of_o which_o he_o be_v hew_v and_o be_v not_o only_o humble_v thereby_o but_o force_v with_o a_o holy_a admiration_n to_o wonder_n at_o the_o marvellous_a and_o extraordinary_a change_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o he_o and_o also_o instruct_v to_o trust_v only_o to_o christ_n obedience_n in_o who_o only_o our_o good_a work_n be_v accept_v and_o for_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v reward_v to_o shut_v up_o all_o he_o endeavour_v so_o to_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o gospel_n and_o so_o to_o die_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n chap._n xxiv_o 1._o only_o it_o remain_v that_o you_o look_v yourselves_o in_o this_o glass_n and_o â—ry_a yourselves_o by_o this_o touchstone_n for_o though_o other_o may_v give_v a_o shrewd_a guess_n yet_o the_o mother_n know_v best_a whether_o the_o child_n be_v like_o the_o father_n or_o no_o and_o the_o sign_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o ourselves_o as_o the_o cause_n in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o justification_n be_v to_o be_v 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name_v not_o a_o few_o for_o whatsoever_o you_o may_v find_v the_o one_o herein_o set_v forth_o to_o speak_v think_v or_o do_v the_o other_o do_v the_o contrary_a and_o to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o unbeliever_n you_o need_v but_o read_v this_o character_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n backward_o understand_v all_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n and_o be_v satisfy_v i_o speak_v this_o to_o naturian_o only_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n know_v the_o one_o to_o be_v so_o by_o what_o he_o be_v and_o the_o other_o by_o what_o he_o have_v be_v neither_o be_v there_o one_o of_o all_o these_o sign_n or_o character_n but_o each_o experience_a christian_n find_v it_o in_o some_o degree_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o his_o conscience_n can_v bear_v i_o witness_v and_o will_v you_o know_v whether_o you_o belong_v to_o christ_n this_o will_v inform_v you_o you_o will_v by_o help_n from_o above_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n and_o thing_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 5._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 4_o but_o so_o have_v not_o you_o in_o the_o least_o so_o long_o as_o you_o love_v not_o or_o any_o way_n oppose_v the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o very_o first_o part_n of_o conversion_n be_v to_o love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n 1_o ioh._n 3._o 10._o yea_o in_o reason_n if_o the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v repair_v in_o thou_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o be_v delight_v with_o those_o that_o be_v like_o thyself_o and_o what_o say_v s._n john_n he_o that_o pretend_v interest_n in_o god_n or_o christ_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o ioh._n 2._o 4._o and_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n and_o eight_o verse_n he_o affirm_v plain_o that_o all_o wilful_a sinner_n be_v the_o devil_n servant_n and_o indeed_o let_v man_n flatter_v themselves_o or_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o fruit_n tell_v best_a the_o name_n of_o the_o tree_n the_o conversation_n above_o all_o show_n who_o carry_v the_o bridle_n of_o the_o will_n whether_o god_n or_o satan_n and_o do_v not_o man_n purposely_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n and_o harden_v their_o own_o heart_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o so_o be_v convert_v as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o speak_v metth._n 13._o 15._o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a bible_n beat_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v saint_n paul_n everlasting_a rule_n rom._n 6._o 16._o you_o be_v his_o servant_n to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o saint_n peter_n infallible_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 19_o of_o who_o a_o man_n be_v overcome_v unto_o he_o he_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o this_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n know_v and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n 1_o ioh._n 3._o 8_o 10._o and_o after_o this_o manner_n do_v our_o saviour_n reason_n with_o the_o jew_n ioh._n 8._o 33_o to_o 48._o see_v then_o who_o command_v you_o do_v god_n or_o satan_n if_o satan_n then_o say_v saint_n john_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o through_o vain_a word_n for_o he_o only_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o he_o that_o do_v unrighteousness_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n 1_o ioh._n 3._o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o common_a drunkard_n or_o a_o continual_a swearer_n or_o a_o usual_a companion_n of_o harlot_n or_o a_o accustomary_a deceiver_n or_o a_o frequent_a â—landerer_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n or_o a_o open_a and_o common_a sabbath-breaker_n or_o can_v thou_o boast_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o