2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o except_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o god_n without_o mercy_n but_o see_v here_o we_o speak_v to_o pastor_n or_o to_o such_o as_o aim_v at_o the_o holy_a ministry_n we_o need_v not_o insist_v but_o with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 17._o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v his_o servant_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o remove_v the_o six_o impediment_n the_o six_o impediment_n be_v a_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a put_v off_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sinful_a solly_n who_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n for_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n or_o condition_n but_o like_o ill_a debtor_n who_o promise_v to_o pay_v as_o oft_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o their_o creditor_n do_v notwithstanding_o put_v off_o time_n and_o delay_v the_o work_n from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o man_n disposition_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v well_o resemble_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o sluggard_n prov._n 6._o 10._o how_o long_o will_v thou_o sleep_v o_o sluggard_n when_o will_v thou_o arise_v out_o of_o thy_o sleep_n yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v so_o shall_v thy_o poverty_n come_v as_o one_o that_o travail_v and_o thy_o want_n as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o prov._n 26._o 14_o 15_o 16._o as_o the_o door_n turn_v upon_o his_o hinge_n so_o do_v the_o slothful_a man_n upon_o his_o bed_n the_o slothful_a hide_v his_o hand_n in_o his_o bosom_n it_o grieve_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o again_o to_o his_o mouth_n the_o sluggard_n be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n than_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n such_o be_v our_o lazy_a dâ—layers_n of_o examination_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o search_v their_o way_n or_o commune_v with_o their_o heart_n but_o so_o long_o as_o god_n suffer_v their_o conscience_n to_o sleep_v so_o long_o they_o put_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o search_v themselves_o and_o lie_v still_o in_o security_n esteem_v it_o a_o torture_n to_o have_v their_o sluggish_a sleep_v any_o way_n interrupt_v by_o any_o person_n 2._o of_o this_o evil_a disease_n five_o cause_n may_v be_v give_v the_o first_o be_v the_o abhor_v of_o all_o pain_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n how_o profitable_a so_o ever_o diligence_n may_v prove_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o bewitch_a sense_n of_o sweetness_n they_o conceive_v they_o feel_v in_o this_o their_o idle_a carriage_n the_o three_o be_v the_o deceit_n of_o the_o sluggard_n heart_n still_o promise_v to_o follow_v his_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o yet_o albeit_o deceive_v a_o thousand_o time_n he_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o own_o false_a heart_n the_o four_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n which_o the_o sluggard_n entertain_v of_o his_o own_o spiritual_a ability_n as_o if_o he_o be_v sure_o he_o can_v repent_v at_o any_o time_n and_o that_o if_o any_o sickness_n or_o appearance_n of_o death_n shall_v befall_v he_o he_o will_v then_o undoubted_o make_v his_o reckon_v with_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n and_o so_o be_v save_v and_o in_o such_o pleasant_a dream_n he_o count_v himself_o a_o much_o wise_a man_n than_o many_o who_o do_v put_v themselves_o to_o daily_a toil_a and_o vexation_n by_o keep_v their_o conscience_n on_o the_o rack-stock_n when_o with_o less_o misery_n they_o may_v follow_v his_o sluggish_a way_n of_o it_o the_o five_o but_o sinless_a cause_n be_v the_o lord_n lengthen_v of_o prosperity_n to_o the_o sluggard_n which_o although_o it_o shall_v lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n yet_o he_o become_v hereby_o more_o and_o more_o drunken_a and_o â—ulleth_v himself_o over_o in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n 3._o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o easy_o cure_v except_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o a_o rod_n and_o rouse_v the_o sluggard_n out_o of_o his_o sleep_n but_o as_o for_o the_o pastor_n part_n he_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o private_a if_o the_o sluggard_n confess_v his_o fault_n and_o howsoever_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o the_o law_n in_o public_a that_o all_o such_o sluggard_n may_v apprehend_v the_o real_a danger_n their_o soul_n be_v into_o by_o delay_v their_o repentance_n because_o the_o endurance_n of_o this_o brittle_a and_o frail_a life_n be_v most_o uncertain_a for_o the_o fool_n know_v not_o whether_o the_o very_a next_o follow_v night_n after_o admonition_n be_v give_v to_o he_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o second_o he_o must_v know_v that_o the_o long_o he_o delay_v the_o number_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o do_v daily_o grow_v to_o a_o high_a measure_n let_v the_o sluggard_n then_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o madness_n if_o he_o shall_v delay_v for_o a_o hour_n by_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n to_o vomit_v up_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o his_o sweet_a sin_n and_o to_o have_v the_o hot_a burn_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o extinguish_v three_o let_v the_o deceit_n wherewith_o he_o beguile_v himself_o be_v lay_v open_a and_o refute_v and_o a_o offer_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v choose_v that_o his_o conscience_n be_v torment_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o society_n of_o unclean_a devil_n after_o a_o short_a while_n sleep_n in_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n rather_o than_o while_o he_o have_v time_n while_o christ_n offer_v himself_o mediator_n in_o his_o gospel_n while_o he_o may_v have_v the_o sweet_a fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o conscience_n to_o it_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o so_o be_v save_v for_o ever_o for_o remove_v the_o seven_o impediment_n the_o seven_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n be_v the_o too_o earnest_a care_n for_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o man_n involve_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o do_v not_o refuse_v the_o duty_n of_o try_v their_o own_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o involve_v and_o carry_v headlong_o that_o they_o pass_v perfunctorious_o all_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v neither_o wait_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n or_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n about_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v nor_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o what_o be_v past_a do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o this_o sort_n arâ—_n these_o of_o who_o christ_n do_v speak_v luke_n 14._o 18._o who_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o free_a supper_n answer_v some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v buy_v land_n another_o i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n another_o i_o have_v buy_v a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o seek_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o their_o not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n all_o pretend_v their_o earthly_a affair_n as_o a_o just_a reason_n of_o their_o slip_n of_o the_o invitation_n give_v they_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n speak_v christ_n math._n 13._o 22._o he_o that_o receive_v seed_n among_o the_o thorn_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n chock_v the_o word_n and_o he_o become_v unfruitful_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v complain_v of_o jer._n 8._o 6._o i_o hearken_v and_o beard_n but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n 2._o of_o this_o evil_a four_o cause_n among_o other_o may_v be_v give_v first_o inordinat_fw-la concupiscence_n of_o earthly_a thing_n which_o eat_v up_o all_o the_o time_n and_o travel_n which_o the_o love_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a do_v call_v for_o and_o as_o it_o be_v spur_v the_o man_n to_o the_o immoderate_a pursue_v of_o thing_n temporal_a the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o beguile_a of_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o seek_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n well-being_n in_o this_o life_n as_o if_o a_o man_n spend_v of_o his_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o time_n in_o earthly_a business_n in_o itself_o lawful_a be_v sufficient_a excuse_n for_o neglect_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n point_v out_o the_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n to_o prefer_v that_o one_o
these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n the_o apostle_n live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n phil._n 4._o 12._o i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o suffer_v need_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v i_o thus_o must_v christian_n soldier_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o toil_a in_o warfare_n in_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o watch_v and_o run_v hazard_n of_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o victory_n and_o promise_a glory_n hold_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o explication_n of_o this_o case_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o hinder_v the_o tender_a heart_a believer_n from_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v shine_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o strength_n continual_o psal._n 105._o 4._o but_o all_o our_o speech_n do_v drive_v at_o this_o main_o that_o the_o afflict_a in_o his_o discouragement_n and_o unquietness_n meek_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n howsoever_o he_o be_v exercise_v always_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o vocation_n through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n look_v unto_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o soft_a negligence_n in_o well_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o condition_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o to_o require_v of_o a_o christian_a a_o stoical_a stupidity_n under_o trouble_n but_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a in_o all_o cross_a dispensation_n and_o vexation_n endeavour_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n give_v glory_n to_o he_o whatsoever_o measure_n he_o shall_v bestow_v more_o or_o less_o because_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v rest_n matth._n 11._o 24._o chap._n ix_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v arise_v from_o his_o uncertainty_n as_o what_o time_n he_o be_v convert_v be_v solve_v there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o journey_n to_o heaven_n begin_v to_o halt_v and_o make_v slow_a progress_n by_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o true_a convert_n footstep_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v convert_v at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o in_o conference_n with_o sundry_a of_o the_o saint_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o from_o that_o time_n can_v reckon_v their_o age_n in_o christ_n or_o from_o this_o be_v their_o doubt_n arisen_a that_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o some_o modern_a writer_n they_o have_v read_v or_o from_o the_o sermon_n of_o some_o well_o esteem_v preacher_n they_o have_v hear_v some_o such_o doctrine_n whereupon_o the_o true_a convert_n fall_v out_o with_o himself_o in_o say_v i_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o a_o godly_a family_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n after_o hear_v the_o head_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n i_o have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o entertain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o amendment_n of_o my_o life_n i_o love_v these_o who_o i_o see_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o i_o do_v hate_v the_o way_n of_o the_o profane_a but_o because_o i_o can_v tell_v when_o or_o what_o day_n or_o year_n i_o be_v real_o convert_v as_o i_o know_v sundry_a of_o the_o godly_a of_o my_o acquaintance_n can_v do_v therefore_o i_o doubt_v whether_o my_o conversion_n be_v begin_v or_o not_o but_o mean_a time_n though_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v off_o the_o way_n i_o have_v be_v follow_v yet_o i_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o heartless_a till_o i_o be_v clear_v of_o my_o doubt_n 2._o for_o remove_v this_o doubt_n we_o must_v yield_v this_o far_o to_o the_o afflict_a that_o many_o indeed_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o be_v civil_o educate_v and_o from_o their_o bairn-age_n accustom_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o do_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o if_o such_o person_n be_v question_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o repent_v or_o believe_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v unconvert_v but_o have_v still_o be_v please_v and_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v never_o convert_v but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o be_v renew_v in_o who_o piece_n and_o piece_n without_o any_o notable_a change_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n have_v grow_v with_o the_o grow_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v of_o god_n therein_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v mark_n 4._o 26._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o but_o to_o solve_v the_o doubt_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n know_v or_o not_o know_v the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n provide_v he_o be_v indeed_o regenerate_v and_o make_v a_o new_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v of_o good_a courage_n if_o after_o serious_a examination_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v humble_v frequent_o in_o the_o sense_n not_o only_o of_o his_o actual_a sin_n and_o short-coming_a of_o his_o duty_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o original_n and_o indwelling_a corruption_n or_o body_n of_o death_n if_o as_o he_o do_v indeed_o loath_a himself_o and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o best_a work_n so_o he_o serious_o embrace_v the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o strength_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o many_o imperfection_n he_o may_v conclude_v he_o be_v regenerate_v for_o if_o these_o three_o be_v join_v in_o he_o in_o any_o measure_n of_o honesty_n he_o need_v not_o be_v anxious_a what_o day_n month_n or_o year_n the_o holy_a spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v these_o thing_n in_o he_o only_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o grow_v in_o humility_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o to_o hold_v on_o this_o way_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o impediment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o apostle_n exeem_v such_o a_o man_n from_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o unconvert_v phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o say_v he_o be_v the_o circumcision_n or_o the_o christian_a convert_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n chap._n x._o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehension_n that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n be_v not_o from_o the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n but_o either_o from_o terror_n or_o self-love_n which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v but_o carnal_a some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o the_o change_n of_o their_o way_n from_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n whereof_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o also_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_n yet_o after_o a_o considerable_a time_n do_v fall_n in_o suspicion_n whether_o that_o time_n of_o their_o change_n be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n some_o of_o they_o bring_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n save_o this_o that_o they_o be_v never_o much_o trouble_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n but_o most_o part_n allure_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o to_o eshew_v the_o way_n of_o sin_v by_o the_o love_n
the_o present_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n for_o the_o present_a in_o comparison_n with_o other_o unrenewed_a man_n or_o with_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n in_o which_o sense_n mark_v 12._o 34._o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o scribe_n who_o answer_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n discreet_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o far_o front_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o condition_n for_o the_o present_a of_o this_o scribe_n be_v better_a than_o his_o fellow_n and_o better_a than_o his_o own_o at_o another_o time_n and_o yet_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o wrath_n because_o he_o be_v not_o enter_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o in_o this_o more_o strict_a sense_n the_o judicial_a state_n of_o the_o man_n person_n be_v fix_v so_o long_o as_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n bind_v the_o unconvert_v to_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n louse_v the_o convert_v from_o the_o curse_n do_v stand_v but_o the_o moral_a disposition_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o nature_n be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a to_o the_o better_a or_o worse_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o or_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n his_o state_n remain_v the_o same_o to_o wit_n good_a if_o he_o be_v renew_v and_o evil_a if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o nature_n unrenewed_a 2._o but_o here_o we_o be_v about_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n only_o which_o may_v be_v better_o at_o one_o time_n and_o worse_o at_o another_o time_n as_o his_o disposition_n and_o caâ—â—age_n in_o order_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v better_a or_o worse_o according_a as_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n be_v more_o or_o less_o conform_v to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n do_v its_o duty_n more_o or_o less_o commendable_o sometime_o his_o conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n speak_v good_a to_o he_o while_o he_o study_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a and_o then_o he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 26._o 12._o my_o foot_n stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n in_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o bless_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o good_a condition_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o because_o there_o be_v no_o present_a disease_n which_o call_v for_o cure_v of_o this_o case_n only_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n necessary_a to_o observe_v diet_n and_o exercise_n to_o maintain_v his_o good_a condition_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o go_v on_o therein_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v the_o ill_a condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n when_o his_o conscience_n do_v deceive_v he_o or_o do_v not_o discharge_v its_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o case_n only_a remedy_n and_o cure_n be_v call_v for_o 3._o as_o that_o condition_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v best_a please_v with_o himself_o be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a so_o neither_o be_v that_o condition_n wherewith_o he_o be_v worst_a please_v always_o the_o worst_a but_o that_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v most_o bear_v down_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o condition_n be_v the_o worst_a wherein_o sin_n most_o prevail_v and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n so_o the_o illnesse_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n as_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v ground_n of_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n for_o otherways_o by_o the_o default_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n the_o best_a condition_n may_v degenerate_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n as_o when_o a_o man_n do_v abuse_v divine_a consolation_n and_o after_o receive_v of_o the_o renew_a earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n grow_v carnal_o secure_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o when_o after_o some_o gross_a pollution_n of_o himself_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n have_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o as_o become_v he_o but_o by_o satan_n suggestion_n of_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o his_o former_a work_n in_o he_o do_v fall_v in_o suspicion_n of_o all_o former_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o miscalleth_a all_o these_o former_a experience_n and_o in_o his_o tentation_n esteem_v and_o name_v they_o among_o satan_n delusion_n or_o else_o at_o least_o suspect_v and_o fear_v they_o shall_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o such_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o worst_a condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n by_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o advantage_n in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o renew_a man_n salvation_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o psalmist_n do_v show_v we_o psal._n 116_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o evil_a condition_n be_v so_o call_v either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o convert_v not_o only_o feel_v real_o but_o lament_v it_o serious_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v estimation_n only_o who_o lament_v his_o good_a condition_n without_o cause_n or_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o real_a evil_n which_o the_o convert_n lament_v not_o at_o all_o but_o lie_v under_o it_o secure_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n when_o he_o see_v his_o own_o blindness_n nakedness_n and_o misery_n the_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o do_v fly_v for_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o christ_n the_o true_a physician_n to_o cover_v and_o cure_v all_o his_o disease_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a only_a in_o respect_n of_o feel_v evil_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n therefrom_o it_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n because_o the_o disease_a convert_n carry_v himself_o well_o and_o wise_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o convert_v condition_n when_o his_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o trial_n by_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n wherein_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o afflict_v himself_o but_o to_o judge_v this_o condition_n to_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v in_o divers_a tentation_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n who_o when_o for_o example_n he_o feel_v himself_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o pray_v or_o praise_n or_o discharge_v any_o duty_n hearty_o do_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o this_o his_o ill_a case_n but_o either_o layeth-by_a the_o do_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o do_v the_o work_n negligent_o and_o perfunctorious_o and_o please_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v for_o a_o time_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a indeed_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o of_o his_o sinful_a slight_v the_o duty_n of_o seek_v relief_n thereof_o 5._o for_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o any_o or_o all_o of_o those_o condition_n first_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o sinful_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v evil_a indeed_o and_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o gift_n of_o eyesalve_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o discovery_n by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a blessing_n even_o the_o work_n of_o god_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o saviour_n of_o soul_n the_o remedy_n of_o every_o evil_a second_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o tentation_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n and_o yield_v to_o tentation_n under_o affliction_n the_o observation_n of_o tentation_n offer_v to_o make_v we_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o trial_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o joy_n but_o yield_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o mater_fw-la of_o
