benefit_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o have_v obtain_v they_o we_o must_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o give_v he_o thanks_n and_o to_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o bestower_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o we_o and_o so_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n he_o will_v be_v continual_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a combat_n the_o three_o thing_n require_v be_v that_o we_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o word_n here_o use_v may_v signify_v both_o first_o therefore_o we_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n to_o which_o be_v require_v first_o that_o we_o pray_v with_o understanding_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o ignorant_a papist_n offend_v who_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o ignorant_a protestant_n also_o who_o though_o they_o pray_v in_o their_o own_o language_n yet_o know_v not_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o they_o speak_v second_o that_o we_o pray_v with_o attentive_a mind_n join_v our_o heart_n with_o our_o tongue_n and_o thought_n with_o word_n to_o which_o be_v oppose_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lip_n alone_o when_o as_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n our_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v far_o from_o he_o 29.13_o esa_n 29.13_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 29.13_o which_o kind_n of_o prayer_n be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a unto_o god_n for_o what_o more_o gross_a discord_n than_o when_o the_o tongue_n and_o heart_n disagree_v from_o one_o another_o which_o shall_v be_v tune_v in_o unisone_n and_o as_o the_o carcase_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o soul_n be_v present_o corrupt_a and_o stink_v so_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lip_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n of_o prayer_n and_o stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n three_o that_o we_o pray_v with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n to_o god_n 2.8_o 1._o tim._n 2.8_o without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o tim._n 2.8_o to_o which_o be_v oppose_v prayer_n proceed_v from_o a_o pollute_a conscience_n when_o as_o man_n live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o true_a sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o any_o sincere_a purpose_n to_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o prayer_n must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o incredulity_n see_v they_o have_v no_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n whereupon_o they_o may_v ground_v their_o faith_n nay_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n joh._n 9.31_o that_o be_v 9.31_o joh._n 9.31_o such_o as_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n have_v no_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v unless_o we_o pray_v through_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v yea_o itself_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 26._o rom._n 8_o 26._o §._o sect._n 4._o of_o watchfulness_n matth._n 26._o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26_o the_o four_o thing_n require_v be_v watchfulness_n which_o duty_n be_v require_v joint_o with_o prayer_n in_o many_o place_n our_o saviour_n three_o time_n join_v they_o together_o say_v watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n matth._n 26._o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1_o epist_n 4.7_o say_v now_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n 4.7_o 1._o pet._n 4.7_o be_v you_o therefore_o sober_a and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v your_o enemy_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v you_o at_o all_o time_n like_o valiant_a and_o careful_a soldier_n who_o be_v still_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v assault_v by_o their_o enemy_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o watch_n 5.8_o 1._o pet_n 5.8_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 5.8_o but_o now_o more_o especial_o see_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o satan_n know_v that_o his_o time_n be_v but_o short_a will_v redouble_v all_o his_o force_n to_o work_v our_o destruction_n even_o as_o soldier_n will_v most_o fierce_o assault_v a_o town_n when_o as_o they_o can_v long_o lie_v at_o the_o siege_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o winter_n draw_v on_o or_o the_o approach_n of_o new_a force_n to_o relieve_v the_o town_n or_o raise_v the_o siege_n see_v therefore_o satan_n redouble_v his_o force_n and_o care_n in_o work_v our_o destruction_n let_v we_o redouble_v our_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o seek_v to_o prevent_v his_o force_n and_o malice_n for_o if_o satan_n watch_v continual_o that_o he_o may_v murder_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v watchful_a in_o withstand_v his_o assault_n he_o be_v continual_o in_o arm_n to_o overthrow_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o watch_v night_n and_o day_n in_o our_o christian_a armour_n that_o we_o may_v defeat_v his_o force_n and_o obtain_v victory_n now_o this_o our_o watchfulness_n be_v partly_o of_o the_o body_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o soul_n the_o bodily_a watch_n be_v the_o abstain_v from_o natural_a sleep_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v give_v ourselves_o unto_o prayer_n 88.1_o psal_n 6.6_o psal_n 88.1_o when_o as_o with_o david_n we_o water_v our_o couch_n with_o tear_n psal_n 6.6_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n but_o in_o the_o night_n also_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 88.1_o and_o when_o as_o even_o at_o midnight_n we_o rouse_v up_o ourselves_o to_o give_v thanks_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o benefit_n 119.62_o psal_n 119.62_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 119.62_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v when_o as_o we_o do_v not_o sleep_v in_o our_o sin_n be_v rock_v in_o the_o cradle_n of_o carnal_a security_n but_o shake_v off_o our_o drowsiness_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n rise_v up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o this_o watchfulness_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o eph._n 5.14_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v 5.14_o eph._n 5.14_o and_o stand_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n till_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n mortify_v they_o and_o revive_v we_o 2.1_o eph._n 2.1_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o it_o be_v eph._n 2.1_o though_o therefore_o we_o take_v our_o rest_n and_o sleep_v in_o that_o measure_n which_o nature_n require_v 5.6_o 1._o thess_n 5.6_o yet_o let_v we_o not_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o to_o wit_n in_o carnal_a security_n but_o let_v we_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a as_o it_o be_v 1._o thess_n 5.6_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v time_n that_o we_o shall_v arise_v from_o sleep_n for_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n be_v past_a and_o the_o bright_a sunshine_n day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v come_v etc._n rom._n 13.12_o etc._n etc._n let_v we_o therefore_o cast_v away_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o let_v we_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n so_o that_o we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n neither_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n nor_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 13.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a watch_n which_o we_o be_v to_o join_v with_o prayer_n but_o as_o i_o will_v not_o have_v we_o put_v our_o whole_a confidence_n in_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n so_o much_o less_o in_o our_o own_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o we_o must_v rely_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n only_o desire_v he_o to_o watch_v over_o we_o while_o we_o sleep_v but_o yet_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n we_o must_v join_v our_o endeavour_n and_o not_o drowsy_o and_o sleepe_o receive_v his_o aid_n and_o as_o the_o godly_a husbandman_n expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o use_v all_o pain_n care_n and_o diligence_n in_o plough_v harrow_n and_o sow_v his_o ground_n so_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v deliverance_n from_o the_o force_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o join_v our_o good_a endeavour_n careful_o and_o diligent_o use_v all_o the_o good_a mean_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n §_o sect._n 5_o the_o five_o thing_n require_v be_v perseverance_n in_o prayer_n prayer_n of_o
etc._n etc._n verse_n 17._o he_o that_o overcom_v shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a array_n and_o i_o will_v not_o put_v out_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n cap._n 3.5_o to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o overcome_v and_o sit_v with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n as_o it_o be_v vers_n 21._o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o enter_v the_o list_n and_o sustain_v the_o first_o and_o second_o encounter_n if_o afterward_o we_o shameful_o forsake_v the_o standard_n of_o christ_n and_o cowardly_a run_v away_o or_o else_o traitorous_o yield_v unto_o sin_n and_o satan_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n promise_n we_o must_v overcome_v that_o be_v obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n over_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v none_o triumph_v for_o make_v his_o enemy_n once_o or_o twice_o to_o retire_v or_o for_o get_v the_o better_a in_o some_o skirmish_n because_o they_o may_v gather_v their_o disperse_a force_n and_o join_v with_o they_o new_a supply_n and_o so_o give_v a_o fresh_a assault_n obtain_v victory_n but_o those_o only_a triumph_n who_o obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n neither_o shall_v any_o triumph_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n who_o resist_v satan_n in_o one_o temptation_n only_o or_o bridle_v one_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o they_o who_o subdue_v they_o final_o and_o whole_o not_o once_o alone_o but_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n for_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o worldly_a war_n oftentime_o the_o enemy_n do_v retire_v back_o and_o counterfeit_v a_o flight_n to_o the_o end_n the_o other_o may_v pursue_v he_o secure_o and_o disorderly_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o victory_n and_o then_o he_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o reunite_a all_o his_o force_n do_v overcome_v his_o reckless_a enemy_n so_o oftentimes_o satan_n feign_v himself_o to_o be_v put_v to_o flight_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v conceive_v a_o opinion_n of_o his_o great_a weakness_n and_o our_o own_o invincible_a strength_n and_o so_o be_v bring_v to_o negligence_n and_o security_n and_o then_o he_o knit_v together_o all_o his_o force_n and_o overthrow_v we_o when_o we_o be_v retchless_n secure_v fear_v no_o danger_n yea_o sometime_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n foil_v but_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o he_o will_v surcease_v his_o fight_n for_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v one_o way_n he_o will_v try_v another_o so_o long_o as_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o earthly_a weak_a tabernacle_n give_v he_o any_o hope_n of_o overcome_v or_o foyl_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o stand_n continual_o watch_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o fresh_a assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n if_o job_n have_v be_v secure_a after_o he_o have_v resist_v satan_n first_o temptation_n in_o take_v away_o his_o ox_n ass_n and_o sheep_n sure_o those_o which_o follow_v will_v have_v make_v he_o blaspheme_v god_n as_o satan_n imagine_v but_o like_o a_o good_a soldier_n after_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v one_o blow_n he_o do_v not_o cast_v away_o his_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o further_a need_n of_o it_o but_o still_o hold_v it_o up_o expect_v more_o till_o the_o combat_n be_v end_v who_o example_n we_o must_v imitate_v if_o we_o will_v obtain_v victory_n and_o enjoy_v the_o crown_n of_o victory_n everlasting_a happiness_n in_o god_n kingdom_n otherwise_o if_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n after_o we_o have_v give_v satan_n one_o overthrow_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v assault_v and_o surprise_v before_o we_o be_v aware_a for_o as_o one_o say_v christ_n joan._n riu._n atthend_n de_fw-mi luct_v christ_n diabolus_fw-la victus_fw-la quoque_fw-la vincit_fw-la even_o while_o the_o devil_n be_v vanquish_v he_o obtain_v victory_n and_o therefore_o non_fw-la victor_n magis_fw-la quà m_fw-la victus_fw-la est_fw-la extimescendus_fw-la nam_fw-la saepo_fw-la se_fw-la prostratum_fw-la afflictumque_fw-la simulat_fw-la ut_fw-la acriùs_fw-la insurgat_fw-la fugit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o insidias_fw-la pertrahat_fw-la &_o incautos_fw-la adoriatur_fw-la palam_fw-la cedit_fw-la ut_fw-la clam_fw-la uincat_fw-la he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v when_o he_o overcom_v than_o when_o he_o be_v overcome_v for_o oftentimes_o he_o feign_v himself_o to_o be_v foil_v that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o fearce_o renew_v the_o assault_n he_o fly_v that_o he_o may_v draw_v we_o into_o his_o ambushment_n and_o assail_v we_o at_o unaware_o he_o retire_v open_o that_o he_o may_v secret_o overcome_v §_o sect._n 5_o seaventhly_a 8.44_o the_o seven_o mean_v not_o to_o believe_v satan_n suggestion_n joh._n 8.44_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v circumvent_v by_o satan_n we_o must_v not_o give_v any_o credit_n unto_o he_o whether_o he_o lie_v or_o speak_v true_a whether_o he_o accuse_v or_o flatter_v whether_o he_o indeavore_v to_o puff_n we_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n or_o whether_o he_o labour_v by_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n to_o plunge_v we_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o hellish_a despair_n for_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 8.44_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o credit_v when_o he_o lie_v nam_fw-la verum_fw-la dicit_fw-la ut_fw-la fallat_fw-la blanditur_fw-la ut_fw-la noceat_fw-la bona_fw-la promittit_fw-la ut_fw-la malum_fw-la tribuat_fw-la vitam_fw-la pollicetur_fw-la ut_fw-la perimat_fw-la he_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v he_o flatter_v that_o he_o may_v hurt_v we_o he_o promise_v good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v give_v we_o evil_n he_o promise_v life_n that_o he_o may_v kill_v us._n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n itself_o because_o he_o speak_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n nor_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o mouth_n as_o his_o assertion_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n guide_v and_o inspire_v with_o his_o spirit_n for_o either_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o gain_v credit_n unto_o his_o lie_n or_o propound_v true_a promise_n that_o he_o may_v sophistical_o gather_v out_o of_o they_o false_a conclusion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v reject_v his_o testimony_n though_o true_a and_o enjoin_v he_o silence_n when_o he_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n mark_n 1.24.25_o 1.24.25_o mark_n 1.24.25_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o divine_a maid_n to_o give_v they_o her_o approbation_n though_o she_o speak_v truth_n 16.17.18_o act._n 16.17.18_o in_o confess_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o do_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n act._n 16.17.18_o because_o satan_n do_v it_o either_o to_o this_o end_n that_o by_o his_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n he_o may_v cause_v they_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o repute_v impostor_n and_o deceiver_n who_o do_v their_o miracle_n by_o tell_v this_o truth_n be_v the_o rather_o credit_v when_o he_o do_v bely_v and_o slander_v they_o §_o sect._n 6_o eight_o they_o the_o eight_o mean_n neither_o to_o despise_v satan_n temptation_n nor_o too_o deep_o to_o apprehend_v they_o if_o we_o will_v withstand_v all_o satan_n temptation_n we_o must_v avoid_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o to_o despise_v they_o the_o other_o too_o deep_o to_o apprehend_v and_o too_o great_o to_o fear_v they_o for_o if_o we_o secure_o contemn_v satan_n temptation_n we_o will_v never_o arm_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o so_o he_o will_v overcome_v we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a if_o we_o take_v they_o too_o much_o to_o hart_n continual_o meditate_v upon_o their_o strength_n and_o violence_n and_o upon_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n they_o will_v fill_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o plunge_v we_o into_o despair_n if_o we_o despise_v the_o temptation_n satan_n will_v easy_o subdue_v we_o for_o there_o be_v no_o enemy_n so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a which_o will_v not_o prevail_v against_o those_o who_o secure_o contemn_v they_o though_o exceed_v mighty_a because_o they_o neglect_v all_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o never_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o will_v satan_n prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o regard_v not_o his_o temptation_n he_o be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a and_o we_o feeble_a and_o weak_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o so_o fear_v his_o temptation_n as_o that_o we_o
grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v chastisement_n they_o serve_v for_o sharp_a eye-salue_n to_o clear_v our_o dim_a sight_n so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o serve_v for_o sour_a sauce_n to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o sweet_a sin_n and_o for_o fire_n and_o file_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v and_o scour_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o rust_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o be_v sharp_a prune_a knife_n to_o lop_v and_o trim_a we_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o godliness_n they_o be_v spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o hedge_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v sharp_a salve_n to_o draw_v out_o our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o bitter_a potion_n to_o cure_v our_o desperate_a disease_n they_o be_v that_o wormwood_n whereby_o the_o lord_n wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n who_o please_a delight_n we_o will_v ever_o suck_v without_o weariness_n if_o our_o mouth_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v rod_n wherewith_o be_v scourge_v we_o be_v make_v more_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o run_v headlong_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o see_v our_o momentany_a affliction_n do_v serve_v for_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o further_a of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o repute_v they_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o sign_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o he_o have_v over_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o i_o speak_v be_v true_a of_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n affliction_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n for_o thereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o but_o thy_o affliction_n will_v he_o say_v be_v far_o different_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o fear_n thy_o conscience_n be_v mortal_o sting_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o weight_n thereof_o overwhelm_v thou_o thou_o see_v thyself_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v already_o torment_v with_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n thy_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n with_o a_o amiable_a countenance_n frown_v upon_o thou_o like_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o thou_o taste_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a consolation_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o god_n spirit_n with_o which_o those_o that_o be_v god_n child_n be_v full_o replenish_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o abide_v all_o affliction_n but_o thy_o inward_a vexation_n be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n wherewith_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v eternal_o be_v burn_v to_o this_o temptation_n we_o must_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n hatred_n that_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n three-stringed_n whip_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentle_a rod_n of_o outward_a affliction_n for_o a_o sorrowful_a mind_n dry_v up_o the_o bone_n 18.14_o pro._n 17.12_o pro._n 18.14_o as_o it_o be_v pro._n 17.12_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o other_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prou._n 18.14_o nevertheless_o though_o these_o correction_n be_v more_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o also_o be_v the_o chastisement_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n inflict_v upon_o his_o child_n sometime_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o sometime_o for_o their_o trial_n or_o chastisement_n when_o more_o light_a correction_n will_v not_o reclaim_v they_o for_o first_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o quote_v be_v speak_v general_o of_o all_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n see_v they_o extend_v themselves_o also_o to_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n correct_v all_o alike_o but_o some_o he_o rebuke_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o go_v no_o further_a when_o as_o this_o reclaim_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o chastize_v they_o with_o gentle_a correction_n as_o with_o outward_a cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o he_o take_v his_o whip_n into_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o grievous_o scourge_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o sensible_o taste_v of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n 12.6_o reu._n 3.19_o heb._n 12.6_o and_o appehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v just_o incur_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o still_o remain_v their_o gracious_a father_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o destruction_n but_o their_o reformation_n neither_o need_v this_o deal_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v earthly_a parent_n take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o their_o child_n who_o they_o tender_o love_v for_o when_o they_o offen_n they_o they_o first_o seek_v their_o amendment_n by_o word_n and_o fatherly_a admonition_n and_o when_o this_o will_v do_v no_o good_a they_o proceed_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o a_o gentle_a manner_n do_v correct_v they_o and_o if_o this_o prevail_v not_o with_o they_o than_o they_o use_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a chastisement_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o will_v they_o disguise_v their_o fatherly_a affection_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o countenance_n all_o sign_n of_o love_n and_o assume_v terrible_a look_n and_o bitter_a frown_n yea_o they_o will_v sometime_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o reject_v they_o a_o while_n leave_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o endure_v all_o misery_n and_o whence_o proceed_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o from_o hatred_n but_o from_o love_n and_o tender_a care_n which_o they_o have_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o use_v the_o bridle_n of_o correction_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v into_o all_o licentiousness_n this_o cause_v they_o to_o pretend_v wrath_n in_o the_o countenance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o lewdness_n force_v to_o entertain_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n this_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v reclaim_v and_o retain_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o his_o disobedient_a child_n he_o use_v but_o his_o word_n if_o his_o word_n will_v suffice_v he_o go_v no_o further_a than_o gentle_a chastisement_n if_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o if_o he_o sharp_o scourge_v we_o yea_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o satan_n yet_o undoubted_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o that_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v over_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a and_o salvation_n he_o seek_v not_o our_o destruction_n but_o amendment_n he_o frown_v on_o we_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v look_v gracious_o on_o we_o for_o ever_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o while_n that_o like_o the_o prodigal_a
