and_o perish_v though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o have_v make_v a_o flourish_a show_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat_n 13._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o take_v no_o less_o pain_n after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o devour_a and_o to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v it_o that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n than_o we_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o preparation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n when_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o as_o the_o careful_a husbandman_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o stir_v up_o his_o fallow_a ground_n and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o seed_n as_o also_o in_o the_o seed_n time_n in_o sow_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n thus_o prepare_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o harrowe_a it_o and_o cover_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n so_o though_o we_o take_v great_a pain_n in_o break_v up_o and_o prepare_v the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o also_o in_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o as_o careful_a after_o all_o this_o to_o cover_v and_o hide_v this_o seed_n in_o the_o furrow_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n it_o will_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n now_o the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v first_o serious_a mediation_n whereby_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o which_o it_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v according_a to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o turn_v over_o the_o bible_n to_o those_o proof_n which_o we_o remember_v allege_v as_o most_o principal_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o noble_a man_n of_o berea_n act_n 17.10.11_o who_o though_o with_o great_a readiness_n they_o receive_v that_o doctrine_n which_o paul_n have_v deliver_v yet_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o hard_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a with_o they_o or_o no._n second_o we_o must_v use_v holy_a and_o christian_a conference_n one_o with_o another_o about_o those_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v for_o hereby_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o one_o do_v not_o observe_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o other_o remember_v and_o repent_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o other_o help_v out_o in_o another_o point_n where_o his_o neighbourfaileth_n till_o at_o last_o they_o recall_v all_o the_o material_a point_n to_o their_o remembrance_n even_o as_o many_o meeting_n together_o at_o a_o feast_n do_v every_o one_o cast_v in_o his_o shot_n till_o the_o reckon_n be_v make_v so_o many_o join_v their_o head_n together_o for_o the_o recall_v of_o a_o sermon_n to_o mind_n one_o repeat_v a_o little_a and_o another_o as_o much_o more_o till_o at_o last_o all_o be_v repeat_v and_o second_o this_o benefit_n redound_v hereof_o that_o all_o which_o every_o one_o remember_v by_o this_o repetition_n be_v more_o sure_o imprint_v in_o his_o memory_n and_o be_v not_o afterward_o easy_o forget_v last_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o imprint_v thing_n in_o our_o memory_n never_o after_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o as_o we_o only_o true_o know_v that_o in_o christianity_n that_o which_o we_o practise_v so_o likewise_o that_o be_v only_o well_o remember_v which_o be_v well_o practise_v chap._n xxvii_o satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o repentance_n the_o tentation_n allure_a to_o defer_v repentance_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n fruitless_a and_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v be_v repel_v by_o the_o mean_v before_o speak_v of_o &_o if_o man_n by_o their_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n have_v learn_v thus_o much_o knowledge_n that_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o he_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n labour_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v better_a opportunity_n and_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o shall_v repent_v &_o turn_v unto_o god_n yet_o thou_o may_v defer_v thy_o repentance_n until_o thy_o old_a age_n or_o at_o least_o till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n for_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v more_o fit_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n then_o in_o the_o flourish_a prime_n of_o thy_o youth_n when_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o tedious_a and_o unpleasant_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n so_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a neither_o need_v thou_o to_o fear_v any_o in_o convenience_n which_o will_v come_v hereby_o for_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a that_o whensoever_o thou_o return_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v receive_v thou_o to_o mercy_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o whensoever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v blot_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v thou_o may_v repent_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o and_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o religious_a life_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n be_v past_a and_o old_a age_n draw_v on_o which_o be_v far_o more_o fit_a for_o these_o exercise_n for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o so_o to_o dote_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n to_o come_v as_o that_o thou_o shall_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o be_v present_a see_v thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o dangerous_a this_o tentation_n most_o dangerous_a against_o which_o tentation_n it_o behove_v every_o man_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o as_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o great_a multitude_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o too_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o when_o as_o satan_n can_v no_o long_o hoodwink_v their_o eye_n with_o the_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n but_o that_o they_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o harken_v unto_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o repentance_n than_o not_o withstand_v thus_o far_o he_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o delay_v their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n either_o until_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o till_o their_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o brief_o some_o weighty_a argument_n whereby_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v move_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o not_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentance_n motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o hastenour_n repentance_n but_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o first_o call_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o first_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o hasten_v of_o our_o conversion_n be_v god_n commandment_n whereby_o he_o injoin_v we_o speedy_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o end_n he_o have_v create_v and_o redeem_v we_o and_o do_v continual_a preserve_v us._n psal_n 95.7.8_o to_o day_n if_o you_o shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n so_o as_o he_o charge_v we_o not_o to_o resist_v his_o call_n no_o not_o till_o to_o morrow_n for_o if_o today_o we_o will_v not_o harken_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v to_o call_v we_o again_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o judgement_n so_o eccl._n 12.1_o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n approach_v wherein_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v their_o old_a age_n as_o afterward_o he_o expound_v himself_o and_o esa_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o matth._n 3.2_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n act._n 3.19_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v enjoin_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o matth._n 6.33_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o witting_o and_o wilful_o break_v god_n commandment_n let_v we_o offer_v unto_o he_o the_o
nor_o any_o reformation_n at_o all_o of_o their_o former_a sinful_a life_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o any_o profit_n nay_o that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v it_o the_o more_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a they_o be_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v much_o better_o not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n at_o all_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o in_o crease_n their_o condemnation_n for_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v not_o such_o poor_a mourn_a soul_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o word_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v of_o their_o imperfection_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v they_o know_v first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n of_o those_o child_n of_o god_n which_o profit_n most_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v therein_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o in_o complain_v that_o they_o profit_v not_o they_o show_v they_o profitt_a for_o whereas_o man_n natural_o blind_v with_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n never_o discern_v any_o such_o want_n and_o corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o profit_v nothing_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o never_o trouble_v they_o nay_o they_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o present_v their_o body_n into_o god_n assembly_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n though_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o nor_o retain_v it_o in_o memory_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o these_o humble_a soul_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v free_v from_o this_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n and_o have_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v so_o as_o they_o see_v their_o fault_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v their_o hard_a heart_n soften_v so_o as_o they_o be_v grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o they_o &_o their_o will_n also_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n sanctify_v so_o that_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o their_o corruption_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o more_o profit_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v so_o much_o as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v perfect_v that_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o this_o desire_n of_o profit_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v also_o accomplish_v it_o &_o so_o open_v their_o dull_a ear_n and_o soften_v their_o hard_a heart_n that_o they_o shall_v profit_v and_o reap_v manifold_a fruit_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o furrow_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n feed_v they_o for_o a_o time_n with_o a_o spare_a hand_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v true_o humble_v they_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o that_o he_o may_v hereby_o so_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o hunger_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n feed_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n of_o his_o word_n but_o as_o this_o shall_v increase_v their_o diligence_n so_o it_o shall_v not_o decrease_v their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n for_o most_o assure_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o while_n whet_v their_o stomach_n and_o by_o pull_v back_o his_o hand_n move_v they_o more_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o more_o high_o to_o esteem_v this_o precious_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o will_v full_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_a desire_n nourish_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o make_v they_o who_o be_v but_o babe_n strong_a man_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o not_o faint_a but_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v sure_o comfort_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 27.16_o §_o sect._n 4_o second_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o want_n of_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o howsoever_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o rest_v content_v in_o this_o estate_n but_o be_v to_o labour_n more_o and_o more_o not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o also_o to_o discern_v a_o increase_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o a_o progress_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n for_o otherwise_o though_o they_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o for_o a_o time_n live_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o nor_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o there_o own_o conscience_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v despair_v or_o be_v utter_o discourage_v for_o though_o they_o find_v no_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n yet_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n they_o will_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n continue_v still_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n they_o shall_v undoubted_o in_o the_o end_n attain_v unto_o their_o desire_n and_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o godliness_n we_o know_v that_o the_o seed_n do_v not_o present_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n but_o first_o it_o seem_v to_o rot_v and_o perish_v and_o then_o it_o sprout_v up_o in_o a_o green_a blade_n and_o then_o it_o bear_v a_o ear_n and_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o much_o fruit_n and_o so_o it_o fare_v oftentimes_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v quite_o lose_v and_o perish_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o ground_n and_o yet_o afterwards_o it_o bring_v forth_o not_o only_o a_o fair_a green_a blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n so_o also_o the_o sick_a patient_a take_v sovereign_a physic_n be_v not_o present_o cure_v nay_o in_o stead_n of_o feel_v any_o ease_n thereby_o he_o be_v make_v much_o more_o sick_a in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o yet_o after_o the_o physic_n have_v a_o while_n wrought_v with_o he_o and_o purge_v he_o of_o some_o superfluous_a and_o hurtful_a humour_n he_o find_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o by_o little_a and_o little_o he_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o former_a health_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o spiritual_a sick_a patient_n he_o do_v not_o always_o present_o find_v ease_n and_o quiet_a peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o many_o time_n he_o be_v torment_v and_o vex_v after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spiritual_a physic_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o in_o former_a time_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o this_o physic_n have_v effectual_o wrought_v with_o he_o it_o purge_v he_o from_o his_o filthy_a corruption_n and_o strengthen_v he_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o feel_v present_o no_o profitable_a fruit_n of_o hear_v let_v not_o this_o discourage_v we_o from_o hear_v nay_o rather_o let_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o sharp_a spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o to_o more_o diligence_n and_o let_v we_o join_v therewith_o hearty_a prayer_n desire_v the_o lord_n to_o water_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n sow_v in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o undoubted_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o end_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o to_o our_o exceed_a comfort_n show_v unto_o we_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n §_o sect._n 5_o three_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n sin_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o more_o they_o abound_v in_o sin_n in_o this_o they_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o more_o sinful_a but_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o live_v in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v so_o as_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v manifold_a and_o grievous_a now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o
may_v tread_v on_o that_o ground_n make_v holy_a by_o god_n presence_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n ambassage_n to_o his_o people_n so_o he_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o put_v off_o the_o shoe_n that_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o affection_n before_o we_o tread_v upon_o the_o holy_a ground_n of_o his_o church_n there_o to_o hear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v our_o everlasting_a delivery_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n what_o these_o affection_n be_v the_o apostle_n james_n partly_o show_v jam._n 1.19_o namely_o wrath_n 2.1_o jam._n 1.19_o 1._o pet._n 2.1_o filthiness_n maliciousness_n to_o which_o peter_n add_v dissimulation_n and_o hypocrisy_n envy_n and_o evil_a speak_n 1._o pet._n 2.1_o and_o to_o these_o also_o we_o may_v add_v all_o other_o like_a unto_o they_o §_o sect._n 3_o second_o minister_n we_o must_v banish_v all_o forestall_a opinion_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o must_v banish_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o prejudice_n forestall_a opinion_n and_o sinister_a conceit_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n who_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v whereby_o man_n be_v either_o carry_v away_o with_o a_o vain_a admiration_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o feed_v upon_o that_o food_n which_o be_v offer_v like_v unto_o they_o who_o in_o steed_n of_o drink_v of_o the_o wine_n stand_v wonder_v at_o the_o curious_a workmanship_n of_o the_o cup_n or_o else_o with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n of_o his_o insufficiency_n in_o gift_n or_o imperfection_n of_o life_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o forestall_v that_o they_o think_v nothing_o which_o he_o can_v deliver_v will_v be_v worth_a the_o hear_n cogitation_n we_o must_v expel_v all_o worldly_a cogitation_n three_o we_o must_v expel_v out_o of_o our_o cogitation_n the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o worldly_a businese_n pleasure_n &_o delight_n lest_o they_o distract_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o choke_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n make_v it_o fruitless_a for_o as_o the_o vessel_n which_o be_v already_o full_a will_v receive_v no_o more_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v power_v into_o it_o spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n so_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v full_a of_o worldly_a meditation_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o offer_v to_o enter_v it_o be_v keep_v back_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o god_n and_o mammon_n the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n can_v never_o dwell_v at_o the_o same_o time_n together_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o enter_v it_o expel_v the_o other_o as_o therefore_o man_n purpose_v to_o write_v a_o sermon_n do_v make_v clean_a their_o write_a table_n by_o blot_v out_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o they_o before_o for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o mixture_n &_o confusion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v legible_a so_o when_o we_o purpose_v to_o carry_v away_o a_o sermon_n fair_a write_v in_o the_o table_n of_o our_o memory_n we_o must_v first_o blot_v out_o all_o worldly_a affair_n and_o business_n otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o recall_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o remembrance_n §_o sect._n 4_o four_o want_n we_o must_v examine_v our_o sin_n and_o want_n before_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v search_v and_o examine_v our_o heart_n both_o concern_v our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n as_o also_o concern_v our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v consider_v to_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o addict_v and_o with_o what_o temptation_n we_o be_v most_o easy_o subdue_v to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v bring_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v slaughter_v and_o mortify_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v otherwise_o unable_a to_o overcome_v