way_n to_o the_o father_n before_o they_o clear_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o way_n john_n 14.5_o and_o the_o best_a of_o we_o know_v it_o but_o in_o part_n and_o must_v wait_v for_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o in_o another_o world_n one_o great_a mystery_n be_v that_o the_o holy_a frame_n and_o disposition_n whereby_o our_o soul_n be_v furnish_v and_o enable_v for_o immediate_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n must_v be_v get_v by_o receive_v it_o out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n as_o a_o thing_n already_o prepare_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o existence_n for_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o treasure_v up_o in_o he_o and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o righteousness_n wrought_v out_o in_o christ_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o so_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v first_o wrought_v out_o and_o complete_v in_o christ_n for_o we_o and_o then_o impart_v to_o we_o and_o as_o our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v produce_v original_o in_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o propagate_v from_o he_o to_o we_o so_o our_o new_a nature_n and_o holiness_n be_v first_o produce_v in_o christ_n and_o derive_v from_o he_o to_o we_o or_o as_o it_o be_v propagate_v so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o work_v together_o with_o christ_n in_o make_v or_o produce_v that_o holy_a frame_n in_o we_o but_o only_o to_o take_v it_o to_o ourselves_o and_o use_v it_o in_o our_o holy_a practice_n as_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n thus_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o recover_v that_o holy_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v original_o in_o he_o for_o fellowship_n be_v when_o several_a person_n have_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o common_a 1_o jo._n 1._o this_o mystery_n be_v so_o great_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o common_o think_v that_o we_o must_v get_v a_o holy_a frame_n by_o produce_v it_o a_o new_a in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o form_v and_o work_v it_o out_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n therefore_o many_o that_o be_v serious_o devout_a take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o mortify_v their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o beget_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o themselves_o by_o strive_v earnest_o to_o master_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o by_o press_v vehement_o upon_o their_o heart_n many_o motive_n to_o godliness_n labour_v importunate_o to_o squeeze_v good_a qualification_n out_o of_o they_o as_o oil_n out_o of_o a_o flint_n they_o account_v that_o though_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o righteousness_n wrought_v out_o by_o christ_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v sanctify_v by_o a_o holiness_n wrought_v out_o by_o themselves_o and_o tho'_o out_o of_o humility_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o call_v it_o infuse_v grace_n yet_o they_o think_v they_o must_v get_v the_o infusion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o work_v as_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o acquire_v by_o their_o endeavour_n on_o this_o account_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o godly_a life_n to_o be_v harsh_a and_o unpleasing_a because_o it_o cost_v so_o much_o struggle_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o new_a frame_n they_o if_o they_o know_v that_o this_o way_n of_o entrance_n be_v not_o only_o harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a but_o altogether_o impossible_a and_o that_o the_o true_a way_n of_o mortify_a sin_n and_o quicken_a themselves_o to_o holiness_n be_v by_o receive_v a_o new_a nature_n out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o production_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n than_o of_o original_a sin_n though_o we_o do_v more_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o if_o they_o know_v this_o they_o may_v save_v themselves_o many_o a_o bitter_a agony_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o misspend_v burdensome_a labour_n and_o employ_v their_o endeavour_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o successful_a another_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o glorious_a manner_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o receive_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n from_o he_o it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n himself_o in_o we_o and_o that_o not_o mere_o by_o his_o universal_a presence_n as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o by_o such_o a_o close_a union_n as_o that_o we_o be_v one_o spirit_n and_o one_o flesh_n with_o he_o which_o be_v a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v i_o may_v well_o call_v this_o a_o mystical_a union_n because_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o great_a mystery_n in_o a_o epistle_n full_a of_o mystery_n eph._n 5.20_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v great_a eminent_o above_o many_o other_o mystery_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a mystery_n in_o religion_n the_o other_o two_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o one_o godhead_n and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man._n though_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o exact_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o any_o of_o these_o three_o union_n in_o our_o imagination_n because_o the_o depth_n of_o these_o mystery_n be_v beyond_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v they_o all_o because_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a foundation_n for_o other_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n particular_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v plain_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o dwell_v in_o believer_n and_o they_o in_o he_o joh._n 6.56_o and_o 14.20_o and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o join_v together_o as_o to_o become_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o that_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o they_o two_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v one_o flesh_n eph._n 5.30_o 31._o furthermore_o this_o union_n be_v illustrate_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a