friend_n he_o endure_v tedious_a labour_n &_o many_o misery_n and_o so_o david_n be_v persecute_v while_o saul_n do_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n yea_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o be_v arraign_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o condemn_v while_o pilate_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisy_n sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n overswaying_a all_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n jacob_n be_v belove_v esau_n hate_v david_n choose_v of_o god_n saul_n reject_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o dear_a son_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o his_o enemy_n the_o instrument_n and_o limb_n of_o satan_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o solomon_n speak_v namely_o no_o man_n can_v have_v assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n by_o these_o outward_a benefit_n bestow_v both_o upon_o the_o godly_a and_o wicked_a neither_o by_o his_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n can_v gather_v that_o the_o lord_n hate_v he_o for_o these_o befall_v all_o indifferent_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o punish_v the_o reprobate_n or_o to_o chastise_v his_o own_o child_n but_o though_o we_o can_v gather_v no_o sound_a argument_n from_o these_o outward_a thing_n of_o god_n love_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o assure_v we_o hereof_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o man_n be_v no_o better_a than_o brute_n beast_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n 3.19_o eccles_n 3.19_o because_o it_o be_v say_v eccles_n 3.19_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o beast_n be_v the_o same_o but_o as_o the_o wiseman_n speak_v there_o of_o their_o outward_a mortality_n alone_o and_o not_o absolute_o in_o all_o respect_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v alike_o to_o see_v to_o that_o be_v in_o outward_a appearance_n vers_fw-la 18._o and_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v for_o say_v he_o as_o one_o die_v so_o die_v the_o other_o so_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a here_o simple_o that_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o in_o these_o outward_a respect_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o wicked_a though_o then_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o our_o worldly_a estate_n yet_o it_o can_v hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v hereof_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o his_o word_n and_o merciful_a promise_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 8._o rom._n 8._o rom._n 8._o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o love_n by_o give_v we_o his_o only_a son_n and_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n a_o lively_a faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v apply_v he_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n unto_o us._n whosoever_o therefore_o believe_v true_o in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n according_a to_o that_o joh._n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n if_o therefore_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o need_v not_o to_o despair_v no_o nor_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o unworthiness_n nor_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manifold_a affliction_n which_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o neither_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o manifold_a infirmity_n which_o we_o bewray_v while_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o may_v sound_o and_o assure_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o 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 39_o 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 and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n namely_o god_n love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o also_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o impugn_v our_o assurance_n thereof_o the_o second_o cause_n be_v god_n free_a election_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o other_o for_o who_o he_o love_v those_o he_o elect_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o love_n to_o seek_v the_o good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o party_n belove_v election_n therefore_o be_v that_o part_n of_o god_n eternal_a and_o immutable_a decree_n whereby_o of_o his_o free_a love_n and_o undeserued_a grace_n he_o have_v preordain_v some_o in_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n chap._n four_o of_o god_n election_n the_o cause_n subject_n object_n and_o property_n thereof_o in_o this_o definition_n be_v set_v down_o first_o the_o efficient_a cause_n or_o author_n of_o our_o election_n namely_o god_n himself_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o appear_v eph._n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a etc._n etc._n and_o joh._n 15.16_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 etc._n etc._n second_o the_o motive_n or_o impulsive_a cause_n of_o god_n election_n be_v express_v namely_o god_n free_a love_n mere_a goodwill_n and_o undeserued_a grace_n and_o this_o also_o be_v manifest_a luk._n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n and_o eph._n 1.5_o who_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n here_o therefore_o be_v exclude_v all_o other_o cause_n wherewith_o diverse_a have_v imagine_v god_n be_v move_v to_o elect_v we_o as_o namely_o our_o own_o will_n the_o foreseeing_a of_o our_o work_n worthiness_n or_o faith_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o elect_v we_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n first_o our_o own_o will_n be_v express_o exclude_v rom._n 9.16_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v or_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n second_o not_o the_o foresight_n of_o our_o own_o work_n for_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v rom._n 9.11.12_o that_o before_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o when_o they_o have_v neither_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n may_v remain_v according_a to_o election_n not_o by_o work_n but_o by_o he_o that_o call_v 12._o it_o be_v say_v unto_o she_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a 13._o as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n and_o chap._n 11.5.6_o he_o say_v that_o god_n election_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o if_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n or_o else_o be_v grace_n no_o more_o grace_n three_o not_o the_o foresight_n of_o any_o worthiness_n in_o we_o more_o than_o in_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 3.23_o and_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v both_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v all_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o eph._n 2.1.3_o four_o the_o lord_n respect_v not_o our_o faith_n as_o a_o impulsive_a cause_n move_v he_o to_o elect_v we_o but_o only_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v the_o lord_n merciful_a unto_o we_o in_o make_v choice_n of_o we_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n because_o we_o be_v faithful_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v faithful_a as_o paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o 1._o cor._n 7.25_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n affirm_v act._n 13.46_o that_o as_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n believe_v last_o although_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v
to_o attain_v unto_o the_o land_n another_o while_n fear_v see_v no_o place_n where_o to_o light_v till_o at_o last_o be_v so_o weary_a that_o she_o can_v fly_v no_o further_o she_o fall_v down_o and_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o sea_n so_o these_o one_o while_o hope_n and_o soon_o after_o find_v their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o not_o see_v where_o they_o may_v rest_v their_o waver_a mind_n doubt_v and_o fear_n till_o at_o last_o through_o weariness_n they_o sink_v down_o and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n where_o they_o be_v drown_v and_o destroy_v if_o it_o do_v not_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o lift_v they_o up_o again_o and_o to_o show_v they_o the_o firm_a rock_n jesus_n christ_n whereupon_o they_o may_v rest_v their_o weary_a mind_n and_o refresh_v their_o faint_a soul_n which_o he_o always_o do_v perform_v to_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o his_o election_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v perish_v though_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n seek_v their_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n but_o at_o this_o mark_n satan_n aim_v though_o he_o never_o hit_v it_o and_o though_o he_o never_o final_o prevail_v yet_o to_o this_o doubt_v and_o in_o the_o end_n despair_v he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v the_o true_a christian_a neither_o do_v he_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o force_n of_o his_o own_o temptation_n but_o he_o join_v with_o he_o the_o world_n which_o be_v as_o ready_a as_o satan_n himself_o to_o oppugn_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n and_o our_o own_o traitorous_a flesh_n which_o be_v easy_o move_v to_o doubt_v and_o despair_n when_o as_o it_o see_v nothing_o in_o itself_o whereupon_o it_o may_v rest_v in_o the_o world_n he_o make_v his_o choice_n not_o of_o silly_a ignorant_a man_n but_o of_o the_o most_o subtle_a sophister_n and_o learned_a doctor_n the_o true_a successor_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n even_o the_o whole_a rabble_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n who_o stand_v on_o satan_n part_n stout_o fight_v his_o battle_n be_v persuade_v and_o overcome_v by_o that_o temptation_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n withstand_v all_o this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o for_o to_o what_o end_n i_o pray_v you_o do_v these_o great_a doctor_n so_o stiff_o stand_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o satan_n cause_n persuade_v man_n may_v and_o main_a to_o doubt_v of_o their_o election_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o salvation_n sure_o that_o by_o empty_v man_n mind_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n they_o may_v fill_v their_o own_o chest_n and_o get_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o earth_n into_o their_o possession_n for_o when_o the_o weak_a conscience_n waver_v and_o doubt_v of_o his_o election_n and_o not_o find_v any_o true_a consolation_n whereupon_o it_o may_v rest_v come_v unto_o they_o for_o some_o comfort_n and_o better_a assurance_n they_o behave_v themselves_o like_o unto_o ungracious_a surgeon_n who_o intend_v to_o make_v a_o pray_v of_o their_o patient_n and_o to_o get_v their_o gain_n out_o of_o their_o pain_n and_o torture_n do_v one_o day_n heal_v and_o the_o next_o day_n hinder_v the_o cure_n make_v the_o wound_n worse_o than_o it_o be_v when_o they_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v so_o poison_v the_o sore_a that_o it_o be_v pass_v their_o cure_n whereas_o they_o can_v easy_o have_v heal_v it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o regard_v their_o profit_n more_o than_o their_o own_o credit_n or_o their_o patient_n health_n or_o like_v unto_o deceitful_a lawyer_n who_o sometime_o speak_v in_o their_o client_n cause_n and_o sometime_o betray_v it_o go_v about_o in_o a_o tedious_a circuit_n whereas_o the_o direct_a way_n lie_v open_a before_o they_o that_o so_o their_o client_n cause_n be_v make_v more_o doubtful_a &_o tedious_a &_o themselves_o impatient_a of_o delay_n be_v fain_o to_o double_a and_o treble_a their_o fee_n and_o yet_o oftentimes_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o the_o more_o they_o receive_v the_o fit_a they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v their_o perpetual_a client_n so_o do_v these_o popish_a surgeon_n and_o romish_a counsellor_n deal_v with_o their_o patient_a and_o client_n for_o show_v his_o wound_a conscience_n and_o desire_v some_o comfort_n at_o their_o hand_n they_o will_v not_o make_v any_o sovereign_a salve_n of_o the_o simples_n which_o they_o may_v gather_v out_o of_o god_n word_n whereby_o he_o may_v soon_o be_v heal_v for_o then_o their_o cure_n and_o consequent_o their_o gain_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o they_o hold_v he_o in_o suspense_n and_o increase_v his_o disease_n of_o doubt_v apply_v thereunto_o poison_n in_o stead_n of_o salve_n whereby_o at_o last_o his_o wound_n be_v make_v desperate_a thou_o can_v not_o will_n they_o say_v attain_v unto_o any_o certain_a assurance_n of_o thy_o election_n for_o that_o be_v fond_a presumption_n but_o thou_o be_v to_o hope_v well_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v confirm_v thy_o hope_n thou_o must_v make_v vow_n and_o go_v on_o pilgrimage_n to_o invocate_v and_o offer_v unto_o these_o and_o these_o saint_n thou_o must_v do_v these_o work_n of_o supererogation_n build_v such_o a_o monastery_n repair_v such_o a_o church_n give_v so_o much_o money_n to_o such_o a_o cloister_n buy_v these_o indulgence_n whereby_o thou_o may_v receive_v pardon_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o for_o more_o surety_n sake_n thou_o shall_v at_o thy_o death_n bequeath_v so_o much_o money_n to_o the_o priest_n for_o mass_n trental_n and_o dirge_n that_o if_o it_o happen_v thou_o go_v into_o purgatory_n thou_o may_v speedy_o be_v deliver_v but_o all_o this_o while_n they_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n of_o god_n undeserued_a grace_n and_o free_a election_n not_o a_o syllable_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n no_o this_o be_v too_o sovereign_a a_o salve_n and_o will_v too_o soon_o heal_v the_o wound_a conscience_n and_o so_o mar_v the_o market_n of_o these_o mountebank_n make_v their_o vow_n pilgrimage_n mass_n dirge_n indulgence_n and_o other_o trumpery-ware_n not_o worth_a the_o cheapen_v §_o sect._n 2_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o satan_n with_o his_o doctor_n and_o proctor_n assistant_n the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n between_o the_o christian_a and_o satan_n with_o his_o assistant_n who_o he_o fee_v with_o worldly_a riches_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n we_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v endue_v with_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o sanctify_v may_v ordinary_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n elect_v to_o salvation_n but_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v presumption_n for_o such_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a assurance_n hereof_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n he_o may_v hope_v indeed_o that_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o this_o hope_n must_v he_o temper_v with_o fear_n and_o mix_v with_o doubt_v and_o this_o doubt_v they_o call_v humility_n which_o they_o do_v not_o account_v a_o infirmity_n but_o rather_o a_o virtue_n which_o do_v commend_v their_o faith_n esteem_v firm_a assurance_n to_o be_v but_o heretical_a confidence_n and_o damnable_a presumption_n and_o pronounce_v he_o accurse_v in_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n who_o affime_v that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o doubt_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n in_o particular_a and_o because_o they_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o doubt_v and_o believe_v in_o themselves_o be_v oppose_v one_o against_o another_o they_o teach_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v assure_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n as_o in_o themselves_o infinite_a and_o sufficient_a but_o it_o doubt_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n to_o apply_v they_o particular_o unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n and_o christ_n there_o be_v cause_n of_o firm_a assurance_n but_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o doubt_v there_o be_v in_o deed_n some_o place_n leave_v to_o their_o stagger_a hope_n but_o none_o to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v on_o our_o own_o worthiness_n and_o not_o upon_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o as_o though_o rest_v upon_o these_o alone_a it_o can_v not_o have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o this_o their_o doctrine_n which_o contain_v nothing_o else_o but_o principle_n whereupon_o sathan_n may_v ground_v his_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v we_o first_o to_o doubt_v and_o afterward_o to_o despair_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o when_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n have_v no_o other_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o his_o own_o election_n but_o