perfection_n which_o the_o law_n do_v require_v albeit_o he_o find_v not_o the_o fruit_n whensoever_o he_o will_v exact_v they_o albeit_o he_o find_v they_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n as_o he_o have_v find_v they_o before_o for_o as_o tree_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a or_o barren_a which_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n albeit_o they_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o winter_n so_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a which_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n at_o one_o time_n of_o mercy_n at_o another_o time_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n at_o another_o time_n the_o evidence_n of_o zeal_n at_o another_o time_n of_o love_n and_o other_o virtue_n albeit_o when_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n offer_v not_o it_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o and_o such_o virtue_n yea_o albeit_o sometime_o when_o occasion_n call_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o and_o such_o gracious_a virtue_n the_o convert_n be_v sometime_o find_v in-laking_a or_o short_a of_o do_v duty_n or_o guilty_a of_o do_v contrary_a to_o duty_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v count_v dead_a for_o all_o that_o because_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o wound_v and_o fall_v sick_a and_o languish_v and_o fall_v in_o a_o swoon_n that_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n till_o it_o be_v recover_v of_o its_o sickness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o jonah_n david_n and_o peter_n who_o faith_n faint_v but_o fail_v not_o altogether_o it_o be_v true_a they_o suspect_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o go_v when_o they_o be_v in_o hard_a exercise_n but_o after_o that_o they_o do_v look_v up_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o do_v show_v themselves_o alive_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n last_o of_o all_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o regrate_a of_o the_o humble_a soul_n of_o its_o barrenness_n and_o short-coming_a of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o of_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v write_v cant._n 2._o 13._o the_o figtree_n put_v forth_o its_o green_a fig_n and_o the_o vine_n with_o the_o tender_a grape_n give_v a_o good_a smell_n for_o he_o that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o lament_v his_o barrenness_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o do_v good_a work_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n v._n q._n but_o how_o can_v a_o man_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o after_o examination_n find_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o his_o conversion_n and_o that_o all_o his_o former_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o unfruitful_a course_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o indeed_o he_o have_v live_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n ans._n let_v such_o a_o man_n examination_n and_o sentence_n of_o himself_o stand_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o sentence_n of_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o from_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o furniture_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o before_o he_o have_v prove_v against_o himself_o that_o in_o time_n by-gone_a he_o have_v noâ—_n be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n have_v not_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o have_v not_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o he_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o i_o have_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n in_o christ_n heretofore_o and_o whether_o i_o must_v now_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v hereafter_o and_o henceforth_o a_o true_a convert_n believe_v in_o christ_n his_o former_a want_n of_o good_a fruit_n altogether_o do_v prove_v he_o not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n for_o time_n bypass_a which_o be_v the_o first_o question_n and_o the_o same_o want_n of_o all_o good_a fruit_n heretofore_o do_v answer_v the_o other_o question_n for_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n that_o now_o except_o he_o will_v perish_v he_o must_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o prove_v of_o this_o assertion_n that_o i_o have_v heretofore_o for_o such_o a_o space_n of_o time_n be_v a_o true_a convert_n i_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n appoint_v show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n but_o in_o prove_v this_o other_o assertion_n to_o wit_n i_o must_v now_o fly_v to_o christ_n while_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v to_o i_o of_o reconciliation_n leave_v i_o perish_v it_o will_v suffice_v to_o produce_v first_o my_o want_n of_o good_a fruit_n and_o next_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n charge_v i_o to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n in_o time_n leâ—t_o i_o perish_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v maintain_v the_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o time_n to_o come_v whether_o he_o find_v he_o have_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o barren_a branch_n in_o time_n bygone_a or_o not_o quest._n vi_o q._n sing_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v carnal_a confidence_n which_o in_o part_n do_v lean_a upon_o good_a work_n for_o see_v assurance_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v not_o attain_v unto_o but_o by_o reason_v from_o our_o good_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v effectual_o and_o be_v elect_v how_o do_v not_o our_o work_n support_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n concern_v our_o call_n and_o election_n and_o so_o may_v be_v lean_v unto_o ans._n a_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o his_o good_a work_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o lean_a his_o confidence_n upon_o his_o work_n but_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v he_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o give_v unto_o he_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n unto_o good_a work_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o walk_v thus_o grace_n be_v by_o god_n word_n and_o work_v clear_v up_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o rest_v upon_o without_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o man_n work_n but_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n only_o then_o when_o he_o observe_v in_o himself_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o lose_v or_o slack_v his_o grip_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o feel_v deadness_n and_o indisposition_n to_o good_a work_n just_o we_o may_v call_v this_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o work_n for_o when_o he_o ought_v with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n as_o he_o find_v the_o body_n of_o death_n powerful_a in_o he_o and_o inborn_a sin_n strong_a to_o hinder_v his_o obedience_n he_o do_v contrary_a way_n abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n languish_v and_o decay_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o look_v like_o a_o departer_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v say_v he_o put_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n quest._n vii_o q._n but_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o i_o except_o i_o do_v observe_v in_o i_o and_o can_v bring_v forth_o my_o good_a work_n to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o lean_v weight_n on_o my_o good_a work_n see_v the_o proof_n of_o my_o faith_n be_v by_o my_o work_n which_o proof_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n i_o can_v prove_v myself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n ans._n 1._o the_o observation_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o be_v not_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o my_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a act_n of_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o a_o refuge_n when_o i_o be_o chase_v by_o the_o law_n by_o the_o
five_o qualification_n be_v common_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o effect_n of_o save_a faith_n not_o as_o yet_o manifest_v to_o be_v such_o before_o the_o person_n do_v close_a covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o not_o impute_v his_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o make_v solid_a reconciliation_n with_o he_o 3._o as_o for_o judge_v of_o other_o when_o we_o observe_v these_o qualification_n all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o we_o must_v not_o determine_v positive_o what_o sort_n of_o operation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v in_o hand_n but_o our_o part_n be_v according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o help_v on_o the_o least_o preparatory_a qualification_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o be_v inductive_a and_o serviceable_a to_o beget_v and_o foster_v save_v faith_n in_o they_o even_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n be_v like_a to_o drive_v they_o from_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v peter_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o unto_o christ_n depart_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v we_o judge_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n but_o to_o be_v their_o helper_n unto_o faith_n when_o we_o perceive_v any_o good_a qualification_n in_o they_o and_o helper_n of_o their_o repentance_n when_o we_o perceive_v any_o out-breaking_a evil_n in_o they_o the_o eleven_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o convert_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v of_o his_o condition_n when_o he_o find_v more_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o other_o then_o when_o he_o pray_v in_o secret_a alone_o it_o be_v not_o a_o case_n unusual_a that_o some_o convert_n do_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o more_o than_o alone_o for_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o in_o their_o family_n or_o occasional_o elsewhere_o their_o prayer_n be_v more_o copious_a than_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o their_o stile_n of_o speech_n more_o polish_v their_o word_n in_o better_a order_n their_o expression_n more_o significant_a their_o notion_n more_o sublime_a more_o fervent_a more_o zealous_a then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o secret_a in_o their_o closet_n which_o difference_n when_o they_o consider_v they_o doubt_v what_o the_o matter_n do_v mean_v 2._o for_o answer_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o solitary_a prayer_n in_o secret_a and_o prayer_n in_o society_n with_o other_o for_o in_o secret_a ofttimes_o the_o convert_v worship_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n unworthiness_n and_o indisposition_n present_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n with_o sigh_n and_o confuse_a groan_n without_o word_n for_o he_o study_v most_o for_o affection_n and_o not_o for_o word_n have_v no_o ear_n to_o care_n for_o but_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n who_o know_v his_o weakness_n fear_n tentation_n and_o wrestle_n with_o doubt_n but_o in_o company_n he_o study_v most_o to_o make_v use_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o express_v himself_o so_o as_o he_o may_v carry_v along_o the_o company_n with_o who_o he_o pray_v with_o consent_n that_o he_o may_v edify_v himself_o and_o they_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v find_v great_a freedom_n possible_o then_o he_o find_v alone_o in_o secret_a second_o it_o be_v ofttimes_o find_v that_o god_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n do_v enlarge_v the_o freedom_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o speaker_n upon_o which_o consideration_n the_o doubt_a convert_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o only_o let_v he_o beware_v least_o vain_a glory_n or_o study_v to_o have_v the_o applause_n of_o such_o as_o hear_v he_o pray_v do_v not_o blow_v wind_n in_o his_o sail_n and_o in_o as_o far_o as_o after_o examination_n he_o find_v himself_o guilty_a let_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o secret_a alone_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n for_o it_o and_o crave_v pardon_n through_o christ_n seek_v help_n and_o heal_n of_o this_o wicked_a inclination_n the_o twelve_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o doubt_n which_o the_o convert_n may_v have_v in_o a_o case_n contrary_a to_o the_o former_a some_o convert_n do_v find_v themselves_o more_o enlarge_v in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o alone_a then_o in_o the_o company_n of_o one_o or_o more_o in_o company_n say_v he_o i_o can_v utter_v my_o own_o private_a condition_n without_o a_o needless_a and_o inconvenient_a discovery_n of_o my_o present_a case_n to_o other_o and_o i_o can_v hardly_o conjecture_v what_o may_v be_v their_o necessity_n with_o who_o i_o pray_v or_o condescend_v upon_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n fit_a for_o we_o in_o common_a i_o be_o take_v up_o also_o with_o thought_n of_o what_o estimation_n my_o hearer_n may_v have_v of_o i_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o free_v of_o that_o care_n i_o be_o not_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v misconstrue_v my_o word_n or_o thought_n i_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o long_a pause_n in_o my_o petition_n and_o fall_v in_o meditation_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o a_o while_n direct_v my_o speech_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o may_v express_v my_o affection_n by_o voice_n and_o gesture_n as_o they_o fall_v out_o and_o pour_v forth_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n with_o tear_n without_o fear_n of_o be_v esteem_v a_o hypocrite_n etc._n etc._n mean_a time_n i_o doubt_v what_o my_o indisposition_n to_o pray_v in_o company_n do_v import_v when_o duty_n call_v for_o it_o 2._o for_o answer_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n to_o some_o of_o his_o dear_a saint_n who_o prayer_n in_o secret_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v open_o have_v not_o give_v ability_n to_o edify_v other_o by_o way_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o audience_n too_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n of_o sex_n to_o who_o modesty_n and_o silence_n be_v most_o suitable_a he_o have_v not_o give_v confidence_n to_o pray_v in_o name_n of_o other_o whether_o more_o or_o few_o as_o their_o mouth_n but_o as_o for_o these_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v ability_n and_o a_o calling_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o charge_n in_o the_o family_n or_o some_o occasional_a exigence_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v foster_v their_o natural_a averseness_n from_o such_o a_o duty_n they_o have_v need_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o fear_n to_o loss_n some_o of_o their_o estimation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hearer_n if_o possible_o all_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v so_o well_o digest_v and_o express_v in_o the_o prayer_n as_o they_o will_v the_o thirteen_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o convert_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v when_o he_o compare_v his_o disposition_n to_o prayer_n and_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o he_o in_o prayer_n sundry_a convert_n when_o they_o compare_v their_o own_o divers_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n with_o the_o divers_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o prayer_n they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_v what_o to_o think_v sometime_o say_v one_o albeit_o i_o be_v very_o hardly_o draw_v to_o pray_v at_o all_o yet_o when_o after_o wrestle_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o duty_n do_v set_v i_o on_o work_n my_o prayer_n go_v on_o as_o i_o can_v wish_v light_n be_v furnish_v to_o i_o what_o to_o confess_v what_o to_o thank_v for_o what_o to_o seek_v both_o for_o myself_o and_o other_o whereby_o i_o gather_v for_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o my_o person_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v accept_v my_o prayer_n sometime_o it_o fare_v otherways_o with_o i_o for_o when_o time_n place_n and_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n concur_v and_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o make_v use_n of_o opportunity_n and_o do_v fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o speak_v on_o a_o sudden_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v matter_n word_n and_o light_n do_v fail_v i_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n fall_v on_o my_o mind_n and_o my_o prayer_n suudry_n time_n be_v stop_v and_o close_v with_o a_o sigh_n or_o groan_v which_o disposition_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o compare_v i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o to_o think_v 2._o for_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o case_n concern_v the_o lord_n blessing_n of_o the_o aim_v at_o duty_n the_o matter_n be_v clear_a and_o speak_v for_o itself_o for_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o not_o forbear_v to_o do_v the_o duty_n if_o we_o can_v reach_v that_o fitness_n of_o spirit_n which_o we_o desire_v let_v we_o
