be_v as_o unfit_a for_o the_o glorious_a presence_n as_o swine_n for_o the_o presence-chamber_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n i_o confess_v some_o may_v be_v convert_v when_o they_o be_v so_o near_o the_o point_n of_o death_n that_o they_o may_v have_v little_a time_n to_o practice_n holiness_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v active_a like_o fire_n mat._n 3.11_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v give_v it_o will_v immediate_o produce_v good_a inward_a working_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o save_v they_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o he_o shall_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n though_o some_o possible_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o time_n to_o discover_v their_o inward_a grace_n in_o any_o outward_a good_a work_n as_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n luke_n 23.40.43_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v in_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o earnest_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o very_a necessary_a part_n of_o our_o salvation_n great_a multitude_n of_o ignorant_a people_n that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n harden_v their_o heart_n in_o sin_n and_o ruin_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o by_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o such_o a_o imaginary_a salvation_n as_o consist_v not_o at_o all_o in_o holiness_n but_o only_o in_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o deliverance_n from_o everlasting_a torment_n they_o will_v be_v free_a from_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n but_o they_o love_v their_o lust_n so_o well_o that_o they_o hate_v holiness_n and_o will_v not_o be_v save_v from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n the_o way_n to_o oppose_v this_o pernicious_a delusion_n be_v not_o to_o deny_v as_o some_o do_v that_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v a_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o none_o do_v or_o can_v trust_v on_o christ_n for_o true_a salvation_n except_o they_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o holiness_n neither_o do_v they_o hearty_o desire_v true_a salvation_n if_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o ever_o god_n and_o christ_n give_v you_o salvation_n holiness_n will_v be_v one_o part_n of_o it_o if_o christ_n wash_v you_o not_o from_o the_o filth_n of_o your_o sin_n you_o have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o joh._n 13.8_o what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o salvation_n do_v they_o desire_v that_o care_v not_o for_o holiness_n they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o sin_n alien_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n bereave_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n deform_v by_o the_o image_n of_o satan_n his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o own_o filthy_a lust_n utter_o unmeet_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n such_o a_o salvation_n as_o that_o be_v never_o purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o that_o seek_v it_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o lasciviousness_n they_o will_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o christ_n in_o a_o fleshly_a state_n whereas_o god_n do_v free_a none_o from_o condemnation_n but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o they_o will_v divide_v christ_n and_o take_v a_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o leave_v out_o the_o rest_n but_o christ_n be_v not_o divide_v 1_o cor._n 1.13_o they_o will_v have_v their_o sin_n forgive_v not_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o god_n in_o love_n in_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o they_o may_v practise_v their_o enmity_n against_o he_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v they_o understand_v not_o what_o true_a salvation_n be_v neither_o be_v they_o ever_o yet_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a estate_n and_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o be_v but_o a_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o therefore_o their_o trust_v be_v gross_a presumption_n true_a gospel_n faith_n make_v we_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o a_o thirsty_a appetite_n that_o we_o may_v drink_v of_o live_a water_n even_o of_o his_o sanctify_a spirit_n john_n 7.37_o 38._o and_o to_o cry_v out_o earnest_o to_o save_v we_o not_o only_o from_o hell_n but_o from_o sin_n say_v teach_v we_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n thy_o spirit_n be_v good_a psal_n 143.10_o turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v jer._n 31.18_o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o psal_n 51.10_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o grace_n do_v necessitate_v we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o constrain_a we_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o through_o christ_n direct_v ix_o we_o must_v first_o receive_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v sincere_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n explication_n since_o man_n fall_v from_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o he_o be_v enable_v and_o engage_v to_o perform_v by_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o first_o happy_a state_n in_o paradise_n god_n may_v have_v just_o refuse_v ever_o to_o give_v man_n again_o any_o comfort_n beforehand_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n that_o the_o way_n to_o holiness_n be_v hedge_v up_o against_o he_o with_o the_o thorn_n and_o briar_n of_o fear_n grief_n and_o despair_n he_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o his_o first_o transgression_n this_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v we_o no_o life_n comfort_n or_o happiness_n until_o we_o have_v thorough_o perform_v his_o law_n and_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o mount_n sinai_n promulgation_n explicate_v levit._n 26._o throughout_o and_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n so_o strong_o addict_v to_o this_o legal_a method_n of_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o dissuade_v those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o place_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o can_v make_v salvation_n itself_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o work_n they_o think_v it_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v comfort_n before_o duty_n as_o wage_n before_o work_n or_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o husband_n man_n labour_n 2_o tim._n 2.6_o they_o account_v the_o only_a effectual_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o obedience_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v