sin_n that_o press_v it_o down_o fear_v and_o doubt_v the_o spirit_n be_v assure_v of_o everlasting_a happiness_n triumph_v with_o joy_n desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o flesh_n find_v itself_o guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n subject_n to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o condemnation_n fear_v and_o tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o death_n the_o spirit_n conceive_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o necessity_n fly_v unto_o he_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o flesh_n conceive_v of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o angry_a and_o severe_a judge_n and_o therefore_o fly_v from_o he_o desire_v rather_o to_o seek_v for_o help_v any_o where_o else_o than_o of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n by_o reason_n hereof_o at_o the_o same_o time_n find_v in_o himself_o opposition_n between_o action_n and_o action_n affection_n and_o affection_n for_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n while_o the_o flesh_n have_v in_o it_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n do_v murmur_n repine_v and_o complain_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o destroy_v we_o the_o spirit_n do_v fly_v unto_o god_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o commit_v itself_o to_o his_o providence_n will_n and_o protection_n expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o only_o which_o it_o can_v never_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o child_n who_o have_v be_v sharp_o correct_v by_o his_o father_n do_v avoid_v his_o presence_n as_o though_o he_o be_v his_o enemy_n but_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n some_o sudden_a danger_n affright_v he_o before_o all_o other_o he_o run_v to_o his_o father_n for_o safeguard_n and_o protection_n so_o when_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v sharp_o correct_v we_o either_o with_o some_o outward_a or_o inward_a affliction_n we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n as_o though_o he_o be_v our_o enemy_n but_o when_o a_o imminent_a danger_n overtake_v we_o and_o we_o be_v in_o peril_n to_o be_v supplant_v with_o sathan_n and_o his_o assistant_n who_o be_v our_o enemy_n in_o deed_n than_o the_o son-like_a affection_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o god_n spirit_n do_v move_v we_o to_o run_v unto_o he_o before_o all_o other_o desire_v and_o crave_v his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v mix_v together_o yet_o they_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n property_n and_o effect_n and_o though_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mingle_v with_o doubt_v yet_o this_o doubt_v be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v nay_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infirmity_n of_o faith_n as_o lameness_n be_v a_o infirmity_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o dimness_n of_o the_o sight_n for_o it_o be_v not_o any_o way_n incident_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o commendable_a virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o be_v oppose_v unto_o faith_n as_o appear_v rom._n 4.20_o and_o consequent_o 4.20_o rom._n 4.20_o though_o faith_n be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o may_v and_o do_v remain_v certain_a and_o assure_v §_o sect._n 6_o four_o 2.16_o that_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n 1._o cor._n 2.16_o they_o object_n that_o it_o be_v rash_a presumption_n and_o proud_a boldness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n secret_a counsel_n or_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o peremptory_o to_o determine_v that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o god_n have_v elect_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o whosoever_o pri_v into_o god_n hide_a counsel_n and_o secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v proud_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n receive_v the_o punishment_n of_o both_o be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o fall_v into_o many_o error_n and_o in_o the_o end_n utter_a desperation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o labour_v after_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n by_o use_v these_o mean_n and_o judge_v of_o god_n decree_n according_a to_o the_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n &_o doubtful_a speculation_n but_o yet_o though_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o secret_a and_o not_o to_o be_v search_v into_o this_o must_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o look_v into_o his_o will_n reveal_v though_o we_o can_v gather_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n by_o search_v into_o his_o secret_a decree_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o impediment_n why_o we_o may_v not_o gather_v it_o out_o of_o his_o word_n where_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o decree_n and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o though_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n by_o our_o own_o speculation_n yet_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 8.16_o rom._n 8.16_o which_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o also_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o also_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o pride_n or_o presumption_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_o assure_v thereof_o but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o this_o certainty_n can_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v unto_o it_o we_o must_v not_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o law_n where_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n which_o condition_n we_o can_v never_o perform_v and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o promise_n but_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o some_o be_v predestinate_v to_o life_n and_o some_o reject_v neither_o do_v it_o only_o speak_v of_o our_o election_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o god_n secret_a decree_n in_o itself_o or_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o also_o it_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n with_o the_o cause_n mean_n sign_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n and_o how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v for_o the_o bring_v we_o to_o those_o joy_n to_o which_o god_n have_v choose_v us._n first_o therefore_o it_o show_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o election_n second_o god_n decree_n concern_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o death_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n our_o mediator_n three_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o participate_v with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o their_o salvation_n four_o the_o decree_n concern_v the_o send_n of_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o choose_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n whereof_o the_o word_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n five_o and_o last_o his_o decree_n concern_v the_o justify_n and_o save_v of_o those_o who_o repent_v true_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n christ_n and_o his_o merit_n &_o obedience_n do_v approach_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o receive_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o all_o these_o be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v sever_v so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v assure_v of_o one_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o all_o whosoever_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v certain_a also_o of_o his_o election_n though_o he_o never_o presumptuous_o search_v into_o god_n secret_a counsel_n five_o election_n §._o sect._n 7._o that_o the_o lord_n particular_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n they_o object_n that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o god_n word_n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o god_n word_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n
temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v it_o frustrate_v and_o unprofitable_a unto_o us._n for_o the_o first_o our_o vocation_n or_o call_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n do_v by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n call_v and_o invite_v we_o whilst_o we_o live_v here_o unto_o the_o participation_n and_o embrace_n of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o thus_o be_v we_o call_v sometime_o soon_o and_o sometime_o late_a when_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o lord_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o householder_n who_o hire_v laborer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n some_o at_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n other_o at_o the_o three_o sixth_o and_o nine_o hour_n 20._o matth._n 20._o other_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n not_o long_o before_o the_o sun_n set_v as_o it_o be_v matth._n 20._o effectual_a a_o twofold_a call_n general_a and_o effectual_a moreover_o this_o our_o call_n be_v either_o common_a and_o general_a or_o else_o special_a and_o effectual_a the_o general_a call_n be_v whereby_o all_o indifferent_o good_a and_o bad_a elect_a and_o reprobate_a be_v outward_o invite_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o embrace_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n which_o outward_a call_n be_v uneffectual_a to_o the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_n because_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o king_n they_o refuse_v to_o come_v that_o be_v they_o either_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o heavenly_a ambassage_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o contemn_v those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o be_v therein_o offer_v prefer_v before_o they_o the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n find_v no_o place_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o vanish_v away_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o it_o but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n to_o their_o more_o deep_a condemnation_n §_o sect._n 2_o the_o special_a and_o effectual_a call_n be_v be_v what_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n elect_v when_o as_o with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o believer_n our_o saviour_n christ_n join_v the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o open_v our_o deaf_a ear_n inlighten_v our_o blind_a understanding_n and_o soften_v and_o sanctifi_v our_o hard_a and_o corrupt_a heart_n so_o as_o we_o attentive_o hear_v true_o understand_v and_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n apply_v the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o we_o whereby_o also_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n give_v to_o christ_n and_o he_o to_o we_o whereupon_o follow_v that_o near_a union_n whereby_o we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o his_o body_n mystical_o do_v become_v his_o member_n and_o he_o our_o head_n elect_a effectual_a calling_n proper_a to_o the_o elect_a that_o this_o effectual_a call_n be_v proper_a to_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o supper_n where_o many_o outward_o invite_v to_o the_o great_a supper_n of_o the_o king_n refuse_v to_o come_v 22.3.8_o matth._n 22.3.8_o &_o therefore_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o marriage_n mat._n 22.3.8_o and_o rom._n 8_o 30_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o these_o also_o he_o justifi_v 8.30_o rom_n 8.30_o so_o act._n 13.48_o it_o be_v say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n believe_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 13.48_o act._n 13.48_o and_o therefore_o these_o only_o be_v effectual_o call_v 6.45_o joh._n 6.45_o and_o joh._n 6_o 45._o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o he_o so_o that_o outward_a hear_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n unless_o the_o father_n also_o inward_o instruct_v we_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n open_v our_o deaf_a ear_n enlighten_v our_o blind_a understanding_n incline_v our_o will_n and_o sanctify_v our_o affection_n that_o we_o may_v attentive_o hear_v true_o understand_v and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o lydia_n 16.14_o act._n 16.14_o act._n 16.14_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o have_v open_v that_o she_o may_v attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o paul_n speak_v and_o be_v convert_v by_o which_o speech_n the_o holy_a ghost_n impli_v thus_o much_o that_o her_o heart_n be_v as_o it_o be_v close_o shut_v and_o fast_o lock_v up_o so_o as_o he_o can_v not_o receive_v the_o word_n preach_v till_o the_o lord_n have_v open_v it_o by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o matter_n need_v not_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v it_o be_v continual_o confirm_v by_o our_o own_o experience_n for_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o many_o among_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o year_n to_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o the_o near_o but_o still_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a in_o their_o mind_n as_o perverse_a in_o their_o will_n as_o corrupt_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o profane_v in_o their_o life_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o happen_v it_o that_o some_o attentive_o hear_v god_n word_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o their_o memory_n and_o thereby_o have_v their_o mind_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n their_o will_n incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n their_o affection_n sanctify_v their_o life_n reform_v sure_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v join_v in_o these_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o his_o word_n make_v it_o effectual_a for_o their_o true_a conversion_n whereas_o he_o leave_v the_o other_o to_o their_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o elect_v only_o be_v effectual_o call_v as_o for_o the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a though_o they_o hear_v the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v invite_v unto_o christ_n yet_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o reject_v all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o eternal_a perdition_n because_o the_o lord_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o corruption_n not_o open_v their_o hard_a heart_n nor_o incline_v their_o perverse_a will_n nor_o sanctify_v their_o corrupt_a affection_n §_o sect._n 3_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v world_n of_o the_o part_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o first_o of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n the_o part_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n the_o first_o be_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n of_o which_o in_o former_a time_n we_o be_v citizen_n and_o true_a member_n that_o from_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o god_n household_n and_o family_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v mere_a worldling_n dead_a in_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a live_v without_o god_n and_o serve_a satan_n the_o world_n and_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n until_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o we_o among_o many_o other_o calling_z and_o separate_v we_o from_o this_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o subject_n first_o of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o afterward_o of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n of_o this_o our_o saviour_n speak_v joh._n 15.19_o 15.19_o joh._n 15.19_o if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o after_o our_o call_n and_o conversion_n 2.19_o eph._n 2.19_o we_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o forrener_n but_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n now_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o choice_n of_o we_o before_o other_o not_o for_o any_o respect_n of_o worthiness_n or_o excellency_n in_o we_o more_o than_o in_o they_o but_o of_o his_o mere_a mercy_n undeserued_a grace_n worthiness_n that_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o not_o for_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o worthiness_n and_o free_a good_a will_n neither_o do_v he_o therefore_o entertain_v we_o into_o his_o church_n and_o family_n because_o we_o be_v already_o or_o because_o he_o know_v we_o will_v be_v hereafter_o holy_a and_o righteous_a but_o have_v free_o call_v we_o without_o any_o our_o desert_n he_o do_v also_o of_o his_o own_o undeserued_a
&_o meanness_n a_o overrule_a power_n in_o persuade_v without_o render_v reason_n or_o bring_v any_o argument_n beside_o absolute_a authority_n and_o a_o universal_a jurisdiction_n over_o all_o without_o difference_n or_o respect_n and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o secret_a thought_n as_o the_o outward_a action_n do_v manifest_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v stile_n why_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v in_o a_o simple_a lowly_a and_o plain_a stile_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v have_v excel_v all_o humane_a writing_n in_o conceit_n of_o wit_n and_o excellency_n of_o phrase_n and_o stile_n as_o far_o as_o god_n excel_v man_n whereas_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v pen_v after_o a_o most_o simple_a plain_n and_o unpolished_a manner_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o prince_n to_o play_v the_o orator_n when_o he_o set_v out_o a_o edict_n nor_o to_o use_v rhetorical_a figure_n and_o allure_a persuasion_n when_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o subject_n but_o rather_o peremptory_a commandment_n and_o plain_a phrase_n full_a of_o gravity_n and_o authority_n without_o all_o affectation_n and_o how_o much_o less_o shall_v the_o chief_a commander_n of_o king_n and_o subject_a use_v such_o a_o stile_n as_o savour_v any_o whit_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n see_v it_o better_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n plain_o to_o command_v than_o to_o persuade_v or_o allure_v with_o entice_a speech_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o also_o for_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o profundity_n of_o his_o wisdom_n can_v have_v write_v in_o such_o a_o lofty_a stile_n as_o will_v have_v fill_v even_o the_o most_o learned_a with_o admiration_n yet_o he_o use_v a_o simple_a easy_a stile_n fit_a for_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n as_o therefore_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n or_o else_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a can_v understand_v he_o so_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o speak_v aswell_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o the_o wise_a because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o these_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o vouchsafe_v as_o well_o milk_n to_o the_o babe_n as_o strong_a meat_n to_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o more_o ripe_a year_n in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n at_o which_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o one_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v with_o great_a facility_n understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o simple_a if_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o a_o lofty_a eloquent_a phrase_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o examine_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o true_a judgement_n they_o may_v find_v food_n therein_o contain_v fit_a for_o their_o own_o palate_n and_o taste_n for_o under_o this_o humility_n they_o shall_v discern_v more_o majesty_n under_o this_o simplicity_n more_o deep_a wisdom_n under_o this_o unpolished_a plainness_n more_o powerful_a persuasion_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o incline_v the_o affection_n than_o in_o all_o humane_a writing_n whatsoever_o three_o humane_a eloquence_n and_o witty_a sharp_a conceit_n be_v not_o only_o unfitting_a the_o grave_a majesty_n of_o our_o heavenly_a king_n but_o also_o needless_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o what_o be_v they_o but_o god_n truth_n and_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o beseem_a truth_n than_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n for_o what_o needs_o beauty_n the_o help_n of_o paint_v or_o a_o precious_a diamond_n much_o art_n to_o polish_v it_o see_v they_o be_v glorious_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o what_o need_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o in_o itself_o shine_v clear_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o chief_a brightness_n the_o goodly_a ornament_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n which_o will_v but_o darken_v the_o beam_n thereof_o or_o what_o need_v that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o divine_a any_o help_n from_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n judgement_n no_o no_o the_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o help_n of_o witty_a sophistry_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o tully_n oration_n whereby_o oft_o time_n a_o good_a cause_n be_v make_v bad_a and_o a_o bad_a one_o good_a right_a wrong_n and_o wrong_v right_a than_o for_o god_n divine_a truth_n which_o like_o the_o sun_n shine_v most_o glorious_o when_o it_o be_v bare_a &_o naked_a last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wisdom_n do_v manifest_v his_o power_n in_o weakness_n his_o majesty_n in_o baseness_n and_o his_o wisdom_n in_o foolishness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o weakness_n baseness_n and_o folly_n may_v serve_v as_o foil_n to_o make_v his_o power_n majesty_n and_o wisdom_n appear_v to_o we_o more_o glorious_a though_o in_o truth_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v infinite_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o their_o excellency_n but_o because_o we_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o inferior_a mean_n and_o nothing_o unto_o god_n therefore_o the_o lord_n choose_v weak_a and_o simple_a mean_n that_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v in_o they_o more_o manifest_a for_o example_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v pen_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o eloquent_a stile_n as_o will_v have_v ravish_v the_o reader_n with_o delight_n we_o will_v like_o fool_n have_v stand_v admire_v at_o the_o curious_a work_n of_o the_o casket_n and_o never_o open_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o precious_a jewel_n therein_o contain_v &_o have_v be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v have_v neglect_v the_o matter_n but_o when_o this_o treasure_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n when_o this_o beautiful_a feature_n be_v clothe_v in_o mean_a attire_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o humble_a and_o simple_a stile_n we_o leave_v shadow_n and_o behold_v the_o substance_n neither_o do_v we_o rest_v in_o the_o outward_a letter_n but_o search_v after_o the_o inward_a truth_n so_o also_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n use_v entice_a eloquence_n or_o affect_v humane_a learning_n man_n will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o have_v say_v that_o by_o the_o force_n thereof_o so_o many_o be_v draw_v or_o entice_v to_o embrace_v religion_n and_o to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o god_n service_n but_o when_o as_o in_o outward_a show_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o unpolished_a plainness_n and_o simple_a rudeness_n by_o which_o nevertheless_o the_o hearer_n understanding_n be_v more_o enlighten_v his_o will_n more_o powerful_o incline_v his_o affection_n more_o strong_o rule_v than_o by_o all_o the_o eloquent_a persuasion_n which_o wit_n and_o learning_n can_v invent_v they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v under_o this_o simplicity_n his_o power_n under_o this_o outward_a weakness_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o virtue_n and_o force_n not_o from_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o excellency_n of_o word_n but_o from_o the_o power_n and_o plain_a evidence_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o inditer_n of_o they_o §_o sect._n 4_o the_o ten_o reason_n reason_n the_o ten_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o content_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o many_o thing_n contain_v therein_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o so_o deep_a that_o man_n wisdom_n and_o reason_n can_v conceive_v they_o nor_o search_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n for_o example_n though_o all_o man_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n see_v this_o truth_n be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n in_o the_o
