god_n the_o father_n move_v by_o nothing_o but_o his_o free_a love_n to_o mankind_n lose_v have_v make_v a_o deed_n of_o gift_n and_o grant_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o of_o all_o mankind_n shall_v receive_v this_o gift_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n express_o say_v 1._o joh._n 5._o 11._o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n meaning_n that_o this_o it_o be_v which_o god_n have_v witness_v for_o we_o to_o believe_v which_o he_o that_o do_v not_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o shall_v most_o just_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o true_a faith_n to_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o god_n send_v this_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v make_v grant_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n so_o that_o if_o he_o accept_v this_o grant_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o in_o school_n be_v call_v historical_a because_o it_o go_v no_o further_a than_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o story_n of_o that_o which_o god_n speak_v to_o be_v true_a which_o one_o may_v believe_v for_o another_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v true_a justify_n faith_n and_o this_o may_v be_v in_o those_o that_o know_v they_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n yet_o refuse_v to_o come_v so_o that_o though_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o true_a justify_n faith_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a therefore_o in_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v require_v another_o and_o more_o special_a work_n namely_o to_o receive_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o second_o general_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o justify_n faith_n namely_o that_o beside_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n gospel_n the_o second_o special_a work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o receive_v christ_n offer_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o give_v consent_n with_o our_o heart_n and_o will_n and_o so_o willing_o and_o glad_o accept_v god_n gift_n of_o christ_n whereby_o indeed_o he_o be_v become_v we_o and_o we_o his_o and_o so_o we_o in_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 3_o 2._o pet._n 1._o 3_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v where_o i_o will_v have_v this_o special_o to_o be_v mark_v that_o he_o say_v this_o be_v by_o the_o knowledge_n or_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v by_o true_a faith_n whereby_o we_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v we_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o observe_v for_o that_o i_o see_v some_o honest_o mind_v herein_o beguile_v to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o thus_o actual_o believe_v and_o thereby_o apprehend_v christ_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o some_o weak_a in_o faith_n may_v fear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o apprehend_v christ_n when_o in_o deed_n they_o have_v apprehend_v he_o though_o they_o feel_v it_o not_o who_o may_v be_v discern_v partly_o by_o their_o heaviness_n for_o want_v of_o sense_n of_o faith_n but_o especial_o by_o their_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n show_v manifold_a way_n whereof_o we_o shall_v here_o more_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o he_o who_o never_o apprehend_v christ_n by_o believe_v shall_v ordinary_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v see_v sure_o i_o be_o the_o scripture_n constant_o speak_v otherwise_o as_o john_n 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o 26._o gal._n 3_o 26._o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n 20._o gal._n 2._o 20._o and_o to_o like_o effect_n often_o that_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n 17._o eph._n 3._o 17._o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_o many_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n our_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o all_o find_v divine_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a acceptation_n of_o christ_n proclaim_v in_o the_o gospel_n get_v how_o faith_n be_v get_v now_o follow_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o this_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o increase_v that_o so_o we_o may_v live_v by_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v these_o two_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v 1._o first_o point_n 2._o point_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 1._o 1._o 2._o second_o 2._o 2._o how_o faithi_v hereon_o build_v but_o before_o this_o block_n at_o which_o so_o many_o stumble_v be_v to_o be_v remoove_v that_o we_o yet_o speak_v not_o how_o a_o man_n that_o have_v faith_n may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o whereof_o more_o in_o his_o place_n but_o how_o one_o that_o indeed_o have_v not_o apprehend_v christ_n by_o faith_n may_v attain_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o here_o only_o we_o seek_v the_o cause_n which_o beget_v this_o faith_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n which_o only_o prove_v we_o have_v it_o many_o not_o discern_v this_o difference_n do_v much_o mistake_v differ_v cause_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n differ_v and_o be_v ask_v what_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v they_o say_v because_o they_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o change_v their_o course_n of_o life_n which_o if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sound_a proof_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o believe_v by_o which_o mistake_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o person_n build_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o life_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o change_n can_v never_o have_v sound_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n but_o a_o stagger_a &_o unconstant_a opinion_n at_o the_o best_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o look_v for_o a_o more_o sure_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n which_o must_v stand_v against_o so_o many_o and_o mighty_a storm_n wherewith_o it_o be_v so_o usual_o assault_v the_o only_a firm_a ground_n of_o this_o save_a faith_n be_v god_n truth_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n why_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o faith_n be_v god_n truth_n reason_n why_o as_o be_v plain_o teach_v rom._n 10._o 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ephesian_n 1._o 13._o that_o they_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n believe_v which_o be_v as_o manifest_v to_o reason_n in_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n which_o can_v testify_v to_o we_o such_o good_a will_n in_o god_n to_o save_v we_o but_o we_o must_v have_v god_n own_o word_n to_o witness_v this_o unto_o we_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o incredible_a that_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o can_v abide_v any_o iniquity_n 2._o heb._n 2._o 2._o but_o will_v certain_o give_v to_o every_o sin_n his_o due_a punishment_n yet_o of_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n have_v give_v and_o grant_v to_o poor_a sinner_n eternal_a life_n therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n so_o often_o and_o so_o evident_o speak_v no_o less_o that_o he_o may_v thereby_o move_v we_o to_o believe_v as_o 1._o joh._n 5._o 11._o express_o affirm_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n for_o our_o further_a confirmation_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 7._o that_o this_o be_v witness_v both_o by_o three_o witness_n in_o heaven_n the_o first_o the_o father_n the_o second_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n the_o three_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o three_o be_v one_o divine_a nature_n and_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o also_o by_o three_o witness_n on_o earth_n all_o which_o be_v in_o every_o true_a believer_n and_o none_o else_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n the_o second_o the_o water_n the_o three_o the_o blood_n which_o agree_v in_o one_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n whereby_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o first_o
in_o all_o his_o promise_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a then_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n to_o distrust_n and_o fear_n god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v we_o fear_v we_o shall_v perish_v we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o proof_n hereof_o which_o be_v so_o record_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v otherwise_o high_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o himself_o may_v see_v too_o much_o of_o this_o in_o himself_o how_o ready_a we_o be_v to_o call_v into_o question_n god_n truth_n when_o god_n defer_v the_o help_n we_o look_v for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o other_o and_o to_o see_v this_o in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n from_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o misery_n who_o know_v and_o desire_n christ_n yea_o more_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o in_o general_a believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n that_o christ_n bid_v all_o that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n i_o say_v that_o so_o few_o of_o these_o do_v so_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n word_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o rest_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n i_o know_v no_o better_o answer_v then_o this_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o ourselves_o we_o can_v believe_v god_n will_v perform_v his_o word_n to_o we_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o will_v be_v object_v by_o our_o unbelieve_a heart_n why_o we_o may_v not_o believe_v against_o all_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o buckler_n to_o hold_v out_o but_o god_n truth_n 5._o psal_n 31._o 5._o as_o psal_n 91._o 4._o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v lie_v nor_o deceive_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n 14._o reu._n 3._o 14._o christ_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 17._o joh._n 14._o 17._o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 13._o ephe._n 1._o 13._o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o when_o our_o faithless_a heart_n shall_v stagger_v and_o doubt_v whether_o that_o shall_v be_v which_o god_n have_v speak_v we_o may_v stay_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o immovable_a rock_n god_n be_v faithful_a 19_o 1_o cor._n 19_o as_o often_o it_o be_v repeat_v to_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n this_o then_o remain_v for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n that_o so_o oft_o as_o doubt_n arise_v concern_v his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n whether_o god_n so_o love_v he_o that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o he_o believe_v may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n he_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v he_o but_o this_o that_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v say_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v he_o wherein_o the_o more_o to_o move_v he_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v before_o he_o both_o what_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v no_o less_o then_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 10._o 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_o speak_v 18._o joh._n 3._o 18._o and_o also_o what_o fearful_a punishment_n it_o procure_v even_o a_o certain_a and_o remediless_a condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o denounce_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n be_v true_a faith_n both_o first_o beget_v and_o afterward_o increase_v in_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o i_o have_v more_o full_o lay_v open_a not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a matter_n to_o be_v regard_v concern_v true_a save_v faith_n namely_o how_o he_o that_o have_v it_o not_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o but_o also_o for_o that_o it_o be_v if_o not_o the_o least_o know_v and_o labour_v for_o vain_a many_o seek_v for_o mark_n of_o faith_n in_o vain_a yet_o least_o attain_v unto_o for_o i_o have_v observe_v many_o very_a inquisitive_a for_o some_o mark_n of_o faith_n who_o never_o so_o much_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v draw_v they_o effectual_o to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o now_o to_o end_v this_o point_n concern_v the_o right_a and_o orderly_a way_n whereby_o a_o unbeliever_n be_v bring_v to_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n my_o advice_n be_v to_o all_o that_o find_v their_o faith_n weak_a and_o consequent_o their_o life_n much_o out_o of_o frame_n that_o first_o they_o take_v good_a heed_n whereupon_o they_o build_v their_o faith_n truth_n build_v faith_n only_o on_o god_n truth_n and_o that_o only_a upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o never_o change_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n and_o not_o upon_o their_o own_o change_n which_o oft_o be_v deceitful_a and_o at_o best_a variable_a and_o indeed_o be_v only_o a_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v make_v any_o cause_n thereof_o thus_o have_v we_o see_v both_o what_o this_o faith_n be_v whereby_o the_o just_a do_v live_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v attain_v now_o lest_o any_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a that_o any_o man_n may_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n use_v these_o mean_n attain_v to_o faith_n i_o think_v meet_v to_o add_v this_o that_o although_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o commandment_n to_o all_o to_o who_o he_o send_v his_o gospel_n spirit_n faith_n be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n but_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v &_o receive_v christ_n offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o shall_v be_v their_o