to_o ground_v all_o our_o comfort_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o prophesy_a peace_n to_o they_o where_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n ezek._n 13.16_o 22._o and_o open_v the_o floodgate_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n therefore_o some_o preacher_n will_v advise_v man_n not_o to_o be_v solicitous_a and_o hasty_a of_o get_v of_o comfort_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v rather_o exercise_v themselves_o diligent_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o so_o do_v their_o condition_n will_v be_v safe_a and_o happy_a at_o last_o though_o they_o never_o enjoy_v any_o comfort_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o may_v right_o understand_v what_o i_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o direction_n against_o such_o vulgar_a error_n take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o make_v the_o only_a place_n of_o gospel-comfort_n to_o be_v before_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n on_o every_o side_n psal_n 71.21_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o the_o great_a consolation_n do_v follow_v after_o duty_n yet_o some_o comfort_n god_n give_v to_o his_o people_n before_o hand_n as_o advance-money_n to_o furnish_v they_o for_o his_o service_n though_o most_o of_o the_o pay_n come_v in_o afterward_o neither_o do_v i_o hereby_o speak_v any_o peace_n to_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a state_n for_o the_o comfort_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o can_v be_v receive_v without_o reject_v those_o false_a confidence_n whereby_o natural_a man_n harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o without_o that_o effectual_a work_n of_o
proceed_v from_o god_n because_o it_o have_v the_o image_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n engrave_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a test_n and_o touchstone_n which_o those_o that_o be_v serious_o religious_a will_v use_v to_o try_v spirit_n and_o their_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o they_o can_v rational_o approve_v any_o doctrine_n as_o religious_a that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o by_o this_o touchstone_n christ_n prove_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o therein_o he_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n john_n 7.17_o 18._o and_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v false_a prophet_n by_o their_o fruit_n mat._n 7._o v._n 15_o 16._o wherein_o the_o fruit_n which_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v unto_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o until_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o holiness_n and_o what_o not_o we_o want_v a_o necessary_a touchstone_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v by_o false_a doctrine_n or_o bring_v to_o live_v in_o mere_a suspense_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n like_o the_o seeker_n and_o if_o you_o mistake_v those_o mean_n to_o be_v effectual_a that_o be_v not_o and_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_a to_o be_v weak_a or_o of_o a_o contrary_a effect_n your_o error_n in_o this_o will_v be_v a_o false_a touchstone_n to_o try_v other_o doctrine_n whereby_o you_o will_v ready_o approve_v of_o error_n and_o refuse_v the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v a_o pernicious_a occasion_n of_o many_o error_n in_o religion_n in_o late_a day_n get_v but_o a_o true_a touchstone_n by_o learn_v this_o lesson_n and_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o various_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n papist_n arminian_o socinian_o antinomian_o quaker_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o cleave_v to_o it_o with_o much_o satisfaction_n to_o your_o judgement_n among_o all_o the_o jangle_n and_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n hereby_o you_o may_v discover_v whether_o the_o protestant_a religion_n establish_v among_o we_o have_v in_o it_o any_o sinew_n of_o antinomianism_n whether_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o insufferable_a defect_n in_o practical_a principle_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o turn_v almost_o upside_o down_o with_o new_a doctrine_n and_o method_n as_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o late_a time_n have_v judge_v by_o their_o touchstone_n 8_o it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n for_o our_o establishment_n in_o holy_a practice_n for_o we_o can_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n with_o hope_n of_o success_n except_o we_o have_v some_o faith_n concern_v the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v if_o we_o use_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o work_v by_o god_n meet_v they_o that_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n isai_n 64.5_o and_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o after_o the_o due_a order_n 1_o chron._n 15.13_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o ordain_v such_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o those_o only_o he_o bless_v to_o we_o and_o he_o crow_v no_o man_n that_o strive_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o 2_o tim._n 2.5_o experience_n show_v plentiful_o both_o of_o heathen_n and_o christian_n how_o pernicious_a ignorance_n or_o mistake_v of_o these_o effectual_a mean_n be_v to_o a_o holy_a practice_n the_o heathen_n general_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o know_v because_o of_o their_o ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n many_o christian_n content_v themselves_o with_o external_a performance_n because_o they_o never_o know_v how_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o spiritual_a service_n and_o many_o reject_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n as_o austere_a and_o unpleasant_a because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o right-hand_a or_o pluck_v out_o a_o right-eye_n without_o intolerable_a pain_n whereas_o they_o will_v find_v the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n to_o be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o this_o occasion_v the_o put_v off_o repentance_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o a_o uncouth_a thing_n many_o other_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n with_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o run_v very_o fast_o but_o tread_v not_o a_o step_n in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o find_v themselves_o frequent_o disappoint_v and_o overcome_v by_o their_o lust_n they_o at_o last_o give_v over_o the_o work_n and_o turn_v to_o wallow_v again_o in_o the_o mire_n which_o have_v occasion_v several_a treatise_n to_o show_v how_o far_o a_o reprobate_n may_v