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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
evil_n life_n natural_a rate_v 24 3 15.6554 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33961 Defensative armour, against four of Sathan's most fiery darts viz. temptations to atheistical and blasphemous impressions and thoughts, self-murther, despair, and presumption : wherein is discoursed the nature of these temptations, the several tempters to these sins, the arguments ordinarily used by the tempters in the inforcing of them, and some proper advice is offered to those who are exercised with them / by J.C. D.D. ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1680 (1680) Wing C5312; ESTC R12985 145,095 356

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of_o his_o birth_n and_o job_n 6._o 8_o 9_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o request_n and_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v i_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o long_o for_o even_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o destroy_v i_o that_o he_o will_v let_v loose_a his_o hand_n and_o cut_v i_o off_o so_o elijah_n etc._n etc._n 3._o sometime_o the_o lust_n of_o servile_a slavish_a fear_n when_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v a_o prospect_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n that_o be_v like_a to_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v find_v temptation_n also_o have_v prevail_v upon_o god_n own_o people_n to_o desire_v death_n though_o not_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o own_o death_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o elijah_n 1_o king_n 19_o 4._o jezebel_n send_v a_o message_n to_o he_o have_v swear_v by_o her_o god_n that_o by_o the_o next_o day_n she_o will_v kill_v 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be_v mere_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o lust_n or_o whether_o it_o come_v from_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n from_o one_o of_o these_o case_n single_o or_o from_o two_o of_o they_o act_v together_o joint_o and_o so_o the_o temptation_n be_v a_o mix_a temptation_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o a_o diligent_a observe_v christian_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n for_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o very_o ordinary_a from_o they_o we_o shall_v in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n seldom_o or_o never_o hear_v reasonable_a person_n serious_a and_o in_o earnest_n one_o with_o another_o persuade_v they_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o so_o they_o can_v make_v no_o such_o motion_n to_o we_o but_o will_v be_v obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n job_n hear_v his_o wife_n when_o she_o say_v unto_o he_o curse_n god_n and_o die_v job_n 2._o 9_o it_o be_v true_a 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present_a oppress_v we_o or_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n so_o that_o we_o have_v or_o think_v we_o have_v they_o in_o a_o certain_a prospect_n not_o probable_a to_o be_v avoid_v be_v the_o only_o appear_v good_a that_o can_v entice_v we_o to_o determine_v our_o own_o life_n for_o death_n deprive_v we_o of_o all_o positive_a sensible_a good_a thing_n such_o as_o riches_n pleasure_n profit_n honour_n relation_n all_o kind_n of_o sensual_a satisfaction_n and_o this_o death_n be_v no_o way_n or_o mean_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o not_o possible_o appear_v to_o any_o but_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o any_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o any_o eternal_a good_a there_o remain_v nothing_o of_o any_o umbrage_n or_o colour_n of_o good_a in_o it_o by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o shall_v be_v cheat_v but_o only_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la from_o or_o determination_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o either_o think_v we_o have_v in_o a_o near_a and_o certain_a prospect_n hardly_o avoidable_o 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he_o save_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v let_v they_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v they_o shall_v be_v damn_v sol._n this_o may_v be_v ignorant_o speak_v by_o such_o as_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n nor_o what_o they_o who_o assert_v from_o the_o scripture_n the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n do_v maintain_v but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o any_o understand_a person_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o what_o they_o reveal_v as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n 1._o for_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o temptation_n to_o any_o to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a natural_a good_a but_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o certain_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o great_a good_a though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a good_a than_o a_o natural_a life_n yet_o if_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o by_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o present_a 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soul_n and_o conform_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n it_o say_v murderer_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o say_v that_o any_o person_n that_o deliberate_a and_o do_v such_o thing_n be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o shall_v certain_o have_v everlasting_a life_n so_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o election_n and_o its_o certainty_n and_o of_o effectual_a grace_n and_o its_o