condemnation_n who_o do_v not_o thus_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o all_o respect_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o adam_n fall_n that_o not_o one_o soul_n have_v either_o will_n or_o power_n to_o receive_v this_o grace_n in_o christ_n offer_v unto_o he_o 32._o rom._n 11._o 32._o for_o god_n have_v shut_v up_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o 48._o act._n 13._o 48._o and_o so_o many_o believe_v as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n 8._o eph._n 2._o 8._o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 44._o joh._n 6._o 44._o and_o none_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o which_o be_v wise_o dispose_v by_o god_n that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o glory_n in_o himself_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o beside_o this_o common_a favour_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n tender_v to_o all_o in_o the_o gospel_n yea_o &_o beside_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o many_o receive_v who_o never_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n as_o knowledge_n both_o of_o man_n misery_n &_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o sorrow_n for_o the_o one_o and_o desire_v of_o the_o other_o with_o such_o other_o beside_o these_o i_o say_v god_n do_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v who_o do_v inward_o draw_v and_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o believe_v god_n free_a and_o gracious_a promise_n and_o so_o thankful_o to_o accept_v christ_n offer_v unto_o they_o whereby_o indeed_o they_o be_v true_o make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o thereby_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o shall_v be_v full_o and_o everlasting_o glorify_v and_o thus_o be_v a_o poor_a sinner_n by_o faith_n make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n now_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o our_o principal_a intention_n to_o show_v how_o this_o justify_v man_n may_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o show_v how_o this_o may_v be_v know_v of_o any_o faith_n how_o it_o be_v know_v a_o man_n have_v this_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v this_o true_a faith_n and_o how_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o this_o certain_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n in_o any_o man_n that_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n rise_v joint_o from_o the_o cause_n &_o effect_n thereof_o &_o not_o from_o either_o apart_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v under_o the_o cause_n i_o comprehend_v all_o that_o work_n of_o god_n faith_n cause_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o work_v faith_n in_o any_o which_o stand_v especial_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o
that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n first_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n true_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n misery_n and_o of_o his_o full_a recovery_n by_o christ_n 2._o second_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n he_o work_v in_o his_o heart_n both_o such_o sound_a sorrow_n for_o his_o misery_n and_o fervent_a desire_n after_o christ_n the_o remedy_n that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v at_o quiet_a till_o he_o enjoy_v christ_n 3._o three_o god_n so_o manife_v his_o love_n in_o free_o offer_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o he_o a_o poor_a sinner_n that_o thereby_o he_o draw_v he_o so_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o god_n therein_o that_o he_o glad_o accept_v christ_n offer_v unto_o he_o these_o three_o work_n of_o god_n whosoever_o find_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o himself_o he_o may_v thereby_o know_v certain_o he_o have_v faith_n but_o without_o these_o what_o change_n of_o life_n soever_o may_v be_v conceive_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o again_o advise_v that_o this_o be_v first_o and_o especial_o look_v unto_o for_o our_o comfort_n wherein_o that_o none_o be_v deceive_v with_o show_n of_o these_o in_o stead_n of_o substance_n i_o take_v these_o to_o be_v true_a note_n of_o soundness_n for_o the_o first_o of_o enlighten_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n for_o the_o second_o of_o sorrow_n see_v the_o cause_n still_o remain_v sorrow_n trial_o of_o sorrow_n nametie_a corruption_n and_o affliction_n therefore_o this_o sorrow_n must_v continue_v to_o our_o life_n end_n though_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n now_o mingle_v with_o comfort_n whereas_o the_o former_a before_o faith_n can_v have_v none_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o sorrow_n that_o quite_o dry_v up_o be_v never_o sound_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o many_o who_o be_v once_o deep_o afflict_v and_o in_o great_a heaviness_n for_o their_o miserable_a estate_n afterward_o come_v to_o some_o comfort_n be_v grow_v so_o secure_a and_o senseless_a that_o have_v no_o true_a grief_n or_o remorse_n for_o their_o daily_a corruption_n content_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v once_o cast_v down_o who_o life_n as_o they_o be_v â—â—ule_n and_o full_a of_o blotte_n so_o their_o end_n be_v oft_o fearful_a either_o senseless_a or_o uncomfortable_a so_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n in_o any_o part_n again_o desire_n trial_o of_o our_o desire_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o desire_n after_o christ_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sudden_a flash_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o soundness_n that_o the_o more_o we_o taste_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o covet_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n exhort_v all_o that_o be_v new_o bear_v 2_o â—_o pet._n 2._o 1_o 2_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v taste_v how_o sweet_a the_o lord_n be_v 6._o mat._n 5_o 6._o &_o this_o be_v that_o holy_a hunger_n after_o righteousness_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n promise_v blessedness_n which_o many_o mistake_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n as_o go_v before_o all_o faith_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v hereof_o why_o all_o true_a believer_n shall_v more_v and_o more_o thus_o hunger_n after_o christ_n for_o that_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o receive_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n only_o and_o we_o have_v but_o a_o earnest_a penny_n of_o that_o fullness_n we_o shall_v have_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v but_o still_o desire_v more_o last_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o three_o work_n of_o god_n faith_n trial_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o work_v faith_n that_o any_o may_v know_v god_n have_v wrought_v this_o in_o he_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n wherein_o many_o be_v deceive_v i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v most_o infallible_a in_o the_o weak_a of_o those_o who_o may_v know_v they_o believe_v that_o though_o in_o temptation_n they_o be_v drive_v from_o their_o hold_n yet_o afterward_o they_o return_v unto_o their_o rest_n and_o find_v god_n holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o yet_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n because_o of_o his_o word_n which_o though_o it_o be_v weak_a yet_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o not_o that_o waver_a which_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v lay_v open_a by_o a_o plain_a comparison_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n in_o a_o pair_n of_o gold_n weight_v when_o they_o be_v empty_a either_o balance_n will_v hang_v waver_v and_o not_o rest_n on_o either_o side_n but_o if_o a_o grain_n be_v put_v into_o one_o above_o the_o other_o it_o will_v weigh_v it_o down_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o wind_n or_o a_o little_a jog_v may_v lift_v it_o up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v let_v alone_o the_o grain_n will_v weigh_v it_o down_o and_o so_o hold_v it_o so_o be_v it_o between_o weak_a faith_n and_o waver_a when_o there_o be_v any_o credit_n give_v and_o so_o any_o rest_n on_o god_n word_n after_o temptation_n there_o be_v true_a faith_n but_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o hang_n in_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n that_o be_v waver_v 7._o james_n 1._o 7._o which_o can_v look_v to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v thus_o by_o the_o cause_n be_v every_o one_o to_o try_v himself_o whether_o true_a faith_n have_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o more_o certain_a proof_n though_o not_o so_o easy_o see_v now_o follow_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n effect_n proof_n from_o effect_n which_o be_v more_o manifest_a but_o not_o so_o certain_a unless_o it_o be_v also_o as_o manifest_v that_o they_o come_v from_o faith_n to_o make_v this_o plain_a to_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o write_v these_o that_o be_v weak_a believer_n the_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n be_v joy_n and_o love_n joy_v in_o the_o benefit_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v they_o in_o he_o or_o no._n but_o if_o any_o man_n can_v say_v he_o have_v joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o love_v god_n for_o it_o to_o say_v nothing_o yet_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o these_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v faith_n than_o fruit_n grow_v on_o one_o tree_n can_v prove_v another_o tree_n to_o be_v good_a for_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o both_o these_o and_o many_o other_o suppose_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o less_o but_o be_v bastard_n fruit_n and_o mere_a natural_a affection_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n not_o regenerate_v but_o only_o enlighten_v and_o wrought_v by_o such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o may_v be_v in_o a_o reprobate_n and_o therefore_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o change_n of_o life_n can_v be_v proof_n of_o faith_n further_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o come_v from_o faith_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o deceive_v many_o who_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o these_o whereas_o true_a fruit_n grow_v from_o faith_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o spirit_n trial_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o though_o they_o be_v many_o yet_o may_v be_v all_o contain_v under_o this_o one_o of_o receive_v the_o spirit_n not_o as_o a_o stranger_n to_o do_v some_o work_n and_o so_o to_o depart_v 19_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o but_o as_o a_o inhabitant_n to_o dwell_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o 27_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 27_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o unseparable_a mark_n of_o true_a receive_n christ_n which_o be_v only_o by_o faith_n this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o john_n 1._o 1_o joâ—_a 4._o 1._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o like_a effect_n in_o the_o galathian_o and_o because_o you_o be_v son_n 6._o gal._n 4._o 6._o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n 2._o gal._n 3._o 2._o cry_v abba_n father_n again_o in_o galathian_n 3._o 2._o which_o be_v as_o manifest_v by_o all_o experience_n when_o god_n vouchsafe_v effectual_o to_o call_v any_o to_o embrace_v christ_n he_o send_v immediate_o upon_o they_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o at_o first_o be_v in_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o in_o the_o act_n 44_o act_n 10._o 44_o but_o afterward_o in_o ordinary_a manner_n 13._o eph._n 1._o 13._o as_o in_o the_o ephesian_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o after_o they_o believe_v be_v sâ—aled_v with_o that_o
we_o shall_v see_v there_o be_v general_a promise_n which_o all_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o better_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n prayer_n mean_n of_o application_n by_o meditation_n &_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v so_o apply_v god_n promise_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o have_v our_o faith_n increase_v and_o we_o live_v thereby_o we_o be_v to_o use_v meditation_n &_o prayer_n and_o that_o not_o slight_o in_o common_a manner_n or_o seldom_o but_o often_o and_o earnest_o with_o wisdom_n and_o conscience_n and_o all_o little_a enough_o so_o to_o keep_v our_o faith_n alive_a that_o it_o alone_o may_v uphold_v we_o meditation_n meditation_n when_o nothing_o else_o can_v under_o this_o meditation_n i_o contain_v such_o a_o consideration_n of_o god_n promise_n as_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o see_v what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v what_o a_o fatherly_a care_n of_o our_o welfare_n he_o have_v and_o not_o only_o how_o able_a but_o how_o willing_a also_o he_o be_v to_o help_v us._n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v dismay_v first_o by_o our_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o god_n favour_n be_v free_a procure_v by_o none_o but_o that_o he_o show_v mercy_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n which_o be_v oft_o so_o say_v and_o always_o understand_v or_o second_o for_o that_o some_o of_o those_o his_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o certain_a special_a man_n as_o abraham_n david_n raul_n &_o the_o like_a &_o not_o belong_v to_o we_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n not_o in_o any_o special_a or_o proper_a respect_n only_o concern_v such_o a_o person_n and_o for_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isacke_n shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v 12._o gen._n 21._o 12._o and_o many_o other_o like_o promise_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o only_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v but_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v though_o particular_o to_o one_o yet_o in_o no_o special_a respect_n but_o as_o a_o common_a favour_n belong_v