object_n require_v a_o supernatural_a power_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o take_v it_o up_o and_o right_o conceive_v of_o it_o but_o of_o this_o supernatural_a faculty_n the_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v destitute_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a discern_a he_o be_v dead_a that_o he_o can_v discern_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o second_o proposition_n anent_o a_o man_n regeneration_n the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v break_v the_o carnal_a confidence_n of_o the_o person_n who_o he_o be_v to_o convert_v first_o sheweth_z him_z his_o duty_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v he_o to_o see_v the_o same_o by_o the_o powerful_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o take_v away_o all_o pretext_n of_o ignorance_n second_o he_o show_v he_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o deserve_a damnation_n wherein_o he_o be_v involve_v and_o so_o take_v away_o all_o conceit_n and_o imagination_n of_o his_o innocency_n three_o he_o do_v convince_v he_o of_o his_o utter_a inability_n to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n or_o to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o curse_n thereof_o either_o by_o way_n of_o action_n and_o obedience_n or_o by_o way_n of_o suffering_n and_o pay_v of_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o violat_a law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o overturn_v all_o confidence_n in_o himself_o or_o in_o his_o own_o work_n whence_o follow_v the_o elect_a man_n desperation_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o himself_o because_o he_o see_v himself_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o all_o hope_n of_o justification_n by_o his_o own_o deed_n or_o suffering_n be_v cut_v off_o now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v plain_a joh._n 16._o 8._o when_o the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o condition_n sundry_a of_o god_n dear_a child_n for_o a_o time_n be_v keep_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o law_n under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o sad_a conviction_n 5._o as_o for_o the_o three_o proposition_n the_o lord_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o elect_a child_n who_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n first_o open_v up_o a_o light_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o let_v he_o see_v that_o his_o absolution_n from_o sin_n and_o his_o salvation_n be_v possible_a and_o may_v be_v have_v by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n second_o the_o lord_n draw_v near_o hand_n the_o humble_a self-condemned_n soul_n deal_v with_o he_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n sweet_o invite_v he_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o receive_v the_o redeemer_n christ_n jesus_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o by_o receive_v of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n renovation_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o may_v close_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n three_o because_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n have_v bereave_v man_n of_o all_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n till_o he_o be_v supernatural_o quicken_v and_o convert_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n grace_n therefore_o the_o lord_n sâ—peraddeth_v unto_o moral_a suasion_n effectual_a operation_n and_o form_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a faculty_n and_o ability_n for_o do_v what_o be_v pleasant_a unto_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o save_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o infusion_n of_o a_o new_a life_n sometime_o be_v call_v the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n sometime_o regeneration_n sometime_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o vivification_n or_o quicken_a of_o the_o man_n sometime_o save_v grace_n and_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n have_v in_o it_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o save_a grace_n and_o habit_n which_o be_v bring_v forth_o afterward_o to_o act_n and_o exercise_n mean_a time_n true_a it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n because_o of_o their_o inborn_a corruption_n have_v a_o inclination_n and_o bend_a disposition_n to_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v actual_o convert_v the_o man_n he_o overcome_v and_o take_v away_o actual_a resistance_n and_o do_v so_o break_v the_o power_n of_o natural_a rebellion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o for_o ever_o after_o reign_v in_o he_o for_o if_o god_n do_v not_o take_v away_o actual_a resistance_n of_o the_o man_n in_o his_o conversion_n no_o conversion_n shall_v certain_o follow_v and_o god_n shall_v be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o purpose_n to_o convert_v the_o man_n even_o when_o he_o have_v put_v forth_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o work_v conversion_n but_o god_n do_v so_o wise_o and_o powerful_o stir_v up_o this_o new_a infuse_a life_n of_o grace_n and_o set_v it_o so_o on_o work_n that_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n like_o a_o counsellor_n and_o the_o will_n like_o a_o command_a emperor_n and_o the_o active_a power_n of_o the_o new_a infuse_a faculty_n as_o a_o officer_n do_v all_o bestir_v themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o supernatural_a operation_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o new_a creature_n begin_v to_o look_v kind_o on_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v stretch_v forth_o itself_o to_o embrace_v he_o hearty_o for_o obtain_v in_o he_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o he_o cast_v himself_o over_o on_o christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n never_o to_o shed_v from_o he_o but_o by_o faith_n to_o draw_v out_o of_o he_o grace_n for_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v perfect_v and_o here_o the_o man_n that_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o his_o quicken_a and_o regeneration_n begin_v present_o to_o be_v active_a in_o his_o conversion_n and_o follow_v conversation_n for_o god_n give_v to_o he_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o he_o have_v obtain_v by_o god_n effectual_a operation_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v do_v formal_o will_n and_o do_v the_o good_a which_o be_v do_v 6._o as_o to_o the_o four_o proposition_n when_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v put_v forth_o invincible_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o invincible_a work_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o do_v indeed_o preserve_v it_o and_o set_v it_o right_a on_o the_o right_a object_n and_o do_v perfect_a it_o for_o as_o when_o god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n that_o he_o do_v behold_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o law_n when_o he_o remove_v the_o natural_a blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o make_v a_o man_n see_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n which_o sometime_o he_o count_v to_o be_v mere_a foolishness_n he_o do_v no_o way_n destroy_v the_o man_n judgement_n or_o understanding_n but_o do_v correct_v help_v heal_v and_o perfect_v it_o so_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v powerful_o and_o effectual_o move_v and_o turn_v the_o will_n of_o the_o man_n to_o embrace_v the_o sweet_a and_o save_a offer_n of_o christ_n grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v he_o deliberate_o choose_v this_o bless_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o worth_a or_o work_n he_o do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o raise_v it_o up_o from_o death_n and_o its_o damnable_a inclination_n and_o make_v it_o most_o joyful_o and_o most_o free_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o pearl_n of_o price_n and_o bless_v itself_o in_o its_o choice_n for_o ever_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n complain_v of_o wrong_n do_v to_o man_n freewill_n when_o god_n stop_v its_o way_n to_o hell_n wise_o powerful_o gracious_o and_o sweet_o move_v it_o to_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o let_v man_n beware_v to_o take_v the_o glory_n of_o actual_a conversion_n of_o man_n from_o god_n and_o either_o give_v it_o whole_o to_o their_o idol_n of_o freewill_n or_o make_v it_o sharer_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o regeneration_n with_o god_n which_o glory_n god_n will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o but_o reserve_v whole_o to_o himself_o for_o all_o man_n in_o the_o point_n and_o moment_n of_o regeneration_n be_v like_a unto_o lazarus_n in_o the_o grave_n to_o who_o god_n by_o command_v he_o to_o arise_v give_v life_n and_o power_n to_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o grave_n where_o he_o lay_v dead_a and_o rot_a 7._o as_o to_o the_o five_o proposition_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n from_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v
whereby_o he_o be_v make_v more_o capable_a of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o for_o the_o material_a disposition_n of_o he_o fit_v he_o for_o regeneration_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o regeneration_n for_o albeit_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o these_o preparatory_a disposition_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v man_n bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o external_a mean_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o because_o by_o the_o use_n of_o external_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n catechise_v and_o conference_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v more_o near_o unto_o regeneration_n as_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o speech_n to_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o answer_v discreedy_a unto_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o far_o say_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_n 12._o 24._o this_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o order_n unto_o regeneration_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o dry_n of_o timber_n to_o make_v it_o soon_o take_v fire_n when_o it_o be_v casten_z into_o it_o for_o dryness_n in_o the_o timber_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o kindle_v or_o inflammation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o a_o preparation_n of_o the_o timber_n to_o receive_v inflammation_n when_o the_o fire_n shall_v be_v set_v to_o it_o or_o it_o put_v in_o the_o fire_n possible_o a_o long_a time_n after_o in_o these_o preparatory_a exercise_n then_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n unrenewed_a have_v a_o natural_a power_n to_o go_v and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n preach_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o catechise_v and_o conference_n of_o religion_n and_o regeneration_n whereof_o god_n when_o he_o please_v may_v make_v use_n in_o regeneration_n of_o the_o man_n wherefore_o whosoever_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charge_v and_o command_v to_o repent_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o these_o external_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o duty_n require_v and_o of_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereunto_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o external_a mean_n they_o may_v meet_v with_o sundry_a common_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o convert_v whereof_o the_o use_n may_v be_v sound_a not_o only_o in_o but_o also_o after_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v refuse_v slight_a or_o neglect_v to_o follow_v these_o preparatory_a exercise_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o for_o conversion_n he_o be_v inexcusable_a before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o guilty_a of_o reject_v of_o the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n yea_o guilty_a of_o resist_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n the_o holy_a martyr_n stephen_n charge_v the_o misbelieve_a jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o 8._o as_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n he_o it_o be_v who_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o deserve_a misery_n and_o of_o his_o utter_a inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o part_n and_o possible_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o christ_n alone_o he_o may_v have_v true_a wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o do_v with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n consecrat_v himself_o and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o description_n we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip._n 3._o 3_o where_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o counterfeit_n he_o say_v we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n the_o apostle_n first_o point_v forth_o unto_o we_o three_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n than_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o only_a circumciser_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worth_n wit_n freewill_n and_o strength_n to_o help_v himself_o so_o that_o the_o man_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o operation_n be_v the_o infusion_n of_o save_a faith_n make_v the_o man_n humble_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o christ_n become_v to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o rejoice_v and_o gloriation_n the_o three_o operation_n be_v the_o upstirring_a and_o enable_v of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o for_o the_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o point_n of_o more_o and_o more_o humble_v of_o himself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o eshew_v of_o all_o lean_v on_o his_o own_o part_n gift_n work_n or_o suffering_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o christ_n he_o must_v have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v let_v forth_o to_o the_o believer_n employ_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o christ_n against_o all_o difficulty_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n in_o all_o case_n worship_v and_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o must_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o these_o three_o duty_n joint_o so_o as_o each_o of_o they_o may_v advance_v another_o for_o many_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n will_v be_v find_v in_o our_o new_a obedience_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n but_o let_v these_o fail_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o extinguish_v and_o abolish_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o part_n and_o righteousness_n that_o our_o daily_a fail_n may_v humble_v we_o and_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o let_v not_o these_o fail_n so_o discourage_v we_o as_o to_o hinder_v we_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a the_o less_o ground_n of_o confidence_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o let_v we_o raise_v so_o much_o high_a the_o estimation_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o draw_v more_o strength_n and_o ability_n out_o of_o christ_n for_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v more_o holy_o and_o righteous_o before_o god_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o he_o let_v we_o not_o turn_v his_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n but_o the_o more_o we_o believe_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o strive_v in_o his_o strength_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o new_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n let_v we_o wind_v ourselves_o up_o stair_n towards_o heaven_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o such_o as_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a isaiah_n 40._o 31._o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v find_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o all_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v by_o so_o much_o darken_v and_o short_a for_o probation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n regenerate_v that_o he_o be_v drive_v from_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o fill_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n because_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o more_o than_o that_o may_v perish_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o judas_n the_o traitor_n who_o conscience_n be_v burden_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o
satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o external_a sacrifice_n of_o some_o clean_a beast_n offer_v to_o god_n or_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o their_o body_n and_o their_o clothes_n such_o also_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o now_o adays_o many_o make_v with_o god_n cut_v short_a with_o the_o old_a pharisee_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n by_o extend_v it_o no_o further_o than_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o same_o that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v their_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n the_o long_o &_o conform_v unto_o their_o own_o clip_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n after_o baptism_n and_o by_o extenuate_v and_o diminish_v many_o fault_n as_o but_o light_n and_o venial_a as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o by_o devise_v satisfaction_n for_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o live_n by_o penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o of_o the_o dead_a by_o their_o suffering_n in_o their_o imaginary_a purgatory_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o work_n and_o suffering_n such_o also_o be_v their_o covenant_n who_o seek_v justification_n by_o decease_a saint_n merit_n hope_v they_o may_v so_o have_v absolution_n from_o sin_n and_o obtain_v life_n eternal_a and_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o man_n frame_v we_o call_v bastard-covenant_n of_o work_n because_o god_n will_v not_o admit_v any_o other_o covenant_n of_o work_n then_o that_o which_o require_v perfect_a personal_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o so_o many_o as_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n do_v stand_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o perfect_a personal_a obedience_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o will_v be_v find_v not_o only_o utter_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n but_o also_o to_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 5._o 3_o 4._o do_v teach_v we_o obj._n see_v god_n do_v abhor_v these_o bastard-covenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v well_o know_v that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o performance_n of_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o unable_a before_o they_o be_v reconcile_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o do_v so_o much_o as_o one_o acceptable_a work_n as_o the_o psalmist_n teach_v psal._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n exact_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n from_o sinner_n why_o do_v he_o press_v so_o instant_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o true_a covenant_n of_o work_n ans._n the_o lord_n just_o do_v abhor_v and_o reject_v these_o bastard-covenant_n because_o they_o evacuat_v and_o make_v void_a both_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o he_o do_v press_v all_o man_n to_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n whereunto_o they_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o the_o end_n that_o proud_a man_n conceity_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n may_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o so_o despair_v of_o righteousness_n by_o their_o work_n and_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n through_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fir_v from_o that_o covenant_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o begin_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n furniture_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4_o and_o the_o law_n enter_v that_o man_n may_v by_o the_o law_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o offence_n do_v abound_v and_o then_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o 〈…〉_z â—â—grâ—ce_n by_o christ_n do_v superabound_a rom._n 〈…〉_z and_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o command_n be_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o purâ—_n heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfamed_a this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n that_o a_o stiff-necked_a people_n trust_v in_o their_o own_o ability_n may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o imperfection_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o this_o also_o god_n superadd_v the_o external_a yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o posterity_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_n 15._o 10._o that_o the_o people_n perceive_v their_o manifold_a pollution_n and_o guiltiness_n wherein_o they_o be_v daily_o involve_v by_o break_v of_o god_n law_n may_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o burden_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o of_o their_o damnable_a estate_n under_o it_o fly_v to_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v represent_v and_o offer_v to_o their_o sight_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n of_o this_o end_n of_o press_v the_o law_n upon_o proud_a man_n we_o have_v a_o example_n math._n 19_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o in_o the_o conference_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o young_a conceity_n rich_a man_n who_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o of_o his_o ability_n be_v hudg_o swell_v as_o if_o he_o have_v already_o for_o time_n bygone_a satisfy_v the_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n which_o can_v be_v prescribe_v unto_o he_o for_o obtain_v of_o eternal_a life_n who_o proud_a conceit_n that_o christ_n may_v humble_v and_o bring_v down_o he_o crave_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o command_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n deny_v that_o he_o have_v break_v the_o law_n he_o prove_v he_o guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o vile_a idolatry_n from_o this_o that_o he_o put_v a_o high_a estimation_n on_o his_o riches_n than_o on_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v love_v they_o more_o than_o heaven_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o eternal_a life_n in_o all_o this_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o albeit_o man_n confidence_n in_o their_o work_n do_v displease_v god_n yet_o good_a work_n do_v not_o displease_v he_o but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a motive_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o his_o people_n a_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v after_o good_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o partly_o by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o reward_n if_o they_o obey_v partly_o by_o set_v punishment_n before_o theiâ—_n eye_n if_o they_o obey_v not_o yea_o and_o the_o very_a observation_n of_o external_a moral_a duty_n and_o obedience_n such_o as_o may_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n albeit_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o justification_n do_v esteem_v it_o pollute_v and_o vile_a yet_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o external_a work_n by_o give_v they_o external_a and_o temporal_a benefit_n for_o their_o encouragement_n for_o even_o ahab'_v temporary_a humiliation_n the_o lord_n so_o far_o accept_v that_o there-upon_a he_o take_v occasion_n to_o delay_v to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o he_o 1_o king_n 21._o 27_o 28_o 29._o likewise_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o recompense_v the_o civil_a justice_n of_o pagan_n with_o a_o temporal_a reward_n yea_o and_o to_o reward_v the_o outward_a diligence_n of_o every_o man_n in_o every_o lawful_a occupation_n with_o some_o answerable_a outward_a reward_n the_o very_a pharisee_n who_o for_o the_o raise_n to_o themselves_o a_o fame_n and_o high_a estimation_n for_o holiness_n do_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n in_o prayer_n in_o the_o street_n and_o mercat-place_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n want_v not_o a_o answerable_a reward_n verily_a say_v christ_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n matth._n 6._o 2._o and_o this_o course_n the_o lord_n do_v keep_v that_o he_o may_v encertain_a and_o foster_v the_o civil_a society_n of_o man_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o his_o people_n look_v on_o this_o bounty_n of_o god_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o the_o more_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o merciful_a promise_v better_a reward_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v beside_o what_o they_o may_v have_v in_o this_o life_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o three_o and_o last_o covenant_n concern_v man_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n grace_n sometimes_o simple_o and_o absolute_o take_v be_v oppose_v to_o merit_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o good_a thing_n which_o of_o god_n good_a pleasure_n be_v ordain_v or_o promise_v or_o actual_o bestow_v on_o the_o