go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n whereby_o many_o weak_a saint_n be_v discourage_v account_v that_o these_o reprobate_n have_v go_v further_a than_o themselves_o whereas_o most_o of_o they_o never_o know_v the_o right_a way_n nor_o tread_v one_o step_n aright_o in_o it_o for_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o mat._n 7.14_o some_o of_o these_o ignorant_a zealot_n do_v inhuman_o macerate_v their_o body_n with_o fast_v and_o other_o austerity_n to_o kill_v their_o lust_n and_o when_o they_o see_v their_o lust_n be_v still_o to_o hard_o for_o they_o they_o fall_v into_o despair_n and_o be_v drive_v by_o horror_n of_o conscience_n to_o make_v away_o themselves_o wicked_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n peradventure_o god_n may_v bless_v my_o discovery_n of_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o holiness_n so_o far_o as_o to_o save_v some_o one_o or_o other_o from_o kill_v themselves_o and_o such_o a_o fruit_n as_o this_o will_v countervail_v my_o labour_n though_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o by_o it_o to_o run_v with_o great_a cheerfulness_n joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n direct_v ii_o several_a endowment_n and_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n particular_o we_o must_v have_v a_o inclination_n and_o propensity_n of_o our_o heart_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v well_o persuade_v of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a heavenly_a happiness_n and_o of_o sufficient_a strength_n both_o to_o will_v and_o perform_v all_o duty_n acceptable_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o happiness_n explication_n those_o mean_n that_o be_v next_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o great_a end_n aim_v at_o be_v first_o to_o be_v discover_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o get_v they_o by_o other_o mean_v express_v in_o the_o follow_a direction_n therefore_o i_o have_v name_v here_o several_a qualification_n and_o endowment_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o that_o holy_a frame_n and_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v furnish_v and_o enable_v to_o practise_v the_o law_n immediate_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o in_o the_o continuation_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o therefore_o note_v diligent_o that_o these_o endowment_n must_v continue_v in_o we_o during_o the_o present_a life_n or_o else_o our_o ability_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v be_v lose_v and_o they_o must_v be_v before_o practice_n not_o in_o any_o distance_n of_o time_n but_o only_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o the_o effect_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o i_o have_v name_v particular_o all_o such_o necessary_a qualification_n but_o thus_o much_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o that_o gain_v these_o may_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n gain_v any_o other_o that_o shall_v be_v rank_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a consideration_n for_o few_o understand_v that_o any_o special_a endowment_n be_v require_v to_o furnish_v we_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n more_o than_o for_o other_o voluntary_a action_n the_o first_o adam_n have_v excellent_a endowment_n bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n when_o he_o be_v first_o create_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n have_v endowment_n more_o excellent_a to_o enable_v he_o for_o a_o hard_a task_n of_o obedience_n and_o see_v obedience_n be_v grow_v more_o difficult_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n we_o that_o be_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o christ_n have_v need_n have_v very_o choice_a endowment_n as_o christ_n have_v at_o least_o as_o good_a or_o something_o better_a than_o adam_n have_v at_o first_o as_o our_o work_n be_v hard_a than_o he_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o
they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o light_a they_o deserve_v to_o be_v partaker_n with_o the_o devil_n in_o torment_n as_o they_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o evil_a lust_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o do_v good_a will_v no_o more_o excuse_v they_o than_o it_o excuse_v the_o devil_n eight_o neither_o will_v this_o assertion_n make_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o natural_a people_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n for_o the_o design_n of_o our_o preach_a be_v not_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o holiness_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n but_o to_o raise_v they_o above_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o perfect_a in_o christ_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n col._n 1.28_o and_o though_o they_o can_v perform_v those_o duty_n by_o their_o natural_a strength_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o it_o to_o quicken_v those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o to_o create_v they_o a_o new_a in_o christ_n by_o give_v to_o they_o repentance_n unto_o life_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o gospel_n come_v to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o such_o assurance_n that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thess_n 5.6_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v life_n 2._o cor._n 3.6_o 8._o it_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o it_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o our_o freewill_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a for_o our_o conversion_n but_o it_o convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o life_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o christ_n can_v make_v those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o live_v john_n 5.25_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o gospel_n and_o command_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v with_o good_a success_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v say_v to_o dead_a carcase_n tabytha_n cumi_fw-la mark_v 5.41_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o john_n 11_o 43_o 44._o and_o to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o go_v unto_o thy_o house_n matth._n 9.6_o nine_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o example_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o jew_n or_o christian_n by_o outward_a profession_n that_o have_v live_v without_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n shall_v move_v we_o by_o their_o wise_a say_n and_o renown_v attainment_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n to_o recede_v from_o this_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v so_o full_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o at_o least_o some_o few_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n attain_v as_o near_o to_o that_o true_a holiness_n as_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n yet_o paul_n after_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n judge_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n in_o his_o high_a former_a attainment_n though_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o he_o be_v blameless_a touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n and_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v to_o live_v to_o god_n in_o a_o new_a way_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o phil._n 3.