they_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v also_o thereby_o so_o strong_o arm_v all_o part_n both_o of_o our_o body_n and_o fowl_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o time_n to_o come_v bring_v we_o again_o under_o their_o dominion_n and_o as_o citizen_n be_v besiege_v with_o their_o enemy_n do_v learn_v by_o their_o assault_a which_o part_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o weak_a and_o so_o with_o more_o care_n and_o labour_n fortify_v it_o with_o man_n and_o munition_n trench_n and_o bulwark_n so_o when_o we_o who_o be_v continual_o besiege_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n do_v learn_v by_o their_o assault_v of_o we_o where_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o the_o enemy_n most_o like_a to_o enter_v than_o we_o must_v go_v into_o god_n armoury_n and_o provide_v sufficient_a weapon_n and_o munition_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o hold_v out_o and_o make_v resistance_n so_o also_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v they_o supply_v and_o hereby_o may_v be_v move_v with_o more_o care_n to_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o such_o food_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o fit_a to_o supply_v these_o our_o want_n and_o amend_v our_o imperfection_n for_o as_o man_n who_o hunger_n earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v satissy_v with_o wholesome_a food_n neither_o will_v they_o willing_o without_o any_o difference_n eat_v of_o all_o meat_n especial_o if_o they_o have_v weak_a stomach_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o best_o agree_v with_o they_o so_o those_o who_o find_v their_o spiritual_a want_n earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o to_o have_v their_o defect_n supply_v and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o food_n contain_v in_o god_n word_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o their_o stomach_n to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v nourish_v in_o they_o therefore_o they_o will_v wise_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o best_o agree_v to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o apply_v it_o unto_o themselves_o according_o for_o example_n he_o who_o find_v his_o heart_n hard_a and_o secure_a must_v feed_v upon_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o his_o heart_n mollify_v and_o resolve_v into_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n must_v feed_v upon_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a must_v hunger_n after_o milk_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n may_v desire_v strong_a meat_n that_o be_v attend_v unto_o the_o more_o deep_a point_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o word_n every_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v his_o particular_a state_n and_o to_o search_v out_o his_o great_a want_n that_o so_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n he_o may_v more_o diligent_o apply_v such_o doctrine_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o fit_a for_o his_o use_n and_o benefit_n for_o that_o which_o be_v food_n to_o one_o be_v poison_n to_o another_o and_o that_o salve_n which_o be_v fit_a to_o heal_v one_o sore_n do_v make_v another_o to_o fester_v and_o ranckell_n and_o one_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v apply_v to_o man_n of_o diverse_a estate_n do_v work_v diverse_a effect_n one_o it_o feed_v another_o it_o poyson_v one_o it_o heal_v another_o it_o wound_v to_o one_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o to_o another_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o therefore_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n thereof_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v our_o state_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v and_o make_v profitable_a use_n to_o ourselves_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o god_n grace_n last_o and_o most_o especial_o we_o be_v to_o use_v earnest_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v open_v our_o blind_a eye_n 119.18_o we_o be_v to_o use_v earnest_a prayer_n ps_n 119.18_o so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o our_o stony_a heart_n and_o give_v we_o fleshly_a heart_n in_o which_o his_o word_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v imprint_v that_o he_o will_v with_o the_o cyle_fw-la of_o his_o grace_n bow_v our_o stubborn_a will_n and_o make_v they_o flexible_a and_o inclinable_a to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v our_o affection_n and_o purge_v they_o from_o their_o natural_a corruption_n that_o he_o will_v distil_v the_o heavenly_a dew_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o barraigne_a heart_n that_o so_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n be_v water_v there_o by_o may_v
yield_v a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n §_o sect._n 5_o and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n now_o after_o we_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o have_v present_v ourselves_o into_o god_n holy_a assembly_n presence_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o hear_v it_o to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n there_o be_v also_o other_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o end_n that_o satan_n may_v not_o distract_v our_o mind_n and_o so_o make_v the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v fruitless_a first_o we_o be_v to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o we_o &_o behold_v all_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o action_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o good_a cornelius_n act._n 10.33_o here_o say_v he_o we_o be_v all_o present_a before_o god_n to_o hear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v thou_o of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o careless_o and_o negligent_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o in_o his_o presence_n before_o who_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n move_v and_o shake_v as_o it_o be_v psal_n 18.7_o second_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n god_n 2._o we_o must_v hear_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thes_n 2.13_o when_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o you_o hear_v of_o we_o you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o his_o own_o spokesman_n but_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o message_n which_o he_o bring_v but_o the_o lord_n embassage_n &_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n prefix_v before_o their_o writing_n these_o &_o such_o like_a speech_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n profess_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o god_n true_a minister_n that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n who_o in_o christ_n stead_n beseech_v their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5.20_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o look_v upon_o the_o man_n but_o on_o god_n who_o send_v he_o nor_o on_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n but_o on_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o it_o bring_v nor_o on_o the_o simpleness_n of_o the_o casket_n but_o on_o the_o precious_a pearl_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o nor_o upon_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o ambassador_n but_o upon_o the_o glorious_a royalty_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o send_v he_o and_o on_o his_o ambassage_n which_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o life_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o then_o his_o foot_n will_v seem_v beautiful_a and_o none_o shall_v be_v better_a welcome_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v their_o ministry_n but_o receive_v joyful_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o remember_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o §_o sect._n 6_o three_o let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o reverend_a attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_v 3._o we_o must_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o meditation_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o hear_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lively_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n that_o spiritual_a physic_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a meditation_n come_v to_o our_o remembrance_n they_o will_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o from_o our_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n fasten_v our_o eye_n on_o god_n minister_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n hearer_n luke_n 4.20_o and_o even_o hang_v upon_o they_o like_o the_o child_n on_o the_o mother_n breast_n to_o suck_v our_o soul_n nourishment_n as_o the_o people_n hang_v on_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 19.48_o four_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n as_o if_o we_o be_v nevermore_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v whither_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o next_o sabbath_n or_o though_o he_o do_v yet_o how_o know_v he_o whether_o he_o shall_v have_v his_o sense_n understanding_n and_o memory_n see_v he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o good_a or_o though_o he_o have_v yet_o may_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o such_o a_o famine_n be_v of_o this_o heavenly_a food_n that_o he_o may_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n 8.11_o am._n 8.11_o and_o from_o north_n to_o east_n seek_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o we_o today_o let_v we_o harken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v we_o to_o morrow_n that_o we_o shall_v hear_v it_o whilst_o we_o enjoy_v this_o heavenly_a light_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v short_o set_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o unto_o we_o and_o then_o what_o will_v follow_v but_o eternal_a darkness_n last_o let_v we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n judgment_n which_o he_o inflict_v on_o the_o contemner_n and_o neglectour_n of_o his_o word_n which_o he_o may_v just_o every_o minute_n pour_v upon_o we_o whilst_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o wandringe_n not_o regard_v that_o which_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o he_o may_v sudden_o strike_v we_o with_o frenzy_n and_o madness_n or_o with_o death_n itself_o and_o then_o how_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a be_v our_o state_n if_o such_o