sin_n must_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o sin_n commit_v must_v be_v show_v forth_o that_o the_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v may_v see_v himself_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o that_o he_o must_v certain_o perish_v except_o he_o flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o by_o he_o he_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o after_o a_o man_n conversion_n the_o believer_n must_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n and_o inability_n to_o perform_v obedience_n except_o by_o grace_n power_n be_v communicate_v unto_o he_o from_o christ_n both_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v get_v grace_n to_o give_v obedience_n in_o some_o measure_n yet_o must_v he_o examine_v his_o best_a work_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o command_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o service_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o humble_v in_o himself_o and_o glory_n only_o in_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o withal_o give_v unto_o christ_n the_o glory_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n do_v well_o 7._o the_o threaten_n also_o all_o of_o they_o must_v so_o be_v apply_v in_o general_a as_o both_o convert_v and_o un-converted_n may_v be_v force_v to_o run_v to_o christ_n who_o only_o can_v deliver_v the_o un-converted_n from_o guiltiness_n and_o wrath_n and_o death_n eternal_a deserve_v by_o sin_n and_o who_o only_o can_v deliver_v those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o law_n pronounce_v and_o who_o only_o can_v make_v they_o eshew_v and_o hold_v off_o the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v curse_v and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v how_o much_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n the_o godly_a shall_v have_v by_o daily_o compare_v their_o act_n with_o the_o law_n and_o how_o dear_a and_o precious_a christ_n must_v be_v to_o they_o who_o give_v unto_o they_o as_o many_o deliverance_n from_o death_n as_o they_o commit_v sin_n and_o do_v fail_v of_o their_o obliged_a obedience_n to_o god_n 8._o a_o sinner_n already_o convict_v of_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o who_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o must_v not_o be_v skar_v nor_o deter_v from_o go_v unto_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o attain_v such_o a_o prescribe_a measure_n of_o contrition_n as_o he_o conceive_v his_o sin_n do_v call_v for_o which_o measure_n unskilful_a physician_n do_v rigid_o exact_v of_o sinner_n who_o be_v desirous_a of_o repentance_n pretend_v for_o their_o rigidity_n their_o fear_n lest_o if_o such_o sinner_n shall_v be_v so_o easy_o admit_v unto_o christ_n the_o work_n of_o repentance_n shall_v be_v mar_v in_o they_o and_o presumption_n shall_v have_v way_n and_o be_v foster_v in_o they_o this_o fear_n be_v needless_a because_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o to_o give_v repentance_n and_o he_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n convict_v of_o sin_n and_o destitute_a of_o repentance_n in_o their_o own_o estimation_n and_o sense_n unto_o repentance_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o a_o sinner_n light_o touch_v with_o the_o sting_n of_o the_o conscience_n do_v not_o well_o weigh_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o go_v to_o christ_n with_o his_o lip_n only_o when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o less_o hazard_n leave_v he_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o repentance_n in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o not_o permit_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o have_v it_o may_v either_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_v or_o conceive_v that_o by_o his_o own_o pain_n on_o his_o own_o heart_n repentance_n must_v be_v wrought_v before_o he_o go_v to_o christ_n who_o god_n have_v exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n act._n 5._o 31._o we_o must_v be_v wary_a therefore_o lest_o a_o burden_a conscience_n in_o any_o measure_n be_v exclude_v from_o go_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o measure_n humble_v set_v himself_o so_o upon_o bodily_a exercise_n of_o ordinance_n without_o dare_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n as_o that_o he_o put_v some_o merit_n in_o effect_n upon_o his_o bodily_a exercise_n which_o he_o use_v to_o bring_v himself_o unto_o contrition_n or_o else_o turn_v desperate_o careless_a and_o leave_v off_o all_o use_n of_o mean_n we_o need_v not_o fear_n that_o instant_o upon_o a_o sinner_n come_v to_o christ_n he_o shall_v find_v too_o soon_o consolation_n and_o so_o not_o be_v humble_v as_o need_v be_v for_o christ_n be_v only_o wise_a and_o can_v prudent_o deal_v with_o the_o sinner_n come_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v eyesalve_n to_o give_v his_o proud_a merchant_n to_o let_v he_o see_v his_o blindness_n poverty_n and_o misery_n as_o well_o as_o gold_n and_o garment_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o naked_a but_o if_o any_o be_v proud_a and_o rich_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o approach_v towards_o he_o without_o sense_n of_o sin_n he_o can_v suspend_v they_o from_o comfort_n till_o first_o he_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o feel_v access_n a_o while_n till_o they_o be_v true_o humble_v and_o thirst_n in_o earnest_n after_o pardon_n and_o impute_a righteousness_n 9_o as_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n must_v not_o be_v make_v straight_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o so_o neither_o must_v the_o way_n be_v make_v broad_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o reigny_v loose_v to_o man_n lust_n as_o if_o believer_n sin_n be_v either_o none_o or_o but_o light_a one_o for_o god_n be_v not_o a_o favourer_n of_o sin_n and_o whosoever_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n undoubted_o they_o be_v ignorant_a both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v so_o temper_v that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n none_o who_o will_v be_v at_o christ_n and_o through_o he_o at_o mortification_n of_o their_o sinful_a nature_n be_v discourage_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o man_n boast_v of_o his_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o god_n both_o in_o his_o threaten_n and_o promise_n that_o none_o despair_v hear_n threaten_n but_o repent_v and_o live_v and_o that_o none_o presume_v to_o sin_n upon_o hear_v his_o gracious_a promise_n but_o walk_v in_o fear_n before_o he_o ezek._n 33._o 10_o 11_o 12._o to_o v_o 20._o and_o christ_n do_v blot_v out_o from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v all_o they_o who_o break_v off_o and_o make_v void_a any_o of_o the_o precept_n and_o do_v teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v matth._n 5._o 19_o 10._o because_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n in_o his_o word_n both_o for_o moral_a suasion_n and_o for_o effectual_a operation_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n therefore_o the_o force_n of_o god_n argument_n and_o inducement_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v must_v so_o be_v open_v up_o and_o sharpen_a and_o press_v that_o the_o hearer_n be_v sound_o convince_v of_o the_o holiness_n equity_n verity_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o lord_n command_n may_v at_o least_o be_v moral_o persuade_v to_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o hearer_n must_v be_v exhort_v that_o they_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o weigh_v such_o and_o such_o argument_n unto_o duty_n that_o by_o reason_v with_o themselves_o they_o may_v prevail_v by_o god_n blâ—ssing_n to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o do_v paul_n direct_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o governor_n felix_n brash_z the_o castle_n of_o his_o conscience_n with_o this_o engine_n that_o he_o near_o by_o take_v it_o in_o act._n 24._o 25._o and_o so_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o agrippa_n who_o he_o near-by_a persuade_v to_o become_v a_o christian_n act._n 26._o 28._o and_o this_o be_v his_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v all_o his_o hearer_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o know_v therefore_o say_v he_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v teach_v all_o christ_n disciple_n to_o exercise_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o have_v set_v before_o they_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v furnish_v they_o may_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n in_o
and_o at_o length_n that_o they_o shall_v whole_o give_v themselves_o to_o religious_a exercise_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n mean_v time_n they_o conceive_v they_o may_v come_v in_o among_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o young_a beginner_n albeit_o they_o come_v not_o up_o the_o length_n which_o they_o intend_v but_o be_v unde_fw-la the_o power_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o they_o can_v rid_v themselves_o of_o but_o do_v hope_v they_o shall_v betimes_o overcome_v they_o such_o man_n do_v miserable_o mistake_v the_o mater_fw-la first_o in_o that_o they_o think_v their_o purpose_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n breed_v in_o they_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o very_a grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n second_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o lust_n which_o do_v reign_v in_o themselves_o be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o regenerate_v person_n of_o who_o few_o or_o none_o think_v they_o want_v their_o own_o gross_a fault_n three_o they_o conceive_v they_o can_v repent_v more_o serious_o when_o they_o please_v and_o will_v repent_v after_o a_o while_n follow_v of_o their_o belove_a lust_n as_o if_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o they_o do_v daily_o provoke_v by_o their_o vileness_n but_o a_o work_n in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n freewill_n be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n four_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o delay_n of_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o all_o sin_n unto_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o god_n judgement_n harden_v and_o god_n provoke_v to_o punish_v their_o voluntary_a impenitence_n with_o judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v such_o man_n our_o lord_n compare_v to_o the_o disobedient_a son_n who_o promise_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v go_v work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o go_v not_o math._n 21._o 30._o such_o man_n be_v they_o who_o know_v the_o well_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o do_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o double_a punishment_n math_n 12._o 47._o the_o â—â—medy_n of_o this_o evil_a christ_n give_v luk._n 13._o 24_o 25_o 26._o strive_v to_o enter_v at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o â—_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a mâ—n_z know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_v while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n not_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n psal_n 95._o 8._o 2._o other_o some_o be_v who_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a life_n profess_v and_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o indeed_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v certain_o expect_v salvation_n free_o of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o pose_v any_o such_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v present_o answer_v that_o they_o firm_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v their_o sweet_a saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o if_o you_o press_v they_o to_o speak_v in_o earnest_n from_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v present_o be_v ill_o please_v with_o the_o question_n and_o ask_v what_o cause_n of_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v be_v just_o allege_v or_o what_o cause_n have_v any_o man_n to_o suspect_v they_o or_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v say_v they_o if_o not_o in_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o other_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n beside_o he_o if_o a_o man_n please_v to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v forthwith_o affirm_v that_o they_o repent_v day_n and_o night_n and_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o always_o repent_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o man_n be_v these_o of_o who_o christ_n speak_v that_o they_o will_v confident_o come_v to_o he_o and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v but_o servant_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n 3._o such_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o first_o by_o frame_v to_o themselves_o such_o carnal_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o save_a hope_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o in_o their_o fantasy_n they_o conceive_v they_o do_v practice_v which_o conception_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o they_o esteem_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n commend_v these_o duty_n unto_o man_n as_o good_a as_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v take_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o equity_n of_o such_o duty_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o while_o their_o conscience_n say_v why_o shall_v not_o i_o do_v so_o they_o take_v that_o for_o as_o good_a as_o if_o it_o have_v say_v i_o do_v so_o but_o save_v grace_n go_v deep_a than_o civil_a carriage_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o enough_o except_o they_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n also_o in_o daily_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n daily_o to_o be_v washen_n and_o more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v imagine_v a_o faith_n which_o need_v not_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o good_a work_n at_o all_o and_o so_o they_o take_v off_o the_o justify_v man_n from_o all_o necessity_n of_o follow_v good_a work_n as_o far_o as_o they_o take_v off_o good_a work_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o justification_n and_o do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o themselves_o to_o live_v after_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o flesh_n conceive_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v fir_v not_o only_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o our_o lord_n do_v speak_v and_o do_v cut_v off_o such_o libertine_n and_o turner_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o guard_v against_o this_o self-deceit_n heb._n 12._o 14._o command_v to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 5._o some_o there_o be_v who_o pretend_v to_o esteem_v well_o of_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o marriage-supper_n do_v yet_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a when_o they_o have_v much_o ado_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n albeit_o they_o prefer_v the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o thing_n outward_a unto_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o entertain_a communion_n with_o god_n yea_o they_o conceive_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v they_o in_o so_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v insinuat_fw-la in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o guest_n invite_v to_o the_o feast_n answer_v the_o invitation_n with_o i_o pray_v have_v i_o excuse_v luke_n 14._o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o rise_v evil_a in_o great_a personage_n rich_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v much_o implove_v in_o earthly_a affair_n such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o first_o in_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n with_o themselves_o that_o their_o earthly_a affair_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v first_o and_o most_o sensible_o appear_v must_v in_o the_o first_o room_n be_v cared-for_a and_o that_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a may_v be_v follow_v after_o as_o their_o civil_a and_o earthly_a affair_n may_v permit_v second_o they_o reckon_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o for_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v when_o gain_n may_v be_v have_v that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o slip_v the_o occasion_n or_o to_o put_v his_o worldly_a good_n in_o hazard_n by_o defend_v or_o follow_v matter_n of_o religion_n three_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o wise_a as_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o serve_v two_o master_n god_n and_o covetousness_n albeit_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o serve_v not_o god_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n this_o error_n our_o lord_n refute_v and_o give_v warning_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o luke_n 21._o 34._o take_v heed_n
to_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o must_v be_v prove_v also_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n a_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n a_o man_n justify_v and_o a_o adopt_a child_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o know_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o true_o regenerate_v circumcise_v in_o heart_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o sinless_a but_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n as_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o himself_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a of_o accusation_n or_o tentation_n and_o doubt_n but_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n but_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 1._o he_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n 2._o he_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n 3._o he_o put_v on_o christ_n yoke_n math._n 11._o 28_o 29._o if_o a_o man_n have_v these_o three_o property_n joint_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o regenerae_fw-la man_n and_o may_v defend_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o divine_a operation_n and_o save_a grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n repentance_n unto_o life_n hope_v christian_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n go_v together_o in_o time_n by_o god_n gift_n but_o one_o of_o they_o go_v before_o another_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o effectual_a calling_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o faith_n go_v before_o hope_n and_o before_o charity_n or_o love_n again_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_a child_n of_o god_n joint_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o evidence_n alike_o soon_o in_o time_n nor_o do_v they_o equal_o manifest_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v in_o time_n and_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v discern_v in_o not_o a_o few_o convert_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v show_v itself_o in_o they_o clear_o so_o also_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ofttimes_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o himself_o dare_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ._n 4._o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o regenerate_a person_n who_o for_o the_o present_a time_n can_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o to_o their_o own_o unspeakable_a comfort_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o be_v point_v out_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o all_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n clear_a and_o certain_a to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o whether_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o or_o not_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o for_o otherwise_o except_o a_o convert_n know_v certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v make_v a_o reconcile_a subject_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n or_o set_v cheerful_o himself_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o comfortable_o call_v on_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n wherefore_o all_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n shall_v deal_v by_o prayer_n earnest_o with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o they_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n in_o they_o they_o may_v know_v the_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o which_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n own_o