mischief_n or_o defend_v it_o if_o thou_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o pray_v in_o thy_o family_n if_o thou_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n if_o thou_o hate_v thy_o brother_n for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o cain_n do_v abel_n if_o ismael-like_o thou_o mock_v or_o cham-like_a thou_o scoffe_v at_o the_o religious_a or_o use_v bitter_a jest_n against_o they_o though_o it_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o roundhead_n puritan_n sectary_n black-coat_n or_o the_o like_a if_o thou_o raise_v slander_n of_o they_o or_o furthere_v they_o be_v raise_v if_o thou_o do_v rejoice_v at_o the_o secret_a infirmity_n of_o the_o godly_a or_o open_a scandal_n of_o hypocrite_n if_o thou_o do_v carp_v and_o fret_v against_o the_o word_n refuse_v to_o heart_n it_o or_o withstande_v the_o preach_n of_o it_o if_o be_v a_o minister_n thou_o disgrace_v or_o râ—vilest_v the_o godly_a in_o thy_o preach_n so_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a or_o justifiâ—st_a the_o wicked_a so_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n by_o preach_v unto_o they_o peace_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o base_a esteem_n of_o god_n people_n and_o their_o way_n and_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o a_o man_n for_o scruple_v small_a matter_n if_o thou_o make_v religion_n a_o cloak_n for_o villainy_n if_o thou_o do_v borrow_v or_o run_v in_o debt_n without_o care_n to_o pay_v again_o if_o thou_o delight_v in_o cruelty_n if_o thou_o take_v no_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o thou_o own_o family_n if_o thou_o have_v rather_o the_o wicked_a shall_v bear_v rule_n then_o the_o godly_a if_o thou_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o reformation_n if_o thou_o have_v rather_o disobey_v god_n then_o displease_v great_a one_o if_o thou_o desire_v peace_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o truth_n if_o thou_o do_v allow_v thyself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a gross_a sin_n if_o thou_o take_v liberty_n to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o forbear_v to_o execute_v judgement_n speedy_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o in_o particular_a acknowledge_v he_o in_o all_o thou_o either_o receive_v or_o suffer_v if_o thou_o murmur_v when_o thou_o want_v any_o thing_n without_o ever_o think_v of_o the_o many_o thing_n thou_o have_v beyond_o thy_o desert_n if_o thou_o can_v hear_v god_n blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v without_o be_v move_v thereat_o if_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o professor_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o heresy_n that_o be_v daily_o broach_v make_v thou_o think_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o thou_o do_v never_o see_v thyself_o out_o of_o measure_n sinful_a as_o be_v many_o way_n guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o every_o of_o the_o commandment_n in_o particular_a and_o so_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n utter_o despair_v of_o all_o help_n in_o thyself_o acknowledge_v that_o thou_o have_v deserve_v all_o the_o plague_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o as_o
the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_n or_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o walk_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o gospel_n his_o christian_a profession_n and_o the_o million_o of_o mercy_n he_o have_v receive_v in_o read_v whereof_o reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o and_o see_v what_o comparison_n there_o be_v between_o that_o you_o be_v and_o what_o you_o shall_v be_v and_o then_o with_o blessing_n from_o above_o it_o will_v much_o further_o you_o in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n for_o therefore_o be_v we_o christian_n in_o name_n only_o because_o we_o think_v ourselves_o christian_n indeed_o and_o already_o good_a enough_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o the_o second_o impression_n much_o enlarge_v by_o r._n y._n of_o roxwell_n in_o essex_n chap._n i._n good_a work_n and_o good_a instruction_n be_v the_o generative_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n out_o of_o which_o spring_v new_a posterity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v both_o a_o happy_a and_o 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sight_n cause_v not_o seldom_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o find_v it_o fare_v with_o thomas_n joh._n 20._o 25._o 3._o man_n be_v apt_a to_o carp_v against_o what_o the_o minister_n speak_v though_o he_o bring_v the_o word_n for_o his_o warrant_n but_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n have_v often_o steal_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gainsayer_n and_o win_v their_o affection_n even_o against_o their_o will_n religion_n have_v a_o truth_n and_o a_o power_n in_o it_o people_n will_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n in_o our_o mouth_n where_o they_o see_v not_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o our_o