to_o all_o god_n child_n that_o promise_v every_o child_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v to_o himself_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o god_n to_o he_o in_o particular_a a_o evident_a proof_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o joshua_n 5._o josua_n 1._o 5._o that_o god_n will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebre_n 〈◊〉_d 13_o 5._o be_v bold_a to_o apply_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v exhort_v they_o that_o their_o conversation_n be_v without_o covetousness_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o reason_n see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o where_o we_o see_v he_o appli_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o promise_n which_o be_v particular_o make_v to_o josua_n so_o be_v we_o to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a wherein_o we_o see_v no_o special_a limitation_n that_o it_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o for_o further_o warrant_v hereof_o this_o may_v serve_v that_o the_o apostle_n 〈…〉_o 4_o rom._n 15._o 4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o more_o special_o see_v all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n 20._o 2._o cor._n â—_o 20._o that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o set_v out_o in_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v and_o bestow_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a manner_n bezâ—_n bezâ—_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n well_o expound_v this_o place_n so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v christ_n have_v a_o interest_n and_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o to_o come_v 8_o 1._o tim._n 4._o 8_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o daughter_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v be_v without_o faith_n more_o than_o a_o child_n without_o a_o mother_n therefore_o every_o faithful_a soul_n who_o can_v but_o be_v godly_a may_v assure_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a heir_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o child_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o far_o may_v bold_o apply_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o as_o if_o they_o be_v personal_o make_v to_o he_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o every_o one_o his_o own_o person_n now_o for_o the_o second_o how_o to_o apply_v they_o yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n whatsoever_o promise_n 2._o how_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n see_v the_o lord_n have_v yield_v so_o much_o to_o our_o weakness_n as_o not_o only_o in_o general_a to_o make_v out_o his_o promise_n to_o all_o his_o child_n but_o to_o descend_v particular_o to_o our_o several_a estate_n and_o necessity_n bodily_a and_o spiritual_a that_o in_o what_o condition_n soever_o we_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o work_n of_o his_o we_o shall_v undertake_v he_o have_v make_v promise_n to_o his_o child_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o succour_v and_o support_v they_o 11._o psal_n 91._o 15_o 10_o 84._o 11._o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v hurt_v they_o no_o good_a thing_n shall_v be_v want_v 28._o rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o whatsoever_o do_v come_v shall_v be_v for_o their_o good_a see_v god_n i_o say_v do_v oft_o more_o special_o entail_v his_o promise_n that_o be_v bequeath_v they_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n as_o to_o the_o humble_a to_o the_o meek_a to_o the_o hungry_a to_o the_o afflict_a to_o the_o fatherless_a widow_n and_o the_o like_o many_o and_o so_o likewise_o to_o our_o prayer_n hear_v of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a exercise_n yea_o to_o all_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o his_o commandment_n this_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o be_v our_o duty_n more_o special_o to_o weigh_v how_o these_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o find_v ourselves_o so_o qualify_v and_o in_o such_o condition_n as_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o we_o may_v then_o much_o more_o confident_o apply_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o in_o such_o estate_n that_o so_o we_o may_v more_o comfortable_o believe_v and_o look_v for_o his_o help_n al-sufficient_a and_o in_o due_a season_n which_o what_o quiet_a it_o will_v bring_v to_o any_o in_o distress_n can_v be_v hide_v or_o doubt_v of_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o application_n of_o god_n promise_n by_o this_o meditate_v &_o wise_a consider_v of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o use_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o regard_n of_o our_o great_a frailty_n who_o be_v not_o only_o blind_a not_o able_a to_o search_v and_o see_v these_o promise_n and_o forgetful_a as_o the_o hebre_fw-la wes_z chap._n 12._o 5._o of_o who_o he_o say_v they_o have_v forget_v the_o consolation_n but_o we_o be_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n whereof_o luke_o 24._o 25._o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v to_o us._n neither_o indeed_o can_v we_o believe_v first_o or_o last_o more_o than_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n shall_v work_v in_o we_o as_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n be_v to_o be_v see_v how_o exceed_v full_a of_o doubt_n we_o be_v when_o we_o can_v see_v no_o mean_n to_o put_v we_o its_o hope_n of_o help_n prayer_n 2._o mean_n of_o apply_v the_o promise_n be_v prayer_n but_o do_v pitiful_o sink_v down_o in_o despair_n in_o regard_v whereof_o our_o only_a refuge_n be_v to_o fly_v to_o god_n and_o to_o ply_v he_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n both_o reveal_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v those_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o people_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o likewise_o give_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n right_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o fit_o to_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o every_o estate_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o yea_o and_o about_o all_o to_o move_v our_o heart_n so_o to_o believe_v they_o that_o we_o may_v thereupon_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o all_o needful_a help_n in_o due_a time_n seee_v god_n al-sufficient_a and_o faithful_a have_v promise_v it_o and_o so_o with_o comfort_n and_o patience_n wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o which_o see_v it_o be_v so_o weak_o attain_v even_o by_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v some_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n as_o every_o one_o that_o will_v well_o weigh_v his_o own_o practice_n may_v easy_o see_v it_o show_v full_a well_o that_o this_o duty_n be_v
the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v est_fw-la repeat_v 〈◊〉_d cor._n p._n 9_o and_o 10._o 〈…〉_o that_o we_o may_v have_v it_o in_o better_a remembrance_n and_o use_n and_o for_o confirmation_n hereof_o 19_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 19_o it_o be_v say_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n 〈…〉_o ground_v upon_o this_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o 〈◊〉_d his_o mean_v that_o they_o who_o god_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v choose_v &_o ordain_v to_o be_v save_v can_v possible_o perish_v as_o it_o be_v say_v mat._n 24._o 24._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a intend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o than_o shall_v god_n be_v either_o mâ—table_a to_o change_v his_o decree_n or_o not_o almighty_a as_o not_o able_a to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o do_v purpose_n both_o which_o be_v most_o blasphemous_a to_o think_v of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n christ_n do_v bid_v his_o disciple_n rejoice_v that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 10._o 20._o yea_o more_o in_o the_o same_o place_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 19_o be_v say_v that_o this_o foundation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o the_o elect_n have_v a_o seal_n which_o be_v after_o express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v every_o one_o 〈…〉_o of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n which_o i_o conceive_v the_o same_o which_o be_v say_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o that_o they_o after_o they_o believe_v more_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o both_o this_o be_v meanâ—_n that_o the_o work_n of_o true_a sanctification_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o unfallible_a mark_n that_o we_o be_v true_a believer_n effectual_o call_v and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v perish_v but_o shall_v persevere_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v notable_o set_v down_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 21._o 22._o now_o he_o which_o establish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v us._n be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o as_o true_a deal_n man_n do_v make_v sure_a their_o grant_n and_o covenant_n by_o seal_n and_o give_v of_o some_o earnest_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o prize_n covenant_v do_v assure_v the_o whole_a payment_n so_o do_v the_o most_o faithful_a god_n by_o these_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n assure_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n but_o shall_v be_v full_o sanctify_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o apostle_n peter_n 2._o 1._o 10._o by_o this_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o yet_o more_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v save_v how_o often_o do_v the_o lord_n pass_v his_o word_n unto_o we_o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v abide_v in_o we_o for_o ever_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n esa_n 59_o 21._o as_o for_o i_o this_o my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n 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 by_o this_o do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n much_o labour_n to_o comfort_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n to_o hear_v of_o his_o leave_v they_o 16._o joh._n 14._o 16._o and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o 17_o 17_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o for_o he_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o so_o again_o joh._n 15._o 16._o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v joh._n â—6_n 22._o your_o joy_n shall_v no_o man_n take_v may_v and_o more_o to_o like_a effect_n as_o john_n 10._o 28._o 29._o i_o give_v they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v etc._n etc._n so_o the_o belove_a apostle_n john_n write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o this_o end_n especial_o to_o confirm_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o as_o many_o hypocrite_n than_o do_v and_o daily_o do_v to_o this_o end_n as_o he_o set_v down_o sundry_a mark_n whereby_o they_o may_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o give_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n that_o they_o shall_v continue_v 24._o 1_o joh_n 2._o 24._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o more_o special_o vers_n 27._o 17._o 17._o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o have_v teach_v you_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o he_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 2._o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v verse_n 9_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o much_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n &_o the_o rest_n i_o nâ—ed_v not_o rehearse_v all_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o point_n a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n express_v 5_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o say_v that_o their_o inheritance_n be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o like_o effect_v the_o apostle_n jude_n close_v his_o epistle_n with_o these_o word_n now_o to_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o preserve_v you_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n thus_o have_v i_o gather_v you_o may_v see_v good_a store_n application_n application_n yet_o not_o all_o of_o those_o comfortable_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n that_o see_v he_o have_v free_o love_v they_o choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o be_v his_o therefore_o none_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n what_o remain_v then_o for_o we_o who_o be_v compass_v with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o testimony_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o but_o to_o be_v persuade_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 38_o 39_o that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n let_v we_o then_o whensoever_o we_o fall_v into_o this_o temptation_n oh_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o i_o find_v my_o corruption_n so_o strong_a or_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o any_o such_o fiery_a trial_n as_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v they_o but_o shall_v as_o many_o than_o do_v for_o fear_n fall_v away_o and_o deny_v the_o truth_n let_v we_o i_o say_v against_o this_o tentation_n set_v the_o many_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v â—s_n 5._o heb._n 13._o 5._o yea_o more_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v by_o his_o power_n unto_o salvation_n that_o hell_n gate_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o 18._o mat._n 15._o 18._o with_o many_o the_o like_a whereof_o before_o that_o due_o weigh_v these_o and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v they_o we_o may_v comfort_v our_o heart_n that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v the_o