this_o must_v not_o make_v we_o to_o neglect_v all_o till_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a agreement_n for_o as_o well_o may_v be_v reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n with_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n grace_n &_o natural_a corruption_n truth_n and_o error_n as_o the_o true_a religion_n with_o those_o which_o be_v false_a or_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o other_o those_o who_o have_v important_a business_n abroad_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o refuse_v to_o travail_v because_o some_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o every_o turn_n in_o their_o journey_n because_o they_o will_v not_o err_v with_o other_o those_o that_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o live_v do_v not_o refuse_v all_o meat_n because_o some_o surfeit_n &_o die_v by_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v unwholesome_a but_o rather_o hereby_o they_o be_v make_v more_o wary_a in_o make_v good_a choice_n of_o such_o diet_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o health_n those_o also_o who_o be_v sick_a do_v not_o neglect_v all_o physic_n because_o there_o be_v many_o cozen_a impostor_n and_o unlearned_a empiric_n who_o kill_v in_o stead_n of_o cure_v but_o this_o make_v they_o with_o more_o circumspection_n to_o find_v out_o a_o skilful_a and_o learned_a physician_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o like_a practice_n in_o these_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o direct_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o heaven_n and_o many_o byway_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n let_v not_o this_o keep_v we_o from_o travayl_v this_o heavenly_a journey_n but_o rather_o move_v we_o with_o more_o diligence_n to_o inquire_v the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n see_v also_o there_o be_v many_o which_o offer_v we_o poison_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o wholesome_a food_n and_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o learn_v with_o more_o care_n to_o make_v choice_n and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o but_o there_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v how_o those_o who_o be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a can_v judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n false_a §._o sect._n 2._o how_o the_o unlearned_a may_v discern_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o which_o be_v the_o false_a who_o teach_v the_o truth_n and_o who_o falsehood_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o one_o must_v labour_v to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n by_o study_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n this_o must_v be_v his_o light_n to_o guide_v he_o his_o counsellor_n to_o inform_v he_o his_o touchstone_n whereby_o he_o may_v discern_v the_o stubble_n and_o straw_n of_o man_n invention_n from_o the_o pure_a gold_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o with_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n 17._o i._o joh._n 4.1_o act._n 17._o to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o according_o either_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o be_v consonant_n with_o god_n word_n or_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o be_v dissonant_n thereunto_o yea_o will_n some_o say_v this_o be_v a_o direct_a course_n if_o those_o only_o who_o have_v the_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n have_v scripture_n to_o allege_v but_o see_v every_o heretic_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o quote_v scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v and_o defend_v of_o his_o heresy_n as_o the_o professor_n of_o god_n truth_n for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o all_o the_o question_n be_v who_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o good_a and_o who_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a and_o somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v wrest_v unto_o a_o wrong_a sense_n yet_o be_v there_o other_o clear_a end_n evident_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o all_o sect_n heresy_n and_o error_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v expound_v those_o place_n which_o be_v dark_a and_o ambiguous_a by_o those_o which_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o manifest_a for_o exmaple_n if_o we_o will_v know_v whether_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o no_o we_o must_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o god_n word_n not_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o place_n which_o seem_v any_o way_n hard_a and_o doubtful_a but_o of_o those_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n truth_n as_o light_v to_o darkness_n for_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v the_o clean_a contrary_n 2.10_o i_o be_o 3.2_o and_o 2.10_o namely_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o i_o be_o 3.2_o and_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n yet_o fail_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o i_o be_o 2.10_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o sin_v not_o 8.46_o 1._o king_n 8.46_o 1._o king_n 8.46_o that_o in_o god_n sight_n none_o that_o live_v can_v be_v justify_v 10._o psal_n 143.2_o luk._n 17_o 10._o psalm_n 143.2_o that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o therefore_o merit_v nothing_o luk._n 17.10_o so_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n because_o they_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o apostle_n flat_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o this_o office_n but_o christ_n alone_o 2.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n where_o as_o they_o teach_v that_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a for_o some_o man_n at_o all_o time_n and_o some_o meat_n unlawful_a for_o all_o man_n at_o some_o time_n the_o holy_a ghost_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o this_o be_v erroneous_a and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n 4.1.3.4_o 1._o tim._n 4.1.3.4_o and_o that_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1._o tim._n 4.1.3.4_o and_o that_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a for_o all_o man_n and_o the_o bed_n undefiled_a 13.4_o heb._n 13.4_o heb._n 13.4_o that_o to_o avoid_v fornication_n every_o man_n must_v have_v his_o wife_n and_o every_o woman_n her_o own_o husband_n 1._o cor._n 7.2_o and_o that_o better_o it_o be_v to_o marry_v then_o to_o burn_v v._o 9_o 7.2_o 1._o cor._n 7.2_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v carnal_o and_o corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o earth_n matth._n 28.6_o 28.6_o matth._n 28.6_o that_o when_o he_o be_v take_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o 1.11_o act._n 1.11_o act._n 1.11_o that_o the_o heaven_n must_v contain_v he_o until_o the_o time_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v restore_v 3.21_o act_n 3.21_o act._n 3.21_o whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o we_o must_v make_v and_o worship_n image_n both_o be_v express_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o common_a people_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n speak_v five_o word_n with_o his_o understanding_n that_o he_o may_v also_o instruct_v other_o 14.19_o 1._o cor._n 14.19_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o flat_o injoin_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o speak_v strange_a lauguage_n where_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n 1._o cor._n 14.19.27.28_o whereas_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v withhold_v from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o give_v only_o to_o the_o priest_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o institution_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v his_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n plain_o thereby_o infer_v that_o this_o sign_n and_o sacrament_n of_o his_o blood_n belong_v to_o as_o many_o as_o be_v redeem_v by_o it_o 26.28_o matth_n 26.28_o matth._n 26.28_o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o here_o the_o disciple_n be_v only_o
and_o that_o to_o they_o alone_o this_o speech_n be_v direct_v the_o apostle_n plain_o take_v away_o this_o cavil_n for_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n he_o will_v every_o one_o indefinite_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o so_o to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o this_o cup_n 11.28_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o 1._o corinth_n 11.28_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n we_o shall_v find_v most_o clear_a &_o manifest_a place_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o confutation_n of_o all_o sect_n error_n and_o heresy_n but_o what_o if_o this_o mean_n be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o of_o read_v &_o study_v the_o scripture_n either_o because_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o a_o unknown_a language_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n or_o because_o we_o can_v read_v and_o have_v no_o body_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o if_o both_o read_n and_o study_v they_o we_o find_v many_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n and_o diverse_a place_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v diverse_a and_o opposite_a opinion_n and_o religion_n how_o the_o must_v we_o quit_v ourselves_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o doubtfulness_n see_v it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o either_o faction_n i_o answer_v that_o in_o these_o day_n the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o so_o scant_o but_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v they_o that_o labour_n for_o they_o for_o either_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n where_o they_o dwell_v or_o else_o in_o some_o other_o place_n by_o remove_v their_o habitation_n &_o though_o they_o can_v read_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o learn_v to_o those_o who_o will_v use_v pain_n and_o diligence_n or_o at_o least_o to_o get_v the_o help_n of_o other_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o defect_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o these_o mean_n or_o that_o use_v they_o there_o be_v some_o doubt_n remain_v of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v resolve_v be_v we_o therefore_o destitute_a of_o help_n and_o forsake_v of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n no_o sure_o for_o if_o when_o allother_n mean_v fail_v we_o we_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o god_n by_o earnest_n &_o effectual_a prayer_n instant_o crave_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o we_o have_v a_o merciful_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v our_o request_n and_o grant_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v luke_n 11.13_o 11.13_o luke_n 11.13_o and_o that_o thereby_o he_o will_v illuminate_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n inlighten_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o all_o prejudice_n of_o opinion_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o god_n true_a religion_n from_o error_n and_o lie_n sect_n and_o heresy_n 16.13_o john_n 16.13_o for_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v joh._n 16.13_o he_o search_v all_o thing_n 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o receive_v he_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o he_o be_v that_o precious_a eye-salue_n wherewith_o be_v anoint_v we_o see_v 3.18_o revel_v 3.18_o who_o before_o be_v blind_a revel_v 3.18_o and_o if_o once_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o anoint_v we_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v we_o 2.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.27_o for_o this_o anoint_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o joh._n 2.27_o though_o therefore_o we_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o other_o mean_n yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v all_o religion_n because_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o true_a religion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v false_a for_o if_o we_o earnest_o and_o sincere_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o with_o good_a cornelius_n continual_o implore_v the_o assstance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v our_o desire_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v it_o and_o he_o will_v undoubted_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n chap._n xxv_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o unfitnesse_n to_o hear_v answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n word_n that_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o hear_v god_n word_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o the_o minister_n to_o discredit_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o hear_v thereof_o but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v he_o will_v leave_v the_o minister_n and_o come_v to_o the_o party_n themselves_o suggest_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o innumerable_a number_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o excellent_a and_o that_o their_o corruption_n be_v so_o great_a their_o understanding_n so_o blind_a their_o memory_n so_o slippery_a their_o will_n so_o perverse_a their_o heart_n and_o affection_n so_o wicked_a and_o profane_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v in_o regard_n of_o this_o their_o unfitness_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n will_v become_v unto_o they_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n to_o their_o more_o deep_a condemnation_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v first_o that_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v we_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o shall_v rather_o serve_v as_o forcible_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o more_o attentive_o and_o diligent_o to_o hear_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o pull_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sin_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a sanctification_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o the_o son_n of_o wrath_n the_o child_n of_o god_n moreover_o though_o we_o want_v faith_n and_o all_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n not_o only_o to_o increase_v grace_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v but_o also_o to_o beget_v and_o begin_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v because_o we_o be_v fit_a but_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a who_o before_o be_v unfit_a neither_o be_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n go_v before_o hear_v but_o follow_v after_o as_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o 10.14.17_o rom._n 10.14.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v rom._n 10.14_o but_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o verse_n 17._o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o then_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n without_o hear_v nor_o no_o grace_n without_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o before_o we_o hear_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n &_o all_o save_a grace_n and_o that_o by_o hear_v they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o god_n prevent_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o call_v we_o unto_o himself_o not_o only_a when_o we_o have_v no_o desert_n to_o merit_v his_o mercy_n but_o also_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o grace_n to_o desire_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 1.9_o that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n 1.9_o 2._o tim._n 1.9_o but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n be_v the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v in_o all_o the_o example_n of_o god_n saint_n who_o before_o their_o call_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v any_o grace_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o rather_o they_o deserve_v confusion_n &_o utter_a destruction_n for_o example_n what_o worthiness_n be_v in_o abraham_n before_o his_o conversion_n who_o live_v in_o gross_a idolatry_n what_o worthiness_n in_o rahab_n the_o harlot_n in_o manasses_n a_o cruel_a tyrant_n a_o wicked_a sorcerer_n a_o horrible_a idolater_n what_o worthiness_n in_o marie_n magdalene_n possess_v by_o
yield_v a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n §_o sect._n 5_o and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n now_o after_o we_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o have_v present_v ourselves_o into_o god_n holy_a assembly_n presence_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o hear_v it_o to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n there_o be_v also_o other_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o end_n that_o satan_n may_v not_o distract_v our_o mind_n and_o so_o make_v the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v fruitless_a first_o we_o be_v to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o we_o &_o behold_v all_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o action_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o good_a cornelius_n act._n 10.33_o here_o say_v he_o we_o be_v all_o present_a before_o god_n to_o hear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v thou_o of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o careless_o and_o negligent_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o in_o his_o presence_n before_o who_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n move_v and_o shake_v as_o it_o be_v psal_n 18.7_o second_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n god_n 2._o we_o must_v hear_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thes_n 2.13_o when_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o you_o hear_v of_o we_o you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o his_o own_o spokesman_n but_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o message_n which_o he_o bring_v but_o the_o lord_n embassage_n &_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n prefix_v before_o their_o writing_n these_o &_o such_o like_a speech_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n profess_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o god_n true_a minister_n that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n who_o in_o christ_n stead_n beseech_v their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5.20_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o look_v upon_o the_o man_n but_o on_o god_n who_o send_v he_o nor_o on_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n but_o on_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o it_o bring_v nor_o on_o the_o simpleness_n of_o the_o casket_n but_o on_o the_o precious_a pearl_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o nor_o upon_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o ambassador_n but_o upon_o the_o glorious_a royalty_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o send_v he_o and_o on_o his_o ambassage_n which_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o life_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o then_o his_o foot_n will_v seem_v beautiful_a and_o none_o shall_v be_v better_a welcome_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v their_o ministry_n but_o receive_v joyful_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o remember_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o §_o sect._n 6_o three_o let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o reverend_a attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_v 3._o we_o must_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o meditation_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o hear_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lively_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n that_o spiritual_a physic_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a meditation_n come_v to_o our_o remembrance_n they_o will_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o from_o our_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n fasten_v our_o eye_n on_o god_n minister_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n hearer_n luke_n 4.20_o and_o even_o hang_v upon_o they_o like_o the_o child_n on_o the_o mother_n breast_n to_o suck_v our_o soul_n nourishment_n as_o the_o people_n hang_v on_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 19.48_o four_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n as_o if_o we_o be_v nevermore_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v whither_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o next_o sabbath_n or_o though_o he_o do_v yet_o how_o know_v he_o whether_o he_o shall_v have_v his_o sense_n understanding_n and_o memory_n see_v he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o good_a or_o though_o he_o have_v yet_o may_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o such_o a_o famine_n be_v of_o this_o heavenly_a food_n that_o he_o may_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n 8.11_o am._n 8.11_o and_o from_o north_n to_o east_n seek_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o we_o today_o let_v we_o harken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v we_o to_o morrow_n that_o we_o shall_v hear_v it_o whilst_o we_o enjoy_v this_o heavenly_a light_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v short_o set_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o unto_o we_o and_o then_o what_o will_v follow_v but_o eternal_a darkness_n last_o let_v we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n judgment_n which_o he_o inflict_v on_o the_o contemner_n and_o neglectour_n of_o his_o word_n which_o he_o may_v just_o every_o minute_n pour_v upon_o we_o whilst_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o wandringe_n not_o regard_v that_o which_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o he_o may_v sudden_o strike_v we_o with_o frenzy_n and_o madness_n or_o with_o death_n itself_o and_o then_o how_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a be_v our_o state_n if_o such_o a_o judgement_n shall_v seize_v upon_o us._n 20._o act_n 20._o let_v we_o remember_v what_o happen_v to_o drowsy_a eutichus_n and_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o that_o which_o befall_v unto_o one_o may_v happen_v unto_o another_o §_o sect._n 7_o and_o thus_o be_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o effectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n and_o call_n unto_o god_n word_n how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o when_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o we_o must_v not_o here_o rest_n for_o if_o our_o enemy_n sathan_n can_v no_o hinder_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n from_o fall_v into_o our_o heart_n then_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o steal_v it_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v that_o it_o may_v never_o take_v root_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n as_o appear_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o approbation_n and_o be_v somewhat_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o yet_o soon_o after_o it_o vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o whenc_n do_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o when_o he_o find_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n not_o thorough_o enter_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therein_o cover_v like_o a_o ravenous_a bird_n devour_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v a_o little_a root_n yet_o he_o choke_v it_o with_o the_o thorny_a care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o it_o never_o spring_v up_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o into_o a_o blade_n of_o profession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o far_o grow_v up_o yet_o he_o indeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o from_o ever_o thrive_v further_o by_o cause_v the_o hot_a sun_n of_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o heat_n thereof_o to_o make_v it_o wither_v
