Selected quad for the lemma: heart_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
heart_n affection_n grace_n spirit_n 2,233 5 4.5134 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

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a_o double_a mercy_n be_v glad_a that_o he_o be_v the_o instrument_n to_o do_v i_o good_a then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o best_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n how_o foul_a a_o oversight_n be_v it_o then_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v trouble_v at_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a mercy_n of_o your_o life_n yea_o that_o your_o life_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o for_o which_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n such_o abundant_a thanks_o doubt_n iv._o but_o my_o great_a fear_n be_v that_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o yet_o within_o i_o because_o i_o be_o so_o void_a of_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o feeling_n me_n think_v i_o be_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o dead_a as_o a_o block_n and_o my_o heart_n as_o hard_o as_o a_o rock_n or_o the_o nether_a millstone_n grace_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o new_a life_n and_o life_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n it_o cause_v vigour_n and_o activity_n such_o shall_v i_o have_v in_o duty_n if_o i_o have_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n but_o i_o feel_v 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passion_n be_v somewhat_o move_v herewithal_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n some_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o latter_a do_v concur_v with_o the_o former_a but_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o former_a wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v lie_v and_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v very_o various_a and_o uncertain_a to_o try_v by_o many_o do_v much_o overlook_v the_o scripture-meaning_n of_o the_o word_n hardheartedness_n mark_v it_o up_o and_o down_o concern_v the_o israelite_n who_o be_v so_o oft_o charge_v by_o moses_n david_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o other_o prophet_n to_o be_v hard-hearted_a or_o to_o
tender_a affection_n and_o heart-melting_n be_v our_o sin_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v exceed_a cause_n to_o bewail_v it_o great_o in_o myself_o that_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o raise_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o tender_a sensibility_n of_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a confession_n and_o complaint_n to_o god_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o dull_a and_o little_a affect_v with_o his_o sacred_a truth_n and_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o all_o my_o speech_n why_o do_v not_o you_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o matter_n of_o doubt_v no_o question_n but_o you_o shall_v lament_v your_o dulness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o use_v all_o god_n mean_n for_o the_o quicken_a of_o your_o affection_n and_o to_o get_v the_o most_o lively_o frame_v of_o soul_n but_o must_v it_o cause_v you_o to_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n when_o you_o can_v obtain_v this_o then_o will_v you_o never_o have_v a_o settle_a peace_n or_o assurance_n for_o many_o day_n together_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o will_v ask_v you_o but_o this_o whether_o you_o be_v willing_a or_o unwilling_a of_o all_o that_o hardness_n insensibleness_n and_o dulness_n which_o you_o complain_v of_o if_o you_o be_v willing_a of_o it_o what_o make_v you_o complain_v of_o it_o if_o you_o be_v unwilling_a it_o seem_v your_o will_n be_v so_o far_o sound_a and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o must_v try_v by_o and_o be_v not_o paul_n case_n the_o same_o with_o you_o rom._n 7.19_o when_o he_o say_v the_o good_a which_o i_o will_v do_v i_o do_v not_o and_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o i_o know_v paul_n speak_v not_o of_o gross_a sin_n but_o ordinary_a infirmity_n and_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o liveliness_n and_o sensibility_n of_o the_o passion_n or_o affection_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o the_o will_n though_o sanctify_a can_v full_o command_v or_o excite_v at_o its_o pleasure_n a_o sanctify_a man_n can_v grieve_v or_o weep_v for_o sin_n when_o he_o will_v or_o so_o much_o as_o he_o will_v he_o can_v love_v joy_n be_v zealous_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o will_v he_o may_v be_v true_o willing_a and_o not_o able_a and_o be_v not_o this_o your_o case_n and_o do_v not_o paul_n make_v it_o the_o case_n of_o all_o christian_n gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v take_v my_o counsel_n therefore_o in_o this_o if_o you_o love_v not_o self-deceiving_a and_o disquietness_n search_v whether_o you_o can_v say_v unfeigned_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n have_v christ_n and_o his_o quicken_a and_o santify_a spirit_n and_o his_o soften_a grace_n to_o bring_v my_o hard_a heart_n to_o tenderness_n and_o my_o dull_a and_o blockish_a soul_n to_o a_o lively_a frame_n o_o that_o i_o can_v attain_v it_o and_o if_o you_o can_v true_o say_v thus_o bless_v god_n that_o have_v give_v you_o save_v sincerity_n and_o then_o let_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n and_o hardheartedness_n be_v matter_n of_o daily_a sorrow_n to_o you_o and_o spare_v not_o so_o it_o be_v in_o moderation_n but_o let_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o doubt_v confess_v it_o complain_v of_o it_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o strive_v against_o it_o but_o do_v not_o deny_v god_n grace_n in_o you_o for_o it_o and_o here_o let_v i_o mind_n you_o of_o one_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n when_o a_o man_n can_v mourn_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o cause_v he_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n if_o when_o your_o doubt_n be_v resolve_v and_o you_o be_v persuade_v of_o your_o salvation_n if_o then_o you_o cease_v all_o your_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o your_o sin_n for_o you_o must_v sorrow_n that_o you_o have_v in_o you_o such_o a_o body_n of_o death_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o be_v able_a to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o no_o more_o though_o you_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o salvation_n 7._o last_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o one_o question_n more_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o you_o be_v so_o trouble_v for_o want_n of_o tear_n for_o your_o sin_n take_v heed_n lest_o there_o lie_v some_o corruption_n in_o this_o trouble_n that_o you_o do_v not_o discern_v if_o it_o be_v only_o because_o your_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n be_v your_o sin_n and_o you_o will_v fain_o have_v your_o soul_n in_o that_o frame_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o please_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o then_o i_o commend_v and_o encourage_v you_o in_o your_o trouble_n but_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o shall_v have_v any_o conceit_n of_o a_o meritoriousness_n in_o