be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n now_o by_o this_o all_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n all_o that_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o so_o apply_v his_o sacrifice_n to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o their_o obedience_n please_v to_o god_n in_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o draw_v any_o that_o hear_v and_o conceive_v this_o to_o cast_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o christ_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o god_n favour_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o only_o in_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o scripture_n which_o in_o general_a set_v out_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n to_o we_o but_o if_o they_o be_v well_o mark_v it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v contain_v under_o these_o as_o for_o example_n where_o christ_n compare_v himself_o to_o a_o vine_n 1._o joh._n 15._o 1._o to_o teach_v that_o as_o the_o branch_n have_v his_o whole_a life_n from_o the_o stock_n so_o we_o have_v all_o our_o life_n from_o he_o so_o do_v he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n 35._o joh._n 6._o 35._o that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n 14._o joh._n 1._o 14._o again_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n 32._o rom._n 8._o 32._o but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o 3._o esa_n 55._o 3._o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n again_o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n 34._o act._n 13._o 34._o that_o be_v all_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o david_n in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o use_v use_v we_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o give_v we_o in_o one_o view_n a_o sight_n of_o all_o that_o good_a which_o christ_n have_v bring_v we_o that_o hereby_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v hereof_o may_v both_o wonder_n at_o god_n unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o provide_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a blessing_n in_o christ_n for_o we_o his_o enemy_n and_o hereby_o also_o be_v draw_v to_o labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v set_v out_o some_o of_o the_o general_a promise_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o how_o we_o be_v to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n by_o they_o only_o this_o i_o will_v add_v concern_v these_o general_a when_o special_a want_n make_v use_n of_o general_a that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n in_o our_o doubt_n and_o fear_n for_o any_o particular_a distress_n we_o can_v ready_o remember_v some_o particular_a promise_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v then_o we_o may_v safe_o run_v to_o one_o of_o these_o general_a promise_n which_o do_v contain_v all_o particular_n and_o so_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o present_a need_n as_o for_o example_n if_o any_o poor_a soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o great_a doubt_n of_o god_n favour_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o great_a affliction_n that_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o he_o or_o some_o corruption_n which_o he_o can_v not_o master_n and_o in_o this_o perplexity_n can_v not_o think_v of_o any_o special_a promise_n whereout_o he_o may_v gather_v some_o comfort_n then_o may_v he_o bold_o lie_v hold_v upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o general_a promise_n and_o rest_v thereupon_o for_o comfort_n in_o this_o manner_n o_o lord_n thou_o have_v say_v in_o thy_o holy_a word_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v 10._o luk._n 19_o 10._o lord_n i_o be_o lose_v and_o see_v nothing_o in_o myself_o to_o help_v i_o therefore_o i_o do_v whole_o rest_v upon_o christ_n and_o look_v for_o help_v only_o by_o he_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o general_a promise_n the_o least_o of_o which_o contain_v matter_n enough_o to_o support_v we_o in_o all_o our_o fear_n if_o we_o can_v fit_o apply_v they_o wherein_o i_o do_v again_o forewarn_v every_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v look_v for_o nothing_o in_o thyself_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o live_v by_o his_o faith_n above_o all_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v believe_v which_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v a_o main_a hindrance_n from_o true_a believe_v but_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o thought_n upon_o god_n first_o how_o merciful_a he_o be_v to_o provide_v such_o help_n for_o poor_a sinner_n in_o christ_n and_o free_o to_o offer_v it_o unto_o they_o in_o his_o word_n and_o second_o how_o faithful_a he_o be_v to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o poor_a sinner_n may_v be_v move_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v sure_o succour_v and_o comfort_v he_o in_o due_a season_n and_o measure_n thus_o will_v i_o now_o pass_v from_o these_o general_a promise_n all_o for_o the_o person_n to_o who_o first_o to_o all_o and_o come_v to_o the_o special_a but_o that_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o clear_v one_o point_n concern_v these_o general_n namely_o for_o the_o person_n to_o who_o god_n preach_v and_o proclaim_v these_o mercy_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v i_o speak_v not_o here_o who_o shall_v enjoy_v these_o who_o be_v only_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n but_o to_o who_o these_o be_v offer_v from_o whence_o be_v raise_v the_o great_a doubt_n in_o many_o for_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n to_o who_o god_n do_v true_o offer_v these_o mercy_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o rebel_n against_o his_o sovereign_n to_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v pardon_v unless_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o prince_n pardon_n so_o no_o sinner_n can_v believe_v to_o have_v pardon_n till_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o pardon_n be_v proclaim_v by_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o either_o there_o must_v be_v some_o special_a mark_n of_o difference_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o who_o the_o pardon_n be_v proclaim_v and_o to_o who_o not_o or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v general_a to_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o special_a certain_a difference_n between_o sinner_n before_o faith_n whereby_o one_o may_v know_v the_o pardon_n be_v grant_v to_o he_o and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v and_o not_o to_o any_o other_o for_o than_o may_v some_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o god_n special_a favour_n that_o be_v elect_v before_o he_o believe_v which_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o only_a way_n whereby_o any_o may_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o pardon_n be_v this_o that_o he_o hear_v that_o god_n in_o his_o gospel_n do_v proclaim_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o christ_n without_o exception_n to_o all_o sinner_n that_o whosoever_o hear_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o rest_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o not_o believe_v and_o not_o accept_v this_o mercy_n offer_v to_o they_o have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n sufficient_o prove_v by_o many_o scripture_n this_o point_n that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v free_o offer_v without_o exception_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o that_o one_o place_n mark_v 16._o 15._o express_o show_v i_o only_o now_o advise_v every_o one_o who_o be_v keep_v from_o believe_v by_o this_o that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o pardon_n or_o no_o not_o to_o look_v to_o god_n secret_a will_n but_o to_o attend_v to_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n to_o perish_v 9_o 2._o pet._n 3_o 9_o but_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o come_v to_o repentance_n 32._o ezek._n 18._o 23._o 32._o and_o so_o oft_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o that_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o hereby_o he_o may_v be_v move_v to_o seek_v and_o hope_v for_o that_o mercy_n which_o god_n be_v so_o willing_a to_o bestow_v upon_o upon_o he_o if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o self_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o unbeleeulng_v jew_n in_o jerusalem_n 37_o mat._n 23._o 37_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n complain_v say_v how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n as_o the_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o a_o further_a manifestation_n of_o this_o willingness_n in_o god_n to_o save_v
these_o i_o do_v beseech_v to_o attend_v to_o such_o promise_n as_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o people_n in_o particular_a concern_v this_o grace_n that_o whereas_o he_o see_v that_o natural_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o man_n eye_n he_o faith_n he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n as_o jeremy_n 32._o 39_o 40._o and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o which_o if_o we_o can_v believe_v will_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v this_o save_a grace_n but_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o in_o that_o time_n and_o measure_n he_o see_v meet_v but_o for_o our_o confirmation_n the_o lord_n do_v oft_o repeat_v this_o promise_n as_o deu._n 4._o 10._o where_n one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o this_o fear_n be_v wrought_v be_v set_v down_o gather_v i_o the_o people_n together_o and_o i_o will_v make_v they_o hear_v my_o word_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v i_o all_o the_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v teach_v their_o child_n so_o prou._n â—_o 5._o they_o who_o seek_v for_o wisdom_n shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o like_a effect_n deu._n 6_o 1._o 2._o and_o 17_o 19_o it_o be_v special_o speak_v of_o the_o king_n and_o more_o general_o of_o all_o chap._n 32._o 12._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n special_a be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 40._o 3._o where_o he_o show_v another_o mean_n whereby_o god_n do_v stir_v up_o this_o grace_n in_o his_o people_n namely_o the_o behold_v of_o god_n mercy_n on_o other_o say_v and_o he_o have_v put_v a_o new_a song_n in_o my_o mouth_n even_o praise_v unto_o our_o god_n many_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o fear_v and_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o likewise_o david_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n invit_v other_o say_v come_v you_o child_n harken_v to_o man_n i_o will_v teach_v you_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 72._o 5._o they_o shall_v fear_v thou_o as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v through_o all_o generation_n the_o like_a psal_n 102._o 16._o so_o esa_n 29._o 23._o they_o shall_v sanctify_v my_o name_n etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n jeremy_n also_o speak_v of_o god_n singular_a mercy_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o people_n chap._n 33._o 9_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o name_n of_o joy_n a_o praise_n and_o a_o honour_n before_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v hear_v all_o the_o good_a i_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v for_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o for_o all_o the_o prosperity_n that_o i_o procure_v unto_o it_o so_o hosea_n 3._o 5._o afterward_o shall_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n return_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o david_n their_o king_n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n these_o shall_v suffice_v it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o cite_v all_o the_o right_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a use_v use_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o for_o want_v of_o this_o fear_n &_o doubt_v how_o ever_o we_o shall_v attain_v to_o it_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n so_o oft_o that_o we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_v some_o of_o these_o promise_n which_o though_o deliver_v in_o particular_a to_o some_o of_o god_n child_n yet_o in_o truth_n belong_v to_o all_o of_o they_o therefore_o every_o child_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o word_n to_o he_o and_o so_o wait_v with_o patience_n the_o lord_n appoint_v season_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o hope_n but_o shall_v certain_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o i_o see_v this_o three_o point_n how_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o grace_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n so_o as_o shall_v be_v accept_v grow_v large_a and_o no_o marvel_n for_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o both_o table_n i_o may_v not_o therefore_o run_v into_o all_o particular_n but_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o some_o and_o namely_o such_o as_o i_o conceive_v christian_n most_o fail_v in_o and_o have_v least_o comfort_n in_o perform_v they_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v special_a etc._n concern_v holy_a exercise_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n all_o our_o spiritual_a service_n of_o god_n as_o our_o prayer_n and_o exercise_n in_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o all_o which_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o good_a hope_n complain_v that_o they_o find_v small_a comfort_n in_o these_o because_o they_o perform_v they_o in_o so_o weak_a and_o sinful_a manner_n a_o principal_a cause_n whereof_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o many_o to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o place_v all_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o good_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n wherein_o when_o they_o fail_v which_o they_o find_v oft_o than_o they_o be_v discomfit_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o have_v little_a use_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o duty_n for_o faith_n do_v comfort_n in_o our_o great_a fail_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o least_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a which_o i_o fear_v be_v little_o see_v of_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n