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o none_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o jew_n that_o follow_v after_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n do_v ever_o attain_v unto_o it_o while_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n rom._n 9.31_o 32._o what_o performance_n be_v great_a in_o outward_a appearance_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o true_a charity_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o true_a holiness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a state_n may_v have_v strong_a conviction_n of_o the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o these_o conviction_n may_v stir_v they_o up_o not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n and_o to_o utter_v rare_a say_n concern_v god_n and_o godliness_n but_o also_o to_o labour_v with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o avoid_v all_o know_a sin_n to_o subdue_v their_o lust_n to_o perform_v universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o to_o extort_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n some_o kind_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v escape_v the_o terrible_a torment_n of_o hell_n and_o procure_v everlasting_a happiness_n by_o their_o endeavour_n yet_o all_o their_o love_n to_o god_n be_v but_o force_v and_o feign_v they_o have_v no_o hearty_a like_n to_o god_n or_o his_o service_n they_o account_v he_o a_o hard_a master_n and_o his_o commandment_n grievous_a and_o they_o repine_v and_o fret_v inward_o at_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o everlasting_a fire_n they_o will_v little_o regard_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n without_o danger_n of_o damnation_n the_o high_a preferment_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v only_o after_o the_o flesh_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v but_o to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n gal._n 4.23_o and_o though_o they_o do_v more_o in_o god_n service_n than_o many_o of_o his_o dear_a child_n yet_o god_n accept_v not_o their_o service_n because_o their_o best_a performance_n be_v slavish_a without_o any_o childlike_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o no_o better_a than_o glister_a sin_n and_o yet_o these_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o these_o counterfeit_n show_v of_o holiness_n or_o for_o the_o least_o abstain_v from_o the_o gross_a sin_n if_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n full_o to_o their_o own_o natural_a corruption_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o deserve_v all_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n will_v be_v quick_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v grow_v past_a feel_n in_o wickedness_n and_o like_a to_o the_o cannibal_n who_o be_v as_o good_a by_o nature_n as_o ourselves_o but_o god_n that_o can_v restrain_v the_o burn_a of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n without_o quench_v it_o and_o the_o flow_a of_o water_n without_o change_v its_o nature_n do_v also_o restrain_v the_o work_n of_o natural_a corruption_n without_o mortify_v it_o and_o through_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o yield_v feign_v obedience_n to_o he_o psal_n 66.3_o and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n good_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o a_o right_n holy_a manner_n he_o have_v appoint_v several_a mean_n to_o restrain_v our_o corruption_n as_o the_o law_n terror_n of_o conscience_n terrible_a judgement_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n magistrate_n humane_a law_n labour_n for_o necessary_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o those_o gospel_n mean_v that_o be_v effectual_a for_o sanctification_n serve_v also_o for_o restraint_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v gracious_a end_n in_o this_o restraint_n of_o sin_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o his_o gospel_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o these_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o such_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o true_o convert_v may_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o and_o suffer_v the_o less_o torment_n hereafter_o as_o vile_a and_o wicked_a as_o the_o world_n be_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o praise_v and_o to_o magnify_v the_o free_a
goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v no_o worse_o direct_v vi_o those_o that_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o condition_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o procure_v for_o themselves_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o salvation_n and_o a_o good_a ground_n to_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o the_o same_o do_v seek_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v sincere_o any_o true_a holy_a obedience_n by_o all_o such_o endeavour_n explication_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o term_n of_o this_o direction_n note_v here_o that_o i_o take_v salvation_n as_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o well_o as_o other_o save_v benefit_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n as_o comprehend_v holy_a resolution_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o establish_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v to_o make_v it_o the_o procure_a condition_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o happiness_n this_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o various_a false_a religion_n that_o have_v prevail_v most_o in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o way_n the_o heathen_n be_v bring_v to_o their_o best_a devotion_n and_o morality_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o those_o that_o violate_v several_a of_o the_o great_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n and_o by_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o rom._n 1.32_o &_o 2.14_o 15._o our_o conscience_n be_v inform_v by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v