life_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o word_n be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n and_o authority_n when_o deed_n follow_v but_o take_v some_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v ample_a experience_n and_o first_o observe_v how_o it_o fare_v between_o pastor_n and_o their_o people_n for_o from_o the_o pastor_n example_n they_o all_o take_v fire_n as_o one_o torch_n light_v many_o pastor_n be_v the_o glass_n the_o school_n the_o book_n where_o people_n eye_n do_v learn_v do_v read_v do_v look_v every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o common_a line_n in_o christianity_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o set_a copy_n of_o sanctification_n to_o the_o rest_n the_o learned_a preacher_n word_n though_o plain_a to_o plain_a man_n truth_n may_v preach_v but_o pastor_n pious_a practice_n do_v a_o holy_a life_n they_o teach_v 4._o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o man_n like_o sheep_n be_v prone_a to_o go_v astray_o but_o if_o the_o bellweather_n or_o lead_a sheep_n take_v a_o vagary_n all_o the_o flock_n will_v follow_v he_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o precept_n but_o be_v easy_o overl_v by_o evil_a precedent_n even_o follow_v our_o guide_n until_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o self_n which_o occasion_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o use_v that_o proverb_n like_o priest_n like_o people_n hose_n 4._o 9_o isa._n 24._o 2._o that_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a indeed_o that_o by_o good_a work_n prove_v word_n more_o harm_n do_v ill_a example_n breed_v then_o good_a word_n good_a afford_v 5._o and_o the_o like_a of_o governor_n the_o fact_n of_o eminent_a person_n become_v example_n those_o exâ—mples_n law_n unto_o the_o exâ—mple_n of_o the_o king_n the_o world_n do_v frame_v in_o every_o thing_n augustus_n a_o learned_a prince_n fill_v rome_n with_o scholar_n tiberius_n fill_v it_o with_o dissembler_n constantine_n with_o christian_n julian_n with_o atheist_n let_v jeroboam_n only_o set_v up_o calf_n in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n the_o people_n be_v present_o down_o on_o their_o knee_n yea_o every_o one_o like_o beast_n in_o herd_n will_v go_v low_v after_o they_o yea_o if_o saul_n do_v even_o kill_v himself_o his_o armour-bearer_n will_v do_v the_o like_a the_o leader_n example_n be_v a_o law_n to_o the_o follower_n whence_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o dangerous_a policy_n of_o satan_n to_o assault_v principal_a man_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n know_v the_o multitude_n as_o we_o say_v of_o bee_n will_v follow_v their_o master_n 6._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v of_o parent_n and_o master_n we_o be_v lead_v by_o who_o we_o be_v feed_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o he_o that_o feed_v both_o they_o and_o we_o a_o sick_a head_n make_v a_o distemper_a body_n a_o blind_a eye_n endanger_v all_o the_o other_o member_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o piety_n in_o a_o parent_n or_o master_n like_o aaron_n ointment_n run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o family_n psal._n 133._o 2._o whence_o that_o usual_a phrase_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o man_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n joh._n 4._o 53._o act_n 16_o 33_o 34._o 7._o but_o that_o those_o who_o precept_n do_v not_o so_o effectual_o move_v be_v not_o seldom_o induce_v by_o example_n will_n best_o appear_v by_o the_o induction_n of_o particular_a instance_n we_o read_v that_o more_o infidel_n be_v win_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o by_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o taugâ—t_a they_o make_v the_o world_n to_o read_v in_o their_o life_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o heathen_a to_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a god_n who_o servant_n be_v so_o good_a yea_o as_o â—ozomen_fw-la observe_v the_o devouâ—_z life_n of_o one_o poor_a captive_a christian_a maid_n make_v a_o king_n and_o all_o his_o family_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n cicilia_n likewise_o a_o poor_a virgin_n by_o her_o virtuous_a life_n and_o gracious_a behaviour_n in_o her_o martyrdom_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o convert_v four_o hundred_o to_o christ_n and_o we_o read_v that_o st_n albon_n receive_v a_o poor_a persecute_a christian_a into_o his_o house_n by_o only_o observe_v his_o holy_a devotion_n and_o unblameable_a life_n be_v so_o much_o affect_v therewith_o that_o he_o become_v both_o a_o earnest_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o end_n a_o glorious_a martyr_n for_o the_o faith_n all_o which_o consider_v namely_o 〈…〉_z never_o shine_v so_o much_o as_o when_o they_o be_v lively_o engrave_v or_o 〈◊〉_d in_o some_o eminent_a person_n i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o reduce_v 〈◊〉_d or_o almost_o all_o the_o evangelical_a precept_n into_o a_o particular_a and_o familiar_a example_n that_o so_o it_o may_v serve_v not_o only_o for_o a_o set_a copy_n of_o sanctification_n but_o as_o a_o fit_a person_n or_o pattern_n for_o each_o man_n imitation_n and_o incitation_n you_o may_v suppose_v he_o another_o nathaniel_n in_o who_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n joh._n 1._o 47._o or_o another_o samuel_n who_o be_v able_a to_o acquit_v his_o sincerity_n before_o god_n and_o man_n 1_o sam._n 12._o 3._o or_o another_o job_n a_o