resemblance_n which_o will_v be_v very_o much_o unlike_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o resemble_v and_o will_v rather_o seem_v to_o beguile_v we_o by_o obscure_v the_o truth_n than_o instruct_v we_o by_o illustrate_v of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a proper_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n it_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o union_n betwixt_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n jo._n 14.20_o and_o 17.21_o 22_o 23._o betwixt_o the_o vine_n and_o its_o branch_n joh._n 15.4_o 5._o betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o body_n ephes_n 1.22.23_o betwixt_o bread_n and_o the_o eater_n joh._n 6.51_o 53_o 54._o it_o be_v not_o only_o resemble_v but_o seal_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n where_o neither_o the_o popish_a transubstantiation_n nor_o the_o lutheran_n consubstantiation_n nor_o the_o protestant_n spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o true_a receiver_n can_v stand_v without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o true_o eat_v and_o drink_v by_o believer_n either_o spiritual_o or_o corporal_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n not_o only_o naked_a sign_n but_o such_o sign_n as_o be_v much_o more_o apt_a to_o breed_v false_a notion_n in_o we_o than_o to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o union_n so_o impossible_a or_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o may_v force_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o familiar_a sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o express_v and_o illustrate_v it_o though_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n yet_o he_o can_v join_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n without_o any_o substantial_a change_n of_o either_o by_o the_o same_o insinite_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o we_o and_o so_o our_o flesh_n will_v become_v he_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o flesh_n we_o as_o true_o as_o if_o we_o do_v eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n and_o he_o will_v be_v in_o we_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o who_o can_v unite_v more_o close_o to_o christ_n than_o any_o material_a substance_n can_v do_v or_o who_o can_v make_v a_o more_o close_a and_o intimate_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o a_o believer_n be_v one_o person_n with_o christ_n any_o more_o than_o that_o christ_n be_v one_o person_n with_o the_o father_n by_o that_o great_a mystical_a union_n neither_o will_v a_o believer_n be_v hereby_o make_v god_n but_o only_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n body_n
be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.5_o they_o that_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v not_o indeed_o solicitous_a about_o earn_v their_o salvation_n by_o their_o own_o legal_a work_n and_o satan_n be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v to_o they_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sinful_a carelessness_n and_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n but_o they_o that_o will_v believe_v this_o false_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o love_n and_o that_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o to_o all_o their_o obedience_n by_o the_o bit_n and_o bridle_n of_o slavish_a fear_n as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n psal_n 32.9_o three_o beware_v of_o think_v so_o high_o of_o this_o assurance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o any_o doubt_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n a_o great_a reason_n why_o many_o protestant_n have_v recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n in_o this_o point_n be_v because_o they_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o any_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n as_o they_o find_v many_o be_v who_o they_o can_v but_o own_o as_o true_a believer_n and_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n true_a indeed_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v contrary_a to_o doubt_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n it_o will_v exclude_v all_o doubt_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o do_v now_o exclude_v in_o some_o degree_n but_o be_v there_o not_o flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n in_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n gal._n 5.17_o be_v there_o not_o a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n rom._n 7.23_o may_v not_o one_o that_o true_o believe_v say_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_v 9.24_o can_v any_o on_o earth_n say_v they_o have_v receive_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o assurance_n can_v be_v true_a except_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o free_a the_o soul_n from_o all_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n account_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o they_o have_v much_o assurance_n intimate_v that_o some_o true_a assurance_n may_v be_v in_o a_o less_o degree_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o peter_n have_v some_o good_a assurance_n of_o christ_n help_n when_o he_o walk_v on_o the_o water_n at_o christ_n command_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o doubtfulness_n in_o he_o as_o his_o fear_n show_v when_o he_o see_v the_o wind_n boisterous_a he_o have_v some_o faith_n contrary_a to_o doubt_v though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a as_o christ_n word_n to_o he_o show_v o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v matth._n 14.29_o 30_o 31._o it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o oppose_v a_o true_a assurance_n and_o assault_v it_o with_o doubting_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v sometime_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v a_o assurance_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v his_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o as_o some_o scoff_o object_n that_o he_o will_v say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o any_o assurance_n that_o he_o have_v of_o be_v there_o and_o need_v diligent_a self-examination_n to_o find_v it_o out_o yet_o if_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v blame_v his_o soul_n for_o doubt_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o psal_n 42.11_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v his_o doubt_n as_o sinful_a and_o