abide_n in_o the_o soul_n can_v possible_o give_v any_o reasonable_a advantage_n to_o this_o temptation_n propose_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o deliberate_v and_o be_v about_o to_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n any_o such_o supereminent_a good_a as_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o part_v with_o this_o life_n without_o any_o direction_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o rather_o give_v the_o great_a discouragement_n imaginable_a by_o threaten_v eternal_a death_n to_o those_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o bar_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o 3._o nay_o three_o admit_v that_o proposition_n to_o be_v true_a that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v elect_v he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v let_v he_o die_v when_o and_o how_o he_o will_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v he_o shall_v certain_o perish_v yet_o neither_o can_v this_o give_v the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o so_o vile_a a_o act_n for_o so_o long_o as_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o so_o great_a a_o wickedness_n he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_a apprehension_n that_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o so_o can_v be_v allure_v to_o the_o action_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o enjoy_v eternal_a life_n which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a good_a than_o the_o life_n he_o part_v with_o so_o neither_o can_v any_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v unto_o life_n and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o yet_o no_o man_n reason_n can_v dictate_v to_o he_o that_o infinite_a torment_n and_o misery_n be_v a_o lesser_a evil_n than_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n which_o in_o obedience_n to_o this_o temptation_n he_o will_v flee_v from_o by_o put_v a_o period_n to_o his_o day_n or_o that_o it_o be_v eligible_a for_o he_o to_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o torment_n before_o the_o time_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o election_n and_o pretention_n or_o the_o certain_a determination_n of_o man_n as_o to_o his_o eternal_a estate_n shall_v give_v the_o least_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o this_o temptation_n but_o the_o only_o appear_v good_a that_o can_v entice_v any_o to_o
be_v in_o any_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n know_v that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n as_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o as_o to_o this_o life_n as_o to_o eternal_a life_n make_v under_o such_o condition_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v those_o as_o to_o this_o life_n be_v of_o various_a sort_n many_o of_o they_o relate_v to_o a_o afflict_a state_n that_o he_o will_v put_v strength_n into_o we_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o bear_v that_o he_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n will_v also_o give_v a_o happy_a issue_n and_o many_o more_o of_o like_a import_n as_o to_o which_o the_o soul_n that_o trust_v god_n and_o in_o which_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n be_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n for_o how_o shall_v that_o soul_n go_v about_o to_o deliver_v it_o out_o of_o a_o misery_n which_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n deliver_v it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n support_v uphold_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o make_v its_o affliction_n issue_n in_o good_a and_o for_o its_o advantage_n work_v for_o it_o a_o far_o more_o eternal_a and_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n or_o how_o shall_v that_o soul_n trust_v in_o god_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n which_o know_v that_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n prescribe_v by_o god_n for_o obtain_v these_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o last_o act_n of_o his_o life_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n and_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v say_v none_o that_o do_v it_o have_v eternal_a life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o temptation_n be_v advantage_v by_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n so_o there_o be_v no_o such_o antidote_n against_o it_o as_o vigorous_a habit_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o believe_a soul_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o prevailing_n of_o it_o while_o it_o keep_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o command_v of_o reason_n chap._n ix_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n a_o excellent_a preparative_a to_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n this_o open_v terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n oft_o time_n one_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o thought_n these_z not_o ordinary_a but_o for_o great_a sinning_n some_o more_o notorious_a act_n of_o ungodliness_n or_o of_o vnrighteousness_n great_a sinning_n against_o light_n etc._n etc._n 5._o five_o there_o be_v no_o better_a preparative_a for_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n than_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n although_o the_o holy_a man_n alive_a be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o fiery_a dart_n even_a christ_n himself_o hear_v the_o devil_n say_v cast_v thyself_o down_o yet_o you_o shall_v observe_v these_o temptation_n most_o fall_v upon_o man_n of_o loose_a life_n and_o conversation_n at_o least_o do_v most_o ordinary_o prevail_v against_o such_o the_o ordinary_a motive_n that_o prevail_v with_o