who_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o yet_o seldom_o find_v comfort_n that_o his_o service_n be_v so_o full_a of_o infirmity_n be_v please_v to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o while_o we_o live_v here_o there_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n mingle_v in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o god_n child_n so_o that_o as_o their_o best_a prayer_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o i_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v some_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o weak_a which_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v assure_o acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o therein_o may_v god_n child_n find_v sound_a comfort_n not_o in_o himself_o nor_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o god_n pardon_v of_o all_o his_o defect_n and_o accept_v his_o obedience_n in_o the_o perfect_a satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n whereas_o otherwise_o if_o any_o have_v pray_v with_o great_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n shall_v be_v conceit_v therewith_o and_o not_o humble_v for_o his_o fail_n in_o that_o his_o best_a prayer_n and_o rather_o expect_v for_o favour_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o prayer_n then_o look_v for_o mercy_n only_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o it_o be_v too_o little_o see_v yet_o too_o oft_o it_o fall_v out_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o the_o sleepy_a prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v accept_v when_o the_o weep_a prayer_n without_o faith_n be_v reject_v in_o so_o say_v worship_n want_v of_o faith_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v it_o far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o approve_v of_o drowsiness_n or_o any_o other_o gross_a corruption_n in_o prayer_n or_o to_o disgrace_v any_o zeal_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o prayer_n but_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o discover_v a_o common_a and_o yet_o close_a and_o dangerous_a corruption_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n that_o when_o we_o perform_v these_o in_o any_o sort_n to_o our_o like_n than_o we_o be_v glad_a and_o rest_v quiet_a that_o god_n will_v accept_v they_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o such_o may_v then_o rejoice_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o fault_n i_o find_v be_v that_o these_o have_v in_o such_o time_n little_a use_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o not_o behold_v the_o blemish_n of_o these_o their_o best_a service_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o they_o and_o so_o not_o drive_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o seek_v for_o favour_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_a god_n be_v well_o please_v and_o thus_o they_o stain_v their_o best_a duty_n for_o want_n of_o faith_n this_o will_v more_o clear_o be_v see_v in_o the_o contrary_a when_o these_o do_v pray_v or_o hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o much_o accusation_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v no_o comfort_n that_o such_o duty_n shall_v be_v accept_v which_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o do_v they_o in_o their_o poor_a prayer_n for_o which_o
they_o be_v most_o humble_v come_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n believe_v that_o their_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v cover_v by_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a satisfaction_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v find_v comfort_n in_o their_o weak_a obedience_n and_o so_o be_v more_o encourage_v to_o serve_v god_n this_o then_o be_v that_o i_o will_v persuade_v all_o that_o will_v find_v sound_a and_o last_a comfort_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n remedy_n remedy_n in_o their_o best_a duty_n to_o beware_v of_o pride_n which_o accompany_v they_o and_o to_o that_o end_n ever_o to_o think_v of_o their_o fail_n to_o humble_v they_o and_o drive_v to_o christ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v offer_v up_o their_o sacrifice_n in_o faith_n and_o be_v accept_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o they_o be_v most_o deject_a then_o to_o beware_v of_o despair_n doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o be_v usual_a companion_n of_o we_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n and_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o that_o we_o know_v he_o be_v as_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o cure_v great_a disease_n as_o small_a to_o pardon_v our_o fowler_n fall_v as_o our_o lesser_a slip_n in_o all_o which_o we_o now_o see_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o be_v store_v and_o strengthen_v with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v find_v comfort_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n which_o i_o know_v be_v much_o want_v in_o many_o true_a heart_a christian_n for_o who_o sake_n in_o special_a i_o write_v these_o and_o will_v now_o for_o their_o further_a comfort_n lie_v out_o some_o store_n of_o precious_a promise_n which_o god_n our_o father_n have_v treasure_v up_o in_o his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o his_o child_n may_v be_v embolden_v to_o come_v with_o confidence_n to_o he_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n peruse_v these_o i_o find_v that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o they_o do_v special_o promise_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v our_o prayer_n &_o grant_v our_o desire_n and_o do_v not_o so_o express_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v assist_v we_o and_o make_v we_o able_a to_o pray_v which_o yet_o sundry_a promise_n do_v pray_v god_n promise_v to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o pray_v i_o will_v therefore_o here_o gather_v such_o as_o express_o promise_v god_n help_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o be_v no_o less_o subject_a to_o doubt_v of_o our_o ability_n to_o pray_v aright_o then_o of_o god_n readiness_n to_o hear_v our_o poor_a and_o weak_a prayer_n among_o all_o that_o come_v first_o to_o mind_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o if_o we_o can_v hold_v it_o fast_o where_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n over_o all_o their_o corruption_n and_o affliction_n 26._o rom._n 8._o 26._o do_v answer_v a_o great_a objection_n which_o many_o a_o heavy_a heart_n make_v namely_o this_o pray_v many_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v i_o be_o oft_o so_o distress_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o pray_v and_o how_o then_o may_v i_o look_v for_o any_o help_n at_o god_n hand_n thus_o it_o fare_v oft_o with_o god_n child_n and_o those_o not_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o â—ore_o oppress_v that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n not_o able_a to_o set_v aright_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o we_o read_v of_o hezekiah_n 14._o esa_n 38._o 14._o that_o he_o like_v a_o crane_n or_o swallow_n do_v chatter_v and_o do_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n not_o able_a to_o utter_v his_o grief_n to_o god_n the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o david_n oft_o 32._o psal_n 32._o how_o he_o roar_v for_o grief_n but_o can_v not_o come_v to_o make_v his_o moan_n to_o god_n and_o the_o like_o many_o yea_o what_o more_o ordinary_a complaint_n do_v we_o hear_v make_v by_o many_o worthy_a christian_n in_o their_o extremity_n than_o this_o to_o their_o friend_n o_o help_v i_o i_o can_v pray_v to_o this_o sore_a tentation_n the_o apostle_n answer_v 26._o rom._n 8._o 26._o say_v likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o 27._o 27._o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o free_o confess_v that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n child_n do_v know_v this_o by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o they_o in_o such_o case_n know_v not_o what_o they_o shall_v pray_v as_o they_o ought_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o comfortless_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o succour_v and_o help_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o bear_v that_o part_n of_o the_o burthe_n which_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o we_o to_o bear_v and_o whereas_o we_o can_v pray_v as_o we_o ought_v that_o self_n same_o spirit_n shall_v by_o his_o power_n make_v we_o able_a to_o pray_v with_o such_o feel_n faith_n and_o fervency_n as_o no_o word_n can_v express_v in_o such_o sort_n that_o god_n who_o both_o know_v and_o regard_v the_o secret_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n behold_v the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v gracious_o accept_v and_o approve_v of_o those_o prayer_n of_o his_o child_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o scripture_n in_o which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v enough_o to_o comfort_v any_o poor_a afflict_a soul_n against_o this_o temptation_n that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n so_o to_o help_v we_o that_o our_o poor_a prayer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o which_o god_n can_v deny_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o elsewhere_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n 18._o eph._n 6._o 18._o and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20._o jude_n v._n 20._o that_o be_v as_o he_o do_v teach_v we_o not_o as_o any_o natural_a gift_n can_v where_o i_o note_v a_o special_a difference_n of_o true_a prayer_n from_o counterfeit_n counterfeit_v difference_n of_o prayer_n true_a and_o counterfeit_v which_o may_v be_v excellent_a in_o speech_n but_o want_v this_o breath_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a sacrifice_n unpleasing_a to_o god_n and_o unprofitable_a to_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v all_o who_o look_v for_o comfort_n by_o their_o prayer_n more_o to_o labour_v for_o spirit_n than_o speech_n in_o prayer_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o scripture_n whereupon_o i_o have_v stand_v the_o long_a for_o that_o it_o may_v suffice_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o but_o see_v the_o lord_n know_v our_o weakness_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n comfort_v his_o people_n with_o the_o like_a it_o shall_v more_o confirm_v we_o to_o hear_v more_o of_o these_o sweet_a promise_n to_o this_o may_v well_o be_v refer_v that_o which_o one_o of_o job_n friend_n say_v to_o comfort_v he_o which_o doubtless_o be_v good_a comfort_n howsover_v misapply_v when_o after_o some_o good_a exhortation_n he_o make_v many_o more_o gracious_a promise_n among_o all_o he_o add_v these_o for_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o delight_n in_o the_o almighty_a 22._o job_n 22._o and_o shall_v lift_v up_o thy_o face_n to_o god_n 6._o 21._o and_o 6._o thou_o shall_v make_v thy_o prayer_n unto_o he_o 26._o 26._o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v pay_v thy_o vow_n etc._n etc._n 27._o 27._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v another_o of_o job_n friend_n say_v he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n 26._o job_n 33._o 26._o and_o he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o he_o so_o david_n in_o his_o time_n say_v for_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o thou_o 6._o psal_n 32._o 6._o in_o the_o time_n when_o thou_o may_v be_v find_v 9_o esa_n 58._o 9_o and_o the_o prophet_n esay_n make_v such_o promise_n to_o the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v answer_v thou_o shall_v cry_v and_o he_o shall_v say_v here_o i_o be_o so_o jeremie_n 12._o jer._n 29._o 12._o then_o shall_v you_o call_v upon_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o pray_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o 13._o 13._o and_o you_o shall_v seek_v i_o and_o find_v i_o when_o you_o shall_v search_v for_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n again_o they_o shall_v come_v with_o
special_a blessing_n promise_v to_o the_o lord_n people_n if_o they_o will_v hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n and_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o sweet_a promise_n psal_n 84._o 11._o for_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o shield_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o out_o of_o these_o promise_n and_o the_o like_o many_o use_v use_v we_o may_v bold_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corruption_n still_o dwell_v in_o we_o we_o can_v never_o offer_v up_o any_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n without_o blemish_n and_o spot_n for_o which_o god_n may_v just_o reject_v all_o which_o we_o offer_v unto_o he_o yet_o we_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o reward_v be_v we_o well_o persuade_v hereof_o it_o will_v put_v life_n into_o we_o and_o make_v we_o perform_v all_o holy_a duty_n much_o more_o cheerful_o and_o constant_o which_o through_o want_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o more_o uncomfortable_o perform_v by_o us._n i_o leave_v the_o deep_a consideration_n of_o both_o these_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o who_o will_v take_v trial_n of_o himself_o namely_o what_o small_a comfort_n he_o find_v in_o any_o of_o his_o spiritual_a service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o a_o comfort_n it_o will_v be_v if_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v both_o assist_v he_o and_o accept_v they_o at_o his_o hand_n whereof_o see_v he_o have_v god_n so_o firm_o bind_v by_o promise_n that_o he_o can_v without_o great_a sin_n wrong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o own_o own_o soul_n call_v this_o into_o question_n i_o therefore_o exhort_v all_o who_o see_v their_o weakness_n in_o this_o kind_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a promise_n and_o so_o every_o one_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o all_o time_n of_o need_n that_o he_o may_v more_o cheerful_o set_v upon_o all_o holy_a duty_n and_o more_o conscionable_o perform_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o the_o good_a encouragement_n of_o