regeneration_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o assurance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n wherein_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v may_v be_v for_o many_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o may_v darken_v his_o sight_n and_o hinder_v the_o assurance_n of_o save_a grace_n grant_v unto_o he_o whereof_o sundry_a cause_n may_v be_v find_v and_o in_o special_a these_o four_o among_o other_o 1._o in_o a_o man_n illuminat_fw-la and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o remain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n much_o doubt_v mix_v with_o faith_n by_o reason_n of_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o the_o convert_n to_o examine_v and_o discern_v this_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o he_o where_o through_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o young_a convert_n which_o will_v be_v see_v in_o infant_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o know_v or_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v a_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n of_o discretion_n yea_o many_o sound_a christian_n be_v ofttimes_o at_o a_o stand_n about_o their_o regeneration_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o their_o faith_n or_o repentance_n especial_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o strength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o great_a indisposition_n for_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v force_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o cry_v miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o rom._n 7._o 24._o mean_a time_n for_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o to_o wrestle_v against_o discouragement_n and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o apostle_n thank_v god_n through_o christ._n 2._o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n ofttimes_o the_o persuasion_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v darken_v so_o as_o they_o can_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o regeneration_n clear_o for_o satan_n set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o bond_n who_o albeit_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v they_o that_o at_o least_o he_o may_v make_v they_o some_o way_n unfit_a for_o god_n service_n and_o mar_v their_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o service_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v harm_n from_o they_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n by_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o unconvert_v to_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o find_v they_o work_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o put_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o forbear_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n till_o they_o be_v settle_v themselves_o 3._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n be_v offend_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o special_o by_o their_o gross_a transgression_n for_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v do_v for_o a_o time_n cease_v from_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v 4._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n by_o suffer_a doubt_n to_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n use_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n and_o thereby_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o pursue_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n more_o vigorous_o and_o sincere_o that_o after_o victory_n obtain_v over_o these_o tentation_n they_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o his_o obedience_n 6._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o while_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v most_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o he_o and_o clear_o see_v by_o other_o more_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o howsoever_o the_o weak_a convert_n and_o child_n of_o light_n walk_v
the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o his_o holy_a heart_n can_v not_o admit_v such_o a_o temptation_n and_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 6._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n do_v warn_v the_o saint_n that_o our_o adversary_n satan_n use_v to_o throw_v fiery_a dart_n at_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o fiery_a and_o poisonable_a dart_n the_o regenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o nor_o finger_v they_o but_o by_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o speed_n quench_v and_o extinguish_v they_o but_o when_o a_o probable_a reason_n be_v join_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o the_o temptation_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o fear_n that_o the_o tentation_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o except_o the_o scruple_n be_v remove_v then_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v examine_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o reason_n or_o sylogism_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v try_v to_o be_v null_a it_o may_v be_v reject_v or_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v communicate_v to_o a_o prudent_a friend_n or_o pastor_n who_o may_v discover_v the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o temptation_n shall_v be_v slight_v and_o not_o discuss_v albeit_o it_o lie_v quiet_a for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o will_v return_v again_o and_o raise_v more_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n to_o the_o conscience_n than_o it_o do_v before_o 11._o in_o answer_v of_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n tend_v to_o weaken_v faith_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o observe_v and_o ishew_v a_o usual_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o do_v multiply_v and_o heap_v together_o a_o number_n of_o doubt_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suggest_v one_o doubt_n present_o do_v suggest_v on_o the_o back_n of_o that_o another_o and_o after_o that_o another_o whereby_o he_o mar_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o some_o faithful_a friend_n or_o minister_n be_v offer_v for_o solution_n thereof_o by_o this_o mean_a satan_n endeavour_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o afflict_a person_n may_v at_o one_o time_n both_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_n offer_v and_o be_v take_v up_o whole_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o new_a suggest_a doubt_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o new_a doubt_n have_v no_o place_n because_o the_o afflict_a party_n do_v not_o take_v heed_n thereto_o in_o this_o case_n both_o the_o party_n afflict_v and_o the_o party_n offer_v consolation_n must_v hold_v to_o the_o first_o doubt_n and_o not_o suffer_v any_o other_o new_a doubt_n to_o have_v place_n till_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o doubt_n and_o after_o that_o let_v every_o objection_n move_v by_o the_o party_n afflict_v be_v answer_v one_o after_o another_o in_o order_n 12._o see_v every_o doubt_n whereby_o the_o regenerate_a person_n be_v trouble_v do_v tend_v either_o to_o weaken_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n let_v no_o answer_n to_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v esteem_v sufficient_a except_o it_o lead_v the_o afflict_a person_n unto_o christ_n teach_v he_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v low_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o lay_v hold_n by_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o after_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o physician_n to_o request_v for_o the_o remedy_n of_o that_o evil_n which_o have_v move_v and_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o doubt_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o every_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o the_o enjoin_v of_o such_o and_o such_o moral_a duty_n whereby_o unskillful_a physician_n use_v to_o over-charge_n disease_a conscience_n command_v the_o afflict_a party_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o go_v about_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n as_o may_v remove_v the_o evil_n which_o give_v ground_n to_o the_o doubt_n can_v never_o avail_v the_o disease_a person_n except_o he_o be_v lead_v first_o unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n that_o in_o he_o power_n to_o do_v these_o duty_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o by_o his_o spirit_n moral_a precept_n may_v be_v quicken_v for_o if_o these_o precept_n be_v press_v upon_o the_o disease_a without_o christ_n they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o detain_v the_o afflict_a in_o self_n confidence_n and_o make_v he_o hope_v in_o vain_a that_o he_o may_v or_o can_v by_o his_o own_o work_n overcome_v the_o evil_n feel_v in_o he_o or_o that_o he_o can_v by_o himself_o attain_v to_o that_o good_a which_o he_o conceive_v necessary_a for_o lose_v of_o his_o doubt_n but_o let_v he_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o strength_n to_o go_v about_o the_o duty_n 13._o because_o almost_o in_o all_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n some_o grace_n or_o christian_a virtue_n be_v pitch_v upon_o and_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o he_o or_o not_o heed_n must_v be_v take_v that_o evangelic_n grace_n virtue_n or_o action_n be_v not_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n wherein_o nothing_o have_v weight_n which_o come_v short_a of_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o personal_a obedience_n for_o in_o the_o strict_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n no_o mere_a man_n nor_o any_o action_n of_o man_n can_v stand_v ps._n 130._o 3._o for_o there_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n and_o blemish_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o best_a work_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n that_o whatsoever_o lustre_n or_o appearance_n of_o good_a may_v be_v in_o a_o work_n it_o be_v bleck_v and_o make_v to_o hide_v its_o face_n before_o the_o law_n but_o let_v the_o tender_a bud_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o judge_v of_o the_o begin_v obedience_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o man_n aim_v at_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n how_o short_a soever_o he_o come_v of_o his_o aim_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v true_a the_o evangel_n require_v that_o a_o man_n flee_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n shall_v set_v himself_o to_o work_v the_o work_v prescribe_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o exact_a obedience_n of_o all_o the_o command_n yet_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o reject_v a_o good_a work_n for_o the_o defect_n imperfection_n and_o blemish_n thereof_o but_o accept_v and_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o first_o fruit_n and_o bud_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o do_v foster_v the_o tender_a and_o small_a beginning_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v and_o increase_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o justification_n of_o our_o person_n before_o god_n by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o then_o teach_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o justification_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n in_o our_o own_o and_o other_o conscience_n by_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o 14._o while_o we_o be_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n take_v heed_n leave_v we_o foster_v presumption_n and_o hinder_v either_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o do_v diligence_n in_o follow_v duty_n for_o christian_a grace_n do_v not_o impede_fw-la but_o help_v and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o if_o they_o be_v real_a and_o kind_o because_o they_o must_v flow_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o do_v run_v towards_o the_o same_o end_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o press_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n so_o as_o we_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o so_o cry_v up_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o press_v the_o regenerate_a man_n free_o justify_v by_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o
may_v be_v find_v in_o humane_a history_n who_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a education_n have_v lead_v a_o more_o innocent_a and_o blameless_a life_n than_o many_o who_o glory_n in_o their_o christian_a profession_n for_o who_o conviction_n and_o condemnation_n pagan_n and_o infidel_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o be_v bring_v forth_o for_o a_o witness_n against_o many_o call_v christian_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n than_o many_o who_o be_v counterfeit_a christian_n and_o do_v disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v with_o these_o that_o be_v indeed_o regenerate_v and_o endue_v with_o save_v faith_n who_o endeavour_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o do_v lament_v their_o imperfection_n and_o do_v not_o give_v over_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v profit_v in_o holiness_n albeit_o with_o grief_n and_o fear_n they_o go_v on_o heavy_o suspect_v they_o meet_v at_o last_o with_o disappointment_n and_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o their_o come_n short_a of_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o point_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o in_o this_o case_n first_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o afflict_a concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o life_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a and_o just_a must_v be_v admit_v grant_v and_o confirm_v and_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v teach_v upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v serious_o humble_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v profit_v in_o self-denial_n and_o more_o and_o more_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n or_o inherent_a righteousness_n to_o which_o purpose_n let_v he_o consider_v yet_o more_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n not_o yet_o thorough_o mortify_v in_o he_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o and_o acknowledge_v in_o his_o present_a case_n the_o bitter_a root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o inclination_n to_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v most_o call_v and_o have_v most_o need_n to_o draw_v near_o and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o upon_o the_o sight_n and_o consideration_n whereof_o he_o shall_v perceive_v a_o necessity_n daily_o to_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n second_o let_v the_o necessity_n and_o timeous_a use-making_a of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v show_v unto_o he_o which_o righteousness_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o set_v before_o we_o for_o a_o refuge_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o we_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o work_n and_o feel_v imperfection_n of_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o here_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v exhort_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unrighteousness_n to_o run_v always_o towards_o christ_n to_o have_v his_o nakedness_n hide_v by_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o exhort_v to_o apply_v and_o embrace_v more_o and_o more_o strait_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n our_o cautioner_n who_o be_v judicial_o by_o the_o father_n adjudge_v to_o the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 30_o but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o here_o let_v the_o friend_n comforter_n of_o the_o afflict_a insist_v that_o he_o may_v consider_v the_o value_n of_o the_o ransom_n pay_v for_o we_o and_o of_o the_o righteousness_n purchase_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o only_a garment_n able_a to_o hide_v our_o nakedness_n three_o let_v the_o afflict_a person_n understand_v that_o it_o be_v righteousness_n with_o god_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n when_o they_o esteem_v little_a and_o make_v little_a use_n of_o the_o dear_a buy_v righteousness_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o that_o in_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n christ_n do_v not_o increase_v the_o inherent_a righteousness_n of_o those_o who_o slight_a he_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n for_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o inherent_a righteousness_n which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v impossible_a but_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v unto_o the_o believer_n in_o he_o four_o when_o the_o pastor_n or_o prudent_a friend_n perceive_v the_o afflict_a now_o convict_v of_o his_o mistake_n and_o error_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n do_v come_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n alone_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o justify_v man_n must_v set_v himself_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o the_o gracious_a furniture_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o believer_n now_o i_o say_v let_v he_o enter_v upon_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o penitent_a believer_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v clear_a to_o the_o afflict_a person_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_a shall_v far_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n not_o only_o of_o pagan_n but_o also_o of_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o pharisee_n cut_v short_a the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o external_a obedience_n lest_o the_o law_n whereby_o he_o seek_v justification_n shall_v condemn_v he_o but_o the_o christian_a acknowledge_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o spirituality_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v any_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n do_v command_v but_o find_v himself_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o aim_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o work_n which_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi or_o scribe_n do_v be_v all_o counterfeit_a and_o corrupt_a in_o regard_n they_o arise_v from_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o be_v do_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o carnal_a end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a exercise_v faith_n in_o christ_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o and_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o he_o the_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v affectat_fw-la be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o make_v void_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o if_o righteousness_n be_v by_o work_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o grace_n it_o overturne_v that_o heavenly_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi by_o work_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o christian_a by_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v possible_a and_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o every_o one_o who_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worthiness_n and_o slay_v unto_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a way_n of_o righteousness_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o he_o which_o righteousness_n only_o can_v stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o perfect_v which_o only_o do_v open_v the_o fountain_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n run_v down_o upon_o the_o man_n justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o acceptable_a fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n by_o this_o comparison_n it_o do_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a be_v solve_v of_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o comparison_n of_o his_o righteousness_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n 3._o if_o these_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n lay_v before_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o satisfy_v but_o his_o wound_n do_v break_v up_o and_o bleed_v afresh_o let_v we_o examine_v his_o reason_n o_o say_v he_o what_o i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o the_o way_n of_o new_a obedience_n i_o suspect_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n because_o i_o find_v not_o these_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o as_o evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 5._o 22._o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n the_o defect_n and_o little_a feel_n of_o these_o fruit_n do_v argue_v that_o god_n do_v not_o approve_v my_o work_n for_o answer_v of_o
