and_o at_o length_n that_o they_o shall_v whole_o give_v themselves_o to_o religious_a exercise_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n mean_v time_n they_o conceive_v they_o may_v come_v in_o among_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o young_a beginner_n albeit_o they_o come_v not_o up_o the_o length_n which_o they_o intend_v but_o be_v unde_fw-la the_o power_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o they_o can_v rid_v themselves_o of_o but_o do_v hope_v they_o shall_v betimes_o overcome_v they_o such_o man_n do_v miserable_o mistake_v the_o mater_fw-la first_o in_o that_o they_o think_v their_o purpose_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n breed_v in_o they_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o very_a grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n second_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o lust_n which_o do_v reign_v in_o themselves_o be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o regenerate_v person_n of_o who_o few_o or_o none_o think_v they_o want_v their_o own_o gross_a fault_n three_o they_o conceive_v they_o can_v repent_v more_o serious_o when_o they_o please_v and_o will_v repent_v after_o a_o while_n follow_v of_o their_o belove_a lust_n as_o if_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o they_o do_v daily_o provoke_v by_o their_o vileness_n but_o a_o work_n in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n freewill_n be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n four_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o delay_n of_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o all_o sin_n unto_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o god_n judgement_n harden_v and_o god_n provoke_v to_o punish_v their_o voluntary_a impenitence_n with_o judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v such_o man_n our_o lord_n compare_v to_o the_o disobedient_a son_n who_o promise_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v go_v work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o go_v not_o math._n 21._o 30._o such_o man_n be_v they_o who_o know_v the_o well_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o do_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o double_a punishment_n math_n 12._o 47._o the_o â—â—medy_n of_o this_o evil_a christ_n give_v luk._n 13._o 24_o 25_o 26._o strive_v to_o enter_v at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o â—_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a mâ—n_z know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_v while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n not_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n psal_n 95._o 8._o 2._o other_o some_o be_v who_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a life_n profess_v and_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o indeed_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v certain_o expect_v salvation_n free_o of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o pose_v any_o such_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v present_o answer_v that_o they_o firm_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v their_o sweet_a saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o if_o you_o press_v they_o to_o speak_v in_o earnest_n from_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v present_o be_v ill_o please_v with_o the_o question_n and_o ask_v what_o cause_n of_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v be_v just_o allege_v or_o what_o cause_n have_v any_o man_n to_o suspect_v they_o or_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v say_v they_o if_o not_o in_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o other_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n beside_o he_o if_o a_o man_n please_v to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v forthwith_o affirm_v that_o they_o repent_v day_n and_o night_n and_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o always_o repent_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o man_n be_v these_o of_o who_o christ_n speak_v that_o they_o will_v confident_o come_v to_o he_o and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v but_o servant_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n 3._o such_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o first_o by_o frame_v to_o themselves_o such_o carnal_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o save_a hope_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o in_o their_o fantasy_n they_o conceive_v they_o do_v practice_v which_o conception_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o they_o esteem_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n commend_v these_o duty_n unto_o man_n as_o good_a as_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v take_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o equity_n of_o such_o duty_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o while_o their_o conscience_n say_v why_o shall_v not_o i_o do_v so_o they_o take_v that_o for_o as_o good_a as_o if_o it_o have_v say_v i_o do_v so_o but_o save_v grace_n go_v deep_a than_o civil_a carriage_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o enough_o except_o they_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n also_o in_o daily_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n daily_o to_o be_v washen_n and_o more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v imagine_v a_o faith_n which_o need_v not_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o good_a work_n at_o all_o and_o so_o they_o take_v off_o the_o justify_v man_n from_o all_o necessity_n of_o follow_v good_a work_n as_o far_o as_o they_o take_v off_o good_a work_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o justification_n and_o do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o themselves_o to_o live_v after_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o flesh_n conceive_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v fir_v not_o