soul_n to_o do_v this_o thing_n be_v the_o avoid_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n which_o either_o they_o have_v in_o prospect_n or_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o now_o this_o evil_n be_v either_o more_o external_n such_o as_o slavery_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n this_o make_v saul_n fall_v upon_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o cato_n kill_v himself_o or_o horrible_a bodily_a pain_n and_o torture_n be_v expose_v to_o some_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o they_o be_v more_o internal_a such_o as_o horror_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v rare_a instance_n that_o either_o holy_a or_o civil_a history_n give_v we_o of_o person_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o own_o life_n to_o avoid_v imprisonment_n shame_n or_o torture_n from_o man_n and_o not_o many_o that_o we_o have_v of_o person_n who_o in_o terrible_a bodily_a pain_n have_v expose_v to_o the_o prevailing_n of_o this_o temptation_n now_o these_o terror_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n arise_v from_o the_o soul_n reflection_n upon_o its_o gild_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n thus_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o judas_n hang_v himself_o cry_v out_o he_o have_v betray_v innocent_a blood_n thus_o history_n tell_v we_o pontius_n pilate_n kill_v himself_o and_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o many_o other_o in_o history_n and_o although_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o little_a but_o if_o god_n set_v it_o home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o support_v not_o the_o soul_n with_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o desperate_a issue_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a for_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o minute_n nature_n and_o such_o as_o the_o best_a of_o man_n commit_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o such_o horror_n as_o seize_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o for_o satan_n to_o take_v such_o a_o advantage_n from_o they_o the_o reflection_n which_o produce_v this_o effect_n be_v usual_o upon_o some_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a tincture_n and_o that_o have_v have_v some_o more_o eminent_a circumstance_n of_o aggravation_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a conversation_n religious_a towards_o god_n just_a and_o righteous_a towards_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a preservative_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n a_o profane_a atheistical_a blasphemous_a person_n be_v high_o expose_v to_o the_o impetus_fw-la of_o it_o so_o be_v any_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o notorious_a act_n of_o unrighteousness_n such_o as_o murder_n persecution_n high_a degree_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o pardon_v many_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o few_o great_a as_o well_o as_o small_a and_o the_o promise_n extend_v to_o all_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o scarlet_a and_o crimson_a sin_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n of_o so_o high_a a_o tincture_n beside_o that_o course_n of_o sin_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v a_o very_a ill_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n to_o blind_a and_o to_o harden_v it_o so_o that_o poor_a creature_n under_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o be_v often_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a to_o those_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n then_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o filthiness_n of_o they_o o_o therefore_o flee_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v you_o know_v not_o how_o far_o god_n for_o they_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o satan_n buffet_n of_o this_o nature_n you_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o nor_o how_o hardly_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o they_o or_o to_o arrive_v at_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o in_o short_a take_v heed_n of_o all_o bold_a sinning_n against_o light_n and_o check_n or_o reverberation_n of_o conscience_n if_o we_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o light_a check_n and_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n we_o be_v often_o and_o but_o just_o repay_v with_o the_o severe_a terror_n and_o affrightment_n of_o it_o for_o our_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n contrary_a to_o its_o dictate_v and_o light_a admonition_n but_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o walk_v close_o with_o god_n that_o live_v up_o to_o his_o light_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o this_o danger_n and_o though_o he_o may_v have_v some_o impression_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o they_o rare_o be_v advantage_v from_o a_o ache_a conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n chap._n x._o direction_n for_o they_o who_o be_v already_o fall_v under_o this_o temptation_n melancholy_n to_o be_v evacuate_v by_o natural_a mean_n 2._o the_o motive_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o usual_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o some_o present_a or_o imminent_a evil._n two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o whether_o it_o will_v free_v we_o to_o destroy_v ourselves_o 2._o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o safe_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o be_v free_a i_o have_v thus_o far_o only_o prepare_v you_o against_o a_o wrestle_n with_o this_o temptation_n and_o give_v you_o prevent_v physic_n which_o indeed_o they_o say_v be_v best_a and_o it_o be_v better_a indeed_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o enemy_n as_o satan_n be_v arm_v with_o this_o dart_n at_o a_o distance_n then_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o combat_n but_o possible_o as_o to_o some_o poor_a soul_n