and_o bring_v the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o on_o upon_o his_o way_n till_o he_o put_v he_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o yet_o this_o felicity_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o piece_n and_o piece_n and_o not_o without_o conflict_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o without_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o he_o as_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o hope_n and_o patience_n be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v sure_o perform_v in_o that_o manner_n measure_n order_n and_o time_n and_o by_o his_o own_o appoint_a mean_n as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n 6._o the_o three_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n nor_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n he_o judge_v no_o otherways_o than_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o man_n whileas_o there_o be_v a_o diverse_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o faith_n then_o of_o another_o man_n faith_n for_o because_o i_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o man_n therefore_o i_o must_v judge_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o james_n give_v chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 10._o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n yet_o of_o my_o own_o faith_n i_o may_v judge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o external_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o in_o the_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o observable_a possible_o but_o also_o by_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n do_v reveal_v unto_o i_o by_o make_v i_o not_o only_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_v he_o but_o also_o can_v make_v i_o reflect_v and_o turn_v back_o my_o eye_n upon_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o i_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n again_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n do_v judge_n he_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o work_n may_v be_v do_v upright_o and_o yet_o be_v imperfect_a he_o shall_v distinguish_v what_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o work_n from_o that_o which_o be_v wrong_a and_o corrupt_a flow_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v confound_v and_o do_v so_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wrong_a when_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v wrong_a that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n and_o to_o observe_v also_o what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n in_o his_o work_n proceed_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o so_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isa._n 42._o 3._o 7._o for_o remedy_v therefore_o of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n both_o internal_a and_o external_a both_o on_o the_o elicit_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o imperat_fw-la act_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n and_o let_v he_o judge_v of_o both_o according_a to_o what_o be_v right_a and_o equitable_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o may_v be_v difference_v from_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n defect_n or_o corruption_n and_o let_v he_o not_o judge_v of_o his_o work_n according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n who_o always_o condemn_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v what_o be_v good_a in_o god_n child_n or_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v it_o do_v labour_n to_o have_v it_o abuse_v second_o let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o due_a order_n both_o in_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o judge_v thereof_o for_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v first_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o christ_n before_o he_o can_v pass_v judgement_n on_o it_o and_o let_v he_o first_o do_v the_o work_v command_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o then_o pass_v sentence_n that_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o do_v more_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o present_v they_o to_o god_n to_o be_v washen_n accept_v and_o amend_v in_o his_o follow_a service_n three_o let_v he_o careful_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o judge_v of_o his_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o end_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o conceive_v all_o be_v wrong_a after_o we_o have_v examine_v matter_n 6._o the_o four_o practical_a error_n be_v that_o the_o afflict_v first_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v wound_v and_o weaken_v by_o satan_n tentation_n and_o then_o to_o be_v draw_v forth_o to_o the_o field_n to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o some_o difficile_a duty_n before_o the_o wound_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v up_o or_o heal_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n about_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o not_o when_o faith_n be_v wound_v yea_o faint_v and_o be_v bring_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v a_o special_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o satan_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_v he_o can_v to_o hurt_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mar_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o if_o he_o can_v the_o conduit_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o believer_n for_o make_v he_o give_v acceptable_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficile_a when_o faith_n be_v wrest_v and_o for_o a_o time_n out_o of_o joint_n to_o set_v about_o acceptable_a service_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o set_v upon_o his_o work_n when_o his_o arm_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v his_o â—aith_n wound_v incontinent_a set_v himself_o down_o before_o god_n humble_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o foolishness_n want_v of_o watch_v unworthiness_n and_o inability_n either_o to_o know_v how_o he_o have_v grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o make_v open_v a_o door_n for_o the_o tempter_n to_o fall_v in_o upon_o he_o or_o to_o repent_v the_o sin_n which_o he_o know_v may_v have_v provoke_v god_n so_o to_o exercise_v he_o and_o next_o let_v he_o look_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcil_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v find_v help_n for_o the_o present_a need_n and_o thereafter_o also_o to_o walk_v more_o wise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n do_v give_v to_o the_o corrupt_a church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3._o 2._o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a recover_v strength_n of_o faith_n and_o ability_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o furniture_n for_o bring_v forth_o unquestionable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o unquietness_n of_o spirit_n be_v answer_v this_o case_n be_v incident_a to_o many_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v befall_v champion_n in_o time_n of_o sad_a affliction_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o but_o even_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o when_o no_o great_a affliction_n bodily_a lie_v on_o many_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n have_v flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v take_v
his_o lamentation_n for_o his_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n that_o from_o day_n to_o day_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o scandalous_a out-breaking_a chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o moral_a suasion_n and_o not_o from_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulsion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conform_v their_o conversation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v frequent_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n whether_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o be_v solid_a because_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v may_v be_v do_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o temporary_a believer_n in_o who_o no_o sound_a renovation_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v find_v i_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o say_v one_o of_o the_o effectual_a motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o all_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n by_o imitation_n of_o other_o by_o education_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a disciple_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o as_o they_o by_o frequent_a action_n do_v acquire_v habit_n wherewith_o be_v endue_v they_o discharge_v moral_a duty_n more_o easy_o and_o with_o delight_n so_o i_o by_o discharge_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o acquaint_v myself_o with_o they_o daily_o do_v seem_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v acquire_v a_o facility_n and_o delectation_n in_o religious_a action_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n 2._o this_o case_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o perilous_a and_o subtile_o colour_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a convert_n for_o it_o be_v true_a what_o power_n have_v be_v see_v in_o moral_a philosophy_n among_o pagan_n to_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o man_n civil_a conversation_n must_v be_v also_o grant_v to_o theology_n among_o profess_a christian_n because_o divine_a threaten_n and_o promise_n for_o procure_v outward_a reformation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n than_o all_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o education_n by_o parent_n and_o imitation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v of_o great_a force_n moral_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o civil_a conversation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o true_a convert_n doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n when_o he_o compare_v external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o himself_o with_o the_o external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n he_o can_v see_v but_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v neither_o be_v clear_a determinate_o to_o affirm_v all_o such_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n nor_o to_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n so_o long_o as_o he_o suspect_v that_o as_o some_o other_o reformation_n so_o also_o his_o own_o reformation_n may_v prove_v no_o better_o then_o from_o moral_a suasion_n which_o may_v be_v â—ound_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerat_a 3._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n wrath_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v flee_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n if_o his_o conscience_n answer_v he_o that_o so_o he_o do_v then_o first_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n as_o the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v strong_a against_o this_o tentation_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o renew_v also_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o purpose_n to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v gain_v the_o entry_n into_o his_o refuge_n wherefrom_a satan_n be_v draw_v he_o by_o furnish_v doubt_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n second_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o settle_v his_o faith_n on_o christ_n jesus_n let_v he_o now_o maintain_v his_o former_a course_n so_o far_o as_o truth_n will_v suffer_v that_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v with_o delight_n the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o supernatural_a habit_n infuse_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v entertain_v augment_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n and_o daily_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v which_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v many_o exhortation_n to_o put_v faith_n love_n repentance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o frequent_a exercise_n that_o these_o gracious_a habit_n may_v grow_v strong_a as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v 2_o epist._n 1._o chap._n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n three_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o of_o who_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o outward_a godly_a carriage_n he_o can_v judge_v as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n unregenerat_a or_o a_o temporary_a believer_n may_v make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o outward_o go_v on_o in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n with_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o his_o work_n he_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o procure_v salvation_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o true_a convert_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o renouncer_n of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n a_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o imperfection_n who_o have_v flee_v and_o resolve_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o the_o find_v whereof_o in_o any_o measure_n after_o examination_n may_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n can_v so_o hate_v sin_n and_o follow_v holiness_n as_o to_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o slve_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n four_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n both_o by_o moral_a motive_n and_o by_o effectual_a persuasion_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o do_v very_o well_o concur_v and_o agree_v together_o neither_o be_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v because_o he_o sweet_o lead_v on_o his_o child_n by_o way_n of_o counsel_n without_o the_o child_n observation_n of_o any_o notable_a impulse_n make_v he_o to_o overcome_v strong_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o the_o more_o victorious_a grace_n be_v over_o corruption_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o god_n wherein_o corrupt_a nature_n make_v most_o opposition_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o presuppose_v let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n against_o satan_n tentation_n solicit_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o counsel_n if_o he_o follow_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n not_o without_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o self-denial_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o convert_n
free_a of_o gross_a out-breaking_n this_o last_o sort_n deceive_v themselves_o also_o because_o they_o esteem_v their_o natural_a sorrow_n for_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v gross_a and_o scandalous_a to_o be_v true_a repentance_n albeit_o they_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o the_o fountain_n of_o these_o out-breaking_n to_o wit_n their_o inborn_a corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o filthy_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o daily_a out-breaking_n thereof_o to_o the_o pollute_v of_o their_o spirit_n whereof_o they_o do_v take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o deceive_v themselves_o esteem_v the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o some_o work_n in_o themselves_o commendable_a to_o be_v sufficient_a fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o regeneration_n albeit_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o flee_v to_o christ_n sincere_o neither_o ever_o put_v a_o right_a estimation_n upon_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n such_o man_n when_o they_o shall_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n fly_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v in_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o he_o by_o faith_n draw_v strength_n and_o ability_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n they_o run_v a_o contrary_a course_n for_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o go_v about_o sundry_a duty_n towards_o man_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n towards_o god_n trust_v in_o those_o work_n as_o if_o by_o work_v they_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v therefore_o just_o shall_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o never_o know_v you_o such_o be_v many_o of_o the_o israelit_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n these_o thing_n when_o one_o weak_a in_o faith_n do_v consider_v no_o wonder_n he_o be_v trouble_v and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o deceive_v himself_o and_o perish_v as_o other_o have_v do_v 3._o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a disease_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o cure_v it_o hinder_v much_o the_o tender_a beginning_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o it_o can_v come_v up_o to_o manly_a strength_n first_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a wise_o examine_v the_o course_n of_o his_o bygone_a life_n lest_o he_o either_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v himself_o rash_o and_o let_v he_o beware_v lest_o he_o esteem_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n because_o these_o that_o look_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o work_n can_v produce_v the_o like_a work_n second_o let_v the_o afflict_a call_n to_o mind_n whether_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o life_n the_o law_n as_o a_o pedagogue_n do_v lead_v he_o unto_o christ_n and_o whether_o since_o that_o time_n the_o law_n do_v daily_o put_v he_o on_o and_o force_v he_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o have_v make_v he_o to_o study_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o as_o he_o perceive_v himself_o oblige_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v grace_n grant_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o measure_n of_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n if_o any_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o any_o measure_n of_o endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n be_v find_v after_o examination_n in_o the_o person_n afflict_v out_o of_o doubt_v the_o ground_n be_v lay_v solid_o of_o his_o salvation_n out_o of_o doubt_n he_o have_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o himself_o 4._o if_o in_o this_o examination_n the_o afflict_a be_v not_o clear_a but_o the_o doubt_n do_v yet_o stick_v because_o of_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o feel_a deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n we_o offer_v unto_o he_o this_o counsel_n that_o he_o quick_o humble_a himself_o before_o god_n and_o do_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v the_o native_a perverseness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n let_v he_o embrace_v christ_n the_o redeemer_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o faith_n offer_v himself_o to_o every_o condemn_a sinner_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v god_n who_o have_v decipher_v unto_o he_o this_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o offer_v christ_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o this_o and_o every_o other_o sinful_a malady_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o himself_o and_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o who_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v neither_o acknowledge_v nor_o see_v but_o foster_v and_o defend_v for_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n after_o hear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v stand_v to_o the_o defend_n of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o will_v take_v it_o hardly_o if_o any_o man_n labour_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o a_o true_a convert_n or_o regenerate_a person_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o much_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o and_o albeit_o he_o be_v sorrowful_a that_o this_o deceitfulness_n of_o heart_n have_v have_v lodging_n in_o he_o and_o lurk_v too_o long_o yet_o be_v he_o willing_a and_o glad_a to_o have_v this_o evil_n more_o and_o more_o discover_v unto_o he_o and_o hearty_o do_v he_o deliver_v up_o this_o traitor_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o abolish_v by_o his_o spirit_n 5._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_v can_v be_v quiet_a and_o satisfy_v still_o fear_v and_o suspect_v he_o be_v find_v a_o man_n unrenewed_a and_o that_o for_o the_o run_a issue_n of_o this_o filthy_a boil_v open_v up_o to_o he_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v he_o beware_v that_o he_o pass_v not_o permptor_n sentence_n against_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man_n altogether_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n but_o let_v he_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n the_o disputation_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v allow_v unto_o every_o self-condemned_n man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n that_o be_v quick_o let_v he_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n let_v he_o lay_v hold_n on_o that_o righteousness_n purchase_v by_o he_o and_o the_o more_o he_o fear_v to_o find_v god_n a_o severe_a judge_n let_v he_o the_o more_o firm_o lie_v hold_v on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a way_n to_o persevere_v in_o faith_n to_o overcome_v satan_n to_o solve_v doubt_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o cure_v the_o wound_n make_v by_o satan_n fiery_a dart_n for_o unto_o that_o man_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n and_o inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v fly_v unto_o christ_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o never_o know_v thou_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o person_n afflict_v have_v of_o new_a lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o guard_v the_o fortress_n of_o faith_n and_o repulse_v the_o tempter_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o special_o by_o quarrel_v and_o question_v the_o bypass_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o weaken_v and_o overturn_v his_o faith_n for_o bygones_a and_o for_o the_o present_a also_o lest_o it_o shall_v convalesce_v and_o grow_v strong_a for_o time_n to_o come_v now_o i_o say_v let_v the_o afflict_a after_o victory_n return_v to_o the_o dispute_n and_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o he_o shall_v see_v all_o the_o begin_v save_v grace_n which_o be_v darken_v by_o temptation_n clear_o appear_v and_o shall_v perceive_v the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o he_o in_o former_a time_n more_o evident_o than_o he_o can_v discern_v they_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n and_o temptation_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o battle_n strongerin_o faith_n then_o he_o be_v before_o and_o more_o persuade_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o than_o he_o be_v before_o the_o temptation_n chap._n xxv_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_v conversion_n arise_v from_o his_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o sincere_a convert_n who_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o penitent_n fly_v to_o christ_n be_v receive_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n be_v justify_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v obtain_v right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n yet_o they_o doubt_v