only_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o our_o lord_n do_v speak_v and_o do_v cut_v off_o such_o libertine_n and_o turner_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o guard_v against_o this_o self-deceit_n heb._n 12._o 14._o command_v to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 5._o some_o there_o be_v who_o pretend_v to_o esteem_v well_o of_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o marriage-supper_n do_v yet_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a when_o they_o have_v much_o ado_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n albeit_o they_o prefer_v the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o thing_n outward_a unto_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o entertain_a communion_n with_o god_n yea_o they_o conceive_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v they_o in_o so_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v insinuat_fw-la in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o guest_n invite_v to_o the_o feast_n answer_v the_o invitation_n with_o i_o pray_v have_v i_o excuse_v luke_n 14._o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o rise_v evil_a in_o great_a personage_n rich_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v much_o implove_v in_o earthly_a affair_n such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o first_o in_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n with_o themselves_o that_o their_o earthly_a affair_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v first_o and_o most_o sensible_o appear_v must_v in_o the_o first_o room_n be_v cared-for_a and_o that_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a may_v be_v follow_v after_o as_o their_o civil_a and_o earthly_a affair_n may_v permit_v second_o they_o reckon_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o for_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v when_o gain_n may_v be_v have_v that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o slip_v the_o occasion_n or_o to_o put_v his_o worldly_a good_n in_o hazard_n by_o defend_v or_o follow_v matter_n of_o religion_n three_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o wise_a as_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o serve_v two_o master_n god_n and_o covetousness_n albeit_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o serve_v not_o god_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n this_o error_n our_o lord_n refute_v and_o give_v warning_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o luke_n 21._o 34._o take_v heed_n
creature_n presuppose_v innocent_a be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o mere_a creature_n can_v proper_o merit_v any_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n because_o the_o creature_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o receive_v rom._n 11._o 35._o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o every_o gift_n or_o good_a bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o ill_a deserver_n in_o which_o sense_n gist_n common_a to_o elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n rom._n 1._o 5._o ephes._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pactioâ—all_a merit_n of_o work_n or_o to_o the_o reward_n due_a by_o debt_n covenant_v as_o rom._n 4._o 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n in_o which_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v give_v for_o work_n be_v not_o give_v of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o take_v grace_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o life_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o covenant_n may_v thus_o be_v describe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o contract_n between_o god_n and_o man_n procure_v by_o christ_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n shall_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n shall_v have_v he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n wherein_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o all_o the_o elect_v give_v unto_o christ_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v in_o due_a time_n to_o god_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n this_o grace_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12._o 22._o of_o infant_n interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n quest._n what_o interest_n have_v infant_n in_o this_o covenant_n ans._n the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o express_v and_o formal_a make_v thereof_o with_o abraham_n to_o who_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n who_o child_n all_o be_v who_o be_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27_o 28_o 29._o for_o of_o the_o redeem_v some_o come_v to_o age_n who_o god_n have_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v induce_v and_o effectual_o move_v to_o embrace_v solemn_o the_o offer_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o be_v other_o redeem_v one_o who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o who_o salvation_n god_n have_v express_v respect_n in_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o blessing_n when_o he_o call_v their_o parent_n to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n he_o make_v the_o promise_n joint_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n for_o in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o breath_n he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o gen._n 15._o 17._o whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v good_a use_n act_v 2._o 39_o declare_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o the_o call_v gentile_n and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n paul_n and_o silas_n timeous_o do_v offer_v consolation_n to_o the_o jailor_n tremble_v and_o anxious_a what_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o saying_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v thou_o and_o thy_o house_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o infant_n in_o convert_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v