your_o tear_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a sin_n then_o your_o want_n of_o tear_n and_o if_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o because_o a_o dry_a eye_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a soul_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o so_o except_o where_o it_o only_o second_v a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o come_v from_o or_o deny_v and_o unrenewed_a will_n and_o a_o prevail_a unwillingness_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n show_v i_o if_o you_o can_v where_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o can_v weep_v for_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v save_v or_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n be_v not_o your_o complaint_n in_o this_o the_o very_a same_o that_o the_o eminent_a christian_n have_v use_v in_o all_o time_n that_o most_o bless_a holy_a man_n mr._n bradford_n who_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n in_o the_o flame_n against_o romish_a abomination_n be_v wont_a to_o subscribe_v his_o spiritual_a letter_n indict_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o most_o miserable_a hard-hearted_a sinner_n john_n bradford_n doubt_v v._n o_o but_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o good_a and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o even_o my_o will_n itself_o be_v yet_o unchanged_a i_o have_v such_o a_o backwardness_n and_o undisposedness_n to_o duty_n especial_o secret_a prayer_n meditation_n and_o self-examination_n and_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v sinner_n that_o i_o be_o fain_a to_o force_v myself_o to_o it_o against_o my_o will_n it_o be_v no_o delight_n the_o find_v in_o these_o duty_n that_o bring_v i_o to_o they_o but_o only_o i_o use_v violence_n with_o myself_o and_o be_o fain_o to_o pull_v myself_o down_o on_o my_o knee_n because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o i_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o but_o i_o be_o no_o soon_o on_o my_o knee_n but_o i_o have_v a_o motion_n to_o rise_v or_o be_v short_a and_o be_o weary_a of_o it_o and_o find_v no_o great_a miss_n of_o duty_n when_o i_o do_v omit_v it_o answer_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o your_o soul_n be_v sick_a when_o your_o meat_n go_v so_o much_o against_o your_o stomach_n that_o you_o be_v fain_o to_o force_v it_o down_o and_o sickness_n may_v well_o cause_v you_o to_o complain_v to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o deadness_n the_o dead_a can_v force_v down_o their_o meat_n nor_o digest_v it_o at_o all_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o that_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o your_o corruption_n remain_v in_o some_o strength_n and_o let_v that_o be_v your_o sorrow_n and_o the_o overcome_a of_o it_o be_v your_o great_a care_n and_o business_n but_o shall_v you_o therefore_o say_v that_o you_o be_v unsanctified_a it_o seem_v that_o you_o have_v still_o the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o good_a you_o will_v when_o you_o will_v pray_v with_o delight_n and_o unweariedness_n the_o flesh_n draw_v back_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v hinder_v you_o and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o too_o great_a a_o measure_n with_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n remember_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o own_o apostle_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v he_o one_o of_o their_o last_o service_n as_o to_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o body_n on_o earth_n and_o shall_v have_v comfort_v he_o in_o his_o agony_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a again_o and_o again_o he_o come_v to_o they_o and_o find_v they_o asleep_o christ_n be_v pray_v and_o sweat_v blood_n and_o they_o be_v still_o sleep_v though_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n but_o what_o do_v god_n say_v to_o
sinful_a condition_n and_o some_o motion_n and_o strive_n at_o your_o heart_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o certain_o though_o you_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o have_v yet_o no_o grace_n to_o salvation_n yet_o these_o continue_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o your_o heart_n do_v show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o quite_o forsake_v you_o and_o that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o visitation_n be_v not_o past_a doubt_v xv._n but_o i_o have_v sin_v since_o my_o profession_n and_o that_o even_o against_o my_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n i_o have_v have_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v consider_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_o sober_a deliberation_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o have_v any_o true_a grace_n or_o be_v save_v answer_n 1._o if_o you_o have_v not_o true_a grace_n god_n be_v still_o offer_v it_o and_o ready_a to_o work_v it_o 2._o where_o do_v you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n do_v sin_n know_o or_o deliberate_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v in_o heb._n 10.24_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n ans_fw-fr but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o wilful_a sin_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v but_o as_o even_o now_o i_o tell_v you_o unbelief_n be_v peculiar_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n be_v if_o we_o utter_o renounce_v christ_n by_o infidelity_n as_o not_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n after_o we_o have_v know_v his_o truth_n then_o etc._n etc._n indeed_o none_o sin_n more_o against_o knowledge_n then_o the_o godly_a when_o they_o do_v sin_n for_o they_o know_v more_o for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o other_o do_v and_o passion_n and_o sensuality_n the_o remnant_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o remain_v will_v be_v work_v strong_o in_o your_o very_a deliberation_n against_o sin_n and_o either_o pervert_n the_o judgement_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a little_a sin_n or_o else_o blind_a it_o that_o it_o can_v see_v the_o argument_n against_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o full_a vigour_n or_o at_o least_o prepossess_v the_o heart_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o hinder_v our_o reason_n against_o sin_n from_o go_v down_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o work_n on_o the_o will_n and_o so_o from_o command_v the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n this_o may_v befall_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o moreover_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v from_o peter_n and_o david_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o our_o consideration_n will_v work_v but_o faint_o and_o sensuality_n and_o sinful_a passion_n will_v work_v effectual_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a i_o think_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o david_n can_v be_v so_o long_o about_o so_o horrid_a a_o sin_n and_o after_o contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n and_o all_o this_o without_o deliberation_n or_o any_o reason_n in_o himself_o to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v though_o this_o be_v to_o good_a