and_o perish_v though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o have_v make_v a_o flourish_a show_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat_n 13._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o take_v no_o less_o pain_n after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o devour_a and_o to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v it_o that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n than_o we_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o preparation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n when_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o as_o the_o careful_a husbandman_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o stir_v up_o his_o fallow_a ground_n and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o seed_n as_o also_o in_o the_o seed_n time_n in_o sow_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n thus_o prepare_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o harrowe_a it_o and_o cover_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n so_o though_o we_o take_v great_a pain_n in_o break_v up_o and_o prepare_v the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o also_o in_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o as_o careful_a after_o all_o this_o to_o cover_v and_o hide_v this_o seed_n in_o the_o furrow_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n it_o will_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n now_o the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v first_o serious_a mediation_n whereby_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o which_o it_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v according_a to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o turn_v over_o the_o bible_n to_o those_o proof_n which_o we_o remember_v allege_v as_o most_o principal_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o noble_a man_n of_o berea_n act_n 17.10.11_o who_o though_o with_o great_a readiness_n they_o receive_v that_o doctrine_n which_o paul_n have_v deliver_v yet_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o hard_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a with_o they_o or_o no._n second_o we_o must_v use_v holy_a and_o christian_a conference_n one_o with_o another_o about_o those_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v for_o hereby_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o one_o do_v not_o observe_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o other_o remember_v and_o repent_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o other_o help_v out_o in_o another_o point_n where_o his_o neighbourfaileth_n till_o at_o last_o they_o recall_v all_o the_o material_a point_n to_o their_o remembrance_n even_o as_o many_o meeting_n together_o at_o a_o feast_n do_v every_o one_o cast_v in_o his_o shot_n till_o the_o reckon_n be_v make_v so_o many_o join_v their_o head_n together_o for_o the_o recall_v of_o a_o sermon_n to_o mind_n one_o repeat_v a_o little_a and_o another_o as_o much_o more_o till_o at_o last_o all_o be_v repeat_v and_o second_o this_o benefit_n redound_v hereof_o that_o all_o which_o every_o one_o remember_v by_o this_o repetition_n be_v more_o sure_o imprint_v in_o his_o memory_n and_o be_v not_o afterward_o easy_o forget_v last_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o imprint_v thing_n in_o our_o memory_n never_o after_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o as_o we_o only_o true_o know_v that_o in_o christianity_n that_o which_o we_o practise_v so_o likewise_o that_o be_v only_o well_o remember_v which_o be_v well_o practise_v chap._n xxvii_o satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o repentance_n the_o tentation_n allure_a to_o defer_v repentance_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n fruitless_a and_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v be_v repel_v by_o the_o mean_v before_o speak_v of_o &_o if_o man_n by_o their_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n have_v learn_v thus_o much_o knowledge_n that_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o he_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n labour_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v better_a opportunity_n and_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o shall_v repent_v &_o turn_v unto_o god_n yet_o thou_o may_v defer_v thy_o repentance_n until_o thy_o old_a age_n or_o at_o least_o till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n for_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v more_o fit_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n then_o in_o the_o flourish_a prime_n of_o thy_o youth_n when_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o tedious_a and_o unpleasant_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n so_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a neither_o need_v thou_o to_o fear_v any_o in_o convenience_n which_o will_v come_v hereby_o for_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a that_o whensoever_o thou_o return_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v receive_v thou_o to_o mercy_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o whensoever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v blot_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v thou_o may_v repent_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o and_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o religious_a life_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n be_v past_a and_o old_a age_n draw_v on_o which_o be_v far_o more_o fit_a for_o these_o exercise_n for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o so_o to_o dote_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n to_o come_v as_o that_o thou_o shall_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o be_v present_a see_v thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o dangerous_a this_o tentation_n most_o dangerous_a against_o which_o tentation_n it_o behove_v every_o man_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o as_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o great_a multitude_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o too_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o when_o as_o satan_n can_v no_o long_o hoodwink_v their_o eye_n with_o the_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n but_o that_o they_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o harken_v unto_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o repentance_n than_o not_o withstand_v thus_o far_o he_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o delay_v their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n either_o until_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o till_o their_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o brief_o some_o weighty_a argument_n whereby_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v move_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o not_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentance_n motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o hastenour_n repentance_n but_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o first_o call_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o first_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o hasten_v of_o our_o conversion_n be_v god_n commandment_n whereby_o he_o injoin_v we_o speedy_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o end_n he_o have_v create_v and_o redeem_v we_o and_o do_v continual_a preserve_v us._n psal_n 95.7.8_o to_o day_n if_o you_o shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n so_o as_o he_o charge_v we_o not_o to_o resist_v his_o call_n no_o not_o till_o to_o morrow_n for_o if_o today_o we_o will_v not_o harken_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v to_o call_v we_o again_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o judgement_n so_o eccl._n 12.1_o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n approach_v wherein_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v their_o old_a age_n as_o afterward_o he_o expound_v himself_o and_o esa_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o matth._n 3.2_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n act._n 3.19_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v enjoin_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o matth._n 6.33_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o witting_o and_o wilful_o break_v god_n commandment_n let_v we_o offer_v unto_o he_o the_o
between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o be_v if_o we_o true_o and_o unfeigned_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o rest_n and_o rely_v on_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n on_o his_o part_n will_v not_o go_v one_o jot_n from_o his_o word_n nor_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o us._n for_o he_o have_v not_o only_o make_v this_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o he_o have_v also_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n and_o not_o content_v himself_o herewith_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v he_o have_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v his_o hand_n write_v by_o add_v thereunto_o his_o seal_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n as_o first_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n whereby_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o be_v outward_o receive_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o inward_o ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v all_o our_o sin_n and_o filthy_a corruption_n wash_v away_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n as_o the_o outward_a filth_n of_o the_o body_n be_v wash_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n the_o virtue_n of_o which_o spiritual_a wash_n be_v not_o limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o time_n past_a or_o present_a as_o though_o it_o wash_v away_o only_o our_o original_a corruption_n as_o some_o have_v foolish_o imagine_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o if_o fall_v into_o many_o and_o grievous_a sin_n we_o unfeigned_o repent_v we_o of_o they_o and_o apply_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o merit_n unto_o we_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o all_o for_o this_o be_v promise_v seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o baptism_n second_o the_o lord_n have_v further_a confirm_v this_o his_o covenant_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n for_o he_o have_v therefore_o institute_v and_o ordain_v it_o that_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v gather_v more_o and_o more_o assurance_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o bless_a body_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o shed_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o nail_v it_o unto_o his_o cross_n free_v we_o from_o his_o father_n anger_n by_o bear_v it_o himself_o and_o by_o his_o death_n deliver_v we_o from_o everlasting_a death_n and_o by_o his_o bloodshed_n wash_v away_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o wine_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o new_a testament_n in_o christ_n blood_n 11.25_o 1._o cor._n 11.25_o because_o thereby_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o whensoever_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o lord_n do_v thereby_o certain_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n be_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v we_o into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n yea_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o ratify_v &_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o concern_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n writing_n and_o seal_v annex_v but_o also_o by_o his_o oath_n for_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.17.18_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v untrue_a of_o his_o word_n a_o covenant_n breaker_n yea_o a_o perjure_a person_n which_o be_v most_o horrible_a blasphemy_n once_o to_o imagine_v we_o may_v undoubted_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v they_o in_o number_n never_o so_o innumerable_a nor_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n if_o we_o will_v turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentanee_n and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n §_o sect._n 4_o but_o let_v we_o more_o particular_o consider_v of_o some_o of_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o god_n sin_n of_o particular_a promise_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v gather_v unto_o ourselves_o more_o full_a consolation_n and_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o prophet_n david_n who_o have_v in_o himself_o often_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n tell_v we_o psal_n 32.10_o that_o whosoever_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n mercy_n shall_v compass_v he_o the_o prophet_n esay_n exhort_v the_o wicked_a to_o forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a his_o own_o imagination_n and_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o they_o for_o he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v esay_n 55.7_o the_o lord_n himself_o also_o do_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n ezech._n 18.21_o but_o say_v he_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v return_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v and_o not_o die_v 22._o all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v 23._o have_v i_o any_o desire_n that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n or_o shall_v he_o not_o live_v if_o he_o return_v from_o his_o way_n vers_fw-la 32._o for_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n cause_n therefore_o one_o another_o to_o return_v and_o live_v you_o and_o cap._n 33._o ver_fw-la 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v so_o mal._n 3.17_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v his_o people_n and_o child_n as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o now_o we_o know_v that_o a_o love_a father_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v &_o to_o receive_v into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_v his_o repentant_a son_n though_o he_o have_v very_o often_o offend_v he_o &_o so_o sure_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o rich_a in_o mercy_n will_v much_o more_o forgive_v his_o child_n when_o they_o turn_v unto_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o it_o fill_v he_o as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o exceed_v joy_n and_o delight_n when_o his_o repentant_a child_n forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o evil_a way_n and_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o it_o appear_v most_o evident_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o stray_a sheep_n and_o the_o lose_a groat_n moreover_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v his_o name_n jesus_n give_v he_o of_o god_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o angel_n because_o he_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n as_o appear_v math._n 1.21_o &_o he_o therefore_o come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v matt._n 9.13_o and_o he_o invit_v and_o call_v unto_o he_o all_o those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o matt_n 11.28_o yea_o so_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v they_o have_v it_o already_o as_o though_o they_o be_v in_o present_a possession_n john_n 5.24_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n so_o chap._n 6.47_o and_o chap._n 11.26_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v the_o apostle_n peter_n also_o plain_o affirm_v that_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n to_o perish_v but_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o come_v to_o repentance_n see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v so_o many_o gracious_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o
it_o love_v we_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o it_o can_v endure_v we_o and_o our_o company_n and_o conversation_n be_v exceed_o tedious_a irksome_a and_o unpleasant_a so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whereas_o satan_n object_v that_o we_o love_v the_o world_n that_o be_v carnal_a worldly_a man_n we_o may_v answer_v that_o even_o as_o we_o be_v regenerate_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o love_v they_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n which_o they_o love_v we_o namely_o as_o they_o be_v man_n &_o the_o excellent_a creature_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o excellent_a natural_a gift_n or_o moral_a virtue_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o civil_a body_n or_o kindred_n or_o as_o they_o have_v be_v use_v of_o god_n as_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o bostow_n of_o any_o his_o benefit_n upon_o we_o in_o which_o respect_v love_v they_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o with_o a_o true_a zeal_n hate_n &_o abhor_v their_o vice_n their_o carnal_a worldliness_n profane_a irreligion_n and_o wicked_a conversation_n neither_o will_v religion_n make_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o some_o brutish_a or_o rather_o devilish_a timon_n who_o be_v a_o hater_n of_o man_n for_o even_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o sin_n notwithstanding_o love_v the_o worldly_a young_a man_n for_o some_o good_a thing_n he_o see_v in_o he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o religious_a yea_o though_o he_o be_v so_o carnal_a that_o he_o prefer_v his_o vain_a and_o uncertain_a riches_n before_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o appear_v mark_n 10.21.22_o so_o also_o he_o use_v all_o humanity_n and_o civil_a conversation_n even_o among_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o better_a opportunity_n of_o convert_n all_o those_o who_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o follow_v christ_n example_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o same_o holy_a affection_n for_o we_o also_o must_v endeavour_n to_o gain_v those_o unto_o christ_n who_o be_v without_o and_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n give_v they_o occasion_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v by_o hatred_n rough_a severity_n and_o cynical_a inhumanity_n but_o with_o love_a courtesy_n upright_o behaviour_n gentle_a admonition_n and_o charitable_a reprehension_n but_o if_o through_o our_o corruption_n we_o give_v sathan_n occasion_n further_o to_o object_n that_o under_o these_o pretence_n we_o set_v our_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n love_v worlding_n more_o than_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o more_o delight_v in_o their_o vain_a conversation_n for_o outward_a respect_n then_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o not_o always_o yet_o oftentimes_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o though_o these_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o and_o notable_a sign_n of_o our_o great_a corruption_n yet_o be_v they_o no_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o effectual_o call_v or_o true_o sever_v from_o the_o world_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n but_o only_o so_o much_o of_o we_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o regenerate_v so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o the_o flesh_n and_o unregenerate_a part_n still_o love_v the_o world_n be-because_a it_o be_v still_o worldly_a but_o if_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n we_o hate_v this_o love_n and_o strive_v to_o bridle_v yea_o to_o mortify_v it_o if_o we_o be_v true_o sorry_a and_o displease_v with_o ourselves_o for_o this_o as_o for_o other_o sin_n and_o labour_n to_o refourme_v it_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o we_o which_o have_v sever_v we_o from_o the_o world_n &_o join_v we_o to_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n §_o sect._n 7_o the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v answer_v concern_v the_o love_n of_o worldly_a thing_n honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n thing_n how_o far_o forth_o we_o may_v love_v worldly_a thing_n we_o may_v love_v they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v temporal_a benefit_n and_o furtherance_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o hindrance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n we_o may_v so_o love_v they_o as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o love_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n our_o brethren_n &_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o if_o our_o love_n pass_v these_o limit_n it_o be_v corrupt_a and_o carnal_a yet_o no_o undoubted_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o effectual_o call_v if_o we_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o and_o labour_n against_o it_o though_o oftentimes_o we_o be_v overcome_v therewith_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o our_o carnal_a affection_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o if_o we_o hate_v this_o sin_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n if_o we_o entertain_v through_o violence_n and_o not_o with_o affection_n and_o delight_n if_o it_o dwell_v in_o we_o but_o do_v not_o reign_v in_o we_o if_o but_o sometime_o it_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o do_v not_o continual_o over-rule_v we_o it_o be_v no_o more_o we_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o old_a man_n and_o corrupt_a flesh_n which_o while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o life_n will_v bear_v some_o sway_n in_o us._n hate_v that_o the_o world_n love_v they_o not_o who_o satan_n hate_v last_o when_o as_o satan_n assault_v the_o poor_a christian_n with_o his_o tentation_n persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v nor_o separate_v from_o the_o wicked_a world_n because_o it_o love_v he_o he_o may_v well_o suspect_v his_o argument_n of_o falsehood_n for_o satan_n do_v not_o hate_v those_o who_o the_o world_n love_v but_o by_o his_o continual_a assault_v of_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o his_o daily_a labour_a to_o bring_v he_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n to_o utter_v destruction_n it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o satan_n like_o a_o mortal_a enemy_n deadly_a hate_v he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o he_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n fawn_v upon_o he_o that_o by_o pretend_v love_n and_o friendship_n it_o may_v work_v he_o the_o great_a mischief_n §_o sect._n 8_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v the_o mutual_a donation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n call_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n whereby_o he_o have_v give_v christ_n jesus_n unto_o we_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n and_o we_o unto_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v and_o redeem_v by_o which_o also_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v effectual_o call_v for_o this_o gift_n be_v mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a and_o therefore_o the_o one_o do_v clear_o prove_v the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o then_o may_v we_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v give_v unto_o christ_n and_o contrariwise_o if_o we_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v give_v unto_o christ_n then_o may_v we_o be_v also_o assure_v that_o christ_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v effectual_o call_v for_o this_o mutual_a donation_n be_v one_o part_n thereof_o now_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o christ_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o appear_v joh._n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o so_o also_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v give_v unto_o christ_n if_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o himself_o speak_v joh._n 10.27_o and_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o be_v son_n be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n annex_v with_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.14.16_o word_n how_o those_o that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n keep_v his_o word_n but_o here_o satan_n will_v object_v that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v unto_o christ_n have_v keep_v his_o word_n as_o himself_o also_o affirm_v joh._n 17.6_o how_o therefore_o will_v he_o say_v can_v thou_o be_v assure_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o keep_v it_o not_o but_o continual_o transgress_v his_o