for_o this_o lie_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o search_v after_o deut._n 29._o 29._o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o the_o parent_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n and_o according_a to_o this_o covenant_n the_o lord_n complain_v of_o their_o stay_n and_o offer_v their_o child_n unto_o idol_n call_v they_o his_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n ezek._n 16._o 20._o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n in_o the_o second_o command_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thousand_o generation_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n believe_v holy_a child_n because_o of_o their_o consecration_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o believe_a confederate_a parent_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n right_a and_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o family_n by_o covenant_n and_o christ_n our_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n burgess_n of_o heaven_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 19_o 13_o 14._o and_o because_o infant_n be_v dedicat_fw-la to_o christ_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n they_o be_v call_v disciple_n act_n 15._o 10._o as_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christian_n child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v make_v it_o manifest_a and_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n our_o lord_n give_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o every_o nation_n no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o covenant_n whole_a nation_n may_v be_v draw_v in_o and_o give_v up_o as_o disciple_n to_o his_o doctrine_n matth._n 28._o 29._o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n by_o your_o doctrine_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o child_n with_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v partaker_n by_o baptism_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n no_o less_o than_o the_o child_n of_o israelite_n be_v by_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o draw_v on_o the_o make_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o these_o mean_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v more_o about_o they_o then_o to_o name_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o this_o bless_a covenant_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o be_v the_o external_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v man_n how_o great_a their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o deliver_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o thankfulness_n be_v reconcile_v for_o such_o a_o mercy_n which_o ground_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v full_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o commit_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n inform_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v on_o his_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o obedience_n upon_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n be_v after_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n to_o the_o hearer_n for_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n and_o judgement_n to_o follow_v to_o wit_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o appear_v serious_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v for_o the_o present_a or_o not_o the_o three_o mean_v be_v the_o solemn_a seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n for_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n by_o baptise_v both_o the_o parent_n that_o accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n also_o and_o by_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o commination_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v more_o and_o more_o
to_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o must_v be_v prove_v also_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n a_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n a_o man_n justify_v and_o a_o adopt_a child_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o know_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o true_o regenerate_v circumcise_v in_o heart_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o sinless_a but_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n as_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o himself_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a of_o accusation_n or_o tentation_n and_o doubt_n but_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n but_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 1._o he_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n 2._o he_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n 3._o he_o put_v on_o christ_n yoke_n math._n 11._o 28_o 29._o if_o a_o man_n have_v these_o three_o property_n joint_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o regenerae_fw-la man_n and_o may_v defend_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o divine_a operation_n and_o save_a grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n repentance_n unto_o life_n hope_v christian_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n go_v together_o in_o time_n by_o god_n gift_n but_o one_o of_o they_o go_v before_o another_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o effectual_a calling_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o faith_n go_v before_o hope_n and_o before_o charity_n or_o love_n again_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_a child_n of_o god_n joint_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o evidence_n alike_o soon_o in_o time_n nor_o do_v they_o equal_o manifest_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v in_o time_n and_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v discern_v in_o not_o a_o few_o convert_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v show_v itself_o in_o they_o clear_o so_o also_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ofttimes_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o