o clear_o and_o certain_o than_o many_o of_o god_n elect_v do_v and_o can_v say_v to_o christ_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n mark_v 1.24_o i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v even_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n yea_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v a_o great_a bar_n and_o impediment_n unto_o grace_n and_o make_v man_n more_o wicked_a and_o uncapable_a of_o grace_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o knowledge_n say_v the_o lord_n esa._n 41.10_o it_o have_v pervert_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v say_v in_o thy_o heart_n i_o be_o and_o none_o else_o beside_o i_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o simple_a people_n ofttimes_o then_o in_o the_o great_a scholar_n the_o common_a people_n hear_v christ_n glad_o say_v the_o evangelist_n mark_v 12.37_o but_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v say_v john_n 7.48_o 49._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n act_v 6.7_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o say_v what_o be_v then_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o desire_v and_o make_v such_o high_a account_n of_o sure_o such_o knowledge_n as_o david_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n such_o knowledge_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o he_o do_v effectual_o convert_v save_v knowledge_n sanctify_v knowledge_n this_o be_v call_v the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n 30.22_o the_o other_o will_v do_v a_o man_n no_o good_a at_o all_o unless_o it_o grow_v unto_o this_o of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o may_v be_v true_o say_v which_o solomon_n speak_v eccles._n 1.18_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n the_o more_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a or_o at_o least_o prove_v in_o the_o end_n a_o sanctify_a knowledge_n the_o more_o shall_v the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v one_o day_n nay_o this_o only_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o true_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o holy_a man_n say_v solomon_n proverb_n 9_o 10._o of_o regenerate_a and_o goodly_a man_n be_v understanding_n this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v seek_v and_o make_v reckon_v of_o teach_v i_o good_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n say_v david_n psalm_n 119.66_o though_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a knowledge_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v find_v that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o have_v be_v sanctify_v knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a we_o may_v take_v more_o comfort_n in_o it_o than_o the_o great_a clerk_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v in_o all_o their_o learning_n the_o want_n of_o this_o knowledge_n shall_v humble_v the_o best_a of_o we_o that_o though_o we_o have_v much_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a of_o this_o save_n and_o sanctify_a knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n agur_n complain_v of_o proverb_n 30.2_o 3._o sure_o i_o be_o more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n and_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n i_o have_v not_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v till_o i_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o regenerate_v till_o i_o find_v i_o have_v sanctify_v knowledge_n i_o be_o brutish_a and_o void_a of_o understanding_n every_o unregenerate_a man_n certain_o ho_o great_a a_o clerk_n soever_o he_o be_v have_v no_o true_a light_n in_o he_o but_o be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o john_n 2.9_o and_o with_o all_o his_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v hosea_n 4.6_o o_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o take_v heed_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o take_v heed_n say_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 11.35_o that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n take_v heed_n lest_o that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v no_o better_o then_o natural_a and_o carnal_a knowledge_n that_o that_o be_v in_o hypocrite_n and_o castawaies_a and_o in_o the_o devil_n themselves_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n say_v christ_n mat._n 6.23_o how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n examine_v
also_o but_o not_o else_o 3._o last_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v judge_v thou_o at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o that_o only_a the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v say_v our_o saviour_n joâ—_a 12.48_o the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v thou_o upon_o to_o judge_v thyself_o by_o that_o too_o second_o now_o alas_o most_o man_n though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v undoubted_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o in_o god_n word_n for_o this_o assurance_n they_o boast_v of_o nay_o though_o the_o word_n give_v most_o express_a and_o direct_a evidence_n against_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o most_o confident_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o all_o that_o though_o god_n word_n say_v express_o psal._n 