let_v the_o convert_v thus_o mistake_v after_o his_o experience_n feel_v that_o he_o have_v be_v carnal_o confident_a not_o be_v discourage_v as_o if_o his_o confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v on_o god_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o in_o no_o degree_n spiritual_a but_o let_v he_o first_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n rod_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v remove_v this_o prop_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o go_v astray_o to_o depend_v more_o on_o god_n than_o he_o have_v do_v 2._o let_v he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o renor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v his_o own_o unrighteousness_n in_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o creature-comfort_n to_o have_v be_v great_a 3._o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 3._o 1._o 23._o and_o to_o loose_v his_o estimation_n and_o affection_n from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n 4._o because_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o well_o observe_v except_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n let_v the_o afflict_a person_n approve_v himself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o sincerity_n of_o adherence_n unto_o god_n by_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n now_o when_o he_o want_v mean_n and_o creature-comfort_n as_o job_n do_v who_o in_o this_o condition_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o give_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o bless_a god_n at_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o from_o he_o job._n 1._o 21._o for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v learn_v both_o to_o have_v and_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v teach_v phil_n 4._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v that_o which_o too_o much_o lean_v to_o some_o apparent_a measure_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n observe_v by_o the_o convert_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v chief_o by_o comparison_n of_o the_o convert_v strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v find_v evidencâ—_n sign_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o with_o â—is_n weak_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o under_o the_o cloud_n of_o descrtion_n or_o under_o some_o powerful_a temptation_n when_o these_o evident_a sign_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v darken_v or_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o clear_o unto_o himself_o as_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o case_n his_o confidence_n be_v great_o weaken_v and_o his_o faith_n not_o a_o little_a shake_v with_o doubt_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v fix_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o convert_v still_o adher_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o claim_v interest_n in_o christ_n more_o or_o less_o confident_a whence_o come_v then_o this_o difference_n between_o his_o former_a confidence_n which_o be_v strong_a and_o his_o weak_a confidence_n now_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o case_n be_v bring_v low_a certain_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o pillar_n whereupon_o his_o former_a confidence_n be_v too_o much_o fix_v for_o whensoever_o the_o mist_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o find_v the_o livelynesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o his_o confidence_n convalesce_v and_o return_n to_o it_o be_v former_a strength_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o and_o when_o his_o grace_n be_v darken_v he_o fall_v in_o a_o languish_a weakness_n of_o faith_n this_o sickness_n be_v so_o frequent_o incident_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o few_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o overtake_v in_o it_o for_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o be_v not_o much_o more_o confident_a when_o they_o find_v a_o heart_n free_o pour_v forth_o in_o prayer_n when_o they_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o â—ruits_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o themselves_o when_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o token_n of_o god_n savour_n towards_o they_o be_v manifest_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o find_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n change_v when_o darkness_n fall_v on_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o worship_n and_o unable_a to_o do_v service_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o perceive_v token_n of_o fatherly_a wrath_n against_o they_o superadd_v unto_o the_o foresay_a evil_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v he_o that_o beside_o the_o inevitable_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n incident_a to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n do_v not_o find_v a_o diminution_n of_o his_o former_a confidence_n and_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n fear_n doubt_n and_o difficulty_n which_o diminution_n and_o abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o trial_n and_o inward_a exercise_n do_v evident_o prove_v that_o in_o his_o best_a condition_n he_o have_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o on_o the_o mutable_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o so_o stucken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o jesus_n as_o become_v he_o 2._o that_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o clear_v and_o cure_v it_o be_v expedient_a to_o answer_v some_o question_n which_o be_v discuss_v may_v inform_v and_o edify_v the_o afflict_a question_v 1_o the_o first_o question_n which_o the_o afflict_a may_v propound_v be_v this_o see_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n manifest_v in_o the_o bestow_n and_o continue_v of_o common_a benefit_n and_o gift_n outward_a and_o inward_a do_v certain_o serve_v to_o confirm_v a_o man_n faith_n in_o god_n be_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n manifest_v in_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o benefit_n do_v certain_o serve_v to_o debilitat_fw-la and_o weaken_v a_o man_n faith_n ans._n 1._o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a because_o god_n can_v carry_v love_n and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o be_v angry_a at_o he_o also_o for_o the_o present_a ill_a disposition_n wherein_o he_o be_v for_o love_n and_o fatherly_a wrath_n be_v not_o opposite_a and_o inconsistent_a but_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v inconsistent_a 2._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o of_o god_n favour_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o convert_n for_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o take_v away_o of_o those_o sign_n of_o favour_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o weaken_v of_o a_o man_n faith_n for_o many_o thing_n may_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v remove_v must_v not_o discourage_v he_o or_o just_o hinder_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n who_o never_o find_v any_o other_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n beside_o prosperity_n in_o common_a benefit_n and_o the_o man_n who_o beside_o common_a benefit_n have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o his_o spirit_n bring_v he_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o chase_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o to_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v neither_o from_o the_o have_v nor_o want_v or_o removal_n of_o common_a benefit_n conclude_v eh_n be_v love_v or_o hate_v for_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v eccles._n 9_o 1_o 2_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o etc._n etc._n but_o a_o man_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v reason_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o send_n on_o he_o adversity_n and_o waken_n of_o he_o out_o of_o a_o flâ—shly_a and_o deadly_a security_n do_v speak_v more_o of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o than_o his_o prosperity_n do_v and_o this_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o special_a grace_n on_o their_o heart_n may_v make_v use_n both_o of_o their_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o put_v case_n that_o a_o convert_n chase_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o bear_v christ_n yoke_n upon_o he_o shall_v find_v common_a benefit_n take_v back_o
christian_n with_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o ill_a heart_n but_o also_o in_o his_o justice_n send_v to_o they_o strong_a delusion_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o authorise_v their_o error_n and_o hold_v they_o on_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perdition_n what_o wonder_v to_o see_v god_n for_o the_o light_n esteem_v of_o baptism_n bestow_v on_o man_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o the_o not_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o mortification_n of_o lust_n and_o sanctification_n of_o life_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o let_v loose_a fanatic_a anabaptist_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n what_o wonder_v to_o see_v man_n loose-living_a in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o sensual_a lust_n punish_v with_o let_v loose_a antichristian_a antinomian_o who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o wantonness_n do_v avouch_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o christ_n profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v but_o by_o the_o contrary_a to_o establish_v it_o what_o wonder_v to_o see_v man_n carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o own_o wit_n worth_n strength_n and_o ability_n work_n and_o merit_n punish_v with_o let_v loose_a lie_a spirit_n to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o what_o wonder_v to_o see_v god_n punish_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n with_o give_v man_n over_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o strong_a delusion_n 2_o thess._n 2._o the_o patron_n and_o propagator_n of_o such_o error_n and_o delusion_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n minister_n of_o satan_n and_o false_a brethren_n 2_o cor_n 11._o 16._o deceiver_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o and_o man_n who_o be_v of_o old_a ordain_v to_o this_o condemnation_n from_o who_o contagion_n and_o punishment_n let_v every_o mislead_a soul_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v chap._n viii_o concern_v the_o convert_n conscience_n mistake_v vice_n for_o virtue_n and_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n this_o case_n differ_v from_o the_o case_n of_o delusion_n which_o we_o have_v take_v for_o err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n pertain_v to_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n but_o this_o mistake_a conscience_n be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v confess_v but_o in_o practice_n and_o action_n vice_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o notion_n and_o pretence_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o man_n be_v please_v with_o himself_o in_o so_o do_v whereof_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o give_v three_o instance_n the_o first_o instance_n the_o first_o instance_n wherein_o a_o convert_n may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n mistake_v be_v when_o a_o man_n please_v himself_o in_o niggardly_a parsimony_n and_o narrow_a scrape_v together_o of_o money_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n under_o pretence_n of_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n in_o his_o call_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o practice_n be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rather_o commendable_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v imitat_fw-la for_o he_o conceive_v that_o according_a to_o god_n command_v he_o be_v not_o slow_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12._o 11._o that_o he_o be_v work_v with_o his_o hand_n that_o which_o be_v good_a ephes._n 4._o 18._o that_o he_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o family_n for_o which_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o provide_v he_o shall_v be_v worse_o than_o a_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 8._o if_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v find_v so_o to_o be_v after_o examination_n true_a it_o be_v frugality_n diligence_n in_o a_o lawful_a call_n and_o provision_n for_o a_o man_n family_n be_v commendable_a but_o here_o be_v the_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n find_v when_o anxiety_n be_v find_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_a carefulness_n when_o haste_v to_o be_v rich_a be_v find_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_a diligence_n in_o his_o call_n when_o love_n of_o money_n and_o avarice_n be_v find_v in_o stead_n of_o honest_a provision_n for_o a_o man_n family_n we_o grant_v also_o that_o this_o mistake_n be_v not_o easy_o discern_v by_o beholder_n but_o yet_o the_o convert_n himself_o after_o examination_n may_v discern_v it_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o effect_n sign_n and_o concomitant_a evil_n such_o as_o be_v feel_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a disposition_n for_o this_o covetousness_n of_o thing_n earthly_a whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v do_v mar_v the_o study_n and_o endeavour_v for_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o diminish_v the_o fear_n of_o sin_v in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o gain_n and_o take_v up_o the_o time_n due_a for_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o this_o case_n carnal_a joy_n in_o the_o get_n gain_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o deceive_a heart_n and_o so_o be_v also_o worldly_a grief_n for_o want_n of_o success_n or_o for_o not_o get_v expect_v and_o desire_a gain_n a_o proof_n of_o this_o mistake_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a be_v the_o too_o great_a fear_n of_o poverty_n a_o over-high_a estimation_n of_o riches_n a_o diffidence_n of_o god_n providence_n a_o doubt_v of_o god_n promise_n to_o furnish_v his_o own_o with_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o thing_n necessary_a for_o this_o temporal_a life_n which_o diffidence_n christ_n do_v express_o discharge_v mat._n 6._o 24_o 25._o but_o for_o a_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a the_o person_n guilty_a can_v seek_v after_o nor_o embrace_v it_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n wherefore_o for_o clear_v a_o man_n mind_n in_o this_o point_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o follow_v gain_v his_o heart_n be_v ofttimes_o surfeit_v and_o overcharge_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n and_o make_v frequent_o indispose_v for_o prayer_n and_o religious_a exercise_n whether_o he_o be_v too_o much_o take_v with_o gladness_n when_o he_o gain_v and_o grief_n when_o he_o suffer_v loss_n and_o worldly_a damage_n whether_o he_o use_v for_o hope_n of_o gain_n or_o fear_v of_o life_n to_o lie_v and_o flatter_v or_o dare_v deal_v injust_o in_o his_o bargain_n whether_o he_o find_v himself_o slow_a unto_o exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o prompt_a and_o ready_a for_o secular_a affair_n whether_o he_o spend_v the_o time_n heavy_o in_o religious_a exercise_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o but_o can_v pass_v the_o time_n pleasant_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o convince_v by_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o god_n sight_n fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o fasten_v his_o bargain_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n then_o let_v he_o not_o cast_v off_o his_o diligence_n in_o and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o lawful_a call_n but_o by_o a_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o observance_n of_o all_o religious_a exercise_n seasonable_o temper_n and_o moderate_a his_o diligence_n in_o secular_a affair_n and_o depend_v upon_o god_n more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o take_v from_o god_n loss_n or_o advantage_n as_o he_o give_v it_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n submissive_a unto_o god_n and_o ready_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o charity_n and_o equity_n as_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v another_o instance_n there_o be_v another_o instance_n wherein_o a_o convert_n may_v be_v mistake_v to_o wit_n when_o a_o man_n please_v himself_o in_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o private_a revenge_n that_o he_o may_v pay_v home_o to_o such_o as_o have_v wrong_v he_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n or_o in_o his_o good_n or_o bodily_a harm_n do_v to_o he_o or_o his_o friend_n for_o this_o ungodly_a disposition_n he_o may_v pretend_v possible_o a_o care_n of_o follow_v retributive_a justice_n wherein_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o come_v short_a except_o he_o shall_v watch_v for_o a_o recompence-giving_a to_o the_o person_n injurious_a he_o may_v possible_o pretend_v a_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o society_n wherein_o he_o live_v wherein_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o come_v short_a if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o person_n injurious_a to_o he_o to_o go_v away_o unpunished_a he_o may_v pretend_v also_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o security_n for_o time_n to_o come_v whereof_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o careless_a except_o he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o whosoever_o do_v he_o wrong_v
example_n of_o a_o conscience_n err_v by_o esteem_v a_o good_a condition_n to_o be_v a_o evil_a condition_n of_o the_o which_o sort_n this_o shall_v be_v one_o sometime_o some_o convert_n do_v mistake_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n grant_v unto_o they_o after_o hard_a exercise_n and_o do_v esteem_v the_o quietness_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o carnal_a security_n and_o sleepy_a disposition_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o which_o case_n that_o we_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o many_o be_v who_o indeed_o fall_v in_o a_o carnal_a security_n and_o please_v themselves_o therein_o conceive_v they_o have_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a quietness_n of_o conscience_n such_o person_n have_v no_o doubt_n nor_o suspicion_n but_o all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o compare_v their_o condition_n and_o way_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o sleep_v sweet_o in_o their_o carnal_a security_n and_o negligence_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n like_v to_o these_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n rev._n 3_o of_o such_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o 2._o again_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v the_o peace_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o degenerate_v unto_o a_o carnal_a security_n for_o easy_o may_v a_o convert_v after_o consolation_n divine_a fall_n in_o a_o sleep_n as_o the_o spouse_n do_v in_o the_o canticle_n 5._o 2._o but_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o case_n of_o a_o convert_n watch_v unto_o duty_n who_o after_o no_o small_a vexation_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o sense_n of_o divine_a wrath_n have_v get_v the_o victory_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v obtain_v peace_n with_o god_n gracious_o grant_v his_o petition_n we_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o these_o convert_n who_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v grant_v peace_n unto_o they_o through_o faith_n in_o christ_n dare_v not_o enjoy_v their_o peace_n but_o do_v suspect_v that_o their_o peace_n be_v not_o sound_a and_o at_o length_n do_v count_v and_o call_v it_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o do_v breed_v themselves_o new_a trouble_n of_o mind_n the_o pretence_n and_o seem_a reason_n whereby_o they_o do_v deceive_v themselves_o be_v this_o when_o god_n say_v they_o seem_v unto_o we_o angry_a with_o we_o when_o we_o find_v no_o peace_n and_o be_v wrestle_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o doubt_n whether_o such_o as_o we_o shall_v find_v mercy_n than_o we_o do_v pray_v very_o earnest_o night_n and_o day_n than_o we_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v painful_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o obedience_n but_o now_o we_o find_v ourselves_o much_o cool_v and_o slacken_v in_o all_o these_o duty_n whereupon_o we_o just_o suspect_v the_o peace_n which_o we_o now_o do_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o carnal_a security_n of_o a_o sleep_a conscience_n by_o this_o mistake_n all_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o peace_n grant_v unto_o they_o be_v wellnear_o suffocat_fw-la &_o extinguish_v their_o former_a condition_n under_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v better_a than_o their_o present_a condition_n they_o wish_v their_o former_a fear_n may_v return_v rather_o than_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o this_o condition_n wherein_o their_o tear_n be_v dry_v up_o and_o their_o former_a diligence_n eat_v up_o hence_o go_v they_o on_o to_o lay_v forth_o their_o complaint_n before_o their_o intimate_fw-la acquaintance_n concern_v god_n dispensation_n and_o deal_n with_o they_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n and_o reverence_n towards_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v much_o diminish_v and_o near-by_a quench_v in_o they_o by_o which_o complaint_n they_o do_v not_o only_o breed_v trouble_n to_o themselves_o but_o also_o make_v heavy_a the_o heart_n of_o their_o godly_a friend_n and_o do_v tempt_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o like_a complaint_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o lord_n spirit_n 2_o this_o