himself_o dare_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ._n 4._o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o regenerate_a person_n who_o for_o the_o present_a time_n can_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o to_o their_o own_o unspeakable_a comfort_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o be_v point_v out_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o all_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n clear_a and_o certain_a to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o whether_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o or_o not_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o for_o otherwise_o except_o a_o convert_n know_v certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v make_v a_o reconcile_a subject_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n or_o set_v cheerful_o himself_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o comfortable_o call_v on_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n wherefore_o all_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n shall_v deal_v by_o prayer_n earnest_o with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o they_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n in_o they_o they_o may_v know_v the_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o which_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n own_o regeneration_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o assurance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n wherein_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v may_v be_v for_o many_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o may_v darken_v his_o sight_n and_o hinder_v the_o assurance_n of_o save_a grace_n grant_v unto_o he_o whereof_o sundry_a cause_n may_v be_v find_v and_o in_o special_a these_o four_o among_o other_o 1._o in_o a_o man_n illuminat_fw-la and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o remain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n much_o doubt_v mix_v with_o faith_n by_o reason_n of_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o the_o convert_n to_o examine_v and_o discern_v this_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o he_o where_o through_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o young_a convert_n which_o will_v be_v see_v in_o infant_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o know_v or_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v a_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n of_o discretion_n yea_o many_o sound_a christian_n be_v ofttimes_o at_o a_o stand_n about_o their_o regeneration_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o their_o faith_n or_o repentance_n especial_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o strength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o great_a indisposition_n for_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v force_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o cry_v miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o rom._n 7._o 24._o mean_a time_n for_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o to_o wrestle_v against_o discouragement_n and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o apostle_n thank_v god_n through_o christ._n 2._o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n ofttimes_o the_o persuasion_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v darken_v so_o as_o they_o can_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o regeneration_n clear_o for_o satan_n set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o bond_n who_o albeit_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v they_o that_o at_o least_o he_o may_v make_v they_o some_o way_n unfit_a for_o god_n service_n and_o mar_v their_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o service_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v harm_n from_o they_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n by_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o unconvert_v to_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o find_v they_o work_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o put_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o forbear_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n till_o they_o be_v settle_v themselves_o 3._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n be_v offend_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o special_o by_o their_o gross_a transgression_n for_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v do_v for_o a_o time_n cease_v from_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v 4._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n by_o suffer_a doubt_n to_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n use_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n and_o thereby_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o pursue_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n more_o vigorous_o and_o sincere_o that_o after_o victory_n obtain_v over_o these_o tentation_n they_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o his_o obedience_n 6._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o while_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v most_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o he_o and_o clear_o see_v by_o other_o more_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o howsoever_o the_o weak_a convert_n and_o child_n of_o light_n walk_v