a_o judgement_n shall_v seize_v upon_o us._n 20._o act_n 20._o let_v we_o remember_v what_o happen_v to_o drowsy_a eutichus_n and_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o that_o which_o befall_v unto_o one_o may_v happen_v unto_o another_o §_o sect._n 7_o and_o thus_o be_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o effectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n and_o call_n unto_o god_n word_n how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o when_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o we_o must_v not_o here_o rest_n for_o if_o our_o enemy_n sathan_n can_v no_o hinder_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n from_o fall_v into_o our_o heart_n then_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o steal_v it_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v that_o it_o may_v never_o take_v root_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n as_o appear_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o approbation_n and_o be_v somewhat_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o yet_o soon_o after_o it_o vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o whenc_n do_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o when_o he_o find_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n not_o thorough_o enter_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therein_o cover_v like_o a_o ravenous_a bird_n devour_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v a_o little_a root_n yet_o he_o choke_v it_o with_o the_o thorny_a care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o it_o never_o spring_v up_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o into_o a_o blade_n of_o profession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o far_o grow_v up_o yet_o he_o indeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o from_o ever_o thrive_v further_o by_o cause_v the_o hot_a sun_n of_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o heat_n thereof_o to_o make_v it_o wither_v
our_o stony_a heart_n and_o give_v we_o heart_n of_o flesh_n as_o he_o promise_v ezec._n 11.19_o and_o break_v up_o these_o fallow_a ground_n fit_a in_o themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n but_o weed_n and_o thistle_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n and_o be_v make_v fruitful_a in_o all_o grace_n and_o thus_o our_o stubborn_a &_o rebellious_a heart_n be_v soften_v when_o as_o we_o particular_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n whereby_o first_o we_o come_v to_o the_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o fin_n original_a and_o actual_a second_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v and_o our_o conscience_n wound_v by_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o guilty_a soul_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o those_o fearful_a punishment_n prepare_v for_o the_o wicked_a three_o see_v this_o our_o misery_n and_o find_v no_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o how_o we_o may_v come_v out_o of_o this_o wretched_a estate_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n righteousness_n and_o satisfaction_n find_v they_o of_o no_o virtue_n for_o our_o justification_n by_o all_o which_o be_v thorough_o humble_v and_o cast_v down_o in_o ourselves_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v reveal_v unto_o we_o a_o way_n how_o we_o may_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o miserable_a estate_n by_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o merit_n and_o obedience_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n after_o which_o the_o humble_a sinner_n see_v his_o own_o want_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o law_n and_o perceive_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v so_o rich_a in_o merit_n that_o he_o can_v cansy_o supply_v all_o his_o defect_n and_o so_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a that_o he_o can_v and_o will_v free_v he_o out_o of_o his_o wretchedness_n he_o do_v plain_o discern_v that_o he_o stand_v exceed_o in_o need_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n after_o which_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o want_n there_o be_v beget_v in_o he_o a_o carnest_n and_o hunger_a desire_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o righteousness_n merit_n obedience_n and_o of_o all_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o be_v purchase_v by_o they_o and_o last_o he_o be_v move_v to_o appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n plead_v not_o his_o own_o righteousness_n or_o satisfaction_n but_o christ_n merit_n and_o obedience_n the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n mean_n the_o 3._o mean_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n give_v and_o apply_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n .._o §_o sect._n 4_o call_v that_o all_o 〈◊〉_d find_v the_o former_a mean_n powerful_a in_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n which_o whosoever_o have_v find_v powerful_a work_n in_o themselves_o for_o their_o conversion_n after_o the_o manner_n before_o speak_v of_o they_o may_v most_o certain_o assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o be_v already_o partaker_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n if_o therefore_o the_o lord_n while_o we_o do_v lie_v freeze_v in_o the_o dregs_n of_o our_o sin_n without_o all_o desire_n of_o grace_n or_o mean_n to_o escape_v our_o sin_n without_o all_o desire_n of_o grace_n or_o mean_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o our_o misery_n have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n if_o by_o the_o law_n he_o have_v reveal_v our_o sin_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o they_o and_o if_o by_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v show_v we_o the_o way_n how_o we_o may_v come_v out_o of_o this_o misery_n if_o by_o the_o inward_a cooperation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v open_v our_o deaf_a care_n and_o with_o this_o precious_a eyesalue_n have_v anoint_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n so_o that_o we_o have_v attentive_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v those_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_n religion_n which_o have_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o if_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v soften_v and_o pierce_v and_o our_o conscience_n wound_v with_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n if_o despair_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n then_o be_v we_o without_o all_o doubt_n effectual_o call_v and_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n do_v appertain_v §_o sect._n 5_o thereof_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v effectual_o call_v by_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n thereof_o second_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n by_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v our_o selection_n and_o separation_n out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o neither_o love_v it_o nor_o the_o world_n we_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n show_v joh._n 15.19_o if_o say_v he_o he_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o 2.15_o 1._o joh._n 2.15_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1._o joh._n 2.15_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n 4.4_o jam._n 4.4_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o world_n make_v himself_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o our_o love_n and_o affection_n be_v wean_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n from_o the_o world_n and_o fix_v on_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o we_o cease_v to_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o world_n 3.29_o phil._n 3.29_o and_o begin_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n even_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o hate_v and_o scorn_v we_o then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o world_n and_o entertain_v into_o god_n church_n and_o family_n §_o sect._n 6_o he_o satan_n tentation_n answer_v whereby_o he_o persuade_v the_o christian_n that_o he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n he_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o by_o this_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o effectual_o call_v nor_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n because_o we_o still_o love_v the_o world_n affect_v and_o desire_v the_o vain_a pleasure_n honour_v &_o riches_n thereof_o yea_o and_o also_o love_v those_o who_o be_v mere_a worldling_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o world_n also_o love_v we_o give_v we_o good_a countenance_n and_o perform_v other_o duty_n unto_o us._n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o suggestion_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o ourselves_o and_o ourselves_o for_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a enmity_n between_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o be_v there_o great_a amity_n between_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n so_o far_o forth_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v still_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a fle_v the_o world_n love_v we_o but_o as_o much_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o regenerate_v so_o much_o the_o world_n hate_v and_o abhor_v moreover_o we_o may_v general_o be_v consider_v as_o man_n or_o more_o special_o as_o we_o be_v christian_a man_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n the_o world_n that_o be_v wicked_a worldling_n may_v love_v we_o for_o some_o natural_a part_n or_o mere_a moral_a virtue_n or_o else_o in_o common_a humanity_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o civil_a or_o politic_a body_n but_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n who_o have_v give_v our_o name_n unto_o god_n &_o divote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n the_o world_n hate_v we_o and_o our_o profession_n religion_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n and_o exercise_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n so_o that_o though_o in_o other_o natural_a worldly_a and_o more_o civil_a respect_n