commandment_n to_o which_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o gospel_n wherein_o he_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o it_o appear_v joh._n 5.38_o where_o he_o thus_o speak_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n and_o his_o word_n say_v he_o have_v you_o not_o abide_v in_o you_o for_o who_o he_o have_v send_v he_o you_o believe_v not_o whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a if_o christ_n reason_v bee_n of_o sound_a consequence_n that_o those_o have_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o we_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n and_o true_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n sorrow_v and_o grieve_v that_o by_o they_o we_o have_v offend_v and_o displease_v our_o love_a god_n and_o merciful_a father_n hate_v our_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v sin_n purpose_v and_o labour_v to_o forsake_v they_o and_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o strength_n and_o grace_n receive_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v find_v in_o ourselves_o this_o faith_n and_o this_o repentance_n we_o may_v undoubted_o be_v assure_v notwithstanding_o our_o manifold_a fall_n and_o great_a corruption_n that_o we_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o shall_v be_v eternal_o glorify_v for_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o our_o saviour_n testify_v joh._n 6.40_o as_o for_o our_o corruption_n they_o shall_v be_v wash_v away_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v cover_v with_o the_o rich_a robe_n of_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n so_o that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v appear_v perfect_a before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n and_o there_o be_v accept_v as_o just_a and_o righteous_a §_o sect._n 9_o the_o three_o part_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n call_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n whereby_o he_o become_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n of_o which_o whosoever_o can_v be_v assure_v they_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o question_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n but_o all_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o faith_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v a_o property_n thereof_o to_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o spiritual_o feed_v upon_o he_o &_o he_o that_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o himself_o speak_v joh._n 6.56_o so_o also_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n and_o have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v thereby_o they_o be_v ingraft_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o this_o union_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o by_o any_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o effectual_o call_v last_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v ingraft_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o our_o work_n of_o salvation_n either_o appertain_v to_o god_n service_n or_o christian_n righteousness_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o any_o ripe_a grape_n of_o godliness_n if_o we_o be_v notingraft_v in_o the_o true_a vine_n jesus_n christ_n as_o himself_o affirm_v joh._n 15.4_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_v you_o abide_v in_o i_o 5._o i_o be_o the_o vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o some_o measure_n in_o those_o good_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o true_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v altogether_o unfruitful_a and_o can_v do_v nothing_o §_o sect._n 10_o but_o here_o satan_n will_v object_v that_o this_o argument_n make_v against_o ourselves_o fruit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n though_o we_o always_o bring_v forth_o small_a fruit_n and_o sometime_o no_o fruit_n for_o we_o thereby_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v not_o ingraft_v into_o christ_n because_o our_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v common_o exceed_v small_a and_o sometime_o none_o at_o all_o whereas_o the_o lively_a branch_n of_o this_o vine_n be_v exceed_o fruitful_a and_o abundant_a in_o good_a work_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o vine_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o like_a abundance_n but_o some_o more_o and_o some_o less_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v not_o true_a branch_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o although_o they_o receive_v less_o sap_n and_o lively_a ivyce_n from_o the_o root_n and_o stock_n and_o so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o this_o mystical_a vine_n if_o the_o branch_n be_v not_o altogether_o barren_a and_o fruitless_a though_o their_o fruit_n be_v not_o in_o so_o great_a abundance_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v right_a and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o other_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o also_o be_v lively_a branch_n of_o the_o true_a vine_n jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v the_o quantity_n &_o number_n of_o our_o fruit_n so_o much_o in_o this_o regard_n to_o be_v respect_v for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o sap_n &_o goodivice_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o our_o root_n we_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n that_o be_v if_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n &_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o we_o spend_v our_o life_n in_o god_n service_n which_o himself_o have_v command_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v glorify_v his_o holy_a name_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v true_a branch_n of_o this_o vine_n which_o our_o saviour_n will_v purge_v and_o prune_v that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v joh._n 15.2_o moreover_o whereas_o satan_n object_v that_o we_o be_v not_o branch_n of_o this_o vine_n because_o at_o some_o time_n we_o can_v show_v no_o fruit_n we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o earthly_a vine_n have_v not_o always_o grape_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o leaf_n upon_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o live_v receive_v nourishment_n from_o the_o root_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a time_n and_o season_n so_o that_o the_o branch_n of_o this_o mystical_a vine_n be_v some_o time_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n yea_o have_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o fair_a green_a leaf_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n as_o it_o be_v most_o usual_a when_o as_o they_o be_v thorough_o nyp_v with_o the_o can_v winter_v of_o tentation_n and_o have_v all_o their_o beauty_n blast_v and_o blow_v away_o with_o the_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o satan_n fierce_a encounter_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o receive_v the_o sapp_n ivyce_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o their_o root_n jesus_n christ_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v dead_a do_v live_v and_o receive_v nourishment_n until_o at_o god_n good_a pleasure_n the_o comfortable_a beam_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n do_v shine_v upon_o they_o with_o which_o their_o freeze_a heart_n be_v thorough_o warm_v do_v again_o bring_v forth_o not_o only_o the_o leaf_n of_o profession_n but_o also_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o though_o present_o in_o such_o case_n we_o have_v no_o fruit_n to_o show_v yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o
nor_o any_o reformation_n at_o all_o of_o their_o former_a sinful_a life_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o any_o profit_n nay_o that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v it_o the_o more_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a they_o be_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v much_o better_o not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n at_o all_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o in_o crease_n their_o condemnation_n for_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v not_o such_o poor_a mourn_a soul_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o word_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v of_o their_o imperfection_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v they_o know_v first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n of_o those_o child_n of_o god_n which_o profit_n most_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v therein_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o in_o complain_v that_o they_o profit_v not_o they_o show_v they_o profitt_a for_o whereas_o man_n natural_o blind_v with_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n never_o discern_v any_o such_o want_n and_o corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o profit_v nothing_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o never_o trouble_v they_o nay_o they_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o present_v their_o body_n into_o god_n assembly_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n though_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o nor_o retain_v it_o in_o memory_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o these_o humble_a soul_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v free_v from_o this_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n and_o have_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v so_o as_o they_o see_v their_o fault_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v their_o hard_a heart_n soften_v so_o as_o they_o be_v grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o they_o &_o their_o will_n also_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n sanctify_v so_o that_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o their_o corruption_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o more_o profit_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v so_o much_o as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v perfect_v that_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o this_o desire_n of_o profit_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v also_o accomplish_v it_o &_o so_o open_v their_o dull_a ear_n and_o soften_v their_o hard_a heart_n that_o they_o shall_v profit_v and_o reap_v manifold_a fruit_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o furrow_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n feed_v they_o for_o a_o time_n with_o a_o spare_a hand_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v true_o humble_v they_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o that_o he_o may_v hereby_o so_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o hunger_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n feed_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n of_o his_o word_n but_o as_o this_o shall_v increase_v their_o diligence_n so_o it_o shall_v not_o decrease_v their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n for_o most_o assure_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o while_n whet_v their_o stomach_n and_o by_o pull_v back_o his_o hand_n move_v they_o more_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o more_o high_o to_o esteem_v this_o precious_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o will_v full_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_a desire_n nourish_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o make_v they_o who_o be_v but_o babe_n strong_a man_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o not_o faint_a but_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v sure_o comfort_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 27.16_o §_o sect._n 4_o second_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o want_n of_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o howsoever_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o rest_v content_v in_o this_o estate_n but_o be_v to_o labour_n more_o and_o more_o not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o also_o to_o discern_v a_o increase_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o a_o progress_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n for_o otherwise_o though_o they_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o for_o a_o time_n live_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o nor_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o there_o own_o conscience_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v despair_v or_o be_v utter_o discourage_v for_o though_o they_o find_v no_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n yet_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n they_o will_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n continue_v still_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n they_o shall_v undoubted_o in_o the_o end_n attain_v unto_o their_o desire_n and_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o godliness_n we_o know_v that_o the_o seed_n do_v not_o present_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n but_o first_o it_o seem_v to_o rot_v and_o perish_v and_o then_o it_o sprout_v up_o in_o a_o green_a blade_n and_o then_o it_o bear_v a_o ear_n and_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o much_o fruit_n and_o so_o it_o fare_v oftentimes_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v quite_o lose_v and_o perish_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o ground_n and_o yet_o afterwards_o it_o bring_v forth_o not_o only_o a_o fair_a green_a blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n so_o also_o the_o sick_a patient_a take_v sovereign_a physic_n be_v not_o present_o cure_v nay_o in_o stead_n of_o feel_v any_o ease_n thereby_o he_o be_v make_v much_o more_o sick_a in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o yet_o after_o the_o physic_n have_v a_o while_n wrought_v with_o he_o and_o purge_v he_o of_o some_o superfluous_a and_o hurtful_a humour_n he_o find_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o by_o little_a and_o little_o he_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o former_a health_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o spiritual_a sick_a patient_n he_o do_v not_o always_o present_o find_v ease_n and_o quiet_a peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o many_o time_n he_o be_v torment_v and_o vex_v after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spiritual_a physic_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o in_o former_a time_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o this_o physic_n have_v effectual_o wrought_v with_o he_o it_o purge_v he_o from_o his_o filthy_a corruption_n and_o strengthen_v he_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o feel_v present_o no_o profitable_a fruit_n of_o hear_v let_v not_o this_o discourage_v we_o from_o hear_v nay_o rather_o let_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o sharp_a spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o to_o more_o diligence_n and_o let_v we_o join_v therewith_o hearty_a prayer_n desire_v the_o lord_n to_o water_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n sow_v in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o undoubted_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o end_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o to_o our_o exceed_a comfort_n show_v unto_o we_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n §_o sect._n 5_o three_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n sin_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o more_o they_o abound_v in_o sin_n in_o this_o they_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o more_o sinful_a but_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o live_v in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v so_o as_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v manifold_a and_o grievous_a now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o