these_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v his_o wrath_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o we_o can_v find_v any_o better_a way_n than_o this_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n or_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o duty_n without_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o because_o our_o own_o conscience_n testify_v that_o we_o often_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n we_o be_v incline_v by_o self-love_n to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o pardon_v for_o all_o our_o fail_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n have_v its_o original_n from_o our_o corrupt_a natural_a reason_n and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n that_o hide_a wisdom_n god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n it_o be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 9_o 14._o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v whereby_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 10.21_o and_o though_o we_o have_v a_o better_a way_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n itself_o and_o all_o salvation_n without_o any_o procure_a condition_n of_o work_n by_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v natural_o addict_v to_o and_o that_o have_v forestall_v and_o captivate_v their_o judgement_n and_o be_v breed_v in_o their_o bone_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o be_v get_v out_o of_o the_o flesh_n most_o of_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o hear_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o hate_v sin_n as_o sin_n and_o to_o love_v godliness_n for_o itself_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v love_v it_o hearty_o the_o only_a mean_n that_o they_o can_v take_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o hypocritical_a practice_n in_o their_o old_a natural_a way_n that_o they_o may_v avoid_v hell_n and_o get_v heaven_n by_o their_o work_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_v that_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n that_o they_o have_v for_o god_n and_o godliness_n their_o self-denial_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n strictness_n of_o life_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v and_o extort_a from_o they_o by_o slavish_a fear_n and_o mercenary_a hope_n so_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n without_o work_n the_o fire_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n will_v be_v quick_o extinguish_v and_o they_o shall_v grow_v careless_a in_o religion_n and_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n upon_o themselves_o this_o move_v they_o to_o account_v they_o the_o only_a boanerges_n and_o powerful_a preacher_n that_o preach_v little_a or_o none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freegrace_n but_o rather_o spend_v their_o pain_n in_o rebuke_v sin_n and_o urge_v people_n to_o get_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n by_o their_o work_n and_o thunder_a hell_n and_o damnation_n against_o sinner_n it_o have_v be_v far_o observe_v that_o some_o that_o have_v contend_v much_o for_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n without_o any_o condition_n of_o work_n have_v fall_v into_o antinomian_a opinion_n and_o licentious_a practice_n the_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v much_o prevail_v with_o some_o learned_a and_o zealous_a man_n of_o late_a among_o ourselves_o to_o recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n former_o profess_v unanimous_o and_o strong_o defend_v by_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o papist_n as_o a_o principal_a article_n of_o true_a religion_n they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o justification_n be_v ineffectual_a yea_o destructive_a to_o sanctification_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n can_v be_v establish_v against_o antinomian_a dotage_n and_o prevail_a lust_n except_o it_o be_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o so_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v certain_o make_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o new-model_n the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o to_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o their_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o holiness_n but_o i_o hope_v to_o show_v that_o this_o their_o imagine_a sure_a foundation_n of_o holiness_n be_v never_o lay_v by_o the_o holy_a god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n pernicious_a to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o account_v it_o a_o error_n especial_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a because_o we_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o error_n whereby_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o a_o patron_n of_o holiness_n have_v great_o withstand_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o persecute_v it_o out_o of_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n and_o have_v since_o prevail_v to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v popery_n whereby_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v apace_o in_o these_o day_n to_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o protestant_n and_o to_o heal_v the_o deadly_a wound_n that_o be_v give_v to_o popery_n by_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n one_o thing_n assert_v in_o the_o direction_n against_o this_o fundamental_a error_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o our_o whole_a salvation_n their_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v we_o to_o do_v all_o its_o commandment_n perfect_o that_o we_o may_v live_v whereas_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o a_o mild_a condition_n of_o sincere_a do_v
be_v sincere_a so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v assurance_n in_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o assurance_n must_v not_o be_v account_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o justify_v faith_n and_o salvation_n lest_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o doubt_v saint_n sad_a and_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v they_o account_v that_o former_a protestant_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o manifest_a absurdity_n in_o make_v assurance_n to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o saving-faith_n because_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v to_o saving-faith_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v absolute_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o then_o many_o of_o they_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v they_o in_o particular_a yea_o that_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a lie_n because_o the_o gospel_n show_v