cause_n for_o any_o repent_v sinner_n to_o doubt_v of_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n to_o commit_v it_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o upon_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v all_o that_o love_v their_o peace_n or_o salvation_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o as_o they_o will_v find_v that_o no_o sin_n do_v deep●ier_n wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o plunge_v the_o sinner_n into_o fearful_a perplexity_n which_o oft_o time_n hang_v on_o he_o very_o long_o so_o the_o often_o such_o zeal_n and_o passion_n but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v in_o these_o and_o not_o grow_v in_o the_o body_n of_o your_o grace_n doubtless_o satan_n himself_o may_v do_v much_o to_o kindle_v your_o zeal_n if_o he_o do_v but_o see_v it_o void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n as_o he_o do_v in_o james_n and_o john_n when_o they_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o for_o the_o doleful_a case_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o this_o age_n have_v put_v quite_o beyond_o dispute_n that_o none_o do_v the_o devil_n work_v more_o effectual_o nor_o oppose_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n more_o desperate_o than_o they_o that_o have_v the_o hot_a zeal_n with_o the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o as_o fire_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o chimney_n but_o in_o the_o thatch_n it_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o vile_a dung_n so_o be_v zeal_n most_o excellent_a when_o guide_v by_o sound_a judgement_n but_o more_o destructive_a than_o profane_a sensuality_n when_o it_o be_v let_v loose_a and_o misguided_a on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o may_v decay_v much_o in_o feeling_n and_o fervour_n of_o affection_n and_o yet_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o you_o do_v but_o grow_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will._n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o common_a growth_n which_o christian_n have_v in_o their_o age_n examine_v therefore_o whether_o you_o have_v this_o or_o no._n do_v you_o not_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_o than_o you_o former_o do_v do_v you_o not_o value_n god_n christ_n glory_n and_o grace_n at_o high_a rate_n then_o former_o be_v you_o not_o more_o full_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n to_o the_o death_n then_o former_o you_o have_v be_v i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a work_n for_o satan_n to_o draw_v you_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o flesh_n then_o heretofore_o when_o the_o tree_n have_v do_v grow_v in_o visible_a greatness_n it_o grow_v in_o rootedness_n the_o fruit_n grow_v first_o in_o bulk_n and_o quantity_n and_o then_o in_o mellow_a sweetness_n be_v not_o you_o less_o censorious_a and_o more_o peaceable_a than_o heretofore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v a_o more_o noble_a growth_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o austere_a and_o bitter_a youthful_a censorious_a divide_v zeal_n of_o many_o will_v prove_v mark_v most_o age_a experience_a christian_n that_o walk_v upright_o and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o quite_o outstrip_v the_o young_a 1._o in_o experience_n knowledge_n prudence_n and_o foundness_n of_o judgement_n 2._o in_o well-setled_n resolution_n for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o cause_n 3._o in_o a_o love_n of_o peace_n especial_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o dissension_n perverse_a contending_n and_o division_n if_o you_o can_v show_v this_o growth_n say_v not_o that_o you_o do_v not_o grow_v 3._o but_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o grow_v shall_v you_o therefore_o deny_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o soul_n that_o they_o grow_v when_o they_o do_v not_o but_o if_o you_o do_v not_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v it_o for_o the_o future_a make_v it_o your_o desire_n and_o daily_a business_n and_o spare_v not_o lie_v not_o still_o complain_v but_o rouse_v up_o your_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o set_v upon_o neglect_a duty_n and_o remove_v those_o corruption_n that_o hinder_v your_o growth_n converse_v with_o grow_v christian_n and_o under_o quicken_a mean_n endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o and_o than_o you_o will_v find_v that_o growth_n which_o will_v silence_v this_o doubt_n and_o do_v much_o more_o for_o you_o then_o that_o doubt_v xvii_o i_o be_o trouble_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a thought_n and_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n even_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n answer_n to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o gracelesness_n but_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n nor_o every_o yield_v neither_o but_o to_o be_v overcome_v of_o the_o temptation_n most_o melancholy_a people_n especial_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v frequent_o haunt_v with_o blasphemous_a temptation_n i_o have_v oft_o wonder_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o predominancy_n of_o that_o distemper_n scarce_o one_o person_n of_o ten_o who_o ever_o be_v with_o i_o in_o deep_a melancholy_n either_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o have_v be_v haunt_v with_o these_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o that_o so_o impetuous_o and_o violent_o set_v on_o and_o follow_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n yea_o even_o many_o that_o never_o seem_v godly_a or_o to_o mind_v any_o such_o
the_o right_a method_n for_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o 32_o direction_n write_a for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o trouble_a friend_n and_o now_o publish_v by_o richard_n baxter_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o kederminster_n in_o worcestershire_n 1_o john_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n luke_n 14.17_o mat._n 22.4_o come_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a london_n print_v for_o t._n vnderhil_n f._n titan_n and_o w._n r●ybould_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o anchor_n and_o at_o the_o unicorn_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1653._o mat._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a gal._n 5.17_o for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v rome_n 6.