say_v with_o himself_o this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n psal_n 77.10_o these_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o still_o endeavour_v to_o call_v god_n father_n and_o complain_v to_o he_o that_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v his_o father_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n which_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o and_o dispel_v those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v some_o true_a assurance_n though_o he_o must_v strive_v to_o grow_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o can_v not_o rational_o condemn_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o sinful_a neither_o can_v he_o rational_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o his_o father_n or_o that_o god_n will_v assure_v he_o of_o that_o love_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v true_a do_v but_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n thus_o to_o resist_v and_o struggle_v with_o slavish_a fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o you_o grant_v in_o effect_n that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v something_o of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o save_v faith_n whereby_o it_o resist_v doubt_n and_o you_o be_v in_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o i_o in_o the_o assertion_n however_o strange_a my_o expression_n seem_v to_o you_o if_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v our_o imperfection_n in_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o grace_n be_v well_o consider_v this_o ancient_a protestant_a doctrine_n will_v be_v free_v much_o from_o prejudice_n and_o gain_v more_o esteem_n among_o we_o four_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n free_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o we_o particular_o be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n before_o we_o believe_v it_o but_o because_o it_o become_v a_o certain_a truth_n when_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v never_o be_v true_a except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v and_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a promise_n or_o declaration_n in_o scripture_n that_o god_n certain_o will_n or_o do_v give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o any_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a neither_o do_v we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a already_o by_o scripture_n or_o sense_n or_o reason_n before_o we_o assure_v ourselves_o absolute_o of_o it_o yea_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n salvation_n at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n only_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o believe_v a_o lie_n but_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o matth._n 9.29_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o assurance_n far_o different_a from_o other_o ordinary_a kind_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v find_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o it_o be_v assault_v with_o many_o doubt_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v other_o thing_n on_o the_o clear_a evidence_n we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o will_v remain_v true_a whether_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o no_o so_o that_o we_o can_v deny_v our_o assent_n without_o rebel_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o conscience_n but_o here_o our_o assurance_n be_v not_o impress_v on_o our_o thought_n by_o any_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v work_v it_o out_o in_o ourselves_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o we_o bring_v our_o own_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n none_o but_o god_n can_v just_o require_v of_o we_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n because_o he_o only_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o he_o only_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o thing_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o and_o make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a upon_o our_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v not_o true_a before_o he_o only_o can_v make_v good_a that_o promise_n what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o mark_v 11.24_o who_o be_v he_o that_o say_v and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o lord_n command_v it_o not_o lament_v 3.37_o therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o great_o redownd_v to_o his_o glory_n man_n will_v often_o require_v a_o believe_a something_o like_o it_o as_o when_o one_o say_v i_o will_v forgive_v your_o offence_n
person_n can_v receive_v inward_a comfort_n from_o outward_a thing_n as_o from_o worldly_a estate_n wife_n husband_n friend_n etc._n etc._n except_o it_o choose_v they_o as_o good_a and_o count_v they_o his_o own_o by_o a_o right_n and_o title_n this_o be_v the_o only_a rational_a way_n whereby_o the_o soul_n can_v active_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o take_v actual_a possession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o salvation_n as_o he_o be_v free_o offer_v and_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v our_o great_a instrument_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o he_o and_o close_v with_o he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a salvation_n and_o happiness_n or_o if_o we_o be_v altogether_o in_o a_o slate_n of_o suspense_n and_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o no_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o soul_n be_v quite_o loose_a from_o christ_n and_o have_v no_o holdfast_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o any_o actual_a receive_n or_o lay_v hold_n or_o choose_v of_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o they_o be_v yet_o to_o seek_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o good_a ground_n and_o right_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o or_o no._n let_v any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o the_o soul_n do_v or_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o sufficient_a act_n for_o the_o reception_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o saviour_n head_n or_o husband_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v join_v with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o near_a relation_n can_v a_o woman_n honest_o receive_v any_o one_o as_o her_o husband_n