at_o sometime_o they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n yet_o shall_v they_o never_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v have_v assurance_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v dwell_v in_o we_o by_o this_o work_n thereof_o effectual_a prayer_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o have_v not_o forsake_v we_o 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o but_o will_v again_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o whereas_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o spirit_n itself_o will_v make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v §_o sect._n 2_o second_o form_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o any_o good_a form_n whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o any_o good_a form_n but_o oftentimes_o fill_v god_n ear_n with_o impatient_a cry_n &_o uncomfortable_a roar_n in_o stead_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v often_o incident_a unto_o the_o child_n of_o god_n especial_o when_o his_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o they_o either_o in_o some_o outward_a affliction_n of_o body_n or_o some_o inward_a anguish_n of_o mind_n for_o example_n the_o prophet_n david_n confess_v that_o when_o god_n hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o day_n and_o night_n his_o prayer_n be_v but_o roar_n psal_n 32.3_o 32.3_o psal_n 32.3_o so_o ezechias_n faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v pray_v he_o chatter_v like_o a_o crane_n or_o a_o swallow_n &_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n esa_n 38.14_o 38.14_o esa_n 38.14_o and_o the_o poor_a publican_n oppress_v with_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o long_a &_o eloquent_a speech_n utter_v these_o few_o word_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n christ_n testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v home_o justify_v 18.13.14_o luke_n 18.13.14_o luk._n 18.13.14_o neither_o in_o truth_n do_v the_o lord_n regard_v the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o earnestness_n of_o the_o hart_n he_o respect_v not_o our_o well_o couch_a word_n and_o smooth_a utter_v stile_n but_o the_o fervency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o humble_a and_o hearty_a desire_n which_o be_v acceptable_o hear_v of_o he_o though_o our_o tongue_n be_v silent_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o eloquent_a word_n but_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n a_o contrite_a and_o break_a heart_n will_v not_o the_o lord_n despise_v 51.17_o psal_n 51.17_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 51.17_o the_o prayer_n indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n which_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o in_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v us._n rom._n 8.26_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n if_o we_o can_v sigh_v and_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v those_o thing_n we_o want_v according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n though_o we_o can_v express_v our_o mind_n in_o any_o good_a order_n or_o in_o a_o continue_a form_n of_o speech_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v from_o our_o heart_n roar_v with_o david_n chatter_v with_o ezechias_n and_o utter_v this_o abrupt_a speech_n with_o the_o poor_a publican_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o that_o as_o speedy_o as_o though_o we_o can_v pray_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o eloquence_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o to_o what_o end_n principal_o serve_v word_n but_o that_o we_o may_v by_o they_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o man_n who_o otherwise_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n understand_v our_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26.27_o and_o he_o know_v our_o thought_n long_o before_o we_o think_v they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 139.2_o 139.2_o psal_n 139.2_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n yea_o a_o allseeing_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n unto_o he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n neither_o do_v our_o word_n serve_v to_o persuade_v he_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o own_o dull_a spirit_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o disorderly_a wander_a thought_n 14.15_o exod._n 14.15_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v with_o moses_n lift_v up_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o earnest_a desire_n this_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a cry_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o can_v unfeigned_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o lord_n i_o pour_v my_o whole_a desire_n before_o thou_o and_o my_o sigh_v be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v he_o will_v hear_v we_o and_o grant_v our_o request_n for_o he_o hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o prepare_v their_o hart_n and_o bend_v his_o ear_n unto_o they_o 10.17_o psal_n 10.17_o as_o it_o be_v psal_a 10.17_o yea_o he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n incline_v to_o their_o request_n but_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o save_v they_o as_o the_o same_o prophet_n speak_v psal_n 145.19_o 145.19_o psal_n 145.19_o we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a love_a father_n if_o he_o see_v his_o son_n exceed_v sick_a will_v be_v very_o careful_a and_o tender_a over_o he_o to_o provide_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o he_o which_o may_v do_v he_o good_a and_o though_o with_o a_o falter_v tongue_n and_o unperfect_a speech_n he_o ask_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v profitable_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v yet_o how_o ready_o will_v he_o harken_v unto_o he_o and_o grant_v his_o desire_n yea_o if_o his_o sickness_n so_o increase_v that_o he_o become_v speechless_a utter_v nothing_o but_o deep_a groan_n even_o this_o language_n move_v he_o to_o no_o less_o care_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n which_o may_v do_v he_o good_a shall_v then_o we_o daily_o observe_v such_o fruit_n of_o love_n in_o sinful_a man_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o find_v less_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n far_o be_v it_o from_o us._n nay_o let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v sick_a in_o sin_n and_o exceed_o dull_a and_o beat_v down_o with_o some_o grievous_a tentation_n we_o can_v utter_v any_o thing_n but_o unperfect_a speech_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v through_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o greatness_n of_o our_o corruption_n strike_v dumb_a and_o can_v utter_v nothing_o but_o groan_n and_o sigh_n yet_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v out_o of_o this_o wretched_a case_n and_o to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o lord_n who_o search_v the_o hart_n and_o understand_v our_o secret_a thought_n will_v harken_v unto_o we_o and_o grant_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o hart_n at_o least_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o our_o everlasting_a good_a §_o sect._n 3_o three_o whereas_o other_o complain_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o their_o spirit_n so_o dull_a prayer_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o coldness_n and_o dulness_n in_o prayer_n that_o they_o can_v utter_v unto_o god_n a_o prayer_n with_o any_o earnestness_n or_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n but_o exceed_v cold_o and_o very_o weak_o and_o therefore_o they_o fear_v that_o god_n will_v never_o hear_v they_o they_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o lord_n hear_v we_o not_o nor_o grant_v our_o request_n for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n who_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o who_o name_n we_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o prayer_n be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n and_o utter_v with_o much_o weakness_n yet_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o saviour_n name_n he_o will_v sure_o hear_v we_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o do_v not_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n immediate_o unto_o god_n the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v our_o prayer_n into_o the_o golden_a vial_n which_o be_v full_a of_o the_o precious_a odour_n of_o his_o merit_n thereby_o perfume_v they_o and_o make_v they_o a_o offering_n of_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n unto_o god_n 5.8_o apoc._n 5.8_o &_o by_o wash_v they_o in_o his_o
own_o most_o precious_a blood_n he_o purge_v they_o from_o all_o their_o corruption_n and_o perfect_v all_o their_o want_n and_o inperfection_n so_o as_o now_o though_o not_o in_o themselves_o yet_o in_o he_o they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o he_o will_v merciful_o grant_v our_o petition_n §_o sect._n 4_o four_o whereas_o other_o complain_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o worldly_a distraction_n and_o wander_a imagination_n when_o they_o be_v make_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n prayer_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o distraction_n and_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o befall_v also_o even_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n partly_o through_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o labour_v most_o to_o interrupt_v we_o in_o those_o holy_a exercise_n which_o he_o know_v most_o profitable_a and_o effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o diverse_a hour_n together_o we_o can_v talk_v of_o worldly_a affair_n and_o hear_v the_o speech_n of_o other_o without_o any_o distraction_n of_o mind_n or_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o present_a speech_n yet_o when_o we_o hear_v god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n or_o when_o we_o speak_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n our_o mind_n wander_v hither_o and_o thither_o though_o we_o strive_v never_o so_o much_o to_o contain_v they_o because_o through_o our_o natural_a corruption_n we_o be_v soon_o weary_a of_o these_o holy_a exercise_n and_o satan_n be_v still_o at_o hand_n to_o suggest_v into_o our_o mind_n wander_v thought_n in_o which_o we_o take_v most_o delight_n but_o this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v we_o from_o take_v in_o hand_n these_o holy_a action_n but_o rather_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v strong_o move_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o more_o earnestness_n care_n and_o diligence_n so_o as_o satan_n may_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o &_o if_o notwithstanding_o sometime_o nay_o often_o we_o receive_v a_o foil_n let_v it_o be_v a_o occasion_n to_o move_v we_o to_o take_v the_o more_o pain_n &_o to_o make_v a_o double_a request_n unto_o god_n not_o only_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o we_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o desire_v but_o also_o that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n &_o infirmity_n in_o that_o we_o have_v beg_v they_o so_o cold_o and_o negligent_o §_o sect._n 5_o last_o whereas_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n take_v occasion_n altogether_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o undertake_v these_o spiritual_a exercise_n exercise_n that_o our_o want_n and_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v this_o holy_a exercise_n because_o therein_o we_o bewray_v notable_a corruption_n and_o can_v though_o we_o strive_v never_o so_o much_o perform_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v let_v we_o in_o no_o case_n yield_v unto_o this_o tentation_n but_o strong_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o it_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o if_o satan_n can_v persuade_v we_o to_o desist_v from_o perform_v those_o duty_n altogether_o which_o we_o can_v perform_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o with_o great_a weakness_n corruption_n and_o imperfection_n we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o for_o example_n the_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n which_o duty_n of_o love_n we_o perform_v with_o great_a weakness_n and_o exceed_v cold_o but_o because_o we_o can_v not_o do_v it_o as_o god_n require_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v shall_v we_o not_o therefore_o do_v it_o at_o all_o god_n forbid_v so_o the_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o put_v our_o whole_a affiance_n in_o he_o but_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o rest_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o inferior_a mean_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o at_o least_o in_o part_n and_o when_o they_o fail_v we_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o mingle_v with_o much_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o put_v no_o affiance_n in_o god_n all_o because_o we_o can_v do_v it_o so_o perfect_o as_o god_n require_v be_v it_o far_o from_o us._n so_o in_o the_o very_a like_o manner_n the_o lord_n express_o charge_v and_o command_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o his_o holy_a name_n which_o duty_n oftentimes_o we_o perform_v cold_o and_o negligent_o have_v our_o mind_n carry_v away_o with_o wander_a thought_n and_o worldly_a imagination_n but_o shall_v sathan_n work_v upon_o our_o own_o corruption_n therefore_o persuade_v we_o altogether_o to_o desist_v from_o this_o holy_a exercise_n no_o in_o no_o case_n let_v we_o not_o yield_v to_o this_o temptation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v unto_o we_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o pray_v or_o not_o to_o pray_v but_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o a_o singular_a duty_n which_o the_o lord_n express_o injoin_v we_o to_o perform_v whereunto_o he_o have_v adjoin_v most_o comfortable_a promise_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o worthiness_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o on_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 50.15_o psal_n 50.15_o so_o psal_n 50.15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n so_o will_v i_o deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o matth._n 7.7_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o 7.7_o matth._n 7.7_o and_o joh._n 16.23_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o 16.23.24_o joh._n 16.23.24_o 24._o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n charge_v us._n 1._o thes_n 5.17_o that_o we_o pray_v continual_o see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n express_o require_v this_o duty_n at_o our_o hand_n 5.17_o 1._o thes_n 5.17_o though_o our_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n be_v never_o so_o great_a let_v we_o labour_v continual_o to_o perform_v it_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n we_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o labour_n and_o strive_v against_o those_o corruption_n which_o show_v themselves_o unto_o we_o in_o this_o holy_a action_n he_o that_o have_v enjoin_v we_o this_o duty_n will_v also_o give_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o we_o will_v attend_v his_o leisure_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o god_n will_v with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o our_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n whole_o discourage_v we_o from_o perform_v this_o duty_n we_o shall_v grievous_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o transgress_v his_o commandment_n and_o in_o rob_v he_o of_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o also_o we_o shall_v plunge_v ourselves_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a estate_n adjoin_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o number_n of_o those_o wicked_a atheist_n of_o who_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v who_o call_v not_o upon_o god_n psal_n 53.4_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n which_o satan_n and_o our_o corruption_n do_v suggest_v to_o discourage_v we_o from_o the_o service_n of_o god_n hart_n psal_n 53.4_o §._o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o sensible_a hardness_n of_o hart_n which_o have_v their_o occasion_n and_o ground_n from_o our_o hardness_n of_o hart_n and_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o deadness_n in_o perform_v these_o holy_a exercise_n the_o other_o kind_n of_o sensible_a hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o use_n of_o these_o holy_a mean_n for_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v especial_o in_o the_o spiritual_a combat_n of_o temptation_n that_o even_o god_n dear_a child_n be_v so_o besot_v &_o astonish_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o huge_a weight_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n that_o they_o can_v endeavour_v in_o no_o sort_n to_o use_v these_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o relieve_v in_o this_o wretched_a estate_n as_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n call_v upon_o god_n name_n meditate_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o holy_a conference_n yea_o these_o holy_a exercise_n seem_v for_o a_o time_n odious_a and_o loathsome_a unto_o they_o until_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o own_o good_a spirit_n to_o awaken_v and_o raise_v they_o up_o out_o of_o this_o spiritual_a trance_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o again_o the_o feel_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o good_a motion_n &_o ability_n to_o serve_v he_o
with_o the_o godly_a instruction_n profitable_a exhortation_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v those_o who_o have_v attain_a unto_o agreat_a measure_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a into_o their_o company_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o christian_a conference_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v rom._n 14.1_o 14.1_o rom._n 14.1_o sacrament_n the_o 4._o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o four_o mean_n be_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v they_o as_o seal_v to_o the_o handwriting_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_v for_o whereas_o the_o weak_a conscience_n may_v make_v some_o scruple_n in_o respect_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v deliver_v indefinite_o and_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v assure_v unto_o they_o particular_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o name_n and_o that_o not_o after_o some_o obscure_a and_o hide_a manner_n but_o most_o familiar_o by_o such_o common_a sign_n be_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n work_n the_o 5._o mean_n good_a work_n a_o five_o mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a obedience_n for_o hereby_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o by_o exercise_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v whereas_o contrariwise_o the_o neglect_n hereof_o do_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o so_o quench_v the_o lively_a heat_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o sensible_o be_v discern_v as_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o for_o want_v thereof_o wax_v faint_a and_o languish_v and_o as_o the_o stomach_n be_v by_o outward_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n make_v more_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n of_o concoction_n so_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v in_o good_a work_n be_v make_v more_o strong_a and_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o without_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n it_o wax_v faint_a and_o the_o strength_n thereof_o abate_v prayer_n the_o 6._o mean_n fervent_a prayer_n the_o last_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o ephe._n 2.8_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n come_v unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n 2.8_o ephe._n 2.8_o as_o himself_o speak_v 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v it_o 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o and_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v grievos_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o infidelity_n we_o be_v in_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_n 9.24_o mark_n 9.24_o 9.24_o and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o godly_a desire_n make_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o at_o length_n we_o attain_v unto_o such_o a_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o persuade_v 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 as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.38.39_o ro._n 8.38.39_o 8.38.39_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o proper_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n desperation_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n which_o whosoever_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o use_v they_o shall_v assure_o find_v they_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o see_v the_o most_o of_o these_o point_n be_v handle_v before_o mean_n the_o 1._o mean_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o desperation_n be_v to_o call_v continual_o unto_o our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a exclude_v none_o how_o unworthy_a and_o sinful_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o so_o mat._n 11.28_o our_o saviour_n call_v all_o humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n without_o exception_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_a béloved_a son_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 9.13_o mat._n 9.13_o so_o matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n either_o than_o refuse_v the_o name_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6.40_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n who_o send_v he_o that_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a l_o fe_o see_v therefore_o god_n take_v no_o exception_n nor_o exclude_v any_o let_v we_o not_o exclude_v ourselves_o through_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n mean_n the_o 2._o mean_n second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o propound_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o we_o but_o also_o have_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o so_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o then_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n for_o this_o even_o the_o devil_n believe_v also_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n &_o to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n &_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o doubt_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v this_o commandment_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o add_v unto_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.18_o yea_o he_o have_v also_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o handwriting_n annex_v his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_v see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o commandment_n let_v we_o not_o now_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v worthy_a to_o believe_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o such_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o duty_n but_o set_v all_o excuse_n aside_o let_v we_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n mean_n the_o 3._o mean_n three_o we_o must_v not_o always_o set_v before_o we_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o huge_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o withal_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v offer_v unto_o his_o father_n a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n 2.2_o 1._o john_n 2.2_o and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n