straggle_a soldier_n who_o depart_v from_o the_o army_n and_o range_v abroad_o to_o forage_v or_o get_v some_o booty_n be_v easy_o vanquish_v by_o their_o enemy_n so_o those_o who_o depart_v and_o make_v a_o apostasy_n from_o god_n church_n to_o gain_v or_o retain_v their_o pleasure_n and_o worldly_a preferment_n be_v easy_o overthrow_v fall_v into_o satan_n ambushment_n and_o second_o every_o one_o be_v to_o contain_v himself_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o special_a vocation_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o peculiar_a stand_v appoint_v he_o by_o god_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pernicious_a to_o a_o army_n than_o disorder_n when_o as_o some_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o other_o place_n as_o when_o the_o common_a soldier_n will_v be_v a_o officer_n the_o lieutenant_n captain_n and_o the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o army_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n militant_a than_o when_o disorderly_a one_o usurp_v another_o place_n and_o office_n as_o when_o the_o minister_n will_v be_v magistrate_n and_o the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o when_o the_o common_a people_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o they_o both_o second_o when_o as_o he_o bid_v we_o stand_v in_o our_o place_n he_o restrain_v we_o from_o two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o combat_n of_o temptation_n before_o we_o be_v assault_v and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v run_v out_o of_o our_o stand_n to_o seek_v a_o enemy_n and_o second_o that_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v we_o do_v not_o flee_v away_o but_o stand_v to_o it_o valiant_o and_o endure_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o assailant_n last_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o painful_a diligence_n for_o we_o must_v not_o drowsy_o and_o secure_o lay_v we_o down_o and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v nor_o yet_o sit_v idle_o as_o though_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o we_o be_v to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o watch_v continual_o that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n otherwise_o if_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n they_o will_v sudden_o set_v upon_o we_o and_o surprise_v we_o at_o unaware_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n and_o first_o of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n have_v take_v away_o all_o reckless_a security_n and_o foole-hardines_n and_o also_o strengthen_v we_o with_o true_a valour_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n verity_n of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o describe_v the_o armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v to_o buckle_v unto_o us._n where_o first_o we_o be_v general_o to_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o curious_o and_o scrupulous_o to_o search_v out_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n be_v liken_v to_o these_o or_o those_o piece_n of_o armour_n as_o for_o example_n why_o he_o call_v truth_n a_o girdle_n righteousness_n a_o breastplate_n faith_n a_o shield_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n purpose_v so_o exact_o to_o fit_v the_o similitude_n as_o may_v appear_v 1._o thess_n 5.8_o where_o he_o indifferent_o ascribe_v the_o name_n of_o breastplate_n both_o to_o faith_n and_o charity_n by_o which_o here_o he_o understand_v righteousness_n but_o only_o brief_o and_o general_o to_o show_v what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a wherewith_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o resist_v his_o spiritual_a enemy_n continue_v his_o former_a allegory_n take_v from_o war_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o armour_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n the_o word_n here_o use_v signify_v a_o broad_a stud_a belt_n use_v in_o war_n in_o ancient_a time_n wherewith_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o breastplate_n and_o that_o armour_n which_o defend_v the_o belly_n loin_n and_o thigh_n be_v cover_v and_o by_o this_o truth_n be_v resemble_v whereby_o some_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v other_o understand_v hereby_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n whereby_o we_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o religion_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n in_o simplicity_n without_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n but_o because_o both_o be_v notable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a armour_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o take_v it_o in_o both_o sense_n verity_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n see_v the_o apostle_n do_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o under_o these_o metaphorical_a word_n the_o chief_a virtue_n and_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n first_o therefore_o here_o be_v require_v truth_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o second_o that_o we_o profess_v it_o true_o that_o be_v with_o upright_o &_o simple_a heart_n §_o sect._n 2_o for_o the_o first_o truth_n that_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o god_n truth_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o all_o other_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v to_o be_v build_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o god_n truth_n but_o devise_v by_o man_n brain_n they_o be_v but_o humane_a dotage_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o accept_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o earnest_a and_o forward_a in_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v true_a and_o consonant_a to_o god_n word_n for_o as_o the_o fast_o that_o those_o travail_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o further_o they_o be_v from_o their_o journey_n end_n so_o the_o more_o earnest_a and_o forward_a that_o we_o be_v in_o travail_v the_o by-path_n of_o error_n the_o further_o we_o be_v from_o god_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o satan_n care_v not_o great_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n or_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n whether_o we_o worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o or_o a_o false_a god_n or_o at_o least_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n whether_o we_o perform_v no_o duty_n unto_o god_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o god_n truth_n be_v abominable_a unto_o he_o first_o then_o we_o must_v contain_v all_o our_o action_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n word_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v and_o practice_v it_o must_v have_v his_o ground_n and_o warrant_v from_o this_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v true_a member_n of_o god_n militant_a church_n 3.15_o 1._o tim_n 3.15_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.15_o because_o contemn_v all_o error_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n it_o faithful_o keep_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o as_o soldier_n be_v gird_v about_o with_o that_o strong_a and_o broad_a stud_a belt_n wherewith_o their_o loin_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o enable_v to_o sustain_v the_o fight_n without_o weariness_n so_o we_o be_v to_o compass_v ourselves_o about_o with_o truth_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v when_o as_o we_o know_v that_o we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a quarrel_n neither_o shall_v we_o easy_o be_v deceive_v with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o false_a suggestion_n if_o we_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n and_o hereby_o appear_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o armour_n for_o see_v satan_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o truth_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n thereof_o may_v discover_v and_o disperse_v all_o the_o foggy_a mist_n of_o satan_n error_n and_o lie_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o profess_v the_o truth_n heart_n that_o we_o must_v profess_v the_o truth_n in_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n without_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n for_o how_o glorious_a soever_o our_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v before_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o a_o upright_o heart_n but_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a whatsoever_o duty_n and_o good_a work_n we_o perform_v though_o never_o so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o join_v with_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o example_n prayer_n be_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o with_o feign_a and_o deceitful_a lip_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n 6._o
undoubted_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n delude_v we_o 25._o matth._n 25._o by_o persuade_v swade_v we_o that_o piety_n without_o honesty_n profession_n without_o practice_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a professor_n christian_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o sincere_a professor_n and_o first_o with_o the_o weak_a christian_n than_o he_o observe_v whether_o they_o be_v babe_n or_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o find_v they_o babe_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o abuse_v their_o simplicity_n by_o draw_v they_o either_o into_o error_n and_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o into_o blind_a zeal_n and_o superstition_n if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n do_v discover_v his_o error_n and_o lie_n give_v light_n to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n whereby_o their_o foot_n be_v guide_v into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n by_o aggravate_v the_o odiousnes_n of_o their_o rebellion_n and_o huge_a multitude_n of_o their_o outrageous_a transgression_n by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o his_o infinite_a and_o exact_a justice_n which_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o damn_a but_o if_o he_o can_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n which_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o make_v of_o they_o such_o a_o huge_a mountain_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o he_o add_v unto_o they_o his_o own_o sin_n by_o cast_v into_o their_o mind_n outrageous_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o such_o horrible_a suggestion_n of_o impiety_n as_o it_o will_v make_v their_o hair_n to_o stand_v on_o end_n when_o they_o do_v but_o think_v of_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o thought_n and_o therefore_o horrible_a sin_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o his_o