without_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v full_o willing_a to_o be_v her_o husband_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o do_v not_o aright_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o that_o gild_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o assure_a persuasion_n of_o god_n forgive_a they_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o receive_v into_o our_o heart_n our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o adoption_n of_o child_n and_o the_o title_n to_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n until_o we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o father_n and_o take_v we_o to_o be_v his_o child_n and_o heir_n we_o do_v not_o actual_o receive_v any_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o encourage_v our_o heart_n to_o holiness_n in_o all_o difficulty_n until_o we_o can_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v nor_o forsake_v we_o hence_o than_o we_o may_v firm_o conclude_v that_o whoso_o seek_v to_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n and_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o have_v assurance_n or_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n do_v but_o deceive_v himself_o and_o delude_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o mere_a fancy_n instead_o of_o save_v faith_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n seek_v to_o be_v save_v in_o his_o corrupt_a natural_a state_n without_o receive_v and_o lay_v actual_a hold_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n six_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a and_o necessary_a office_n of_o save_v faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o live_v in_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o which_o office_n faith_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v except_o some_o assurance_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v live_v to_o god_n not_o ourselves_o but_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o according_a to_o paul_n s_o example_n we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o assure_v ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v christ_n love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o gal._n 2.20_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n we_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.25_o it_o will_v be_v high_a presumption_n if_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v above_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n before_o we_o have_v make_v sure_a of_o our_o live_n by_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v show_v that_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o the_o comfortable_a benefit_n of_o the_o save_v grace_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n do_v engage_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a practice_n except_o we_o have_v some_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o save_a benefit_n if_o we_o do_v not_o assure_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o alive_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o rise_v with_o christ_n and_o not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o temple_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v hypocrisy_n to_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o privilege_n as_o if_o we_o reckon_v ourselves_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o he_o that_o think_v he_o shall_v doubt_v of_o his_o salvation_n be_v not_o a_o fit_a disciple_n for_o this_o manner_n of_o doctrine_n and_o he_o may_v reply_v to_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o you_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o holiness_n you_o must_v make_v use_v of_o other_o more_o essectual_a argument_n for_o i_o can_v practise_v upon_o these_o principle_n because_o i_o have_v not_o faith_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o they_o some_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n and_o his_o mercy_n towards_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n will_v work_v more_o powerful_o upon_o i_o o_o what_o a_o miserable_a worthless_a kind_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v this_o that_o can_v fit_v a_o believer_n to_o practice_n in_o a_o gospel_n manner_n upon_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o powerful_a principle_n of_o grace_n but_o rather_o leave_v he_o to_o work_v upon_o legal_a principle_n which_o can_v never_o bring_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o out_o of_o love_n and_o as_o such_o a_o faith_n fail_v whole_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o obey_v upon_o gospel_n principles_n so_o it_o fail_v also_o in_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o some_o great_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o include_v assurance_n of_o god_n love_n in_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o such_o be_v those_o great_a duty_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o hope_v that_o make_v not_o ashamed_a own_v the_o lord_n as_o our_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n pray_v to_o he_o as_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n offer_v up_o body_n and_o soul_n as_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n upon_o he_o contentment_n and_o hearty_a thanksgiving_n in_o every_o condition_n make_v our_o boast_n in_o the_o lord_n triumph_v in_o his_o praise_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n put_v on_o christ_n in_o our_o baptism_n receive_v christ_n body_n as_o break_v for_o we_o and_o his_o blood_n as_o shed_v for_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n commit_v our_o soul_n willing_o to_o god_n as_o our_o redeemer_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o call_v for_o we_o love_v christ_n second_a appearance_n and_o look_v for_o it_o as_o that_o bless_a hope_n when_o we_o fall_v into_o any_o sudden_a doubt_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o any_o present_a undertake_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o any_o duty_n that_o require_v assurance_n to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o we_o must_v relieve_v ourselves_o by_o trust_v confident_o in_o christ_n for_o the_o present_a gift_n of_o his_o salvation_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v drive_v to_o omit_v the_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o perform_v it_o right_o or_o sincere_o can_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n at_o least_o several_a of_o they_o sincere_o or_o if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o holy_a faith_n as_o do_v enable_v or_o incline_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o be_v thus_o enable_v and_o incline_v by_o any_o faith_n that_o be_v without_o some_o true_a assurance_n of_o