that_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v be_v not_o choose_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o perish_v for_o ever_o mat._n 20.16_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o appearance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n move_v many_o to_o imagine_v that_o saving-faith_n be_v a_o trust_n or_o rest_v on_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o trust_v or_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n concern_v our_o salvation_n or_o with_o a_o probable_a opinion_n or_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o it_o at_o best_a another_o objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n be_v that_o it_o destroy_v self-examination_n bring_v forth_o the_o evil_a fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n as_o if_o they_o know_v their_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n cause_v carelessness_n of_o duty_n carnal_a security_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o this_o make_v they_o commend_v doubtfulness_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v in_o we_o humility_n religious_a fear_n watchfulness_n much_o search_a and_o try_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o way_n diligence_n in_o good_a work_n and_o all_o deyotion_n against_o all_o those_o contrary_a imagination_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o maintain_v this_o ancient_a protestant_a doctrine_n of_o assurance_n as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o direction_n and_o first_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o observation_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o strong_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o first_o observe_v diligent_o that_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n or_o that_o we_o have_v be_v already_o bring_v in_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o to_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n though_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n until_o this_o present_a time_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o breed_v presumption_n in_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a already_o but_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n confident_o for_o a_o good_a state_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o may_v yea_o many_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o doubt_v whether_o their_o present_a state_n be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v humility_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o must_v find_v out_o the_o certainty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o self-examination_n before_o we_o can_v have_v a_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n already_o and_o that_o such_o a_o assurance_n belong_v to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a sense_n or_o feel_n of_o what_o be_v in_o myself_o and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v and_o that_o many_o precious_a saint_n be_v without_o it_o and_o subject_a to_o many_o doubt_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o intermit_v if_o not_o whole_o lose_v after_o it_o be_v get_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v holy_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o holiness_n most_o protestant_n among_o we_o when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v of_o assurance_n mean_v only_o that_o which_o be_v by_o reflection_n and_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o brief_o to_o show_v that_o what_o i_o assert_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v concern_v it_o and_o destructive_a to_o none_o of_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o it_o therefore_o not_o guilty_a of_o those_o evil_n that_o some_o false_o charge_v it_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n which_o i_o speak_v of_o answer_v not_o the_o question_n whither_o i_o be_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v answer_v that_o it_o may_v get_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v now_o to_o bestow_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n upon_o i_o though_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o a_o very_a wicked_a creature_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n comfortable_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o reflect_v upon_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a gracious_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o save_a mercy_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o former_a wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a promise_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o her_o belove_a which_o be_v not_o belove_v and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v they_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n rom._n 9.25_o 26._o second_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n whatever_o we_o do_v or_o however_o we_o live_v and_o walk_v but_o only_o in_o a_o limit_a way_n through_o mere_a freegrace_n in_o christ_n by_o partake_v of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n and_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o hearty_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o such_o a_o salvation_n as_o this_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bring_v first_o to_o see_v our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o the_o sanctify_a as_o well_o as_o justify_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n must_v have_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o persuasion_n of_o happiness_n but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a good_a qualification_n that_o will_v make_v it_o a_o most_o holy_a faith_n certain_o a_o assurance_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o beget_v any_o pride_n in_o we_o but_o rather_o humility_n and_o self-loathing_a except_o any_o account_n it_o pride_n to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o it_o will_v not_o destroy_v religious_a fear_n and_o breed_v carnal_a security_n but_o rather_o it_o will_v make_v we_o fear_v go_v aside_o from_o christ_n our_o only_a resuge_n and_o security_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n noah_n have_v cause_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o to_o abide_v there_o with_o assurance_n of_o his_o preservation_n yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v afraid_a to_o venture_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o continuance_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v his_o only_a safery_n from_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o how_o can_v a_o persuasion_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n breed_v sloathfulness_n in_o duty_n carelessness_n and_o licentiousness_n it_o do_v rather_o mighty_o allure_v we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n