may_v weaken_v their_o faith_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o work_v such_o other_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o child_n as_o may_v more_o and_o more_o mortify_v sin_n in_o they_o and_o perfect_a the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o his_o new_a creature_n this_o divine_a magisteriall_a and_o effectual_a application_n of_o real_a blessing_n belong_v to_o god_n only_o and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o ministerial_a application_n which_o be_v of_o the_o external_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o man_n the_o blessing_n whereof_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n to_o bestow_v on_o who_o how_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o in_o what_o time_n it_o please_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v show_v unto_o we_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o i_o have_v plant_v and_o apollo_n have_v water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n 3._o the_o external_a mean_n which_o do_v serve_v unto_o the_o foresay_a divine_a operation_n be_v 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o read_v by_o all_o man_n and_o meditat_fw-la upon_o with_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n and_o 2._o send_v minister_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o who_o ministry_n disciple_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o christ_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o 3._o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n whereby_o they_o with_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v and_o gather_v together_o in_o several_a church_n and_o put_v under_o the_o government_n of_o such_o church-officer_n as_o his_o testament_n have_v appoint_v and_o 4._o these_o church_n join_v together_o in_o the_o most_o edify_a way_n of_o mutual_a communion_n and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o true_a doctrine_n pure_a worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o god_n providence_n do_v make_v way_n for_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n may_v continue_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o his_o ordinance_n may_v be_v exercise_v public_o and_o private_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n for_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n require_v ephes._n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14._o 4._o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o external_a mean_n and_o special_o in_o the_o application_n of_o these_o three_o covenant_n prudence_n be_v require_v both_o in_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o which_o intent_n and_o purpose_n these_o follow_a consideration_n may_v serve_v 1._o the_o remedy_n of_o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o doctrine_n 〈…〉_z be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o porty_fw-la 〈◊〉_d before_o he_o can_v receive_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o 〈…〉_z a_o prudent_a application_n of_o wholesome_a and_o save_a doctrine_n may_v be_v make_v of_o necessity_n the_o party_n disease_v must_v be_v acquâ—â—ared_v with_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o can_v make_v use_n thereof_o to_o his_o advantage_n for_o experience_n teach_v we_o how_o hardly_o gross_a ignorant_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o sin_n add_v how_o hardly_o such_o can_v be_v comfort_v when_o their_o conscience_n be_v waken_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n because_o they_o neither_o know_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o terror_n and_o anxiety_n wherein_o they_o be_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o remedy_n of_o their_o evil_n except_o they_o first_o be_v catechise_v in_o the_o head_n of_o save_a doctrine_n hâ—ld_v forth_o in_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o instruction_n can_v hardly_o be_v give_v or_o receive_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o howsoever_o a_o prudent_a pastor_n must_v make_v use_n of_o time_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v yet_o when_o death_n be_v near_o to_o the_o party_n to_o be_v instruct_v how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v do_v 2._o the_o order_n of_o apply_v save_v doctrine_n do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o application_n either_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n or_o at_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o that_o will_v follow_v a_o right_a order_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o the_o yoke_n whereof_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n and_o if_o a_o man_n apply_v that_o covenant_n and_o law_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o subscribe_v his_o own_o dittey_n and_o deserve_a condemnation_n then_o may_v he_o turn_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n and_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n and_o accept_v the_o offer_n which_o he_o make_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o reconcile_n unto_o god_n in_o himself_o the_o person_n who_o be_v flee_v unto_o he_o and_o for_o sanctify_v and_o save_v of_o he_o which_o covenant_n when_o a_o chase_a soul_n do_v consent_n unto_o and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n offer_v for_o relief_n from_o sin_n wrath_n death_n and_o hell_n then_o may_v he_o ascend_v by_o faith_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o apply_v to_o himself_o with_o god_n allowance_n all_o the_o save_a grace_n purchase_v by_o christ_n by_o that_o covenant_n to_o all_o that_o fly_v unto_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o 3._o this_o order_n of_o make_v use_n of_o these_o three_o covenant_n many_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o they_o begin_v at_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o whether_o they_o be_v elect_v or_o not_o give_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v redeem_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o not_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o save_v in_o god_n order_n as_o we_o have_v show_v or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o enter_v upon_o the_o use-making_a of_o these_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o tentation_n of_o satan_n which_o if_o they_o yield_v unto_o it_o shall_v lead_v they_o either_o to_o resolute_a profanity_n with_o cain_n or_o to_o anxious_a desperation_n with_o judas_n 4._o there_o be_v some_o also_o who_o make_v leap-year_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a