forego_n direction_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o duty_n with_o which_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v and_o by_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v before_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o christ_n himself_o with_o all_o endowment_n necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a practice_n be_v receive_v actual_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v the_o knot_n of_o mystical_a marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o make_v we_o branch_n of_o that_o noble_a vine_n member_n of_o that_o body_n join_v to_o that_o excellent_a head_n live_v stone_n of_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n build_v upon_o the_o precious_a live_a cornerstone_n and_o sure_a foundation_n partaker_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o drink_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n whereby_o we_o pass_v from_o our_o corrupt_a natural_a state_n to_o a_o new_a holy_a state_n in_o christ_n also_o from_o death_n in_o sin_n to_o life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o whereby_o we_o be_v comfort_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n if_o we_o put_v the_o question_n what_o must_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n resolve_v it_o that_o we_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 6.28_o 29._o he_o put_v we_o first_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o work_n of_o work_n because_o all_o other_o good_a work_n proceed_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o present_a direction_n be_v to_o put_v you_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o guide_v you_o therein_o for_o which_o end_n you_o be_v to_o consider_v distinct_o four_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v you_o be_v to_o make_v it_o your_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n many_o make_v little_a conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n as_o many_o moral_a duty_n be_v but_o only_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man._n these_o be_v sometime_o terrify_v with_o apprehension_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o will_v examine_v themselves_o concern_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v will_v write_v they_o down_o to_o help_v their_o memory_n and_o devotion_n but_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v seldom_o think_v of_o in_o their_o self-examination_n or_o register_v in_o the_o large_a catalogue_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v neglect_v all_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v it_o either_o because_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o perform_v at_o any_o time_n without_o any_o labour_n or_o diligent_a endeavour_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o account_v it_o as_o difficult_a as_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o utter_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v by_o their_o most_o diligent_a endeavour_n except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o its_o mighty_a power_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o work_v until_o they_o feel_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o because_o they_o account_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n that_o it_o will_v be_v presumption_n for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o until_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n i_o shall_v urge_v you_o to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o impediment_n by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o best_a endeavour_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preciousness_n excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o already_o discover_v if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o darken_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o will_v show_v we_o that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o find_v out_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v condemn_v those_o that_o despise_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n declare_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o obedience_n yea_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o reveal_v doctrine_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o cor._n 3.15_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n be_v for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10.4_o and_o christ_n be_v that_o end_n for_o righteousness_n the_o moral_a law_n itself_o be_v reveal_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n by_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o else_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o avail_v fall_v man_n that_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v it_o therefore_o they_o that_o slight_a the_o duty_n of_o believe_v and_o count_v it_o foolishness_n do_v thereby_o slight_a despise_v and_o villisie_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o the_o only_a fruit_n that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v attain_v to_o of_o all_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v only_o some_o hypocritical_a moral_a duty_n and_o slavish_a performance_n which_o will_v be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a day_n however_o many_o mind_n not_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o self-examination_n and_o write_v it_o not_o in_o their_o scroul_n yet_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a sin_n of_o all_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o scroul_n will_v not_o prevail_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yea_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v in_o their_o conversation_n be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o unbelief_n this_o one_o sin_n prevail_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o please_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n whatsoever_o heb._n 11.6_o if_o you_o will_v not_o mind_v this_o one_o main_a sin_n now_o god_n will_v at_o last_o mind_n you_o of_o it_o with_o a_o vengeance_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o joh._n 