i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o book_n open_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o portion_n of_o scripture_n fit_a to_o be_v read_v or_o any_o sermon_n fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o person_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o such_o book_n such_o sermon_n such_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o most_o express_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n most_o lively_o express_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n together_o with_o such_o as_o contain_v or_o explain_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o support_n and_o strength_n and_o help_v under_o and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a pressure_n of_o affliction_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o one_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n concur_v which_o be_v always_o requisite_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v what_o it_o read_v and_o hear_v a_o soul_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o such_o a_o undertake_n from_o the_o rational_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o it_o to_o get_v out_o of_o its_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o far_o near_a and_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o relief_n for_o it_o if_o it_o can_v but_o exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n from_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v it_o and_o who_o have_v promise_v and_o be_v faithful_a which_o two_o point_n be_v of_o very_o great_a import_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v against_o this_o fiery_a dart_n and_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o soul_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o shall_v ever_o listen_v to_o this_o temptation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o reason_n let_v therefore_o every_o soul_n under_o this_o temptation_n make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unbelief_n or_o faint_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o roar_a lion_n thus_o seek_v about_o to_o devour_v soul_n the_o more_o root_v a_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternity_n both_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o damn_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o more_o remote_a and_o difficult_a it_o will_v be_v as_o to_o listen_v to_o any_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n chap._n xi_o further_a direction_n for_o soul_n thus_o tempt_v the_o avoid_n of_o solitude_n the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o freeness_n of_o it_o the_o sureness_n of_o it_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n 3._o dir._n avoid_v solitude_n and_o solitary_a place_n i_o mention_v this_o before_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v prevailing_n of_o melancholy_n but_o let_v i_o a_o little_a far_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o argument_n indeed_o excess_n of_o solitude_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o great_a freedom_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n though_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o soul_n health_n and_o freedom_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o some_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n i_o observe_v elijah_n be_v alone_a when_o he_o pray_v god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o discontent_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o jonah_n ch_n 4._o 5_o 8._o be_v in_o a_o booth_n alone_o out_o of_o the_o city_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v alone_a when_o matth._n 4._o 6._o the_o tempter_n say_v unto_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o of_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v eminent_o true_a that_o solomon_n say_v ecc._n 4._o 11._o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o when_o he_o fall_v for_o he_o have_v none_o other_o to_o help_v he_o up_o these_o act_n be_v commit_v usual_o by_o person_n that_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v therefore_o high_o advisable_v to_o person_n under_o these_o impression_n to_o avoid_v give_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o and_o about_o person_n under_o these_o temptation_n to_o be_v watchful_a as_o to_o this_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o discern_v the_o impression_n be_v most_o strong_a upon_o they_o but_o have_v touch_v upon_o this_o before_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o it_o now_o 4._o dir._n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v what_o motive_n shall_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o their_o life_n but_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o so_o eminent_a evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v now_o these_o evil_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o external_n affliction_n and_o cross_n or_o such_o as_o be_v internal_o horror_n of_o mind_n terror_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o motive_n be_v a_o freedom_n from_o evil_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o advise_v before_o what_o i_o judge_v proper_a viz._n the_o consideration_n whether_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o life_n in_o that_o manner_n will_v indeed_o free_v we_o or_o rather_o make_v our_o condition_n much_o worse_o and_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o