suggestion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v repel_v and_o reject_v they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o tempter_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o fault_n if_o a_o thief_n entice_v we_o to_o steal_v so_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v his_o motion_n but_o show_v our_o detestation_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v if_o we_o present_o do_v repel_v the_o suggestion_n and_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o not_o free_a from_o satan_n suggestion_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o diffidence_n to_o tempt_a god_n yea_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o resist_v satan_n suggestion_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n who_o example_n if_o we_o imitate_v satan_n blasphemous_a temptation_n shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n although_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o god_n grace_n to_o resist_v they_o but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 7_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o can_v overthrow_v their_o faith_n &_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_n ignorance_n how_o satan_n entice_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n than_o he_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o simplicity_n by_o entice_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o example_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a nay_o expedient_a to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o tempt_v they_o to_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v more_o easy_o deceive_v they_o he_o will_v set_v a_o fair_a gloss_n upon_o foul_a sin_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v they_o by_o god_n word_n apparel_v vice_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o most_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v tempt_v to_o covetousness_n under_o show_n of_o frugality_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o provide_v not_o for_o their_o family_n be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n and_o to_o prodigality_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberality_n allege_v that_o they_o who_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o he_o will_v allure_v they_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o neglect_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v grant_v they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mean_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o careful_a providence_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o propound_v this_o end_n of_o their_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o they_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o or_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v which_o temptation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v labour_v after_o true_a save_a knowledge_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n truth_n and_o error_n that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o unlawful_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o lawful_a to_o this_o end_n use_v diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n which_o tend_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o the_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n be_v dispel_v with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n we_o may_v discover_v satan_n delusion_n and_o deceit_n otherwise_o if_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o may_v easy_o seduce_v we_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o weak_a christian_a but_o if_o he_o find_v those_o who_o he_o assault_v strong_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o can_v take_v any_o advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n christian_a how_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o strong_a christian_a nor_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wound_v their_o conscience_n by_o commit_v sin_n of_o presumption_n against_o their_o knowledge_n use_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mislead_v their_o judgement_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o temptation_n david_n well_o discern_v by_o his_o own_o woeful_a experience_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o and_o thus_o have_v satan_n prevail_v with_o so_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n that_o he_o dare_v therewith_o assault_v our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o by_o offer_v he_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o his_o affection_n tickle_v with_o ambition_n may_v move_v he_o to_o commit_v this_o sin_n for_o the_o satisfy_a his_o desire_n but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v 11.14_o 2._o cor._n 11.14_o he_o will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o less_o good_a that_o they_o may_v neglect_v a_o great_a or_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o command_v in_o his_o due_a time_n &_o place_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o unreasonable_o when_o as_o other_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a occasion_n be_v more_o necessary_a and_o so_o use_v one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n to_o shoulder_v another_o &_o thrust_v it_o disorderly_o out_o of_o it_o own_o place_n and_o stand_v for_o example_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n meditation_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v distract_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v without_o profit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o recall_v to_o their_o memory_n some_o profitable_a instruction_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o sermon_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v disturb_v they_o in_o that_o holy_a exercise_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n whole_o unto_o god_n moreover_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n he_o will_v allege_v scripture_n but_o then_o either_o he_o deprave_v the_o place_n by_o add_v or_o distract_n as_o when_o he_o allege_v scripture_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 4_o 6._o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o leave_v out_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o place_n he_o quote_v psal_n
time_n in_o all_o epicurism_n and_o fensuality_n §_o sect._n 9_o last_o thereof_o the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o accompany_v our_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o benefit_n which_o follow_v our_o persuasion_n thereof_o our_o doubt_v and_o distrust_v of_o god_n love_n do_v overthrow_v our_o patience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o god_n blaspheme_v he_o to_o his_o face_n it_o hinder_v all_o christian_a resolution_n in_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o suffer_v any_o thing_n patient_o for_o his_o sake_n of_o who_o love_n we_o be_v not_o assure_v it_o make_v the_o day_n of_o death_n horrible_a when_o as_o we_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o we_o shall_v render_v up_o our_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a father_n but_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o severe_a judge_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n then_o may_v we_o patient_o yea_o joyful_o suffer_v all_o affliction_n because_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o gentle_a trial_n and_o fatherly_a chastisement_n which_o our_o gracious_a god_n do_v inflict_v on_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a when_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v triumph_v with_o joy_n because_o we_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o misery_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o our_o sake_n 5.14_o act._n 5.14_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o depart_n approach_v we_o rejoice_v because_o we_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v dissolve_v 1.23_o phil._n 1.23_o and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n who_o so_o tender_o love_v us._n in_o a_o word_n come_v prosperity_n come_v adversity_n come_v affliction_n come_v persecution_n come_v fire_n come_v sword_n come_v life_n come_v death_n nothing_o can_v come_v amiss_o nothing_o can_v dismay_v or_o discourage_v we_o if_o we_o be_v once_o full_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n both_o because_o our_o love_n of_o god_n which_o by_o his_o love_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o will_v make_v the_o heavy_a and_o most_o tedious_a burden_n seem_v light_a and_o momentanie_n which_o it_o shall_v please_v our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o lay_v upon_o we_o 8.28_o rom._n 8.28_o and_o also_o because_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o misery_n affliction_n persecution_n yea_o death_n itself_o work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a unto_o they_o that_o love_n god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.28_o chap._n ii_o that_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 1_o seeing_n therefore_o that_o our_o doubt_v and_o distrust_v of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o be_v both_o injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o pernicious_a unto_o ourselves_o let_v we_o in_o no_o case_n admit_v of_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n hate_v us._n but_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o persuasion_n without_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n neither_o can_v we_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o ground_n and_o warrant_v out_o of_o god_n word_n whereupon_o we_o may_v cast_v our_o waver_a mind_n and_o confirm_v our_o faint_a faith_n against_o the_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o satan_n temptation_n therefore_o let_v we_o examine_v satan_n reason_n whereby_o he_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o weigh_v his_o objection_n in_o the_o scole_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n or_o substance_n or_o else_o but_o frauthie_a light_n and_o of_o no_o sound_a consequence_n unworthines_n answer_v to_o satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o unworthines_n first_o therefore_o whereas_o satan_n object_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n unworthy_a altogether_o of_o god_n love_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n that_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o therefore_o can_v nor_o will_v not_o love_v we_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o