we_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v sinner_n in_o the_o way_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.8_o 9_o and_o he_o command_v they_o that_o lack_v wisdom_n to_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o but_o however_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n guide_v we_o only_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o we_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o trust_v right_o on_o god_n for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o great_a work_n to_o help_v you_o herein_o i_o have_v give_v you_o before_o in_o this_o treatise_n a_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o have_v show_v that_o it_o contain_v two_o act_n in_o it_o the_o one_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n now_o your_o great_a endeavour_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v both_o these_o act_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v well_o furnish_v dispose_v and_o encourage_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o you_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o corrupt_a inclination_n that_o hinder_v a_o cheerful_a embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o any_o fail_n in_o the_o second_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o fail_n be_v common_o some_o defect_n in_o this_o first_o act._n there_o be_v some_o false_a imagination_n or_o other_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a hold_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o must_v be_v pull_v down_o before_o they_o can_v receive_v christ_n into_o their_o heart_n by_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o they_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o entertain_v such_o false_a imagination_n and_o to_o account_v many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n strange_a paradox_n yea_o foolish_a and_o pernicious_a because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n self-conceitedness_a guilty_a conscience_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o manifold_a error_n wherewith_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossess_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o satan_n labour_v to_o beguile_v we_o as_o he_o do_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v you_o some_o particular_a instruction_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o prevent_v such_o defect_n as_o we_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n 1._o you_o must_v believe_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o other_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n subject_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o insupportable_a misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o you_o can_v possible_o procure_v your_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n or_o any_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n by_o any_o endeavour_v to_o get_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o that_o you_o can_v find_v any_o way_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o supernatural_a revelation_n nor_o be_v free_v from_o it_o except_o by_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o raise_v the_o dead_a we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a as_o some_o be_v to_o know_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n neither_o must_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v ourselves_o better_a than_o we_o be_v but_o must_v be_v hearty_o desirous_a and_o glad_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o our_o own_o condition_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o worst_a that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o yea_o we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v and_o find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o this_o be_v all_o necessary_a to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a humiliation_n self-despair_n and_o self-loathing_a that_o we_o may_v high_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o make_v we_o sick_a of_o sin_n and_o sensible_a of_o our_o need_n of_o the_o great_a physician_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o any_o of_o his_o prescription_n whatsoever_o we_o suffer_v rather_o than_o to_o follow_v our_o own_o wisdom_n mat._n 9.12_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o humiliation_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n mat._n 21.31_o 2._o you_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v save_v without_o receive_v all_o the_o save_a benesit_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o merit_n sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o holiness_n whenas_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o none_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v holy_o i._n e._n not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.1_o it_o be_v also_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v only_a remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o we_o can_v never_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n except_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o live_v only_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n that_o receive_v not_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o christ_n will_v never_o sanctify_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o heavenly_a glory_n heb._n 12.14_o 3._o you_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o yourself_o and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o his_o blood_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1.7_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o horrible_a and_o continue_v in_o never_o so_o long_o yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o abominable_a wicked_a person_n have_v be_v save_v by_o he_o idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a covetous_a drunkard_n extortioner_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n such_o as_o have_v deny_v christ_n as_o peter_n and_o persecute_v and_o blasphame_v he_o as_o paul_n many_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o account_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a for_o their_o pardon_n and_o sanctification_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o live_v ezek._n 33.10_o this_o despair_n work_v secret_o in_o many_o soul_n without_o much_o trouble_n and_o horror_n and_o make_v they_o careless_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o devil_n sill_n some_o with_o horrid_a filthy_a blasphemous_a thought_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v think_v their_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v though_o common_o such_o thought_n be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v pester_v