well_o trouble_v for_o original_a guilt_n for_o sin_n of_o omission_n for_o the_o evil_n which_o cleave_v to_o thy_o best_a work_n and_o for_o thy_o very_a thought_n as_o for_o thy_o actual_a and_o manifest_a evil_a deed_n if_o thou_o have_v make_v vow_n and_o promise_a amendment_n when_o the_o rod_n be_v on_o thy_o bacâ—_z but_o never_o care_v to_o perform_v the_o same_o when_o thou_o be_v release_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o industrious_a after_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n if_o thou_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v christ_n voice_n if_o thou_o find_v not_o the_o word_n more_o quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sweet_a and_o efficacious_a than_o any_o other_o writing_n if_o it_o and_o the_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o it_o have_v not_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n in_o comparison_n of_o thy_o former_a darkness_n if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o much_o light_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v not_o yield_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o find_v a_o manifest_a change_n in_o thy_o judgement_n affection_n and_o action_n from_o what_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n if_o the_o old_a man_n have_v not_o change_v with_o the_o new_a man_n worldly_a wisdom_n with_o heavenly_a wisdom_n carnal_a love_n for_o spiritual_a love_n servile_a fear_n for_o christian_a and_o filial_a fear_n idle_a thought_n for_o holy_a thought_n vain_a word_n for_o holy_a and_o wholesome_a word_n fleshly_a work_n for_o work_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o thou_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o new_a mould_n even_o hate_v what_o thou_o former_o love_v and_o love_v what_o thou_o former_o hate_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o thy_o former_a conversation_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o be_v often_o and_o grievous_o assault_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o often_o in_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n get_v the_o better_a if_o thou_o do_v not_o more_o fear_v the_o want_n of_o grace_n then_o confide_v in_o what_o thou_o have_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o jealous_a lest_o thy_o heart_n shall_v deceive_v thou_o yea_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o hate_v of_o the_o world_n and_o evil_a speak_v of_o for_o well_o do_v thou_o be_v the_o devil_n servant_n and_o not_o as_o yet_o one_o of_o that_o small_a number_n who_o christ_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n for_o these_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o sign_n sufficient_o brand_v thou_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n chap._n xxv_o 1._o but_o least_o any_o weak_a christian_n shall_v think_v himself_o unsound_a and_o so_o none_o of_o christ_n because_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o description_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o find_v want_v in_o himself_o perhaps_o many_o of_o the_o former_a sign_n or_o evidence_n herein_o set_v forth_o or_o shall_v be_v discourage_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o many_o and_o great_a fail_n together_o with_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o true_a christian_n be_v as_o â—earful_a to_o entertain_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o himself_o as_o the_o false_a be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v drive_v from_o it_o let_v such_o a_o one_o take_v special_a notice_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n make_v the_o distinction_n 1_o ioh._n 2._o 12_o 13._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v babe_n in_o christ_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v new_o bear_v or_o but_o weak_o qualify_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o second_o be_v strong_a man_n as_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n lively_a and_o in_o power_n the_o three_o be_v father_n such_o as_o have_v have_v long_a experience_n in_o the_o powerful_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v long_o exercise_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o well_o do_v this_o do_v 2._o second_o let_v he_o know_v that_o as_o god_n require_v no_o other_o obedience_n in_o the_o best_a then_o evangelical_a so_o he_o look_v not_o for_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n from_o bube_z and_o strong_a man_n or_o from_o strong_a man_n and_o father_n for_o god_n accept_v of_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 12._o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n matth._n 25._o 20._o â—o_z 24._o yea_o what_o father_n or_o master_n