indeed_o we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o unworthy_a the_o least_o dram_n of_o god_n love_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o actual_a transgression_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o our_o own_o desert_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n not_o only_o to_o doubt_v but_o also_o utter_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n love_n towards_o us._n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o worthiness_n which_o be_v nothing_o worthiness_n god_n love_v not_o ground_v on_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n which_o be_v infinite_a as_o himself_o be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v distrust_v or_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n doubt_v of_o god_n love_n see_v it_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o from_o himself_o who_o be_v unchangeable_a the_o truth_n hereof_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v love_v we_o not_o for_o our_o excellency_n and_o worthiness_n but_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o love_a kindness_n so_o hos_n 14.5_o i_o will_v heal_v their_o rebellion_n 14.5_o hos_fw-la 14.5_o i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o that_o herein_o god_n love_n appear_v in_o that_o when_o we_o love_v not_o he_o he_o so_o dear_o love_v we_o 4.10_o 1._o joh._n 4.10_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1._o joh._n 4.10_o and_o paul_n say_v that_o hereby_o god_n set_v out_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n 5.8.10_o rom._n 5.8.10_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n god_n reconcile_v we_o unto_o himself_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 5.8.10_o if_o therefore_o the_o lord_n love_v we_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n unto_o he_o and_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o love_v we_o now_o be_v reconcile_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n and_o quicken_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n if_o when_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a he_o free_o show_v such_o exceed_a favour_n towards_o we_o how_o much_o more_o have_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o make_v we_o more_o worthy_a will_v he_o continue_v his_o love_n unto_o we_o if_o he_o have_v hitherto_o love_v we_o not_o for_o any_o desert_n of_o we_o but_o of_o his_o free_a mercy_n because_o he_o be_v love_v itself_o as_o john_n call_v he_o 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 4.8_o 1._o pet._n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 4.8_o and_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n as_o peter_n make_v he_o 1._o pet._n 5.10_o why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n see_v his_o love_n have_v not_o his_o ground_n upon_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v immutable_a and_o therefore_o who_o he_o once_o love_v he_o love_v they_o unto_o the_o end_n though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v miserable_a and_o wretched_a joh._n 13.1_o 13.1_o joh._n 13.1_o §_o sect._n 2_o but_o as_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o god_n have_v love_v we_o free_o from_o all_o eternity_n so_o also_o do_v they_o as_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n have_v manifest_v this_o love_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n free_o and_o without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o worthiness_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o several_a cause_n thereof_o 6._o god_n election_n not_o ground_v on_o our_o work_n and_o worthiness_n rom._n 11.5_o 6._o as_o first_o he_o have_v elect_v we_o of_o his_o own_o free_a love_n and_o good_a will_n and_o not_o for_o any_o of_o our_o desert_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o election_n not_o of_o virtue_n and_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n rom._n 11.5_o nay_o it_o be_v flat_o oppose_v to_o work_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v and_o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v of_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n or_o else_o be_v grace_n no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n it_o be_v no_o more_o grace_n or_o else_o be_v work_v no_o more_o work_n so_o that_o our_o election_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o worthiness_n but_o on_o god_n grace_n and_o goodwill_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v overthrow_v by_o our_o unworthiness_n so_o we_o whole_o rely_v upon_o god_n free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n covenant_n our_o worthiness_n be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o
xiiii_o satan_n temptation_n concern_v our_o redemption_n wherewith_o he_o move_v the_o worldling_n to_o presumption_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o our_o redemption_n be_v temptation_n the_o temptation_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o those_o temptation_n of_o satan_n which_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o great_a benefit_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o still_o in_o his_o captivity_n or_o to_o pull_v they_o back_o again_o when_o they_o be_v escape_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o lead_v to_o security_n and_o presumption_n the_o other_o to_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n for_o if_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o worldly_a man_n who_o be_v never_o true_o convert_v unto_o god_n he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o when_o he_o assault_v the_o true_a christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n then_o he_o move_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o despair_n either_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n or_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v the_o worldly_a man_n in_o his_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n he_o use_v two_o principal_a reason_n the_o first_o that_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v universal_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o the_o world_n out_o of_o which_o he_o frame_v this_o temptation_n christ_n have_v shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n and_o suffer_v death_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v redeem_v all_o mankind_n which_o be_v lose_v in_o adam_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o satan_n death_n and_o hell_n why_o therefore_o shall_v thou_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o fly_v sin_n with_o which_o thou_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v why_o do_v thou_o strive_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o wherefore_o shall_v thou_o take_v any_o great_a pain_n in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v so_o bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o thy_o taste_n and_o appetite_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v all_o man_n and_o not_o those_o only_o who_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o their_o way_n he_o come_v to_o redeem_v the_o whole_a world_n &_o give_v himself_o as_o a_o sufficient_a ransom_n for_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v his_o labour_n nor_o spill_v his_o blood_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v not_o willing_o let_v any_o perish_v who_o he_o have_v purchase_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n and_o redeem_v with_o so_o dear_a a_o price_n he_o be_v also_o so_o powerful_a that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n 10.28_o joh._n 10.28_o as_o himself_o affirm_v joh._n 10.28_o and_o so_o wise_a that_o he_o will_v not_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o those_o who_o he_o will_v not_o save_v and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o just_a will_v impute_v those_o sin_n unto_o thou_o for_o which_o christ_n have_v suffer_v inflict_v death_n on_o thou_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o require_v that_o debt_n again_o which_o be_v already_o discharge_v or_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v immutable_a shall_v show_v such_o inconstancy_n as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o those_o who_o he_o now_o will_v not_o save_v for_o if_o he_o will_v who_o can_v resist_v his_o will_n or_o withstand_v his_o power_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v redeem_v all_o sure_o he_o will_v save_v all_o and_o consequent_o thou_o among_o the_o rest_n though_o thou_o live_v as_o thou_o listen_v and_o follow_v the_o lust_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n can_v make_v his_o purpose_n void_a nor_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o redemption_n nay_o the_o more_o thy_o sin_n abound_v the_o more_o his_o grace_n will_v abound_v also_o §_o sect._n 2_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o universal_a redemption_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v a_o idle_a dream_n of_o man_n brain_n which_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o all_o truth_n neither_o have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n redeem_v any_o other_o than_o those_o who_o he_o effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o their_o redemption_n endu_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o last_o save_v if_o we_o respect_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n although_o indeed_o the_o price_n he_o give_v for_o our_o redemption_n be_v of_o sufficient_a value_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o because_o this_o doctrine_n have_v many_o enemy_n redemption_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n allege_v against_o universal_a redemption_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o propound_v it_o unless_o i_o prove_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o by_o strong_a reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o and_o by_o his_o death_n redeem_v those_o only_o who_o he_o endu_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n as_o they_o imagine_v matth._n 20.28_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o 26.28_o matth._n 20.2_o and_o 26.28_o and_o 26.28_o that_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o esa_n 53.11_o that_o christ_n shall_v justify_v many_o by_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n and_o by_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n justify_v all_o but_o many_o that_o be_v part_n of_o all_o luk._n 2.34_o simeon_n say_v 2.34_o luk._n 2.34_o that_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n