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rome_n 13.14_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rome_n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v 2_o pet._n 2.19_o while_o they_o promise_v they_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n for_o of_o who_o a_o man_n be_v overcome_v of_o the_o same_o be_v he_o bring_v in_o bondage_n ezek_n 33.10_o 11._o thus_o you_o speak_v say_v 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it_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v you_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o banish_v those_o terror_n and_o trouble_n from_o your_o heart_n and_o help_v you_o to_o live_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o command_v i_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o sorrow_n he_o stand_v by_o when_o you_o see_v he_o not_o and_o say_v he_o have_v forsake_v you_o he_o mind_v you_o with_o great_a tenderness_n when_o you_o say_v he_o have_v forget_v you_o he_o number_v your_o sigh_n he_o bottle_n up_o your_o tear_n the_o groan_n of_o your_o heart_n do_v reach_v his_o own_o he_o take_v it_o unkind_o that_o you_o be_v so_o suspicious_a of_o he_o and_o that_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o your_o soul_n and_o all_o your_o own_o peculiar_a experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v raise_v you_o to_o no_o high_a apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n shall_v not_o love_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o 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your_o case_n if_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o say_v you_o can_v believe_v be_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o in_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o mistake_n than_o it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o some_o dislike_n of_o his_o save_a work_n by_o which_o he_o will_v pardon_v you_o and_o save_v you_o from_o damnation_n but_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v or_o unpardoned_a till_o you_o lose_v your_o reason_n or_o else_o it_o be_v from_o a_o dislike_n of_o his_o work_n of_o sanctification_n by_o which_o he_o will_v cleanse_v your_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o save_v you_o from_o your_o sinful_a nature_n and_o action_n some_o grudge_n against_o christ_n holy_a and_o undefiled_a law_n and_o way_n will_v be_v in_o the_o best_a while_o there_o be_v that_o flesh_n in_o they_o which_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v but_o if_o true_o you_o have_v such_o a_o dislike_n of_o a_o sinless_a 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actual_o wicked_a and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o have_v some_o good_a in_o they_o or_o be_v do_v some_o good_a or_o be_v attempt_v a_o return_n to_o god_n 2._o you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o real_a prayer_n and_o seem_a prayer_n 3._o you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o full_a acceptance_n of_o prayer_n when_o god_n delight_v in_o they_o and_o a_o acceptance_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a end_n not_o intimate_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o person_n with_o his_o prayer_n and_o between_o acceptance_n full_o promise_v as_o certain_a and_o acceptance_n but_o half-promised_n as_o probable_a and_o upon_o these_o distinction_n i_o shall_v answer_v your_o objection_n in_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o when_o wicked_a man_n pray_v god_n to_o prosper_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n yea_o or_o to_o pardon_v they_o while_o they_o intend_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o and_o so_o to_o give_v they_o a_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n or_o when_o they_o think_v with_o a_o few_o prayer_n for_o some_o good_a which_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o put_v by_o that_o holiness_n which_o they_o can_v endure_v and_o so_o to_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o their_o rebellion_n these_o prayer_n be_v all_o a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n 2._o when_o man_n use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o prayer_n without_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o thing_n ask_v this_o be_v no_o prayer_n but_o equivocal_o so_o call_v as_o a_o carcase_n be_v a_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o god_n abhor_v that_o prayer_n which_o true_o be_v no_o prayer_n 3._o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o full_a promise_n ascertain_v any_o wicked_a man_n while_o wicked_a that_o he_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n for_o all_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o believer_n 4._o god_n do_v never_o so_o hear_v a_o unbeliever_n prayer_n as_o to_o accept_v his_o person_n with_o his_o prayer_n or_o to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o negative_a now_o for_o the_o affirmative_a i_o add_v 1._o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n enjoin_v even_o wicked_a man_n i_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o hundred_o scripture_n text_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v some_o good_a desire_n in_o unbeliever_n which_o they_o may_v express_v in_o prayer_n and_o these_o god_n may_v so_o far_o hear_v as_o to_o grant_v they_o as_o he_o do_v in_o part_n to_o ahab_n 3._o a_o unbeliever_n may_v lie_v under_o prepare_v grace_n and_o be_v on_o his_o way_n in_o return_v towards_o god_n though_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o save_a faith_n and_o in_o this_o state_n he_o may_v have_v many_o good_a desire_n and_o such_o prayer_n as_o god_n will_v hear_v 4._o though_o god_n have_v not_o flat_o engage_v himself_o to_o unbeliever_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o certainty_n of_o hear_v their_o prayer_n and_o give_v they_o true_a grace_n on_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o natural_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o only_o appoint_v they_o this_o and_o other_o mean_n to_o get_v grace_n but_o also_o give_v they_o half_a promise_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o speed_a so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o any_o such_o sinner_n to_o call_v on_o god_n and_o use_v his_o mean_n for_o as_o he_o appoint_v not_o any_o vain_a mean_n to_o man_n so_o no_o man_n can_v name_v that_o man_n who_o do_v improve_v his_o natural_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o in_o particular_a seek_v god_n in_o prayer_n so_o far_o as_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v who_o yet_o miss_v of_o grace_n and_o be_v reject_v this_o be_v the_o true_a mean_a between_o pelagianism_n and_o antinomianisme_n in_o this_o point_n 5._o when_o god_n call_v unbeliever_n to_o prayer_n he_o withal_o call_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o work_v their_o heart_n to_o prayer_n by_o that_o call_n he_o usual_o withal_o work_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o at_o least_o towards_o believe_v if_o he_o that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v christ_n do_v pray_v god_n to_o make_v he_o willing_a it_o be_v a_o beginning_n of_o willingness_n already_o and_o the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o willingness_n in_o prayer_n god_n use_v to_o give_v in_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o of_o this_o kind_n 6._o prayer_n be_v the_o soul_n motion_n godward_o and_o to_o say_v a_o unbeliever_n shall_v not_o pray_v be_v to_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o turn_v to_o god_n who_o yet_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 55.6_o 7._o 7._o prayer_n have_v two_o part_n desire_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o expression_n be_v the_o body_n the_o soul_n can_v live_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n but_o so_o can_v the_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o soul_n so_o can_v desire_v without_o expression_n but_o not_o expression_n without_o desire_n when_o our_o blind_a antinomian_o the_o great_a subverter_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o than_o the_o law_n do_v rail_v against_o minister_n for_o persuade_v wicked_a man_n to_o pray_v they_o be_v against_o we_o for_o persuade_v man_n to_o desire_v that_o they_o pray_v for_o prayer_n have_v desire_n for_o its_o soul_n and_o do_v not_o those_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v exterminate_v the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o dare_v say_v to_o a_o wicked_a unbeliever_n desire_v not_o faith_n desire_v not_o to_o leave_v thy_o wickedness_n desire_v not_o grace_n or_o christ_n or_o god_n and_o that_o will_v proclaim_v abroad_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v they_o with_o zealous_a reproach_n that_o our_o minister_n be_v legalist_n seducer_n ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o