other_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v in_o special_a for_o prayer_n and_o so_o in_o general_a for_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yea_o to_o all_o private_a exercise_n of_o religion_n yea_o to_o all_o work_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o sacrifice_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o promise_v to_o accept_v at_o our_o hand_n yet_o see_v woeful_a experience_n bewray_v that_o too_o too_o many_o and_o those_o not_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n do_v find_v small_a comfort_n in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n word_n word_n i_o will_v do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o redress_v this_o sore_a evil_n and_o show_v how_o any_o who_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o god_n word_n may_v more_o cheerful_o set_v upon_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o so_o reap_v more_o fruit_n and_o comfort_n by_o they_o i_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o cause_n of_o this_o unfruitfulnesse_n and_o uncomfortablenesse_n in_o these_o holy_a service_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n and_o best_a edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n wherein_o there_o be_v much_o fail_v many_o way_n and_o this_o not_o the_o least_o that_o where_o many_o good_a doctrine_n and_o use_n be_v deliver_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o convince_a of_o the_o conscience_n as_o may_v constrain_v the_o hearer_n to_o confess_v his_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o make_v conscience_n to_o yield_v better_a obedience_n to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v he_o in_o the_o people_n also_o there_o be_v great_a carelessness_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v dulness_n and_o wander_a of_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o word_n with_o like_a neglect_n of_o meditate_v on_o what_o they_o hear_v by_o any_o of_o which_o much_o more_o by_o all_o the_o word_n be_v make_v unfruitful_a but_o to_o treat_v of_o these_o be_v beyond_o my_o scope_n and_o matter_n intend_v which_o be_v chief_o to_o help_v such_o as_o ve_v a_o true_a desire_n &_o care_n to_o profit_n by_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n yet_o be_v so_o discourage_v by_o their_o many_o infirmity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v small_a comfort_n in_o they_o and_o will_v if_o they_o dare_v forbear_v the_o use_n of_o they_o the_o principal_a cause_n hereof_o which_o i_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o they_o too_o much_o look_v into_o themselves_o where_o they_o find_v no_o ability_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o not_o look_v sufficient_o to_o god_n in_o who_o be_v all_o their_o help_n they_o enjoy_v not_o that_o fruit_n and_o comfort_n in_o god_n service_n which_o they_o desire_v for_o remedy_v whereof_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n then_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n promise_n make_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v hearken_v to_o his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o word_n that_o by_o these_o they_o may_v be_v comfort_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o their_o edification_n and_o salvation_n first_o for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n that_o which_o the_o prophet_n esay_n speak_v might_n suffice_v to_o persuade_v any_o who_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o report_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o hearken_v to_o god_n word_n the_o place_n be_v worthy_a special_a observation_n 1._o esa_n 55._o 1._o ho_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 come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n wherefore_o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n 2._o 2._o and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n incline_v your_o care_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o 3._o 3._o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n in_o this_o scripture_n to_o pass_v by_o many_o other_o profitable_a matter_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v these_o for_o our_o purpose_n must_v be_v observe_v first_o how_o free_o the_o lord_n offer_v save_v grace_n to_o such_o as_o have_v none_o nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v purchase_v it_o second_o he_o set_v out_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v enjoy_v it_o namely_o a_o diligent_a hear_n and_o believe_v god_n word_n to_o which_o end_n he_o three_o make_v most_o sweet_a promise_n that_o their_o soul_n shall_v live_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v quicken_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o mercy_n which_o shall_v never_o decay_v from_o hence_o what_o encouragement_n may_v any_o poor_a soul_n take_v to_o hearken_v to_o god_n word_n when_o he_o may_v upon_o so_o good_a ground_n assure_v himself_o that_o hereby_o he_o shall_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n and_o all_o needful_a grace_n for_o this_o life_n this_o be_v notable_o confirm_v by_o all_o these_o scripture_n which_o testify_v that_o the_o word_n be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n as_o jam._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o lie_v apart_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n so_o paul_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o many_o excellent_a duty_n among_o the_o rest_n give_v this_o 16_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o unto_o the_o doctrine_n continue_v therein_o for_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o again_o speak_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 33._o act._n 20._o 33._o say_v and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o &_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v so_o likewise_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o say_v 21_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 21_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v all_o which_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o to_o like_a effect_n use_v use_v do_v evident_o confirm_v unto_o we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n
as_o certain_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n seal_v as_o he_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o outward_a seal_n the_o certainty_n whereof_o depend_v on_o god_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o in_o his_o word_n so_o in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o who_o do_v as_o true_o give_v that_o which_o he_o promise_v and_o seal_v as_o he_o do_v free_o give_v any_o promise_n or_o seal_v we_o do_v just_o account_v he_o no_o honest_a man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n much_o more_o he_o who_o will_v seal_v a_o covenant_n and_o yet_o not_o perform_v it_o be_v it_o far_o off_o then_o from_o any_o christian_n to_o impute_v this_o to_o god_n that_o he_o give_v vain_a word_n and_o seal_n and_o do_v not_o as_o true_o give_v that_o which_o he_o promise_v and_o seal_v but_o the_o sole_a cause_n why_o many_o who_o come_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n sacrament_n why_o many_o profit_n not_o by_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n be_v not_o partaker_n in_o they_o of_o christ_n who_o be_v true_o on_o god_n part_n offer_v in_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o inward_o by_o faith_n receive_v that_o which_o be_v promise_v and_o seal_v as_o they_o do_v outward_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o seal_n it_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n then_o whensoever_o we_o go_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n special_o to_o labour_v for_o faith_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v as_o true_o receive_v christ_n in_o they_o offer_v as_o we_o do_v receive_v outward_o the_o word_n and_o seal_n thereof_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v say_v enough_o now_o for_o our_o sacrament_n sacrament_n few_o profit_n by_o sacrament_n i_o can_v sufficient_o bewail_v the_o universal_a abuse_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o grievous_a that_o they_o be_v by_o god_n in_o love_n leave_v to_o his_o church_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o further_a their_o salvation_n so_o many_o be_v by_o their_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o they_o make_v more_o guilty_a of_o condemnation_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o only_o by_o that_o gross_a profaneness_n which_o be_v in_o all_o carnal_a protestant_n who_o only_o for_o custom_n law_n or_o credit_n come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o any_o knowledge_n or_o conscience_n 2._o but_o in_o many_o of_o some_o better_a sort_n who_o have_v some_o care_n for_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v either_o such_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n that_o they_o never_o do_v worthy_o receive_v the_o holy_a seal_n and_o therefore_o never_o find_v the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o they_o 3._o yea_o that_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v lament_v this_o may_v be_v find_v in_o not_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v true_a grace_n and_o be_v indeed_o god_n child_n to_o who_o only_o these_o seal_n of_o right_n do_v belong_v yet_o these_o seldom_o or_o never_o attain_v that_o comfort_n by_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o indeed_o they_o ought_v and_o may_v be_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o themselves_o for_o proof_n hereof_o i_o require_v every_o one_o who_o will_v see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o complaint_n to_o examine_v himself_o in_o this_o question_n what_o sensible_a good_a he_o have_v receive_v by_o his_o baptism_n for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v demand_v this_o question_n of_o many_o who_o be_v of_o good_a esteem_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v little_a to_o say_v in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o other_o who_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o far_o off_o be_v they_o from_o enjoy_v that_o great_a gain_n which_o be_v to_o be_v get_v hereby_o which_o in_o special_a consist_v in_o these_o two_o first_o that_o by_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v more_o assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o second_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v more_o 〈…〉_o lead_v a_o godly_a conversation_n both_o which_o be_v evident_o the_o fruit_n of_o true_a baptism_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n suppoâ—_n which_o in_o a_o further_o do_v 〈◊〉_d to_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o small_a perseverance_n 〈…〉_o how_o few_o come_v from_o the_o communion_n so_o sure_a of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o be_v they_o as_o the_o woman_n marry_v at_o the_o church_n do_v come_v home_o assure_v of_o the_o man_n who_o she_o have_v marry_v and_o all_o his_o to_o be_v she_o for_o her_o use_n and_o comfort_v yet_o i_o 〈…〉_o thus_o and_o it_o can_v 〈◊〉_d but_o our_o 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d so_o if_o i_o be_v demand_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o forth_n want_v of_o forth_n i_o will_v say_v want_v of_o faith_n which_o arise_v in_o many_o from_o want_n of_o clear_a light_n to_o see_v god_n mind_n in_o ordain_v these_o sacrament_n in_o some_o 〈…〉_o slight_a account_v they_o make_v of_o these_o and_o in_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o these_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n which_o make_v they_o fear_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o special_o write_v these_o to_o help_v their_o weak_a faith_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v find_v this_o benefit_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o will_v have_v well_o consider_v that_o which_o before_o be_v touch_v concern_v god_n intention_n in_o ordain_v these_o holy_a sign_n &_o seal_n seal_n right_o end_n of_o seal_n which_o we_o call_v sacrament_n which_o be_v to_o help_v our_o weak_a â—aith_n that_o whereas_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o word_n make_v unto_o we_o sinner_n many_o promise_n of_o algâ—ace_n in_o christ_n which_o if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o uphold_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o yet_o he_o see_v how_o slow_a of_o heart_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v his_o word_n do_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n give_v we_o these_o outward_a and_o visible_a pledge_n of_o his_o love_n that_o we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v faithful_a may_v be_v more_o assure_v yea_o put_v out_o of_o doubt_n that_o we_o shall_v as_o certain_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o merit_n as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n as_o gen._n 17._o 10._o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o 〈…〉_o child_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o very_o oft_o that_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o thing_n seal_v be_v give_v to_o the_o outward_a seal_n to_o show_v that_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v never_o part_v for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n people_n command_v to_o circumcise_v the_o foreskinne_n of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 16_o deut._n 10._o 16_o and_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v circumcise_v they_o heart_n 4._o jer._n 4._o 4._o and_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o seed_n deut._n 30._o 6._o the_o like_a be_v say_v of_o baptism_n 3._o rom._n 6._o 3._o that_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n 1._o col._n 2._o 1._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v call_v baptism_n of_o 〈◊〉_d for_o remission_n of_o sin_n 4._o mar._n 1._o 4._o and_o our_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wash_v away_o 16_o act._n 22._o 16_o and_o that_o baptism_n save_v 22_o heb._n 10._o 22_o all_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 21._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o as_o 1._o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o be_v all_z his_o suffering_n which_o do_v wash_v and_o 〈◊〉_d we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n 5._o reu._n 1._o 5._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o water_n joh._n 3._o 5._o that_o be_v be_v make_v god_n child_n by_o receive_v christ_n as_o joh._n 1._o 12._o the_o like_a be_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v ordain_v it_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o bread_n 28._o mat._n 26._o 26_o 28._o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o of_o the_o wine_n this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n meaning_n that_o these_o outward_a sign_n and_o seal_n be_v most_o sure_a &_o certain_a pledge_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n which_o he_o do_v as_o true_o give_v to_o be_v spiritual_a food_n as_o he_o give_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n to_o be_v bodily_a food_n to_o every_o believer_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o apostle_n say_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v 16._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o we_o