decree_n for_o the_o fall_n and_o rise_v again_o of_o many_o that_o be_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o reprobate_n and_o the_o rise_n again_o of_o many_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o so_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10.15_o and_o therefore_o not_o for_o wolf_n and_o goat_n 15.14_o joh._n 10.15_o and_o 15.14_o for_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.14_o &_o therefore_o not_o for_o his_o wicked_a enemy_n for_o we_o that_o be_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a believer_n rom._n 8.32.33_o and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a unbeliever_n 1.21_o rom._n 8.32.33_o matth._n 1.21_o so_o matth._n 1.21_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n and_o not_o of_o aliens_n and_o stranger_n and_o to_o have_v give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n 5.25_o eph._n 5.25_o eph._n 5.25_o and_o not_o for_o those_o who_o have_v no_o fellowship_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v as_o john_n say_v for_o all_o god_n child_n jew_n and_o gentile_n 3.22.25.26_o joh._n 11.52_o rom._n 3.22.25.26_o joh._n 11.52_o and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o child_n of_o satan_n so_o that_o apostle_n rom._n 3.22_o say_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n impute_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n or_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n god_n and_o man_n be_v manifest_v upon_o all_o and_o unto_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o vers_fw-la 23._o that_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o reconciliation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o verse_n 26._o that_o he_o be_v the_o justifier_n of_o he_o which_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n where_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o justification_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o believer_n only_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o where_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o therefore_o not_o unto_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o rebellion_n not_o observe_v his_o will_n nor_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o by_o these_o place_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o faithful_a so_o also_o
fort_n we_o have_v bestow_v his_o rich_a treasure_n &_o therefore_o in_o his_o justice_n he_o send_v his_o sergeant_a death_n to_o arrest_v we_o and_o to_o cast_v we_o in_o the_o prison_n of_o utter_a darkness_n there_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o custody_n of_o sathan_n our_o most_o malicious_a jailer_n till_o we_o have_v full_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n which_o when_o we_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o perform_v it_o please_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a love_n towards_o we_o to_o become_v our_o surety_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o answer_v of_o our_o debt_n which_o he_o full_o discharge_v in_o as_o exact_v a_o manner_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n require_v for_o whereas_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n he_o perform_v it_o for_o we_o where_o as_o we_o for_o our_o disobedience_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n he_o be_v condemn_v for_o we_o and_o bear_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n a_o ignominious_a death_n whereas_o we_o deserve_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v keep_v prisoner_n in_o the_o grave_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o death_n he_o endure_v his_o father_n wrathful_a displeasure_n and_o himself_o be_v for_o a_o time_n hold_v captive_a of_o death_n in_o the_o grave_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n and_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o we_o owe_v christ_n discharge_v whatsoever_o we_o deserve_v he_o suffer_v if_o not_o in_o the_o self_n same_o punishment_n for_o he_o can_v not_o suffer_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n yet_o in_o proportion_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n give_v value_n unto_o his_o temporary_a punishment_n and_o make_v they_o of_o more_o value_n and_o worth_n then_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v suffer_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n see_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v full_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o father_n justice_n god_n can_v in_o equity_n exact_a of_o we_o a_o second_o payment_n no_o more_o than_o the_o creditor_n may_v just_o require_v that_o his_o debt_n shall_v be_v twice_o pay_v once_o of_o the_o surety_n and_o again_o of_o the_o principal_n neither_o now_o have_v god_n justice_n any_o thing_n to_o show_v against_o we_o for_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o hand_n write_v of_o ordinance_n which_o make_v against_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o bond_n whereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o god_n the_o father_n either_o to_o perform_v obedience_n or_o to_o undergo_v the_o penalty_n even_o everlasting_a death_n and_o condemnation_n be_v now_o cancel_v take_v away_o and_o fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v col._n 2.14_o so_o that_o now_o the_o lord_n can_v in_o his_o justice_n put_v we_o in_o suit_n nor_o recover_v any_o debt_n of_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o good_a and_o all_o sufficient_a surety_n have_v undertake_v the_o matter_n in_o our_o behalf_n discharge_v our_o debt_n to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n cancel_v the_o handwriting_n or_o bond_n in_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o by_o the_o law_n acquit_v we_o of_o all_o paimente_n which_o god_n justice_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n may_v require_v of_o us._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o merit_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o have_v our_o quietus_n est_fw-la and_o general_a acquittance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v pronounce_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o witness_n say_v this_o be_v may_v well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v that_o be_v in_o who_o i_o be_o delight_v &_o restful_o satisfy_v &_o well_o content_v mat._n 3.17_o chap._n xxxiiii_o of_o the_o three_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o three_o argument_n promise_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n whereby_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n &_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o all_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 1.7_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o apoc._n 1.7_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v be_v accomplish_v so_o that_o though_o the_o heaven_n decay_n and_o wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n though_o the_o sun_n lose_v his_o light_n and_o the_o moon_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n though_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n be_v move_v and_o shake_v yea_o though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v perish_v and_o pass_v away_o 1â—_n matth._n 5_o 1â—_n yet_o shall_v not_o one_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v most_o undoubted_o perform_v for_o he_o be_v jehova_n who_o have_v his_o essence_n and_o be_v in_o and_o from_o himself_o alone_o give_v be_v unto_o all_o thing_n else_o especial_o to_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n but_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o repentant_a sinner_n that_o he_o will_v in_o christ_n jesus_n pardon_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n true_o repent_v we_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a yet_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o but_o that_o the_o poor_a soul_n wound_v with_o sin_n and_o groan_v for_o weariness_n under_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n forgiveness_n that_o god_n regal_a stile_n assure_v we_o of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n may_v have_v some_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o rest_v when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v &_o some_o spiritual_a weapon_n whereby_o it_o may_v defend_v itself_o and_o beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n i_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o some_o among_o many_o of_o the_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n first_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n like_o a_o mighty_a monarch_n will_v set_v out_o his_o own_o stile_n as_o it_o be_v in_o fair_a text_n letter_n to_o be_v read_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n he_o thus_o proclaym_v it_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n 7._o reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sinner_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o stile_n consist_v of_o his_o mercy_n gratiousnes_n long_o suffer_v goodness_n &_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n as_o therefore_o we_o can_v offer_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o a_o mighty_a prince_n then_o to_o deny_v or_o call_v into_o question_n any_o part_n of_o his_o title_n or_o regal_a stile_n so_o we_o can_v more_o dishonour_v the_o prince_n of_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a king_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n then_o by_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v any_o of_o these_o his_o title_n which_o in_o his_o own_o stile_n he_o have_v attribute_v unto_o himself_o see_v then_o he_o profess_v and_o proclaym_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a merciful_a long_a suffering_n god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o forgive_v repentant_a sinner_n when_o they_o implore_v his_o mercy_n let_v we_o not_o offer_v god_n that_o disgrace_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o glorious_a title_n nor_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v grant_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o moreover_o this_o be_v one_o main_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n sin_n that_o god_n â—ovenant_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n namely_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o jer._n 31.34_o the_o counterpane_n of_o which_o covenant_n we_o have_v heb._n 10.16.17_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o on_o our_o part_n perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n