will_v not_o from_o his_o young_a and_o new_o wean_a child_n or_o sick_a and_o weak_a servant_n accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n much_o morâ—_n who_o be_v both_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o author_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o yes_o undoubted_o as_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v still_o small_a thy_o faith_n weak_a thy_o charity_n cold_a thy_o heart_n dull_a and_o hard_a thy_o good_a work_n few_o and_o imperfect_a and_o all_o thy_o zealous_a resolution_n easy_o hinder_v and_o quite_o overthrow_v with_o every_o small_a temptation_n yet_o god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o work_n will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o work_n and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v in_o we_o christ_n will_v supply_v with_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o respect_v not_o what_o we_o can_v do_v so_o much_o as_o what_o we_o will_v do_v and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v perform_v and_o can_v he_o esteem_v it_o as_o though_o it_o be_v perform_v thus_o he_o take_v a_o heart_n desirous_a to_o repent_v and_o believe_v for_o a_o penitent_a and_o believe_a heart_n whereas_o take_v away_o the_o will_n and_o all_o act_n in_o god_n sight_n be_v equal_a well_o may_v i_o doubt_v of_o my_o salvation_n say_v bradford_n feel_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v the_o causeâ—_n of_o my_o salvation_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o of_o god_n mercy_n but_o his_o mercy_n again_o 3._o three_o you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o as_o nature_n so_o grace_n rise_v by_o many_o degree_n to_o perfection_n we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o save_a knowledge_n as_o a_o child_n do_v in_o statuâ—e_n and_o understanding_n until_o we_o attain_v to_o glory_n which_o be_v grace_n perfect_v yea_o grace_n in_o its_o growth_n be_v but_o like_o the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n hair_n from_o black_a to_o grey_a or_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o be_v not_o accomplish_v in_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n but_o in_o many_o year_n we_o not_o perceive_v how_o 4._o four_o consider_v also_o that_o the_o best_a have_v their_o failâ—ngs_n as_o have_v abraham_n jacoh_o david_n peter_n etc._n etc._n you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o ioh_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v also_o of_o his_o fit_n of_o impatiency_n yes_o but_o it_o please_v god_n merciful_o to_o overlook_v that_o and_o so_o of_o asah_n who_o have_v divers_a and_o those_o no_o small_a fault_n yet_o with_o one_o breath_n do_v god_n report_v both_o these_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o remove_v and_o nevertheless_o asah_n heart_n be_v perfect_a so_o our_o fail_n be_v not_o wilful_a though_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a yet_o they_o can_v hinder_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a heart_n bear_v out_o many_o error_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n god_n will_v not_o see_v weakness_n where_o he_o see_v truth_n yea_o if_o we_o hate_v our_o corruption_n and_o strive_v against_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v we_o it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v paul_n but_o the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o rom._n 7._o 20._o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o so_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o do_v not_o suffer_v christian_n to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v as_o they_o will_v it_o be_v not_o so_o broad_a as_o to_o allow_v of_o corruption_n nor_o so_o narrow_a but_o it_o will_v permit_v of_o corruption_n 5._o but_o five_o lest_o the_o former_a consideration_n shall_v not_o serve_v answer_v i_o ingenious_o to_o these_o question_n do_v thou_o not_o find_v that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n have_v wrought_v a_o apparent_a change_n in_o thy_o judgement_n affection_n and_o action_n to_o what_o they_o be_v former_o be_v not_o christ_n thy_o great_a joy_n sin_v thy_o great_a sorrow_n and_o grace_v the_o prime_a object_n of_o thy_o desire_n be_v thou_o not_o careful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n make_v in_o christ_n do_v thou_o not_o love_v god_n and_o