work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o will_v never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o he_o have_v full_o finish_v it_o 2._o heb._n 12._o 2._o for_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o the_o finisher_n of_o it_o 29._o joh._n 10._o 29._o and_o he_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pluck_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n be_v then_o of_o good_a cheer_n thou_o poor_a soul_n who_o find_v some_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v in_o thou_o yet_o feel_v thy_o own_o infirmity_n and_o oft_o oppress_v with_o many_o and_o sore_a tentation_n and_o behold_v or_o hear_v of_o the_o fall_v of_o many_o great_a professor_n art_n much_o shake_v and_o fill_v with_o fear_n of_o fall_v away_o for_o assure_v thyself_o 23._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o that_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seeâ—_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a thou_o shall_v perish_v or_o ever_o loose_a that_o faith_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o thou_o neither_o can_v thou_o sin_v unto_o death_n as_o i_o understand_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o see_v this_o immortal_a seed_n remain_v in_o thou_o and_o this_o i_o will_v add_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o thereby_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v ordain_v for_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o that_o i_o never_o do_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o to_o fall_v away_o but_o usual_o they_o who_o final_o fall_v away_o be_v such_o as_o be_v secure_a and_o presume_v of_o god_n mercy_n that_o they_o shall_v stand_v when_o other_o fall_v and_o take_v this_o withal_o that_o then_o we_o be_v strong_a when_o we_o be_v weak_a that_o be_v when_o feel_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o distrust_v ourselves_o we_o run_v to_o god_n and_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n which_o be_v that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o effect_v in_o all_o this_o treatise_n the_o sum_n whereof_o i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n set_v down_o as_o for_o the_o help_n of_o memory_n so_o for_o the_o quicken_a of_o our_o spirit_n more_o to_o labour_n for_o this_o happy_a life_n by_o faith_n which_o both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n will_v be_v our_o chief_a comfort_n for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o the_o most_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v show_v that_o few_o attain_v either_o that_o comfort_n of_o salvation_n or_o conscience_n of_o holy_a conversation_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o true_a believer_n my_o main_a scope_n have_v be_v to_o redress_v this_o sore_a evil_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o blessedness_n be_v enjoy_v only_o by_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o what_o save_v faith_n be_v how_o it_o be_v get_v and_o how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v it_o both_o by_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n join_v together_o not_o separate_v wherein_o see_v many_o be_v deceive_v on_o either_o side_n some_o presume_v other_o mistrust_v there_o be_v plain_a mark_n of_o soundness_n set_v down_o whereby_o every_o one_o may_v try_v himself_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n herein_o what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o how_o this_o be_v obtain_v which_o be_v by_o due_a application_n of_o god_n promise_n whereto_o be_v require_v serious_a meditation_n and_o prayer_n wherein_o see_v few_o be_v so_o fervent_a as_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o singular_a gain_n hereof_o be_v large_o lay_v down_o both_o for_o consolation_n and_o for_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o herein_o four_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v a_o direction_n how_o to_o apply_v to_o our_o particular_a necessity_n god_n promise_n which_o be_v of_o divers_a sort_n absolute_a or_o conditional_a simple_o necessary_a or_o with_o limitation_n general_a or_o special_a be_v all_o according_o to_o be_v consider_v all_o of_o these_o be_v so_o exceed_v many_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o some_o easy_a order_n for_o our_o better_a use_n of_o they_o all_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o six_o head_n to_o which_o all_o may_v be_v well_o refer_v the_o first_o whereof_o concern_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n herein_o first_o such_o general_a promise_n as_o contain_v all_o the_o benefit_n by_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v more_o special_o show_v how_o we_o may_v be_v more_o assure_v by_o faith_n of_o our_o justification_n in_o both_o the_o part_n thereof_o 1._o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n 2._o the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o which_o be_v 1._o our_o reconciliation_n 2._o our_o adoption_n 3._o hope_n of_o glory_n for_o further_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n we_o have_v assurance_n by_o sense_n when_o we_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o we_o such_o grace_n as_o can_v be_v in_o truth_n in_o any_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v among_o which_o 1._o faith_n itself_o be_v chief_a 2._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o sincere_a obedience_n 4._o promise_v make_v to_o many_o particular_a grace_n as_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o all_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v mark_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o many_o weak_a yet_o true_a believer_n have_v no_o feel_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o thereby_o be_v sore_o discourage_v there_o be_v four_o mark_n of_o true_a faith_n where_o it_o can_v be_v see_v sundry_a other_o promise_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o these_o promise_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n concern_v the_o mortification_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n wherein_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o weak_a we_o have_v manifold_a encouragement_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o full_a and_o final_a victory_n the_o general_a promise_n that_o god_n will_v cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n may_v suffice_v for_o all_o particular_n the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o promise_n be_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o needful_a grace_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n herein_o 1._o how_o to_o obtain_v this_o grace_n 2._o to_o assure_v we_o our_o weak_a obedience_n shall_v be_v accept_v in_o what_o special_a duty_n in_o every_o commandment_n we_o be_v most_o fail_v general_n promise_n that_o we_o shall_v want_v no_o save_a grace_n with_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o for_o our_o further_a help_n god_n have_v make_v many_o promise_n of_o particular_a grace_n 1._o that_o he_o will_v teach_v us._n 2._o that_o he_o will_v set_v our_o heart_n in_o frame_n 3._o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o faith_n trust_n hope_v joy_n which_o few_o attain_n to_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n to_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o with_o the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o whereas_o we_o fail_v much_o in_o all_o holy_a exercise_n god_n promise_v he_o will_v both_o assist_v we_o and_o accept_v we_o in_o they_o as_o in_o prayer_n few_o prayer_n make_v in_o faith_n this_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o all_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n whereas_o there_o be_v much_o unfruitfulnesse_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacramant_n even_o in_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n through_o want_n of_o faith_n the_o remedy_n be_v to_o apply_v god_n promise_n which_o be_v many_o especial_o when_o they_o go_v to_o these_o duty_n the_o sacrament_n be_v much_o more_o abuse_v the_o remedy_n be_v to_o consider_v god_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o seal_n the_o four_o head_n concern_v affliction_n whereby_o many_o be_v discourage_v no_o help_n but_o by_o faith_n four_o ground_n of_o comfort_n 1._o all_o affliction_n come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o to_o all_o of_o his_o child_n 2._o in_o what_o manner_n god_n afflict_v he_o most_o wise_o &_o most_o love_o his_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o meetness_n of_o the_o correction_n and_o in_o the_o just_a measure_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o god_n love_v &_o tender_a deal_n with_o he_o be_v plentiful_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o for_o our_o comfort_n 3._o the_o excellent_a end_n and_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n general_n be_v blessedness_n 3._o special_a benefit_n by_o affliction_n 1._o they_o be_v trial_n of_o our_o strength_n and_o weakness_n many_o judge_n amiss_o and_o be_v misjudge_v by_o other_o 2._o benefit_n by_o affliction_n be_v we_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n 3._o by_o these_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o be_v quicken_v special_o faith_n and_o patience_n all_o
prejudice_n our_o interest_n in_o happiness_n that_o thereby_o we_o be_v drive_v every_o day_n to_o renew_v our_o claim_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o so_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n until_o this_o unclean_a issue_n be_v dry_v up_o these_o sour_a herb_n help_v we_o to_o relish_n christ_n the_o better_a moreover_o though_o in_o this_o life_n our_o endeavour_n come_v short_a of_o our_o desire_n and_o we_o always_o allow_v a_o great_a measure_n than_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o yet_o we_o may_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n begin_v in_o we_o and_o by_o sue_v god_n upon_o those_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n whereby_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o a_o debtor_n unto_o we_o come_v to_o that_o measure_n whereby_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o religion_n glorious_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o comfortable_a to_o ourselves_o and_o so_o shine_v far_o bright_a than_o other_o do_v why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o sanctify_a mean_n beg_v of_o god_n to_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n wherein_o he_o have_v cause_v we_o to_o trust_v do_v we_o not_o beside_o life_n of_o our_o body_n desire_v health_n and_o strength_n to_o discharge_v all_o the_o office_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o if_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v in_o we_o labour_v after_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n and_o for_o that_o anoint_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n so_o as_o we_o may_v draw_v other_o to_o a_o like_n of_o our_o way_n the_o truth_n be_v satan_n labour_v to_o keep_v we_o under_o unbelief_n of_o particular_a promise_n and_o from_o renew_v our_o covenant_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n will_v perfect_v the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v begin_v and_o not_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o earnest_n so_o far_o as_o thus_o we_o cherish_v distrust_n we_o lie_v open_a to_o satan_n strengthen_v faith_n and_o strengthen_v all_o let_v we_o therefore_o at_o once_o set_v upon_o all_o duty_n require_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o a_o holy_a life_n above_o all_o other_o life_n and_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a from_o experience_n so_o far_o to_o justify_v all_o god_n way_n as_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v in_o another_o state_n for_o all_o the_o world_n what_o great_a encouragement_n can_v we_o wish_v then_o that_o our_o corruption_n shall_v fall_v more_o and_o more_o before_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v us._n to_o make_v these_o way_n of_o god_n more_o plain_a unto_o we_o this_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o this_o man_n of_o god_n not_o to_o disparage_v the_o labour_n of_o other_o holy_a man_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n more_o full_o indicious_o &_o savory_o write_v with_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o spirit_n persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o what_o it_o set_v down_o and_o though_o distinct_a from_o respect_n to_o the_o author_n the_o treatise_n deserve_v much_o respect_n yet_o it_o shall_v gain_v the_o move_v acceptance_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v babe_n and_o young_a man_n in_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o a_o father_n of_o long_a and_o reverend_a esteem_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v begin_v in_o all_o these_o rule_n to_o other_o as_o for_o our_o body_n so_o for_o our_o soul_n we_o may_v more_o secure_o rely_v on_o a_o old_a experience_a physician_n he_o commend_v it_o unto_o thou_o have_v feel_v the_o kind_o work_v of_o it_o upon_o himself_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n convey_v