child_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o sin_n be_v pardon_v this_o that_o i_o describe_v to_o you_o be_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o mistake_n be_v so_o dangerous_a that_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a direction_n by_o itself_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o it_o but_o now_o i_o have_v go_v so_o far_o i_o will_v dispatch_v it_o here_o two_o dangerous_a consequent_n i_o find_v do_v follow_v this_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a efficient_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v adopt_a 1._o some_o poor_a soul_n have_v languish_v in_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n almost_o all_o their_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o witness_n as_o the_o spirit_n use_v not_o to_o give_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v other_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v they_o yea_o they_o have_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o inhabitation_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o run_v as_o samuel_n do_v to_o eli_n not_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o look_v for_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n when_o they_o have_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o elias_n and_o the_o messiah_n 2._o other_o do_v more_o dangerous_o err_v by_o take_v the_o strong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v but_o entertain_v the_o opinion_n that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n that_o must_v assure_v man_n of_o their_o adoption_n present_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o have_v that_o witness_n themselves_o it_o be_v scarce_o likely_a to_o be_v god_n spirit_n that_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o the_o mere_a change_n of_o a_o opinion_n the_o devil_n use_v to_o do_v as_o much_o to_o cherish_v presumption_n as_o to_o destroy_v true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o our_o persuasion_n of_o our_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o delusion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o friend_n to_o it_o and_o help_v it_o on_o and_o it_o be_v a_o probable_a sign_n it_o be_v a_o good_a persuasion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o still_o trouble_v we_o and_o endeavour_v our_o disquiet_n and_o here_o i_o remember_v the_o scruple_n that_o trouble_v some_o about_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v mean_v that_o spirit_n and_o those_o operation_n on_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o law_n of_o work_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v partly_o in_o bondage_n to_o a_o task_n of_o ceremonious_a duty_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o curse_n and_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n for_o disobedience_n without_o any_o power_n to_o justify_v they_o be_v say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_v 15._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v mean_v 1._o that_o spirit_n or_o those_o qualification_n and_o work_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n god_n give_v only_o to_o his_o son_n 2._o and_o which_o raise_v in_o we_o some_o childlike_a affection_n to_o god_n incline_v we_o in_o all_o our_o want_n to_o run_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n as_o to_o a_o father_n and_o to_o make_v our_o moan_n to_o he_o and_o open_v our_o grief_n and_o cry_v for_o redress_n and_o look_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o a_o child_n on_o the_o father_n this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n you_o may_v have_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v certain_a of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o you_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o his_o general_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o raise_v in_o you_o true_a childlike_a affection_n you_o may_v know_v god_n to_o have_v fatherly_a inclination_n to_o you_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v use_v you_o as_o a_o child_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o you_o may_v hope_n god_n be_v your_o father_n when_o yet_o you_o may_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o displease_a angry_a father_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v more_o your_o terror_n then_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o you_o ready_a in_o most_o of_o your_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n to_o go_v to_o god_n before_o all_o other_o for_o relief_n and_o do_v not_o your_o heart_n sigh_v and_o groan_v to_o he_o when_o you_o can_v scarce_o speak_v do_v not_o your_o trouble_a spirit_n there_o find_v its_o first_o vent_n and_o say_v lord_n kill_v i_o not_o forsake_v i_o not_o my_o life_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n o_o soften_v this_o hard_a heart_n make_v this_o carnal_a mind_n more_o spiritual_a o_o be_v not_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o my_o soul_n woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o so_o ignorant_a of_o thou_o so_o disaffect_v to_o thou_o so_o backward_o and_o disincline_v to_o holy_a communion_n with_o thou_o woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o thou_o and_o be_o s●_n mindless_a and_o disregardfull_a of_o thou_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v stir_v up_o in_o i_o more_o lively_a desire_n and_o work_n of_o my_o soul_n towards_o thou_o and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o lie_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o the_o breathe_n of_o your_o spirit_n why_o these_o be_v childlike_a breathe_n after_o god_n this_o be_v cry_v abba_n father_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n even_o when_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v cast_v you_o off_o you_o much_o mistake_v and_o those_o that_o tell_v you_o so_o if_o you_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n lie_v only_o in_o a_o persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v god_n child_n or_o that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n without_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n adopt_v you_o for_o god_n may_v adopt_v you_o and_o give_v you_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o give_v only_o to_o his_o child_n and_o possess_v you_o with_o true_a filial_a affection_n towards_o he_o before_o ever_o you_o know_v yourself_o to_o be_v adopt_a much_o more_o though_o you_o may_v have_v frequent_a return_v doubt_n of_o your_o adoption_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o how_o far_o you_o may_v