warn_v of_o a_o rock_n wilful_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o it_o neither_o let_v satan_n persuade_v you_o to_o defer_v your_o repentance_n no_o not_o a_o hour_n lest_o your_o resolution_n prove_v as_o a_o false_a conception_n which_o never_o come_v to_o bear_v for_o as_o ill_a debtor_n put_v off_o their_o creditor_n first_o one_o week_n than_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v nothing_o so_o deal_v delayer_n with_o god_n beside_o death_n may_v be_v sudden_a even_o the_o least_o of_o a_o thousand_o thing_n can_v kill_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o no_o leisure_n to_o be_v sick_a 2._o second_o or_o if_o death_n be_v not_o sudden_a repentance_n be_v no_o such_o easy_a work_n as_o to_o be_v put_v off_o to_o sickness_n and_o though_o true_a repentance_n be_v never_o too_o late_a yet_o late_a repentance_n be_v seldom_o true_a and_o indeed_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n where_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n of_o honesty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o life_n and_o million_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n who_o think_v they_o will_v repent_v hereafter_o not_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o sin_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o with_o a_o tree_n plant_v in_o the_o ground_n which_o the_o long_o it_o grow_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o or_o a_o nail_n in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v make_v fast_o by_o every_o stroke_n of_o the_o hammer_n as_o what_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v the_o black_a moor_n change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a jer._n 13._o 23._o 3._o three_o or_o suppose_v after_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n thou_o be_v willing_a to_o relinquish_v thy_o lust_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n thy_o service_n and_o best_a devotion_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n will_v he_o accept_v of_o they_o no_o he_o have_v express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1._o 24_o to_o 32._o yea_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o thy_o dry_a bone_n when_o satan_n have_v suck_v out_o all_o the_o marrow_n that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o those_o who_o have_v contemn_v they_o all_o their_o life_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a if_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o be_v content_a to_o lose_v he_o if_o he_o shut_v his_o ear_n against_o their_o prayer_n call_v to_o he_o for_o pardon_n that_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o hiâ—_z voice_n call_v upon_o they_o for_o repentance_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o late_a repentance_n not_o of_o late_a repentance_n if_o thou_o convert_v to_o morrow_n thou_o be_v sure_a of_o grace_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o sure_o of_o tomorrow_n conversion_n if_o in_o any_o reasonable_a time_n we_o pray_v he_o will_v hear_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v he_o will_v pardon_v we_o if_o we_o amend_v our_o life_n he_o will_v save_v we_o but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o timely_a consideration_n dive_fw-la pray_v but_o be_v not_o hear_v esau_n weep_v but_o be_v not_o pity_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n knock_v but_o wear_v deny_v and_o so_o thousand_o have_v cry_v unto_o god_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o find_v no_o repenâ—ance_n but_o they_o die_v as_o they_o live_v and_o go_v from_o despair_n unto_o destruction_n wherefore_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o your_o own_o soul_n set_v upon_o the_o work_n present_o provide_v with_o joseph_n for_o the_o deaâ—th_n to_o come_v and_o with_o naob_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o health_n build_v the_o ark_n of_o a_o good_a conscionce_n against_o the_o flood_n of_o sickness_n imitate_v the_o ant_n who_o provide_v her_o meat_n in_o summer_n for_o the_o winter_n follow_v yea_o do_v it_o while_o the_o yearn_a bowel_n the_o bleed_a wound_n and_o compassionate_a arm_n of_o jesus_n christ_n lie_v open_a to_o receive_v you_o while_o you_o have_v health_n and_o life_n and_o mean_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o god_n as_o you_o tender_v i_o say_v the_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o your_o almost_o lose_v and_o drown_a soul_n as_o you_o expect_v or_o hope_n for_o grace_n or_o mercy_n for_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n for_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o last_o as_o you_o will_v escape_v the_o direful_a wrath_n of_o god_n the_o bitter_a sentence_n and_o doom_n of_o christ_n the_o never_o die_a sting_n and_o worm_n of_o conscience_n the_o torment_a and_o soul-scorch_a flame_n of_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a separation_n from_o god_n bliâ—full_a presence_n abjure_v and_o utter_o renounce_v all_o wilful_a and_o affect_a evil_n to_o which_o end_n 4._o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v diligent_a to_o hear_v god_n word_n powerful_o preach_v which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o kill_v our_o corruption_n and_o that_o unresistible_a canonshot_n which_o beat_v and_o batter_v down_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o unn_n and_o satan_n 5._o three_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v serious_o on_o god_n inestimable_a love_n towards_o we_o who_o have_v not_o spare_v to_o give_v his_o only_o belove_a son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o purchase_v thereby_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o do_v enjoy_v either_o for_o soul_n or_o body_n even_o to_o the_o least_o bit_n of_o bread_n we_o eat_v and_o this_o will_v make_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n