yet_o all_o true_a faith_n and_o sufsicient_a for_o salvation_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o veil_a with_o much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n as_o even_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o and_o therefore_o our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a and_o but_o in_o part_n and_o often_o assault_v with_o much_o doubt_n that_o howsoever_o faith_n and_o doubt_v be_v oppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a part_n for_o we_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o these_o two_o with_o their_o several_a fruit_n do_v continual_o fight_v and_o strive_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o several_a fruit_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n howsoever_o they_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v nor_o so_o powerful_o work_v their_o several_a action_n when_o the_o adverse_a part_n prevail_v and_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o foil_n for_o example_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o assault_v by_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o sometime_o faith_n prevail_v and_o sometime_o it_o receive_v the_o foil_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n howsoever_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v it_o nor_o the_o action_n thereof_o yet_o it_o retain_v it_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n neither_o be_v it_o deprive_v of_o his_o firmness_n constancy_n and_o certainty_n howsoever_o they_o be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v &_o hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n like_o the_o fire_n under_o the_o ash_n or_o the_o sun_n under_o a_o cloud_n as_o before_o i_o have_v say_v though_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o we_o much_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o these_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a but_o temporary_a false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o this_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o spiritual_a and_o regenerate_a part_n but_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o it_o be_v assault_v and_o sometime_o foil_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o constant_a §_o sect._n 2_o second_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n ground_v on_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o some_o of_o god_n child_n answer_v he_o will_v suggest_v that_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v most_o certain_a &_o strong_a faith_n &_o in_o exceed_o great_a measure_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o continual_o most_o notable_a fruit_n thereof_o &_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o infirmity_n and_o doubt_v as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o this_o tentation_n be_v full_a of_o untruth_n and_o have_v no_o sound_a part_n in_o it_o for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o manifold_a doubt_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o innumerable_a infirmity_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o fit_n or_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o register_n of_o all_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o of_o their_o manifold_a fall_n but_o only_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o warning_n that_o we_o may_v more_o wary_o watch_v over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n also_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o that_o our_o case_n be_v common_a with_o god_n dear_a child_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o want_v look_v upon_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o above_o hope_v believe_v under_o hope_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o be_v sometime_o shake_v with_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v as_o when_o distrust_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o rest_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n he_o be_v content_a to_o take_v unto_o he_o hagar_n his_o maid_n and_o commit_v sin_n with_o she_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o devise_n he_o may_v make_v good_a god_n promise_v and_o obtain_v the_o bless_a seed_n as_o though_o god_n can_v not_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v unless_o he_o help_v he_o by_o such_o unlawful_a mean_n so_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o moses_n faith_n when_o he_o dishonour_v god_n before_o the_o people_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o word_n &_o by_o show_v his_o impatiency_n numb_a 20.10.11_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o david_n faith_n 11._o num_fw-la 20.10_o 11._o when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v that_o god_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o displeasure_n psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o or_o of_o job_n faith_n when_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o account_v god_n his_o enemy_n 77.8.9_o psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o who_o have_v set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o mark_n against_o which_o he_o shoot_v poison_v arrow_n or_o of_o jeremy_n when_o he_o likewise_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o bewray_v great_a impatiency_n 20._o jere._n 20._o jer._n 20._o or_o of_o jonas_n when_o he_o rebel_v against_o god_n commandment_n and_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o after_o his_o miraculous_a delivery_n he_o murmur_v and_o utter_v impatient_a speech_n even_o against_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o poor_a gourd_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n merciful_o and_o mild_o reprove_v he_o say_v do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a for_o the_o gourd_n he_o stubborne_o answer_v i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a unto_o the_o death_n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o or_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o flee_v away_o and_o forsake_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o worldly_a punishment_n and_o when_o after_o his_o death_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o woman_n report_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o until_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v see_v they_o last_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o diverse_a of_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o more_o plentiful_a fruit_n than_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n be_v no_o faith_n or_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absurd_a consequence_n the_o moon_n give_v much_o less_o light_a than_o the_o sun_n therefore_o it_o give_v no_o light_n at_o all_o one_o hand_n be_v far_o great_a than_o another_o therefore_o the_o lesser_a be_v not_o a_o true_a hand_n this_o man_n excel_v another_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o the_o diverse_a degree_n in_o the_o quantity_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v and_o existence_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o quality_n beside_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o example_n of_o most_o strong_a faith_n in_o some_o of_o god_n servant_n so_o have_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o who_o have_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o little_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v not_o utter_o discourage_v with_o the_o low_a for_o example_n as_o he_o have_v remember_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o believe_v above_o hope_n under_o hope_n so_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v his_o weak_a faith_n who_o cry_v i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n as_o he_o have_v mention_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o resolution_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o so_o he_o have_v express_v also_o the_o faith_n of_o nicodemus_n in_o knowledge_n weak_a and_o simple_a and_o in_o practice_n and_o profession_n cowardly_a and_o fearful_a as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o paul_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o
already_o plain_o prove_v though_o we_o never_o have_v any_o special_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o such_o particular_a revelation_n we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o certain_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o god_n sight_n three_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o of_o we_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n thereof_o or_o once_o call_v it_o into_o question_n but_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o true_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n therein_o contain_v so_o joh._n 3.16_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o chap._n 5.24_o 5.24_o joh._n 5.24_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 11.28_o matth._n 11.28_o and_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n approve_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n he_o may_v assure_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o gracious_a promife_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o justification_n for_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n last_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n propound_v these_o promise_n unto_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o liberty_n to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o he_o have_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o his_o express_a commandment_n 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v justify_v and_o will_v most_o perfect_o save_v we_o and_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o believe_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o even_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_z bearing_z witness_n unto_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n because_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o record_n that_o he_o have_v witness_v of_o that_o his_o son_n 10._o 1._o joh._n 5._o 10._o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o joh._n 5.10_o yea_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a he_o have_v add_v unto_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o his_o word_n which_o contain_v also_o his_o oath_n for_o our_o better_a confirmation_n his_o sacrament_n whereby_o he_o particular_o convay_v and_o give_v unto_o every_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v proper_a possession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v nor_o any_o need_n of_o any_o particular_a revelation_n for_o our_o further_a assurance_n §_o sect._n 2_o second_o satan_n will_v suggest_v that_o those_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v make_v just_a righteousness_n that_o we_o be_v make_v just_a not_o by_o infusion_n but_o by_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v make_v just_a do_v continual_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n but_o thou_o will_v he_o say_v to_o the_o humble_a sinner_n continue_v still_o in_o thy_o corruption_n and_o thy_o wickedness_n cleave_v fast_o to_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o about_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o do_v the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n thou_o continual_o heap_a up_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o thy_o sin_n yea_o thy_o best_a action_n be_v so_o stain_v with_o imperfection_n and_o so_o full_a of_o infirmity_n that_o they_o just_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o thou_o to_o which_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o indeed_o whosoever_o be_v justify_v be_v make_v just_a but_o not_o by_o infusion_n of_o inherent_a righteousness_n into_o ourselves_o but_o by_o imputation_n of_o christ_n most_o perfect_a righteousness_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v for_o hereby_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v he_o have_v take_v they_o upon_o himself_o and_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o suffer_v those_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o active_a obedience_n and_o so_o impute_v both_o unto_o we_o have_v make_v we_o perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n so_o that_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o require_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n at_o our_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n by_o our_o own_o righteousness_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o this_o end_n to_o observe_v god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v offer_v unto_o god_n our_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n desire_v thereby_o to_o be_v justify_v for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v our_o best_a righteousness_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o manifold_a corruption_n so_o as_o it_o will_v rather_o condemn_v we_o then_o justify_v we_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v examine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o his_o most_o perfect_a justice_n but_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n for_o our_o justification_n the_o most_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o suffering_n he_o have_v once_o make_v for_o we_o desire_v thereby_o whole_o and_o only_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v §_o sect._n 3_o as_o for_o our_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n justification_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o cause_n but_o effect_n of_o our_o justification_n they_o be_v not_o cause_n but_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o our_o justification_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v any_o good_a work_n acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n till_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o work_n can_v please_v he_o till_o our_o person_n please_v he_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v before_o faith_n have_v purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v sin_n and_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v faith_n beget_v in_o we_o present_o it_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o then_o be_v justify_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n which_o though_o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o much_o corruption_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n yet_o god_n in_o christ_n accept_v of_o they_o as_o perfect_v and_o will_v crown_v they_o with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n righteousness_n that_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o require_v of_o we_o perfect_a righteousness_n neither_o do_v the_o lord_n now_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o perfect_o at_o once_o shake_v off_o all_o our_o corruption_n but_o that_o we_o labour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v they_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o he_o do_v not_o straight_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v instant_o banish_v and_o expel_v sin_n from_o dwell_v in_o we_o but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o reign_v in_o we_o nor_o willing_o obey_v the_o flesh_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o sin_n as_o servant_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n he_o do_v not_o enjoin_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v whole_o vanquish_v our_o corruption_n and_o obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n over_o they_o but_o that_o we_o proclaim_v open_a war_n against_o they_o and_o manful_o fight_v and_o strive_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sinful_a lust_n thereof_o and_o when_o we_o be_v take_v captive_a of_o sin_n that_o we_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o our_o former_a freedom_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n sorrow_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o heavy_a weight_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n 7._o rom._n 7._o wretched_a man_n that_o
the_o father_n sanctifi_v we_o by_o give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o send_v his_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o work_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o tit._n 3.5_o eph._n 2.4.5_o god_n the_o son_n sanctifi_v we_o by_o mortify_v our_o sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n raise_v we_o also_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o last_o by_o his_o death_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o god_n spirit_n and_o rise_v again_o have_v send_v he_o unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o therefore_o he_o also_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sanctify_v we_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v sanctify_v we_o in_o he_o 2.11_o eph._n 5.26_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o eph._n 5.26_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o sanctifi_v we_o by_o apply_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n unto_o we_o and_o so_o immediate_o begin_v continue_v 3.5_o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o act._n 11.16_o tit._n 3.5_o and_o perfect_v this_o work_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o most_o usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o work_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o act._n 11.16_o tit._n 3.5_o and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o only_a efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n upon_o which_o point_n i_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o work_n rest_n upon_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o many_o discouragement_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o innumerable_a temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o small_a measure_n and_o slow_a progress_n in_o our_o sanctification_n as_o also_o upon_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o manifold_a discouragement_n which_o both_o stay_v we_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o hinder_v our_o full_a growth_n in_o true_a godliness_n all_o which_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o power_n prove_v this_o work_n not_o only_o hard_a but_o even_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v but_o rather_o that_o we_o rely_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o lord_n infinite_a power_n and_o gracious_a promise_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v notwithstanding_o our_o own_o exceed_a weakness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o begin_v but_o also_o finish_v and_o perfect_v this_o good_a work_n in_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n mercy_n the_o motive_n cause_n god_n sole_a mercy_n the_o motive_n cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o sanctify_v we_o be_v his_o own_o mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n the_o first_o be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o pet._n 1.3_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v 1.3_o 1._o pet._n 1.3_o that_o god_n according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o etc._n etc._n the_o other_o be_v imply_v by_o paul_n eph._n 2.5_o where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v quicken_v we_o in_o christ_n 2.5_o ephes_n 2.5_o who_o by_o his_o death_n merit_v not_o only_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o we_o but_o also_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v sanctify_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o good_a inclination_n unto_o holiness_n in_o we_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o we_o excel_v other_o which_o move_v god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o 2.1.3_o eph._n 2.1.3_o for_o we_o be_v all_o alike_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o only_o his_o own_o boundless_a mercy_n and_o the_o alsufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o raise_v from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o arrogate_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o sanctification_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n unto_o ourselves_o but_o ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n and_o finisher_n of_o it_o §_o sect._n 4_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n 1.23_o of_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n joh._n 15.3_o and_o 17.17_o jam._n 1.18_o 1._o pet._n 1.23_o be_v either_o external_a or_o internal_a the_o external_a be_v first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v joh._n 15.3_o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o and_o cap._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n so_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n affirm_v that_o we_o be_v bear_v anew_o not_o of_o mortal_a seed_n but_o of_o immortal_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n in_o which_o respect_n also_o the_o minister_n by_o who_o ministry_n we_o be_v convert_v and_o regenerate_v be_v say_v to_o be_v our_o spiritual_a father_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o unto_o god_n 10._o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o philem_n v._o 10._o as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 4.15_o and_o philem_n vers_fw-la 10._o in_o both_o which_o place_n paul_n challenge_v this_o title_n unto_o himself_o another_o external_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v the_o sacrament_n especial_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n whereof_o it_o be_v that_o ananias_n say_v unto_o paul_n act._n 22.16_o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v &_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n 5.26_o act._n 22.16_o eph._n 5.26_o so_o eph._n 5.26_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n through_o the_o word_n the_o which_o place_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o the_o wash_n of_o justification_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n so_o also_o of_o the_o wash_n of_o sanctification_n whereby_o we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n themselves_o the_o internal_a instrument_n of_o our_o sanctification_n be_v a_o lively_a faith_n without_o which_o the_o other_o outward_a instrument_n be_v uneffectual_a in_o those_o who_o be_v of_o year_n neither_o must_v we_o think_v that_o the_o bare_a action_n of_o hear_v or_o the_o outward_a wash_n take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n unless_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n for_o the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v profit_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o 4.2_o heb._n 4.2_o heb._n 4.2_o and_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o faith_n believe_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n 8.37_o act._n 8.37_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v baptize_v act._n 8.37_o and_o therefore_o unto_o the_o other_o we_o must_v join_v this_o instrument_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v unto_o true_a sanctification_n for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o be_v fruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o love_n 5.6_o act._n 15.9_o gal._n 5.6_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o sanctification_n wrought_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o our_o sanctification_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o us._n for_o the_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n principal_o by_o god_n spirit_n and_o instrumental_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o so_o make_v member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n do_v participate_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n burial_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o not_o only_o our_o justification_n but_o also_o our_o sanctification_n be_v derive_v unto_o us._n for_o first_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n our_o sin_n be_v mortify_v and_o our_o corruption_n crucify_v together_o with_o he_o as_o appear_v rom._n 6.6_o know_v this_o 6.6_o rom._n 6.6_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n second_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o burial_n this_o death_n of_o sin_n be_v as_o it_o be_v further_o continue_v and_o thereby_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v more_o and_o more_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o that_o they_o can_v rise_v and_o rebel_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 6.3_o where_o he_o say_v 6.3_o rom._n 6.3_o that_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n into_o his_o death_n three_o by_o virtue_n of_o