3.36_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 1.5_o 2._o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o work_n that_o will_v require_v diligent_a endeavour_n and_o labour_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v by_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.11_o we_o must_v show_v diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o may_v and_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3.16_o 17._o i_o confess_v it_o be_v easy_a pleasant_a and_o delicious_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o any_o cumbersome_a bodily_a labour_n and_o it_o be_v a_o take_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o our_o own_o which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o this_o by_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o affection_n which_o make_v even_o hard_o work_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a to_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v withal_o from_o our_o own_o inward_a corruption_n and_o from_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o receive_v christ_n as_o our_o happiness_n and_o true_a salvation_n with_o true_a confidence_n and_o lively_a affection_n when_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n lie_v heavy_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n manifest_v by_o the_o word_n and_o terrible_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v be_v
the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o joh._n 3.19_o 21._o that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o strong_o comfort_v by_o faith_n and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o if_o our_o way_n be_v evil_a we_o may_v turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n through_o christ_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n lam._n 3.40_o joh._n 14.6_o but_o your_o great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v in_o many_o instead_o of_o promote_a it_o therefore_o beware_v lest_o you_o trust_v upon_o your_o self-examination_n rather_o than_o upon_o christ_n as_o some_o do_v that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n mere_o because_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o upon_o their_o sickbed_n or_o before_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o they_o have_v find_v themselves_o stark_o nought_o and_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o christ_n to_o make_v they_o better_o but_o on_o their_o own_o deceitful_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v begin_v this_o work_n with_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v extend_v mercy_n to_o you_o and_o save_v you_o and_o that_o you_o must_v leave_v this_o a_o question_n whole_o under_o debate_n until_o you_o have_v find_v out_o how_o to_o resolve_v it_o by_o self-examination_n this_o be_v a_o common_a and_o very_a pernicious_a error_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o work_n which_o be_v hereby_o lay_v in_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o prevail_v do_v by_o its_o great_a influence_n dash_v and_o obscure_v all_o inward_a gracious_a qualification_n of_o peace_n hope_n joy_n love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n before_o they_o be_v at_o all_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v give_v any_o good_a evidence_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o it_o make_v people_n willing_a to_o think_v their_o own_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o thus_o it_o whole_o mar_v the_o good_a work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v it_o destructive_a to_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a tit._n 1.15_o you_o shall_v rather_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o much_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a at_o present_a as_o many_o of_o god_n choice_a servant_n do_v often_o find_v yet_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_a for_o you_o and_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o save_v you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o his_o grace_n through_o christ_n i_o have_v former_o show_v that_o this_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n shine_v forth_o in_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n if_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o this_o confidence_n it_o will_v make_v we_o impartial_a and_o not_o afraid_a to_o find_v out_o the_o worst_a by_o ourselves_o and_o willing_a to_o judge_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o holy_a qualification_n this_o confidence_n will_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v clear_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n mark_v well_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v gracious_o accept_v and_o save_v i_o though_o a_o vile_a sinner_n through_o christ_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o whether_o i_o be_o already_o bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v resolve_v affirmative_o by_o a_o confident_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o latter_a only_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o self-examination_n misspend_a not_o your_o time_n as_o many_o do_v in_o pore_v upon_o your_o heart_n to_o find_v whether_o you_o be_v good_a enough_o to_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n nor_o to_o find_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n before_o you_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o act_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o know_v that_o though_o you_o can_v find_v that_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n or_o holiness_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v now_o believe-on_a he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a it_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o you_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n 4.5_o and_o if_o you_o love_v christ_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n misspend_v not_o your_o time_n in_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n except_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o assure_v yourself_o more_o and_o more_o that_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a thereof_o for_o any_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o point_n will_v but_o harden_v you_o in_o unbelief_n remember_v well_o that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v resolve_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o resolve_v it_o