119.155_o salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a for_o they_o seek_v not_o thy_o statute_n yet_o many_o a_o one_o that_o never_o seek_v after_o god_n statute_n take_v no_o pain_n for_o the_o word_n nay_o shun_v it_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o can_v and_o though_o he_o may_v enjoy_v it_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o charge_n at_o all_o will_v not_o stir_v out_o of_o his_o door_n for_o it_o nay_o that_o count_v you_o all_o arrant_a fool_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n for_o it_o as_o many_o of_o you_o do_v yet_o be_v this_o man_n i_o say_v as_o sure_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n as_o any_o of_o you_o can_v be_v though_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o yea_o though_o he_o that_o must_v judge_v we_o all_o at_o the_o last_o day_n say_v express_o matth._n 5.37_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o the_o least_o oath_n that_o be_v in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n come_v of_o that_o evil_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v jam._n 5.12_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o by_o any_o oath_n lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n lest_o you_o be_v damn_v yet_o have_v we_o many_o a_o one_o that_o swear_v ordinary_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o troth_n only_o but_o by_o foul_a oath_n a_o great_a deal_n that_o yet_o never_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n but_o be_v confident_a christ_n die_v for_o they_o his_o blood_n have_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o their_o heart_n though_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o wantoness_n nor_o thief_n nor_o drunkard_n nor_o raylor_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n yet_o where_o have_v you_o any_o in_o god_n church_n that_o be_v more_o confident_o assure_v that_o have_v less_o doubt_n of_o their_o salvation_n than_o these_o man_n have_v but_o let_v god_n be_v true_a say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.4_o and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n thou_o will_v one_o day_n find_v that_o the_o lord_n testimony_n against_o thou_o be_v very_o sure_a as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o psal._n 93.5_o and_o that_o thy_o own_o heart_n have_v prophesy_v a_o lie_n unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v perish_v as_o the_o lord_n say_v of_o they_o that_o prophesy_v peace_n unto_o the_o jew_n jer._n 27.10_o i_o know_v thou_o be_v apt_a to_o allege_v that_o thou_o have_v repent_v and_o that_o thou_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n to_o build_v thy_o assurance_n upon_o but_o because_o neither_o thy_o faith_n nor_o thy_o repentance_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n according_a to_o the_o word_n i_o may_v say_v of_o thy_o confidence_n thou_o repose_a therein_o as_o bildad_n do_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o hypocrite_n job_n 8.14_o thy_o hope_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o thy_o trust_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o spider_n web_n lecture_n cxxiii_o on_o psalm_n 51.7_o july_n 21._o 1629._o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o assurance_n and_o discern_v whether_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sprinkle_v upon_o our_o heart_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o certify_v we_o that_o it_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o whether_o that_o assurance_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n that_o this_o assurance_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o know_v before_o his_o own_o wretchedness_n by_o nature_n to_o be_v assure_v by_o god_n spirit_n that_o god_n have_v so_o dear_o love_v he_o as_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o he_o but_o this_o must_v needs_o work_v a_o great_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o kindle_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n say_v the_o apostle_n galat._n 5_o 6._o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o can_v be_v idle_a but_o it_o be_v operative_a and_o full_a of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n it_o work_v by_o be_v love_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v he_o that_o have_v it_o desirous_a and_o studious_a to_o express_v his_o love_n to_o god_n by_o all_o mean_v he_o can_v and_o to_o say_v with_o david_n psalm_n 116.12_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n yea_o the_o deep_a sense_n a_o man_n have_v have_v of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o wretchedness_n before_o the_o more_o will_v his_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n when_o once_o he_o feel_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n sprinkle_v upon_o his_o heart_n by_o god_n spirit_n the_o more_o studious_a will_v he_o be_v to_o express_v his_o love_n by_o any_o duty_n he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v marry_o have_v have_v many_o sin_n forgive_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o she_o love_v much_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 7_o 47._o she_o think_v no_o service_n too_o base_a too_o much_o for_o she_o to_o do_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v so_o dear_o