sinfulness_n or_o wrath_n due_a to_o they_o and_o lie_v on_o they_o by_o nature_n but_o neglect_v this_o order_n do_v start_v a_o race_n and_o run_v to_o a_o presumptuous_a avouch_v of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o will_v thrust_v in_o themselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a give_v before_o the_o world_n be_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v redeem_v and_o save_v pretend_v their_o believe_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o wantonness_n and_o go_v about_o the_o satisfy_n and_o fulfil_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n who_o seek_v to_o be_v save_v and_o have_v resolve_v to_o follow_v god_n way_n to_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n do_v begin_v first_o at_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o examine_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n how_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o have_v sound_v a_o dittey_n great_a enough_o that_o he_o judge_v himself_o and_o pass_v sentence_n on_o himself_o as_o guilty_a and_o worthy_a of_o everlasting_a wrath_n for_o his_o sin_n second_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o of_o his_o own_o utter_a impotency_n to_o deliver_v himself_o then_o let_v he_o flee_v to_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o burden_a conscience_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n full_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o three_o when_o he_o have_v in_o earnest_n consent_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n with_o unfeigned_a faith_n seek_v in_o he_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o renovation_n of_o life_n be_v resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v of_o he_o for_o that_o end_n now_o it_o be_v time_n and_o not_o till_o now_o to_o look_v up_o unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o there_o to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o repentance_n and_o
in_o darkness_n of_o tentation_n and_o desertion_n can_v discern_v his_o own_o bless_a state_n yet_o there_o may_v appear_v and_o be_v perceive_v in_o he_o such_o sign_n and_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n that_o the_o prudent_a beholder_n of_o he_o under_o his_o sad_a exercise_n may_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o charity_n declare_v his_o righteousness_n and_o he_o for_o his_o state_n to_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n in_o these_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n luk._n 24._o save_a faith_n be_v not_o extinguish_v albeit_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v mistake_v when_o they_o once_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o promise_a saviour_n for_o in_o that_o same_o time_n there_o appear_v in_o they_o evident_a token_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o christ_n for_o while_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n of_o their_o be_v mistake_v about_o christ_n they_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a and_o be_v regrate_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v gather_v what_o argument_n they_o can_v for_o support_v their_o faith_n whereby_o their_o die_a faith_n may_v be_v support_v by_o conference_n about_o this_o mater_fw-la lay_v forth_o their_o doubt_n and_o tentation_n one_o to_o another_o 7._o the_o precise_a time_n of_o begin_v regeneration_n be_v not_o always_o observe_v nor_o know_v either_o by_o the_o regenerate_a man_n himself_o or_o by_o beholder_n of_o his_o way_n as_o experience_n makteh_o evident_a in_o many_o who_o from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o who_o conversion_n no_o notable_a change_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o those_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o part_n be_v verify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n such_o person_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v convert_v they_o can_v neither_o determinate_o condescend_v upon_o the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n nor_o can_v they_o confident_o speak_v of_o their_o conversion_n till_o after_o sundry_a trial_n and_o experience_n they_o can_v gather_v proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n from_o such_o sign_n effect_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o they_o as_o may_v prove_v that_o christ_n have_v dwell_v in_o they_o of_o before_o 8._o albeit_o regeneration_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n spece_fw-la and_o definition_n in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v yet_o it_o do_v admit_v sundry_a accidental_a difference_n when_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o and_o such_o person_n be_v compare_v for_o some_o do_v not_o stay_v long_o in_o the_o strait_n of_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n but_o within_o a_o short_a space_n of_o time_n they_o be_v both_o wound_v and_o heal_v be_v both_o casten_z down_o and_o raise_v up_o again_o be_v both_o slay_v by_o the_o law_n and_o quicken_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o this_o sort_n we_o have_v a_o past_a proof_n in_o some_o thousand_o convert_n act_n 2._o who_o by_o one_o sermon_n or_o two_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n experience_n of_o many_o do_v show_v they_o have_v be_v under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n heb._n 2._o 15._o some_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v handle_v very_o tender_o and_o afterward_o fall_v in_o hard_a exercise_n of_o mind_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n who_o in_o his_o youth_n while_o he_o be_v keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n do_v pass_v the_o time_n in_o holy_a song_n and_o play_v on_o his_o harp_n but_o afterward_o he_o be_v more_o sharp_o exercise_v and_o much_o afflict_v from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a wrath_n some_o in_o sorrow_n and_o much_o weep_a do_v follow_v christ_n and_o study_v to_o promove_v his_o kingdom_n such_o a_o one_o be_v timothy_n