to_o direct_v all_o thy_o thought_n speech_n and_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n as_o he_o have_v direct_v thy_o eternal_a salvation_n thereunto_o and_o often_o force_v thou_o to_o break_v out_o into_o this_o or_o the_o like_a expression_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n for_o all_o thy_o benefit_n but_o love_v thou_o my_o creator_n and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n 6._o four_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n behold_v thou_o in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n thou_o do_v even_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o well-drawn_a picture_n be_v fasten_v on_o thou_o which_o way_n soever_o thou_o turn_v yea_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o just_a judge_n who_o will_v not_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a and_o this_o will_v make_v thou_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o thy_o very_a thought_n then_o any_o other_o can_v do_v over_o thy_o action_n 7._o five_o if_o thou_o wilc_n be_v safe_a from_o evil_a work_n avoid_v the_o occasion_n at_o least_o if_o thou_o wilc_v keep_v thyself_o from_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v not_o more_o hard_a to_o find_v virtue_n in_o evil_a company_n then_o to_o miss_v vice_n they_o be_v mingle_v among_o the_o heathen_a faith_n the_o psalmist_n and_o what_o follow_v they_o learn_v their_o work_n psal._n 106._o 35._o yea_o how_o soon_o be_v peter_n change_v with_o but_o comn_v into_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n and_o the_o like_a with_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o make_v david_n to_o say_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v consider_v it_o depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o i_o will_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o my_o god_n psal._n 119._o 115._o know_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o man_n company_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a action_n of_o our_o life_n for_o our_o future_a well_o or_o ill-being_n depend_v on_o that_o election_n and_o many_o a_o man_n have_v be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o if_o he_o have_v but_o keep_v good_a company_n 8._o six_o and_o last_o but_o chieft_o and_o principal_o omit_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n otherwise_o thy_o strength_n be_v small_a yea_o except_o god_n give_v thou_o repentance_n and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o may_v kind_a thou_o can_v no_o more_o turn_v the_o self_n than_o thou_o can_v at_o first_o make_v thyself_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v much_o less_o to_o speak_v lest_o of_o all_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o john_n 15._o 4_o 5._o we_o be_v swift_a to_o all_o evil_a but_o to_o any_o good_a immovable_a wherefore_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v change_v all_o the_o member_n will_v follow_v after_o it_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n after_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o arise_v importune_v he_o for_o grace_n that_o thou_o may_v firm_o resolve_v speedy_o begin_v and_o continual_o persevere_v in_o do_v and_o suffer_v his_o holy_a will_n desire_v he_o to_o inform_v and_o reform_v thou_o so_o that_o thou_o may_v neither_o misbelieve_v nor_o mislive_v to_o regenerate_v thy_o heart_n change_n and_o purify_v thy_o nature_n subdue_v thy_o reason_n rectify_v thy_o judgement_n â—eâ—orm_n and_o strengthen_v thy_o will_n â—enue_v thy_o affection_n and_o beat_v down_o in_o thou_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n noâ—_z forget_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n as_o ambrose_n call_v it_o and_o now_o for_o conclusion_n if_o thou_o receive_v any_o power_n against_o thy_o corruption_n forget_v not_o to_o be_v thankful_a and_o when_o god_n have_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v to_o sow_v much_o where_o he_o reap_v much_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n to_o strive_v after_o those_o grace_n wherewith_o a_o 〈◊〉_d believer_n be_v qualify_v and_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o copy_n in_o the_o foregoing_a character_n finis_fw-la we_o have_v peruse_v this_o treatise_n and_o approve_v it_o to_o be_v very_o pithy_a pious_a and_o profitable_a we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v john_n downame_n thomas_n gataker_n the_o reader_n may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o proof_n be_v not_o allege_v in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o character_n but_o they_o be_v find_v to_o â—e_z so_o many_o in_o number_n that_o the_o very_a point_n to_o they_o will_v have_v take_v up_o near_o as_o much_o room_n as_o the_o matter_n itself_o â—nd_v so_o have_v double_v the_o charge_n which_o in_o these_o time_n can_v not_o be_v afford_v beside_o few_o use_n to_o turn_v to_o every_o scripture_n and_o every_o sanctify_a heart_n be_v a_o comment_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v herein_o deliver_v london_n print_v by_o r._n and_o w._n leyâ—â—urn_n 1653._o