procure_v ourselves_o such_o a_o immunity_n but_o now_o suppose_v the_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n viz._n the_o horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o look_v as_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o which_o external_n misery_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o a_o just_a understanding_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o the_o misery_n of_o impenitent_a and_o unpardoned_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o suppose_v the_o motive_n to_o be_v horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n upon_o our_o reflection_n upon_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o soul_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n and_o whet_v upon_o our_o heart_n such_o portion_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n as_o be_v most_o full_o expressive_a of_o it_o true_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n run_v into_o such_o a_o arrear_n with_o god_n justice_n no_o soul_n so_o guilty_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gracious_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v from_o eternity_n contract_v with_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o redeemer_n part_v in_o which_o covenant_n be_v also_o fulfil_v by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a soul_n fulfil_v his_o part_n in_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o it_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o although_o its_o past_a sin_n can_v be_v make_v never_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v no_o more_o condemn_v the_o soul_n then_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v they_o shall_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o not_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v reckon_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v its_o righteousness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n know_v and_o believe_v this_o and_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o gracious_a covenant_n shall_v ever_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o its_o life_n from_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n by_o its_o reflection_n upon_o its_o guilt_n of_o sin_n though_o a_o ignorant_a person_n that_o know_v not_o this_o or_o a_o unbelieving_a soul_n which_o though_o it_o may_v have_v receive_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v believe_v it_o may_v from_o this_o motive_n
be_v induce_v to_o a_o yield_n to_o this_o temptation_n yet_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n admit_v a_o soul_n sure_a of_o its_o damnation_n and_o that_o its_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v it_o shall_v in_o reason_n rather_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o a_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o all_o mean_v imaginable_a to_o lengthen_v out_o its_o day_n to_o the_o year_n of_o meth●s●lah_n then_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o inch_n of_o that_o time_n which_o god_n will_v allow_v he_o for_o what_o reason_n can_v prompt_v any_o man_n to_o think_v the_o horror_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o pain_n that_o be_v suffer_v by_o damn_a soul_n or_o what_o reason_n will_v guide_v any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v torment_v before_o his_o time_n how_o earnest_n do_v we_o find_v condemn_v malefactor_n sometime_o though_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n to_o be_v pardon_v but_o to_o be_v reprieve_v for_o a_o time_n but_o i_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o poor_a soul_n to_o advantage_v this_o temptation_n there_o be_v no_o soul_n that_o can_v in_o judgement_n say_v though_o sometime_o they_o say_v so_o in_o their_o fit_n and_o passion_n i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o ●ise_v for_o satan_n in_o this_o temptation_n but_o person_n ignorance_n or_o unbelief_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n o_o therefore_o let_v all_o soul_n but_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o tempt_v study_v this_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v covenant_v for_o for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o power_n and_o strength_n against_o sin_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n for_o strength_n against_o temptation_n every_o spiritual_a promise_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o those_o various_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a evil_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o present_a sense_n or_o any_o fear_n as_o to_o time_n to_o come_v for_o which_o god_n have_v not_o in_o one_o promise_n or_o a_o other_o provide_v we_o a_o antidote_n be_v it_o the_o guilt_n o●_n sin_n already_o commit_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v it_o be_v it_o the_o fear_n of_o guilt_n not_o yet_o contract_v god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o love_n you_o free_o he_o have_v say_v sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o mortal_a body_n so_o as_o tho●_n haste_v no_o reason_n to_o destroy_v thyself_o either_o because_o thou_o have_v sin_v or_o because●_n thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n to_o a_o irremissible_a degree_n be_v thou_o afraid_a that_o temptation_n shall_v prevail_v against_o thee●_n he_o have_v assure_v thou_o that_o christ_n wa●_n therefore_o tempt_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a t●_n succour_v the_o tempt_v that_o with_o the_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o happy_a issue_n that_o he_o will_v bruise_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n short_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a encumbrance_n as_o