who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o admit_v a_o large_a measure_n of_o consolation_n allow_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o cheerful_a and_o courageous_a in_o the_o warfare_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 4._o another_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v heman_n the_o ezrahit_fw-la who_o psal._n 88_o declare_v that_o from_o his_o youth_n up_o he_o be_v so_o keep_v under_o terror_n as_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v under_o discouragement_n and_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n we_o have_v a_o proof_n of_o what_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o precede_a consideration_n to_o wit_n that_o regeneration_n may_v be_v begin_v in_o a_o man_n and_o well_o promove_v before_o either_o himself_o or_o other_o can_v well_o discern_v it_o for_o of_o they_o who_o be_v keep_v under_o the_o law_n and_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n it_o be_v hard_o determinate_o to_o judge_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o they_o whether_o their_o exercise_n be_v the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o regeneration_n or_o not_o for_o as_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n and_o bondage_n may_v for_o a_o time_n work_n and_o go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o convict_v a_o man_n and_o not_o go_v on_o to_o convert_v he_o so_o also_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o wrestle_n of_o faith_n lie_v underfoot_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o terror_n not_o perceive_v for_o a_o while_n of_o which_o wrestle_v none_o can_v well_o give_v out_o sentence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wrestle_n of_o save_a faith_n before_o faith_n get_v some_o victory_n over_o tentation_n and_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o evident_a effect_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v very_o needful_a wary_o and_o circumspect_o to_o apply_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o the_o afflict_a soul_n may_v be_v support_v with_o hope_n of_o a_o gracious_a out-gate_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n humble_v the_o sinner_n be_v a_o fair_a call_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o a_o messenger_n send_v by_o christ_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o gal._n 3._o 24._o 9_o albeit_o the_o regenerate_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o person_n by_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n fix_v and_o unmovable_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v show_v we_o rom._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o partly_o because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o partly_o because_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n through_o christ_n be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n isa._n 55._o 3._o and_o partly_o because_o the_o save_a gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o god_n will_v never_o repent_v he_o to_o have_v bestow_v they_o rom._n 11._o 29._o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o condition_n the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o change_n in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o gracious_a habit_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o for_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v yea_o and_o ofttimes_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a good_a state_n may_v be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n in_o a_o miserable_a and_o deplorable_a disposition_n of_o heart_n as_o befall_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n sardis_n and_o laodicea_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o regenerate_v person_n after_o their_o conscience_n be_v waken_v and_o they_o do_v perceive_v the_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a condition_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o conversation_n that_o no_o small_a doubt_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n whether_o their_o state_n in_o grace_n be_v real_a or_o not_o which_o doubt_n will_v evanish_v when_o after_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o repentance_n theâ—r_v condition_n be_v change_v to_o the_o better_a for_o christ_n pre-occupieth_a this_o tentation_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n counsel_v they_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v and_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o revel_v 2._o and_o 3._o 10._o these_o tentation_n whereby_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v trouble_v and_o tempt_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v and_o discern_v from_o actual_a doubt_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o temptation_n unto_o doubt_v without_o a_o yield_n unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n our_o lord_n who_o the_o devil_n dare_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v
deep_o call_v unto_o deep_a at_o the_o noise_n of_o thy_o water-spout_n all_o thy_o wave_n and_o billow_n be_v go_v over_o i_o and_o psal._n 77._o 7_o 8._o will_n the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o grace_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o etc._n etc._n at_o last_o he_o discover_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o conclude_v against_o himself_o that_o his_o give_v so_o far_o way_n to_o the_o tentation_n be_v his_o infirmity_n 19_o we_o must_v distinguish_v worldy_a sorrow_n and_o hypochondriack-passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n from_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o the_o wrestle_n of_o faith_n that_o for_o a_o natural_a disease_n and_o distemper_v a_o pertinent_a remedy_n may_v be_v call_v for_o from_o the_o bodily_a physician_n and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o spiritual_a exercise_n the_o doubt_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v prudent_o louse_v in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o