mistake_n do_v arise_v partly_o from_o the_o not_o consider_v and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gracious_a gift_n of_o peace_n and_o other_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o partly_o from_o a_o wrong_a comparison_n of_o their_o former_a &_o present_a condition_n for_o first_o the_o afflict_a person_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o benefit_n be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o fear_v to_o offend_v god_n fear_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o society_n with_o he_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o favour_n in_o christ_n he_o have_v not_o a_o due_a estimation_n of_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o war_n with_o sin_n in_o himself_o join_v together_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o conscience_n condemn_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o a_o desire_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n join_v together_o 2._o he_o do_v inconsiderat_o exact_a of_o his_o conscience_n that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n before_o peace_n be_v grant_v and_o after_o that_o it_o be_v bestow_v or_o that_o his_o affection_n shall_v be_v stir_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n in_o both_o these_o case_n for_o before_o peace_n be_v give_v he_o can_v choose_v but_o he_o must_v have_v sorrow_n heaviness_n of_o heart_n unquietness_n fear_n and_o such_o like_a other_o sad_a affection_n but_o after_o that_o god_n grant_v peace_n these_o perturbation_n be_v quiet_v torment_v fear_n cease_v lamentation_n be_v restrain_v tear_n be_v washen_v away_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n and_o in_o their_o place_n do_v thanksgiving_n to_o and_o praise_n of_o god_n succeed_v and_o every_o duty_n do_v call_v for_o their_o own_o place_n in_o a_o pacify_v mind_n so_o that_o the_o man_n body_n be_v not_o neglect_v as_o before_o but_o care_v have_v of_o keep_v health_n for_o enable_v to_o do_v what_o be_v require_v of_o he_o in_o his_o call_n towards_o every_o one_o with_o who_o he_o live_v for_o now_o his_o condition_n be_v change_v why_o shall_v not_o his_o affection_n and_o the_o effect_n depend_v on_o they_o be_v change_v also_o who_o can_v reasonable_o exact_v the_o same_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fight_n which_o he_o may_v require_v of_o he_o when_o he_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n who_o can_v expect_v the_o same_o carriage_n from_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o health_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v jam._n 5_o 13._o if_o any_o man_n be_v afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a 1._o leâ—_n the_o afflict_a examine_v himself_o whether_o this_o peace_n have_v have_v a_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n and_o faith_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n threaten_v in_o the_o law_n go_v before_o it_o or_o not_o 2._o whether_o this_o peace_n have_v follow_v upon_o fly_v to_o châ—â—st_v by_o faith_n unto_o who_o he_o do_v cleave_v in_o his_o sad_a exercise_n 3._o whether_o this_o peace_n have_v follow_v after_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n make_v to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o his_o enemy_n serve_v god_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n 4._o and_o last_o of_o all_o whether_o his_o heart_n still_o incline_v and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o his_o short-coming_a therein_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v concur_v which_o beseem_v a_o convert_n let_v he_o persuade_v himself_o his_o peace_n which_o he_o have_v censure_v for_o carnal_a security_n be_v the_o solid_a peace_n of_o god_n mistake_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o 1._o let_v he_o no_o more_o suspect_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n chase_v to_o christ_n have_v lay_v hold_n on_o that_o be_v now_o justify_v by_o faith_n he_o may_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5._o 1._o for_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o his_o supplicant_n carnal_a security_n for_o peace_n a_o stone_n for_o bread_n and_o a_o adder_n for_o fish_n but_o 2._o let_v he_o observe_v the_o wile_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o can_v endure_v that_o the_o soul_n flee_v from_o he_o to_o christ_n shall_v have_v peace_n or_o in_o the_o enjoy_n of_o it_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o 3._o let_v he_o study_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o peace_n grant_v to_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_v cheerful_o and_o to_o
walk_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o he_o scrupulosity_n sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o convert_n be_v under_o hard_a exercise_n before_o his_o consolation_n do_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o study_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o a_o time_n he_o become_v somewhat_o weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n suspect_v he_o have_v give_v too_o much_o way_n unto_o scrupulosity_n whereupon_o he_o become_v more_o remiss_a and_o slack_a in_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n lay_v aside_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n as_o david_n lay_v aside_o the_o armour_n of_o king_n saul_n wherewith_o he_o be_v not_o accustom_v for_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o this_o course_n i_o presuppone_v he_o make_v use_v of_o three_o pretend_a reason_n the_o first_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o circumspection_n in_o his_o carriage_n as_o become_v he_o for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o aim_v at_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v impossible_a because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 8._o 3._o the_o next_o pretend_v reason_n be_v because_o this_o bend_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n make_v the_o conscience_n unquiet_a that_o a_o man_n can_v enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o three_o pretend_a reason_n be_v because_o it_o do_v restrain_v christian_n liberty_n in_o many_o thing_n lawful_a so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o make_v use_n of_o recreation_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n without_o scruple_n and_o here_o we_o must_v beware_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n lest_o we_o give_v way_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o misregarding_a the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lest_o we_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o convert_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o what_o god_n do_v allow_v unto_o they_o 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o convert_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o aim_v at_o circumspect_a walk_n this_o duty_n be_v indispensable_a for_o if_o a_o chink_n be_v open_v here_o in_o the_o vessel_n for_o the_o least_o entry_n of_o water_n it_o may_v ere_o long_o fill_v and_o sink_v the_o whole_a ship_n for_o the_o command_n stand_v unmoveable_a â—hâ—b_n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o mat._n 5._o 48._o christ_n have_v say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o ground_n be_v lay_v let_v we_o examine_v these_o three_o pretend_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o first_o albeit_o the_o attain_n unto_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n be_v impossible_a because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o the_o aim_v at_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o god_n command_n be_v both_o possible_a and_o profitable_a and_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v attain_v it_o full_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o do_v sin_n all_o of_o we_o another_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n perfect_o for_o god_n who_o have_v loose_v convert_v flee_v to_o christ_n from_o the_o convenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n he_o have_v not_o loose_v his_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n he_o have_v not_o abolish_v the_o ten_o command_n he_o have_v not_o loose_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o redeem_v and_o convert_v soul_n but_o by_o receive_v they_o in_o favour_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v augment_v their_o obligation_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o redeemer_n so_o much_o more_o cheerful_o and_o careful_o as_o the_o grace_n be_v large_a in_o forgive_a they_o their_o sin_n and_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n again_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a advantage_n to_o be_v have_v by_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o aim_v at_o perfect_a obedience_n for_o this_o 1._o do_v glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o we_o strive_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o this_o endeavour_n adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o free_a justification_n that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n indeed_o 3._o this_o endeavour_n bear_v witness_n of_o our_o sinceâ—_n desire_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n albeit_o we_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n 4._o this_o endeavour_n give_v unto_o we_o daily_o new_a mater_fw-la of_o humiliation_n when_o in_o our_o aim_v at_o our_o duty_n we_o come_v very_o short_a of_o our_o mark_n we_o shoot_v at_o 5._o this_o endeavour_n and_o short-coming_a for_o all_o we_o can_v do_v make_v we_o despair_v of_o seek_v justification_n by_o work_n before_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v high_o and_o make_v use_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o we_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n which_o be_v a_o garment_n able_a to_o hide_v our_o imperfection_n and_o nakedness_n 6._o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o put_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_n grace_n and_o to_o strive_v with_o other_o and_o with_o ourselves_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o second_o pretend_v reason_n that_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o may_v make_v the_o conscience_n unquiet_a it_o put_v a_o foul_a aspersion_n on_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 15_o 16_o 17._o who_o have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o man_n wisdom_n and_o so_o a_o good_a mean_a of_o make_v his_o conscience_n quiet_a and_o to_o establish_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o believer_n in_o christ_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o condemnation_n because_o they_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 1._o second_o this_o endeavour_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o accompani_v true_a faith_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v guard_v the_o conscience_n from_o just_a challenge_n which_o may_v trouble_v the_o same_o three_o by_o this_o endeavour_n the_o believer_n be_v by_o a_o holy_a necessity_n force_v to_o cleave_v close_o unto_o christ_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o heaven_n that_o the_o pollution_n of_o daily_a sin_n may_v be_v washen_n away_o by_o new_a application_n of_o christ_n expiarory_n sacrifice_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o christ_n may_v let_v forth_o more_o strength_n to_o he_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o command_v duty_n and_o so_o the_o convert_n may_v stand_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n offer_v and_o covenant_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v preserve_v in_o he_o so_o long_o as_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v entertain_v 4._o as_o for_o the_o three_o pretend_v reason_n against_o circumspect_a walk_n as_o if_o by_o it_o christian-liberty_n shall_v be_v cross_v and_o cut_v short_a it_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o the_o contrair_n be_v true_a that_o christian-liberty_n be_v not_o hurt_v but_o help_v and_o preserve_v by_o circumspect_a walk_n for_o this_o be_v true_a christian-liberty_n to_o have_v allowance_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o god_n do_v bestow_v with_o his_o blessing_n so_o far_o as_o may_v serve_v our_o welfare_n see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o christian-liberty_n licentious_o by_o intemperance_n to_o abuse_v god_n benefit_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o own_o hurt_n wherefore_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v all_o day_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v in_o lawful_a manner_n make_v use_n of_o lawful_a thing_n neither_o do_v the_o study_n of_o holiness_n make_v recreation_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n unlawful_a but_o restrain_v immoderate_a and_o untimeous_a use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a all_o that_o christian_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o we_o be_v that_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o what_o lawful_a thing_n else_o we_o do_v we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o that_o be_v so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v
strengthen_v and_o set_v forward_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o necessary_a duty_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a prudence_n must_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n who_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o christian_a duty_n chap._n xvi_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o his_o softness_n of_o heart_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a disposition_n to_o weep_v upon_o any_o occasion_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o from_o the_o sinner_n a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n so_o that_o he_o there_fw-mi not_o any_o more_o harden_v himself_o against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n but_o do_v tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n thereof_o as_o speak_v isaiah_n 66._o 2._o and_o in_o his_o prayer_n do_v pour_v forth_o his_o heart_n ordinary_o with_o tear_n he_o may_v as_o experience_n have_v teach_v fall_v in_o a_o suspicion_n of_o this_o ordinar_n or_o frequent_a melt_a of_o heart_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o childish_a or_o woman-like_a temper_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o no_o evidence_n of_o contrition_n for_o spiritual_a cause_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o commend_v in_o the_o penitent_a 2._o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o either_o hand_n if_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a in_o this_o condition_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o make_v light_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v from_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o tear_n if_o once_o he_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o tear_n and_o make_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n on_o either_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v for_o some_o sincere_a convert_n have_v entertain_v the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tear_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o soft_a temper_n of_o their_o natural_a complexion_n &_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n have_v resist_v their_o inclination_n to_o mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o let_v forth_o of_o tear_n so_o far_o that_o they_o have_v become_v so_o dry_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v pray_v more_o perfunctorious_o than_o before_o that_o when_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n and_o tear_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o one_o tear_n for_o ease_v of_o their_o grieve_a heart_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v that_o some_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n concern_v their_o tear_n have_v lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o their_o tear_n as_o they_o have_v number_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o drop_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o from_o the_o less_o or_o more_o quantity_n of_o they_o make_v reckon_v of_o their_o own_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n and_o of_o god_n acceptation_n of_o their_o prayer_n less_o or_o more_o 3._o this_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n and_o easiness_n to_o be_v move_v unto_o tear_n for_o spiritual_a motive_n be_v a_o rare_a gift_n few_o they_o be_v who_o with_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n bear_v they_o down_o do_v lament_v their_o natural_a sinfulness_n in_o their_o best_a condition_n with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24._o few_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o affectionate_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o people_n soul_n as_o to_o pour_v out_o tear_n both_o in_o secret_a and_o open_o for_o promove_v thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20._o 19_o 21._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 4._o few_o like_a timothy_n who_o heart_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v his_o tear_n and_o remember_v they_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 4._o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o that_o from_o age_n to_o age_n sundry_a be_v who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v this_o constant_o melt_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n free_a donation_n some_o with_o tear_n some_o without_o tear_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v find_v in_o such_o mourner_n a_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o let_v not_o the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tenderness_n be_v but_o natural_a weakness_n of_o spirit_n or_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v entertain_v only_o let_v the_o giver_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o tender_a heart_n be_v rely_v upon_o and_o not_o their_o tear_n as_o if_o they_o be_v any_o more_o than_o witness_n of_o their_o honest_a affection_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o such_o prayer_n may_v prove_v sincere_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n both_o when_o they_o can_v mourn_v and_o also_o when_o their_o heart_n seem_v wither_v hard_a and_o dry_a chap._n xvii_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o all_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n which_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o tender_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o with_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n as_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o of_o their_o ordinar_n tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n so_o other_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o they_o find_v not_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o soft_a in_o their_o devotion_n all_o convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a worship_n to_o god_n if_o a_o man_n draw_v near_o he_o with_o his_o lip_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o whereupon_o every_o convert_n when_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o his_o duty_n go_v about_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o understanding_n and_o inward_a affection_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v sin_n deprecat_fw-la wrath_n ask_v of_o god_n thing_n necessary_a intercede_v for_o other_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o work_n and_o work_a so_o as_o his_o affection_n may_v be_v conform_a to_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o conscience_n may_v approve_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o hearty_a affection_n and_o god_n may_v with_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n approve_v the_o worshipper_n but_o some_o convert_n be_v who_o albeit_o in_o sincerity_n they_o worship_v god_n yet_o they_o count_v all_o their_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n except_o they_o find_v their_o affection_n waken_v up_o and_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o some_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o give_v sense_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n to_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n hence_o ofttimes_o do_v suspicion_n arise_v without_o just_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v desert_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o and_o this_o suspicion_n be_v entertain_v do_v send_v forth_o complaint_n and_o bring_v on_o coldrifenesse_n in_o prayer_n and_o discouragement_n 2._o this_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n do_v ofttimes_o chastise_v by_o withdraw_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o order_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o word_n also_o that_o he_o who_o complain_v that_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n because_o he_o sound_v not_o such_o measure_n of_o affection_n as_o he_o will_v have_v have_v nor_o that_o consolation_n which_o he_o wish_v to_o have_v shall_v find_v himself_o in_o worse_a take_n after_o his_o complain_n than_o he_o be_v in_o at_o first_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o condition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o want_v of_o word_n to_o express_v the_o case_n wherein_o he_o be_v may_v fall_v on_o a_o convert_n by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o this_o suspicion_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v we_o rom._n 8._o 26._o likeways_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v but_o when_o this_o cut_a short_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o any_o measure_n do_v follow_v after_o suspicion_n of_o god_n respect_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o the_o complain_n and_o discourage_v convert_n it_o be_v a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n from_o god_n threaten_v the_o convert_n with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o desertion_n and_o heavy_a temptation_n except_o he_o repent_v his_o folly_n and_o return_n to_o god_n who_o by_o his_o suspicion_n and_o misbelief_n he_o have_v offend_v 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o