these_o truth_n into_o thy_o heart_n and_o upon_o good_a feel_v hereby_o in_o thy_o soul_n remember_v to_o desire_n god_n that_o he_o may_v still_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n in_o his_o age_n until_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n with_o credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a charge_n gray_n inn_n richard_n sibbs_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n if_o any_o grace_n and_o if_o not_o grace_n what_o else_o do_v deserve_v so_o to_o be_v commend_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o they_o may_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o desire_n of_o it_o till_o their_o desire_n be_v satisfy_v sure_o among_o and_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse-grace_n the_o queen_n and_o sovereign_a grace_n which_o bring_v forth_o and_o breed_v up_o that_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v that_o command_v and_o order_v all_o other_o grace_n even_o faith_n deserve_v as_o much_o faith_n i_o say_v which_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n the_o life_n of_o it_o &_o to_o the_o little_a world_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o great_a world_n the_o light_n of_o it_o that_o which_o warm_v quicken_v comfort_v encourage_v the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v do_v it_o not_o then_o deserve_v the_o best_a pain_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o industrious_a divine_n to_o set_v it_o out_o great_a pain_n have_v be_v take_v hereabout_o by_o man_n of_o good_a note_n and_o name_n so_o much_o and_o so_o well_o have_v be_v utter_v and_o publish_v on_o this_o subject_a since_o the_o latter_a spring_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o utter_v and_o publish_v any_o more_o may_v be_v think_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v do_v before_o yet_o without_o prejudice_n to_o any_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v it_o speak_v never_o any_o take_v such_o pain_n to_o so_o good_a purpose_n in_o and_o about_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o only_a true_a proper_a groundwork_n of_o faith_n be_v god_n promise_n whatsoever_o be_v prnmise_v may_v safe_o be_v believe_v whatsoever_o be_v believe_v without_o a_o promise_n be_v presume_v as_o faith_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o god_n promise_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n desire_v thou_o faith_n take_v notice_n of_o god_n promise_n will_v thou_o have_v thy_o faith_n like_o the_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n never_o to_o go_v out_o acquaint_v thy_o soul_n with_o god_n promise_n know_v they_o meditate_v on_o they_o confer_v about_o they_o let_v they_o be_v continual_o in_o thy_o mind_n memory_n heart_n and_o tongue_n if_o thou_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a a_o task_n for_o thou_o to_o find_v they_o out_o to_o rank_n they_o in_o order_n and_o to_o make_v fit_a application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a task_n behold_v here_o god_n have_v send_v ezekel_n culuerwell_n as_o of_o old_a he_o send_v ezekel_n buzi_n to_o set_v out_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n more_o plentiful_o and_o pertinent_o then_o ever_o before_o and_o that_o to_o breed_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o strengthen_v it_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a to_o settle_v it_o where_o it_o waver_v to_o repair_v it_o where_o it_o decay_v to_o apply_v it_o aright_o to_o every_o need_n to_o extend_v it_o to_o sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o to_o justification_n and_o to_o point_v out_o the_o singular_a use_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v under_o take_v by_o a_o man_n well_o exercise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n towards_o these_o promise_n such_o a_o one_o be_v he_o who_o have_v pen_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n his_o exercise_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o gather_v together_o heap_n of_o promise_n his_o experience_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n have_v piercing_o dive_v thereinto_o through_o much_o friendly_a and_o familiar_a conference_n with_o sundry_a sort_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o set_v those_o heap_n in_o a_o fit_n and_o due_a order_n what_o i_o say_v of_o he_o i_o know_v of_o he_o for_o from_o my_o infancy_n have_v i_o know_v he_o and_o under_o his_o ministry_n be_v i_o train_v up_o in_o my_o young_a year_n he_o be_v at_o the_o least_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n elder_a than_o myself_o now_o because_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v he_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a faithful_a and_o powerful_a give_v i_o leave_v good_a reader_n to_o set_v down_o somewhat_o of_o his_o practice_n for_o a_o pattern_n to_o other_o what_o manner_n of_o enter_v upon_o his_o pastoral_a charge_n he_o have_v be_v not_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n very_o few_o if_o any_o at_o all_o do_v he_o find_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n which_o move_v he_o by_o the_o space_n
of_o many_o month_n from_o morning_n to_o night_n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n to_o instruct_v in_o the_o first_o oracle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n every_o one_o under_o his_o charge_n sometime_o one_o by_o one_o several_o and_o other_o time_n many_o joint_o together_o which_o he_o do_v with_o such_o success_n as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v and_o so_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n from_o which_o time_n ever_o after_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v there_o he_o have_v weekly_a meeting_n in_o his_o church_n for_o all_o sort_n distinct_o on_o several_a day_n to_o catechise_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n whereby_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o do_v more_o good_a then_o by_o preach_v which_o yet_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o not_o in_o vain_a for_o as_o his_o own_o and_o his_o hearer_n labour_n in_o teach_v and_o learn_v abound_v so_o god_n give_v answerable_a fruit_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v very_o religious_o observe_v so_o the_o foul_a sin_n whereunto_o people_n untaught_a be_v usual_o give_v be_v there_o abandon_v &_o all_o contention_n among_o neighbour_n so_o lay_v aside_o as_o most_o love_o they_o come_v to_o one_o another_o house_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o poor_a and_o none_o great_o rich_a yet_o do_v none_o of_o the_o poor_a beg_v abroad_o for_o food_n but_o be_v relieve_v at_o home_n among_o other_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n among_o they_o i_o will_v record_v one_o a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v have_v in_o more_o frequent_a use_n it_o be_v this_o in_o time_n of_o great_a dearth_n of_o corn_n and_o other_o food_n there_o be_v order_n take_v by_o public_a authority_n that_o every_o family_n shall_v forbear_v one_o meal_n in_o the_o week_n and_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n bring_v the_o value_n of_o it_o to_o the_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a this_o be_v faithful_o perform_v by_o they_o all_o therewith_o they_o do_v provide_v good_a corn_n which_o cost_v 8._o or_o 9_o shilling_n the_o bushel_n and_o sell_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a at_o 12._o penny_n the_o peck_n and_o yet_o reserueda_fw-la good_a stock_n to_o set_v the_o poor_a on_o work_n these_o and_o many_o other_o good_a work_n be_v do_v under_o his_o ministry_n who_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o press_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o faith_n hinder_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n this_o treatise_n will_v give_v evident_a proof_n thereof_o well_o use_v his_o pain_n and_o thou_o shait_fw-fr not_o lose_v thy_o pain_n william_n gouge_n a_o treatise_n of_o faith_n wherein_o be_v declare_v how_o a_o man_n may_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o find_v relief_n in_o all_o his_o necessity_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n much_o to_o be_v lament_v gospel_n few_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o few_o attain_n to_o the_o right_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o further_o lay_v open_a to_o such_o as_o will_v consider_v for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o never_o feel_v any_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o find_v any_o sound_a comfort_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o matter_n that_o i_o complain_v of_o be_v this_o that_o many_o of_o god_n child_n who_o have_v some_o true_a faith_n and_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n as_o they_o profess_v and_o other_o in_o charity_n be_v so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v that_o sweet_a life_n and_o bless_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n which_o god_n their_o father_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o and_o they_o full_a well_o may_v attain_v be_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o themselves_o the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o first_o that_o so_o few_o do_v hold_v fast_o that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o may_v comfort_v they_o over_o all_o the_o discouragement_n of_o this_o life_n either_o in_o forego_v the_o sweet_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n or_o in_o patient_a bear_v the_o manifold_a trouble_n of_o this_o life_n which_o usual_o be_v their_o portion_n second_o that_o so_o few_o do_v cast_v out_o such_o a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o holy_a conversation_n 8._o hose_n 14_o 8._o as_o may_v make_v those_o that_o dwell_v under_o their_o shadow_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o give_v a_o send_v like_o the_o wine_n of_o lebanon_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o they_o be_v not_o many_o even_o of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o christian_n profession_n who_o have_v get_v that_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n &_o constancy_n in_o holy_a conversation_n which_o may_v abundant_o comfort_v themselves_o and_o move_v other_o to_o desire_n &_o labour_n to_o be_v like_o they_o to_o prove_v these_o to_o be_v so_o be_v not_o hard_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o professor_n daily_o witness_v the_o truth_n hereof_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o have_v oft_o and_o long_o move_v i_o to_o seek_v how_o this_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v redress_v and_o to_o make_v know_v by_o god_n word_n how_o all_o god_n child_n may_v enjoy_v this_o large_a allowance_n of_o their_o father_n to_o live_v comfortable_o &_o to_o die_v happy_o so_o far_o as_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n may_v be_v attain_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v or_o do_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o any_o adversary_n notwithstanding_o this_o seem_v unto_o i_o remedy_n remedy_n to_o be_v notable_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o that_o one_o sentence_n 3._o hab._n 2._o 3._o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n 17._o rom._n 1._o 17._o which_o for_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o be_v often_o repeat_v 11._o gal._n 3._o 11._o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 38_o heb._n 10._o 38_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o god_n worthy_a servant_n in_o all_o age_n as_o be_v plentiful_o to_o be_v see_v hebrew_n 11._o the_o true_a meaning_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v now_o account_v just_a and_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v by_o christ_n as_o he_o first_o be_v make_v alive_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o faith_n receive_v christ_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v in_o and_o from_o christ_n the_o continuance_n of_o this_o life_n both_o in_o all_o comfort_n that_o he_o shall_v receive_v all_o needful_a blessing_n and_o in_o all_o good_a conscience_n to_o yield_v unto_o god_n all_o require_a obedience_n wherein_o be_v lay_v down_o two_o main_a pillar_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n one_o profession_n two_o main_a pillar_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o all_o grace_n which_o we_o want_v be_v alone_o in_o christ_n and_o from_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v we_o the_o other_o that_o all_o this_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v make_v we_o only_o by_o faith_n whereupon_o follow_v this_o our_o principal_a conclusion_n in_o this_o treatise_n intend_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o all_o comfort_n in_o god_n favour_n and_o conscience_n to_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n by_o which_o alone_o our_o life_n and_o death_n be_v happy_a be_v to_o get_v keep_v and_o increase_v this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n whereby_o alone_o we_o receive_v christ_n 3_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n now_o to_o come_v to_o a_o more_o full_a open_n and_o so_o to_o a_o more_o plentiful_a use_n of_o these_o so_o heavenly_a matter_n special_o for_o such_o as_o most_o need_n help_v herein_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o this_o build_n that_o man_n be_v create_v of_o god_n perfect_o holy_a and_o happy_a and_o have_v by_o his_o disobedience_n utter_o lose_v both_o and_o cast_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n into_o the_o contrary_a misery_n of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n so_o that_o neither_o he_o himself_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o this_o misery_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o former_a happiness_n it_o please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o ordain_v that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n shall_v assume_v and_o take_v to_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o so_o he_o may_v become_v a_o meet_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o which_o end_n the_o divine_a nature_n sanctify_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o he_o