you_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o best_a by_o yourself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o humility_n bind_v you_o to_o overlook_v your_o good_a qualification_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o your_o corruption_n but_o your_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o find_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o drop_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o ocean_n of_o your_o corruption_n and_o it_o will_v consist_v well_o with_o humility_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o own_o any_o spark_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v in_o you_o because_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o god_n phil._n 1.11_o and_o you_o must_v try_v inherent_a grace_n by_o the_o touchstone_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n by_o its_o nature_n not_o its_o degree_n not_o deny_v any_o lusting_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o because_o of_o the_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n nor_o deny_v that_o you_o be_v spiritual_a in_o some_o degree_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o carnal_a in_o a_o more_o prevail_a degree_n and_o the_o old_a man_n big_a than_o the_o new_a gal._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o especial_o you_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o prove_v whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o if_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o you_o will_v certain_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o qualification_n and_o will_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v mere_o carnal_a and_o counterfeit_n because_o it_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n that_o to_o the_o vnbelieve_v there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a and_o that_o all_o that_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o godly_a 2_o cor._n 13.5_o tit._n 1.15_o and_o let_v not_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n depend_v at_o all_o upon_o your_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n when_o or_o of_o the_o sermon_n conference_n or_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o you_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n though_o that_o be_v good_a to_o know_v too_o if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o some_o who_o have_v former_o live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o manifest_a opposition_n to_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n may_v know_v such_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o may_v reflect_v upon_o they_o comfortable_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v who_o be_v turn_v of_o a_o sudden_a from_o his_o persecute_v rage_n to_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o other_o sincere_a believer_n may_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n luk._n 1.15_o and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o religious_o and_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o childhood_n as_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 3.15_o yea_o and_o many_o that_o be_v first_o turn_v from_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n to_o some_o external_a reformation_n and_o then_o in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o insensible_a degree_n before_o they_o be_v real_o new_a beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v also_o some_o that_o deceive_v their_o soul_n by_o imagine_v that_o
but_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v note_v and_o here_o 1._o trust_v not_o upon_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o voice_n as_o if_o that_o please_v god_n who_o delight_v only_o in_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n col._n 3.16_o neither_o let_v the_o recreate_v your_o sense_n be_v your_o end_n which_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a work_n non_fw-la musica_fw-la chordula_fw-la sed_fw-la cor._n this_o spiritual_a music_n be_v typify_v by_o musical_a instrument_n of_o old_a 2._o you_o must_v use_v it_o for_o the_o same_o end_n as_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o be_v sing_v i._n e._n to_o quicken_v faith_n 2_o chron._n 20.21_o 22._o act._n 16.25_o 26._o and_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o lord_n glory_v in_o he_o psal_n 104.33_o 34._o and_o 105.3_o and_o 149.1_o 2._o and_o 33.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o be_v never_o right_a until_o you_o can_v be_v hearty_o merry_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o act_v joy_n and_o mirth_n holy_o jam._n 5.13_o eph._n 5.19_o and_o also_o to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n in_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o in_o your_o duty_n teach_v and_o admonish_v col._n 3.16_o many_o psalm_n be_v maschills_n as_o their_o title_n be_v i._n e._n psalm_n of_o instruction_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o sing_v such_o psalm_n as_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n though_o we_o can_v apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o word_n utter_v by_o ourselves_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o in_o this_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v david_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o of_o himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o affliction_n and_o virtue_n to_o instruct_v other_o and_o we_o sing_v such_o psalm_n not_o as_o our_o word_n but_o word_n foâ—_n our_o instruction_n and_o therein_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v anâ—_n more_o than_o the_o levite_n the_o son_n of_o corah_n or_o jâ—duthun_n or_o other_o musician_n bind_v to_o sing_v theâ—_n psal_n 5._o and_o 39_o and_o 42._o though_o it_o be_v good_a personate_v all_o good_a that_o we_o can_v yet_o we_o have_v much_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o psalm_n that_o thoâ—_n we_o can_v apply_v all_o to_o ourselves_o as_o speak_v and_o think_v the_o same_o yet_o we_o shall_v answer_v the_o end_n if_o we_o sing_v for_o our_o instruction_n as_o in_o psal_n 6._o &_o 26._o &_o 46._o &_o 101._o &_o 131._o and_o psalm_n have_v a_o peculiar_a fitness_n for_o teach_v and_o instruct_v because_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o metre_n say_v or_o sing_v be_v very_o helpful_a to_o the_o memory_n see_v deut._n 31.19_o 21._o and_o there_o be_v a_o variety_n of_o curious_a artifice_n in_o the_o place_n of_o word_n in_o the_o