expect_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o far_o you_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o mark_n and_o qualification_n or_o action_n of_o your_o own_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o assurance_n and_o settle_a peace_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o principal_a objection_n of_o the_o antinomian_o against_o this_o object_n they_o say_v this_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o and_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o law_n to_o lay_v their_o comfort_n and_o build_v their_o peace_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o make_v themselves_o their_o own_o saviour_n and_o those_o teacher_n that_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n be_v as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o take_v up_o our_o assurance_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o at_o uncertainty_n and_o at_o a_o loss_n or_o unconstant_a up_o and_o down_o in_o our_o comfort_n as_o long_o as_o we_o take_v they_o from_o any_o sign_n in_o ourselves_o also_o our_o own_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o unfit_a to_o be_v the_o evidence_n for_o our_o assurance_n answ_n because_o i_o be_o not_o now_o purposely_o confute_v the_o antinomian_o but_o only_o fore-arming_a you_o against_o their_o assault_n i_o shall_v no●_n therefore_o give_v you_o half_a that_o i_o shall_v otherwise_o say_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o point_n and_o the_o confutation_n of_o their_o error_n but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o your_o preservation_n which_o i_o do_v because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v th●_n only_a preacher_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o only_a right_a comforter_n of_o trouble_a conscience_n &_o because_o they_o have_v write_v so_o many_o book_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o your_o hand_n may_v seem_v so_o specious_a as_o that_o you_o may_v nee●_n some_o preservative_n i_o suppose_v you_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o so_o oft_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o different_a condition_n upon_o which_o
god_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o kind_n or_o in_o coordination_n with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o grace_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n either_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o christ_n or_o apply_v his_o merit_n or_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o merit_n now_o if_o we_o must_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n principal_o then_o must_v we_o need_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o a_o necessary_a subordination_n to_o he_o in_o their_o place_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o any_o grace_n or_o duty_n of_o our_o own_o be_v as_o wife_n as_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v cast_v her_o husband_n clothes_n and_o meat_n out_o of_o door_n and_o say_v you_o charge_v i_o to_o admit_v none_o into_o my_o chamber_n but_o yourself_o or_o as_o if_o a_o physician_n have_v tell_v his_o patient_n i_o will_v cure_v you_o if_o you_o will_v trust_v i_o only_o for_o the_o cure_n thereupon_o the_o patient_n shall_v cast_v away_o his_o medicine_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o his_o servant_n and_o apothecary_n and_o say_v we_o must_v trust_v none_o but_o the_o physician_n 9_o all_o the_o fail_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v pardon_v and_o they_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o 10._o our_o duty_n have_v a_o double_a tendency_n to_o our_o salvation_n 1._o as_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o as_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n in_o a_o hundred_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o may_v we_o not_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o that_o which_o god_n promise_v heaven_n to_o 2._o as_o a_o natural_a mean_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o further_a perfection_n as_o watchfulness_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n and_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v the●_n 1_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n in_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o save_v our_o own_o and_o our_o brethren_n soul_n 11._o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o so_o must_v judge_v our_o state_n good_a or_o bad_a according_a to_o our_o work_n for_o can_v man_n judge_v by_o a_o right_a way_n than_o god_n will_v at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v 12._o we_o must_v judge_v of_o other_o in_o probability_n according_a to_o their_o external_a work_n even_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o certainty_n according_a to_o our_o internal_a and_o external_a work_n together_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v 13._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o any_o of_o our_o grace_n than_o we_o may_v not_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o for_o thanks_o be_v accompany_v with_o joy_n but_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a 14._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v not_o repent_v or_o sorrow_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n we_o may_v not_o lament_v the_o want_n of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v as_o the_o two_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n that_o one_o go_v down_o when_o the_o other_o go_v up_o or_o as_o day_n and_o night_n light_a and_o darkness_n but_o the_o consequent_a be_v intolerable_a 15._o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o religion_n for_o what_o a_o man_n can_v rejoice_v in_o he_o can_v love_v he_o can_v esteem_v regard_n be_v careful_a to_o obtain_v be_v fearful_a of_o lose_v etc._n etc._n 16._o god_n delight_v in_o our_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o do_v as_o god_n do_v jer._n 9.24_o heb._n 11.5_o abel_n sacrifice_n by_o faith_n obtain_v testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n heb._n 13.16_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v 17._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v not_o only_o try_v themselves_o by_o their_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o command_v other_o to_o try_v by_o they_o but_o have_v glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o suffering_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n among_o you_o act_n 5.41_o they_o glory_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n rom._n 15.17_o i_o have_v therefore_o whereof_o i_o may_v glory_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 12.6_o 9_o though_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o glory_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o fool_n i_o glory_v in_o my_o infirmity_n jer._n 9.24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o 1_o cor._n 9.15_o i_o have_v rather_o die_v then_o any_o shall_v make_v my_o glory_v void_a gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n so_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o 18._o scripture_n name_v many_o of_o our_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n as_o the_o certain_a mark_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n even_o christ_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n give_v we_o