to_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o provision_n make_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o declare_v in_o some_o gospel_n promise_n 2._o consider_v again_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grace_n signify_v free_a love_n i_o will_v say_v god_n heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o love_v you_o free_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v pay_v for_o thy_o pardon_n all_o that_o be_v be_v finish_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v exact_v be_v already_o pay_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o thy_o gild_n a_o hatred_n of_o thy_o former_a way_n a_o resolution_n join_v with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o forsake_v they_o with_o a_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o thy_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n oh_o this_o this_o be_v that_o which_o can_v a_o soul_n under_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n believe_v these_o temptation_n will_v certain_o abate_v we_o in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n stick_v too_o much_o in_o a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o let_v i_o here_o give_v you_o the_o copy_n of_o a_o short_a letter_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n luther_n to_o a_o hermit_n v._o luther_n ep._n t._n 1._o i_o say_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o thy_o soul_n do_v whether_o at_o last_o be_v weary_a of_o its_o own_o righteousness_n it_o have_v learned_a to_o breathe_v after_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o our_o age_n a_o temptation_n of_o presumption_n too_o much_o prevail_v and_o particular_o in_o they_o who_o by_o all_o mean_n study_v to_o approve_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n plentiful_o and_o free_o give_v unto_o we_o by_o and_o through_o christ_n they_o so_o long_o study_v to_o work_v well_o until_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o confidence_n of_o stand_v before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o by_o their_o own_o merit_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a you_o and_o i_o have_v both_o be_v once_o of_o that_o opinion_n or_o rather_o in_o that_o error_n but_o now_o i_o set_v myself_o against_o it_o but_o have_v not_o yet_o conquer_v myself_o as_o to_o it_o therefore_o my_o dear_a brother_n learn_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v learn_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o yourself_o to_o say_v to_o he_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v my_o righteousness_n i_o be_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v take_v upon_o thou_o what_o be_v i_o and_o give_v unto_o i_o what_o be_v thou_o thou_o have_v take_v what_o thou_o be_v not_o and_o give_v unto_o i_o what_o i_o be_v not_o take_v heed_n say_v he_o of_o aim_v at_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o purity_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o thyself_o no_o sinner_n for_o christ_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o none_o but_o sinner_n he_o therefore_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n when_o he_o dwell_v in_o his_o saint_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o sinner_n o_o meditate_v of_o his_o love_n and_o you_o will_v feel_v his_o most_o sweet_a consolation_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o die_v if_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n by_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o torment_v of_o ourselves_o you_o will_v never_o therefore_o find_v peace_n but_o by_o despair_v of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o work_n and_o a_o fiducial_a dependence_n on_o he_o you_o will_v further_o learn_v by_o this_o that_o as_o he_o take_v thy_o nature_n and_o make_v thy_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v his_o so_o he_o have_v make_v his_o righteousness_n thou_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n either_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v discover_v the_o value_n of_o those_o physician_n who_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n to_o relieve_v afflict_a conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n then_o by_o press_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n reckon_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n for_o righteousness_n and_o certain_o god_n absolution_n or_o acquittance_n of_o a_o soul_n from_o its_o debt_n to_o divine_a justice_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reckon_v account_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o impute_v to_o it_o as_o if_o perform_v by_o it_o be_v of_o no_o more_o difficult_a conception_n whatever_o some_o pretend_v in_o the_o case_n than_o a_o creditor_n discharge_v and_o give_v acquittance_n to_o a_o debtor_n upon_o his_o friend_n or_o surety_n payment_n of_o the_o debt_n upon_o which_o the_o principal_a be_v discharge_v as_o if_o he_o have_v personal_o pay_v it_o believe_v it_o other_o notion_n may_v afford_v matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o a_o calm_a time_n but_o nothing_o but_o the_o notion_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n reckon_v to_o we_o will_v serve_v we_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n let_v we_o therefore_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n or_o with_o the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n than_o to_o part_v with_o this_o great_a truth_n let_v some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n some_o in_o horse_n let_v some_o trust_n in_o the_o work_v of_o other_o some_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o his_o name_n be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v under_o great_a horror_n and_o