love_v she_o she_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n as_o you_o may_v see_v verse_n 38._o of_o that_o chapter_n the_o papist_n blaspheme_v our_o doctrine_n touch_v this_o certainty_n a_o man_n may_v have_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o say_v it_o tend_v to_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o liberty_n but_o they_o speak_v of_o it_o by_o hearsay_n as_o stranger_n do_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o they_o never_o know_v or_o have_v experience_n of_o in_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o any_o heart_n have_v that_o force_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o knit_v his_o heart_n in_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o nothing_o else_o have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_o either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n or_o a_o false_a and_o carnal_a assurance_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o lewdness_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o speak_v distinct_o yet_o brief_o of_o this_o point_n you_o shall_v see_v the_o effect_n that_o true_a assurance_n will_v work_v both_o in_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n first_o true_a faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v and_o apply_v christ_n unto_o ourselves_o will_v purify_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act_n 15.9_o it_o will_v work_v a_o thorough_a change_n and_o reformation_n even_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n this_o difference_n the_o apostle_n observe_v hebr._n 9.13_o 74._o between_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o people_n by_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o christ_n blood_n upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o that_o be_v that_o make_v a_o man_n legal_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n clean_o from_o all_o outward_a pollution_n but_o christ_n blood_n be_v sprinkle_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o heart_n will_v purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n that_o be_v from_o all_o sin_n which_o as_o they_o deserve_v so_o will_v they_o certain_o bring_v death_n eternal_a upon_o all_o that_o be_v not_o purge_v from_o they_o this_z say_v he_o will_v purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o admirable_a virtue_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v once_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sprinkle_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n it_o will_v purge_v and_o heal_v it_o from_o all_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o before_o unto_o you_o that_o fear_v my_o name_n say_v the_o lord_n malachi_n 4.2_o shall_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o
the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v know_v which_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o now_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o four_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o you_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o corinth_n 2.12_o the_o first_o be_v your_o charity_n the_o second_o be_v your_o constancy_n in_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o three_o be_v your_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o four_o and_o last_o be_v your_o sympathize_v with_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v no_o one_o grace_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v better_a and_o more_o sensible_o know_v to_o dwell_v in_o we_o than_o charity_n and_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n john_n baptist_n see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v from_o heaven_n like_o a_o dove_n and_o it_o abide_v upon_o christ_n as_o we_o read_v john_n 1.32_o i_o beseech_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o corinthian_n 10.1_o by_o the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o christ._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v abound_v in_o christ_n his_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n do_v most_o excel_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v oft_o mention_v for_o a_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o christ._n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 13.35_o if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o conspicuous_a a_o mark_n of_o one_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o not_o themselves_o only_o but_o other_o also_o all_o man_n may_v know_v they_o by_o this_o belove_a let_v we_o love_v one_o another_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4.7_o for_o love_n be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n say_v he_o vers._n 8._o and_o vers._n 12._o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o his_o love_n be_v perfect_v in_o we_o and_o ver._n 16._o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o my_o little_a child_n say_v he_o again_o 1_o john_n 3.18_o 19_o let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o man_n may_v confident_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o if_o he_o love_v his_o neighbour_n unfeigned_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n if_o he_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o do_v he_o what_o good_a he_o can_v applic._n o_o that_o we_o will_v