many_o matth._n 6.21_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o joh._n 3.20_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o do_v good_a come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5._o be_v full_a of_o such_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n etc._n etc._n 19_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o other_o man_n good_a work_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n therefore_o in_o our_o own_o 20._o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o god_n outward_a mercy_n therefore_o much_o more_o in_o inward_a and_o such_o as_o accompany_v salvation_n all_o these_o argument_n prove_v that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o our_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o action_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o most_o of_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v fetch_v our_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n from_o they_o as_o undoubted_a evidence_n thereof_o i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n 1._o because_o never_o any_o come_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o exalt_v christ_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n 2._o and_o yet_o few_o doctrine_n more_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o all_o religion_n even_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cry_v down_o he_o that_o will_v praise_n and_o commend_v obedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o say_v you_o must_v praise_v nothing_o but_o the_o king_n so_o do_v these_o cry_v down_o our_o look_v at_o and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o our_o obedience_n and_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o honour_v he_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o have_v we_o rejoice_v in_o one_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n his_o save_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o sanctify_v we_o under_o pretence_n that_o we_o dishonour_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n his_o justify_v we_o if_o ever_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n into_o minister_n of_o light_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n except_o carnal_a libertine_n who_o this_o doctrine_n fit_v to_o a_o hair_n be_v in_o more_o danger_n of_o they_o then_o poor_a doubt_a christian_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n special_o if_o they_o be_v not_o judicious_a and_o skilled_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a pretence_n of_o extol_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n will_v take_v much_o with_o such_o and_o any_o new-way_n will_v sometime_o seem_v to_o give_v they_o comfort_n upon_o the_o very_a novelty_n and_o sudden_a change_n have_v thus_o prove_v that_o you_o may_v and_o must_v fetch_v your_o special_a comfort_n and_o assurance_n from_o evidence_n and_o that_o your_o first_o evidence_n be_v your_o faith_n i_o shall_v open_v this_o fullier_n under_o the_o next_o direction_n direction_n xi_o 11._o in_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o make_v
certain_a to_o perform_v answ_n 1._o i_o suppose_v you_o have_v read_v the_o many_o scripture_n and_o argument_n which_o our_o divine_n ordinary_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o true_a believer_n shall_v not_o fall_v quite_o away_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o the_o opposer_n can_v answer_v that_o text_n which_o themselves_o use_v to_o allege_v for_o the_o contrary_a mat._n 13.6_o 21._o those_o that_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o depth_n of_o earth_n the_o word_n never_o take_v root_a in_o their_o heart_n whence_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o infer_v that_o those_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n in_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o that_o be_v in_o they_o in_o who_o heart_n or_o will_n christ_n have_v a_o strong_a interest_n than_o the_o creature_n or_o those_o that_o have_v a_o well-grounded_n unreserved_a habituate_v or_o settle_v resolution_n to_o be_v for_o christ_n 2._o however_o your_o present_a resolution_n and_o your_o covenant_v with_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o say_v i_o do_v consent_n or_o this_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n 3._o else_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v baptise_a or_o become_v a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v uncertain_a to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n for_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a do_v covenant_n and_o vow_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n and_o fight_v under_o christ_n banner_n to_o their_o life_n end_v understand_v i_o therefore_o that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o promise_v to_o do_v this_o by_o your_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n as_o know_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n for_o the_o aid_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n 14._o if_o your_o resolution_n at_o present_a be_v hearty_a you_o ought_v not_o to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v your_o mind_n with_o doubtful_a torment_a fear_n what_o you_o shall_v do_v if_o you_o be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o forsake_v all_o and_o suffer_v death_n for_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o lay_v no_o more_o on_o we_o than_o we_o can_v bear_v but_o with_o the_o temptation_n will_v make_v we_o a_o way_n to_o come_v forth_o 1_o cor._n 10_o 13._o either_o he_o will_v not_o bring_v we_o into_o trial_n beyond_o our_o strength_n or_o else_o he_o will_v increase_v our_o strength_n according_a to_o our_o trial_n he_o have_v bid_v we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o will_v give_v we_o so_o that_o if_o once_o you_o can_v but_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v your_o full_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n if_o he_o call_v you_o to_o it_o and_o that_o on_o the_o forementioned_a ground_n you_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o vex_v your_o soul_n with_o fear_n of_o the_o issue_n for_o that_o be_v but_o to_o distrust_n god_n your_o father_n and_o your_o strength_n only_o you_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v your_o duty_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o your_o present_a resolution_n and_o to_o wait_v obedient_o on_o god_n for_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o beg_v it_o earnest_o at_o his_o hand_n 15._o much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o feign_v and_o suppose_v such_o calamity_n to_o themselves_o as_o god_n do_v never_o try_v man_n by_o and_o then_o to_o ask_v themselves_o can_v i_o bear_v these_o for_o christ_n and_o so_o to_o try_v themselves_o on_o false_a and_o dangerous_a ground_n some_o use_n to_o be_v trouble_v lest_o if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o long_o and_o exquisite_a torment_n for_o christ_n they_o shall_v renounce_v he_o one_o say_v i_o can_v endure_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n for_o christ_n another_o say_v can_v i_o endure_v to_o be_v roast_v or_o tear_v in_o piece_n so_o many_o week_n or_o day_n together_o or_o can_v i_o endure_v to_o die_v so_o many_o time_n over_o these_o be_v foolish_a sinful_a question_n which_o