psalm_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o there_o be_v some_o alphabetical_a psalm_n as_o psal_n 25._o &_o 34._o &_o 37._o &_o 111._o &_o 112._o &_o 119._o &_o 145._o and_o by_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o sound_n the_o instruction_n come_v in_o with_o delight_n as_o a_o physical_a dose_n sugar_v and_o sorrow_n be_v natural_o allay_v to_o fit_v the_o mind_n for_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o distemper_a passion_n appease_v 2_o king_n 3.15_o 1_o sam._n 16.14_o 15_o 16._o so_o that_o orpheus_n amphion_n and_o other_o be_v famous_a for_o civilise_v rude_a barbarous_a people_n by_o music_n 8._o fast_v be_v also_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o end_n and_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n mat._n 9.15_o and_o 17.21_o 1_o cor._n 7.5_o and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o it_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o and_o 14.23_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v frequent_a command_n for_o it_o and_o example_n chief_o upon_o occasion_n of_o extraordinary_a affliction_n 1_o sam._n 7.6_o neh._n 9.1_o dan._n 9.3_o and_o 10.2_o 3._o 2_o sam._n 12.16_o psal_n 35.13_o 2_o sam._n 3.31_o joel_n 2.13_o beside_o the_o anniversary_n great_a day_n of_o atonement_n leu._n 16.29_o 31._o when_o every_o one_o be_v to_o fast_o on_o pain_n of_o cut_v off_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n zech._n 12.12_o it_o be_v use_v most_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o holiness_n by_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v a_o meet_a help_n for_o extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n joel_n 1.14_o and_o 2.12_o but_o the_o great_a matter_n be_v to_o use_v it_o right_o as_o follow_v 1._o trust_v not_o in_o it_o as_o merit_v or_o satisfy_v as_o papist_n and_o pharisee_n do_v luke_n 18.11_o put_v it_o in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o its_o self_n confer_v grace_n and_o mortify_a lust_n as_o many_o do_v who_o may_v soon_o kill_v their_o body_n than_o their_o lust_n or_o any_o purify_n rite_n yea_o or_o in_o or_o for_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o heb._n 12.9_o col._n 2.16_o 17_o 20_o 23._o imagine_v not_o that_o prayer_n be_v not_o acceptable_a without_o it_o for_o this_o be_v against_o faith_n fast_n as_o well_o as_o feast_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n because_o not_o spiritual_a but_o bodily_a though_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v part_n as_o institute_v rite_n figurative_a and_o teach_v but_o that_o use_n be_v now_o cease_v as_o that_o on_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n and_o so_o many_o significative_a rite_n adjoin_v to_o fast_v as_o sackcloth_n ash_n rend_v garment_n pour_v out_o water_n lie_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n rom._n 14._o the_o soul_n be_v harden_v by_o trust_v in_o they_o isa_n 58.3_o 6._o zech._n 7.5_o 10._o 2._o use_v they_o as_o help_v to_o extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n that_o the_o mind-may_a not_o be_v unsuit_v for_o it_o by_o eat_v drink_v or_o bodily_a pleasure_n joel_n 2.13_o isa_n 22_o 12-13_a zech._n 12.10_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a only_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o soul_n remove_v impediment_n the_o best_a fast_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v off_o from_o delight_n as_o in_o john_n the_o baptist_n case_n mat._n 3.4_o when_o heaven_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n take_v off_o the_o soul_n zach._n 12.10_o 14._o 3._o use_v it_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o its_o end_n without_o which_o its_o worth_a nothing_o if_o abstinence_n divert_v your_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o gnaw_a appetite_n than_o you_o have_v better_o eat_v spare_o as_o daniel_n in_o his_o great_a fast_a ch_n 10._o some_o have_v not_o enough_o of_o spiritual-mindedness_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n without_o great_a distraction_n and_o such_o have_v better_o eat_v than_o go_v beyond_o their_o strength_n in_o a_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a which_o produce_v only_o a_o slavish_a act_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o virginity_n 1_o cor._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o 34_o 35_o 36._o christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o weak_a disciple_n necessitate_v to_o the_o duty_n mat._n 9.14_o 15._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o shall_v strive_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n and_o carnality_n that_o hinder_v their_o use_n of_o this_o excellent_a help_n 4._o you_o may_v expect_v here_o something_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o vow_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o of_o they_o think_v not_o to_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o good_a by_o vow_n and_o promise_n as_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o law_n can_v do_v it_o when_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n law_n do_v it_o not_o we_o bring_v child_n to_o make_v promise_n of_o amendment_n but_o we_o know_v how_o well_o they_o keep_v they_o the_o devil_n will_v urge_v to_o vow_n and_o then_o to_o break_v that_o he_o may_v perplex_v your_o conscience_n the_o more_o 8_o another_o great_a mean_n be_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n act_n 2.42_o 1._o this_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v diligent_o whosoever_o god_n save_v shall_v be_v add_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o come_v into_o communion_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n for_o it_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v bend_v towards_o it_o sometime_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o hinder_v from_o visible_a communion_n and_o ordinance_n but_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v always_o willing_a and_o desirous_a so_o to_o add_v and_o join_v themselves_o act_v 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o fellowship_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o and_o god_n bind_v his_o people_n to_o leave_v the_o fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o accompany_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v charity_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n 1_o cor._n 5.9_o this_o communion_n with_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o private_a converse_n psal_n 101.4_o