impartial_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o this_o first_o point_n belove_v now_o especial_o that_o we_o be_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o in_o charity_n certain_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o thou_o be_v none_o of_o he_o i_o know_v well_o that_o many_o that_o have_v not_o god_n spirit_n but_o be_v mere_a carnal_a man_n use_v to_o glory_n much_o in_o their_o charity_n and_o think_v they_o far_o excel_v any_o that_o profess_v religion_n in_o this_o virtue_n but_o if_o there_o can_v ever_o have_v be_v any_o true_a love_n to_o man_n and_o such_o as_o god_n approve_v of_o in_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n certain_o neither_o our_o saviour_n himself_o nor_o his_o holy_a apostle_n will_v have_v speak_v so_o of_o love_n as_o you_o hear_v they_o have_v do_v no_o no_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v most_o plain_a in_o this_o point_n that_o no_o man_n have_v any_o true_a charity_n in_o he_o but_o he_o only_o that_o be_v true_o regenerate_v by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 5.2_o when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v all_o true_a love_n to_o man_n proceed_v from_o the_o love_n we_o bear_v to_o god_n as_o from_o the_o root_n and_o fountain_n this_o be_v love_n say_v he_o 2_o joh._n 6._o that_o we_o walk_v after_o his_o commandment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v we_o can_v love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o we_o ought_v unless_o we_o love_v he_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a as_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v have_v true_a love_n till_o he_o have_v first_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a i_o will_v therefore_o show_v you_o how_o true_a charity_n be_v to_o be_v try_v how_o you_o may_v discern_v and_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v your_o neighbour_n as_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o and_o as_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o do_v try_v this_o first_o by_o the_o love_n thou_o bear_v to_o all_o man_n second_o by_o the_o love_n thou_o bear_v to_o they_o that_o have_v wrong_v thou_o and_o be_v thy_o enemy_n three_o by_o the_o love_n thou_o bear_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n especial_o lecture_n cxliii_o on_o psalm_n 51.7_o march_n 23._o 1629._o no_o man_n have_v true_a charity_n in_o he_o first_o that_o do_v not_o love_v all_o man_n second_o that_o do_v not_o love_v his_o enemy_n three_o that_o do_v not_o love_v such_o as_o fear_n god_n especial_o for_o the_o first_o they_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o love_v all_o man_n see_v this_o plain_o in_o that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes._n 3_o 12._o the_o lord_n make_v you_o to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n say_v he_o one_o towards_o another_o and_o towards_o all_o man_n object_n how_o can_v this_o be_v will_v you_o say_v must_v we_o love_v such_o as_o be_v wicked_a man_n do_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v this_o a_o special_a note_n of_o a_o lewd_a and_o graceless_a man_n to_o love_v they_o that_o be_v wicked_a they_o hate_v the_o good_a say_v the_o prophet_n mica_n 3.2_o and_o love_v the_o evil_a be_v not_o jehosophat_n though_o otherwise_o so_o good_a a_o man_n great_o blame_v for_o this_o shall_v thou_o love_v they_o say_v the_o prophet_n jehu_n to_o he_o 2_o chron._n 19.2_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n therefore_o be_v wrath_n upon_o thou_o from_o before_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o david_n glory_n in_o this_o as_o in_o one_o principal_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o do_v hate_v wicked_a man_n i_o have_v hate_v they_o say_v he_o psal._n 31.6_o that_o regard_n lie_v vanity_n that_o be_v i_o have_v hate_v all_o idolater_n and_o 139.21_o 22._o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o lord_n concern_v this_o and_o glori_v of_o this_o even_a before_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n say_v he_o that_o hate_v thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o in_o all_o these_o place_n there_o be_v no_o more_o mean_v but_o this_o first_o that_o we_o must_v hate_v their_o sin_n and_o that_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o they_o and_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hate_v even_o in_o the_o best_a man_n and_o in_o those_o person_n who_o person_n we_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o love_n you_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psalm_n 97.10_o hate_v that_o that_o be_v evil_a there_o be_v no_o love_n of_o god_n in_o that_o man_n that_o hate_v not_o sin_n wheresoever_o he_o see_v it_o even_o in_o his_o own_o child_n in_o they_o who_o he_o do_v most_o dear_o love_v second_o that_o we_o must_v show_v our_o dislike_n even_o to_o the_o person_n also_o of_o scandalous_a and_o lewd_a man_n for_o first_o we_o may_v give_v they_o no_o countenance_n but_o show_v our_o dislike_n by_o shun_v all_o voluntary_a familiarity_n and_o kindness_n unto_o they_o while_o they_o continue_v such_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o thes._n 3.4_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a i_o have_v hate_v the_o congregation_n of_o evil_a doer_n say_v david_n psalm_n