christ_n never_o desire_v you_o to_o put_v to_o yourselves_o he_o never_o try_v man_n faith_n on_o this_o manner_n tormentor_n can_v go_v beyond_o his_o will._n nay_o it_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o he_o try_v by_o death_n and_o few_o by_o a_o extreme_a torment_a death_n all_o this_o therefore_o proceed_v from_o error_n 16._o observe_v from_o the_o five_o mark_n that_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o resolution_n now_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o you_o encounter_v with_o may_v well_o encourage_v you_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v hereafter_o if_o god_n bring_v you_o into_o great_a trial_n can_v you_o now_o follow_v christ_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n though_o your_o flesh_n repine_v and_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o though_o the_o world_n deride_v or_o threaten_v you_o or_o great_a one_o turn_v against_o you_o and_o threaten_v your_o undo_n can_v you_o part_v with_o your_o money_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o work_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o estate_n that_o god_n have_v allot_v you_o notwithstanding_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a some_o trial_n you_o have_v now_o if_o you_o can_v go_v well_o through_o these_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o disquiet_v your_o mind_n with_o fear_n of_o fall_v in_o great_a trial_n but_o he_o that_o can_v now_o deny_v his_o greedy_a appetite_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v so_o far_o as_o to_o forbear_v excess_n nor_o can_v deny_v his_o credit_n with_o man_n nor_o bear_v the_o scorn_n or_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v on_o the_o strong_a side_n and_o decline_v his_o duty_n to_o avoid_v danger_n whatever_o become_v of_o conscience_n or_o god_n favour_n this_o man_n be_v not_o like_a to_o forsake_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n object_n but_o though_o i_o break_v through_o lesser_a trial_n i_o be_o not_o sure_a to_o overcome_v in_o great_a for_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o grace_n will_v not_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v all_o which_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o forsake_v a_o little_a many_o have_v go_v through_o small_a trial_n and_o after_o forsake_a christ_n in_o great_a and_o christ_n make_v it_o the_o property_n of_o temporary_n that_o be_v not_o root_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o fall_v when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n arise_v and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v they_o may_v stand_v till_o then_o and_o if_o trial_n never_o come_v they_o may_v never_o fall_v and_o yet_o be_v unsound_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n answ_n 1._o if_o your_o trial_n now_o be_v considerable_a the_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v manifest_v in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a and_o though_o in_o strive_v against_o sin_n you_o have_v not_o yet_o resist_v unto_o blood_n 2._o if_o you_o careful_o observe_v your_o own_o heart_n you_o may_v discern_v whether_o the_o spirit_n and_o your_o resolution_n be_v prevalent_a by_o their_o daily_a subdue_a and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n nay_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o victory_n of_o god_n spirit_n over_o the_o flatter_a entice_a world_n in_o prosperity_n be_v as_o great_a and_o glorious_a if_o not_o more_o then_o that_o over_o the_o frown_a persecute_v world_n in_o adversity_n and_o therefore_o find_v the_o one_o and_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o other_o though_o i_o confess_v that_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o fall_v so_o visible_o and_o shameful_o always_o in_o prosperity_n as_o in_o adversity_n for_o they_o have_v more_o pretence_n advantage_n and_o carnal_a shift_n to_o hide_v the_o shame_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o for_o that_o in_o the_o parable_n in_o mat._n 13._o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v one_o thing_n christ_n seem_v to_o speak_v of_o every_o several_a sort_n of_o hearer_n by_o a_o gradation_n speak_v last_o of_o those_o that_o go_v far_a the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o common_a ignorant_a negligent_a hearer_n in_o who_o the_o word_n take_v no_o root_n at_o all_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v those_o that_o give_v it_o a_o slight_a and_o shallow_a root_n but_o no_o deep_a root_n at_o all_o these_o be_v they_o that_o fall_v away_o in_o tribulation_n by_o fall_v away_o be_v mean_v the_o plain_a desert_v christ_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o cause_n these_o man_n till_o this_o fall_n away_o though_o they_o profess_v christ_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n yet_o no_o doubt_n do_v not_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n &_o the_o world_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v discover_v their_o unsoundness_n if_o they_o will_v before_o tribulation_n come_v
perfect_o sanctify_v and_o rid_v of_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o smart_n and_o displease_v of_o your_o flesh_n be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o that_o poor_a weak_a measure_n as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v they_o dare_v you_o or_o will_v you_o quit_v your_o part_n in_o god_n heaven_n christ_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o do_v as_o the_o profane_a world_n do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o please_v your_o flesh_n or_o save_v your_o state_n or_o life_n do_v not_o you_o daily_o strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o and_o deny_v it_o its_o desire_n do_v you_o not_o deny_v the_o world_n when_o it_o will_v hinder_v you_o from_o work_n of_o mercy_n or_o public_a good_a according_a to_o your_o ability_n be_v it_o not_o the_o grief_n of_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o fall_v and_o your_o great_a trouble_n that_o you_o can_v walk_v more_o obedient_o innocent_o and_o 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that_o to_o the_o question_n or_o deny_v your_o sincerity_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n doubt_v x._o i_o have_v no_o gift_n to_o make_v i_o useful_a to_o myself_o or_o other_o when_o i_o shall_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n i_o can_v remember_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v reprove_v a_o sinner_n or_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a i_o have_v not_o word_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o have_v not_o word_n to_o express_v that_o which_o as_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o what_o grace_n can_v here_o be_v then_o answer_n this_o need_v no_o long_a answer_n lament_v and_o amend_v those_o sin_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v disable_v but_o know_v that_o these_o gift_n depend_v more_o on_o nature_n art_n industry_n and_o common_a grace_n then_o upon_o special_a save_a grace_n many_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v excellent_a in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v defective_a where_o have_v god_n lay_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o strength_n 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