both_o the_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v join_v circumspection_n be_v necessary_a that_o proportionable_a remedy_n be_v use_v by_o the_o physician_n and_o the_o pastor_n or_o prudent_a friend_n that_o bodily_a medicine_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n may_v be_v each_o in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o order_n wise_o make_v use_n of_o and_o because_o it_o use_v to_o fall_v out_o that_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n and_o distemper_n of_o bodily_a humour_n be_v oftentimes_o join_v one_o with_o another_o let_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o a_o word_n be_v casten_z in_o here_o for_o advertisement_n 20._o in_o cure_v case_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o louse_v some_o one_o doubt_n or_o other_o but_o after_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o the_o party_n afflict_v concern_v the_o present_a case_n which_o have_v trouble_v they_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o observe_v other_o cause_n which_o may_v trouble_v they_o afterward_o wherewith_o for_o the_o present_a they_o possible_o be_v not_o trouble_v and_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v relief_n from_o every_o sin_n and_o every_o sort_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o must_v consecrat_v and_o devout_a themselves_o to_o he_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o all_o time_n whatsoever_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v they_o for_o whosoever_o do_v come_v unto_o christ_n must_v come_v of_o set_a purpose_n to_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o draw_v grace_n after_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n to_o mortify_v sin_n grace_v to_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o according_a as_o they_o find_v new_a guiltiness_n contract_v and_o weakness_n in_o themselves_o to_o do_v command_v duty_n for_o except_o the_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v easy_o slide_v back_o from_o their_o begin_a sanctification_n and_o furnish_v mater_fw-la to_o satan_n for_o raise_v of_o new_a doubt_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o new_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o fall_v before_o therefore_o must_v they_o keep_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o actual_a exercise_n daily_o 21._o in_o deal_v with_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n let_v not_o the_o comforter_n whether_o a_o pastor_n or_o a_o prudent_a friend_n trust_v to_o his_o ability_n or_o arrogat_fw-la to_o himself_o above_o what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o but_o let_v he_o keep_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o heart_n be_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n giving_z glory_n to_o god_n express_o if_o he_o perceive_v the_o afflict_a party_n lay_v hold_n on_o god_n word_n deliver_v by_o he_o and_o let_v he_o also_o teach_v the_o afflict_a to_o lift_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o word_n of_o consolation_n be_v dispense_v to_o he_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o prudent_a friend_n that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o glory_n in_o his_o consolation_n and_o no_o more_o ascribe_v to_o the_o instrument_n than_o be_v due_a for_o the_o minister_n may_v sow_v the_o seed_n and_o plant_v and_o water_n but_o god_n only_o can_v give_v the_o increase_n man_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v in_o this_o point_n and_o mar_v the_o blessing_n for_o god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o 22._o in_o case_n the_o expect_a consolation_n be_v not_o find_v or_o the_o doubt_n propound_v be_v not_o solve_v so_o soon_o as_o be_v desire_v let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v that_o he_o make_v not_o haste_n in_o seek_v comfort_n but_o patient_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n will_v in_o exercise_v he_o for_o a_o while_n and_o humble_v himself_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n in_o meekness_n wait_v for_o clearness_n and_o comfort_n in_o due_a time_n for_o affliction_n be_v send_v to_o work_v patience_n and_o patience_n to_o work_v experience_n and_o experience_n to_o work_v hope_n which_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o patient_a man_n ashamed_a and_o it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o lie_v for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o affliction_n till_o it_o be_v daunt_v and_o subdue_v then_o before_o patience_n have_v have_v the_o perfect_a work_n to_o seek_v to_o have_v its_o foolish_a wish_n grant_v unto_o it_o for_o if_o once_o a_o soul_n hearty_o submit_v itself_o to_o god_n or_o strive_v to_o submit_v and_o patient_o wait_v on_o consolation_n will_v be_v find_v not_o far_o off_o 23._o in_o regard_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n may_v begin_v before_o it_o can_v be_v mark_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o he_o who_o meddle_v with_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o afflict_a and_o so_o to_o temper_v his_o speech_n as_o he_o may_v both_o further_a repentance_n and_o faith_n pre-supposing_a the_o party_n exercise_n may_v prove_v a_o begin_a work_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o judge_v in_o charity_n of_o god_n dispensation_n then_o to_o foster_v sinister_a suspicion_n of_o the_o party_n afflict_v which_o may_v ready_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o unhappy_a expression_n to_o the_o hurt_v of_o the_o patient_a and_o hinder_v his_o profit_v by_o what_o may_v be_v say_v beside_o 24._o because_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o book_n with_o the_o weak_a believer_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v or_o fly_v unto_o christ_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o do_v fear_v they_o be_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o this_o and_o that_o pretend_a reason_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v to_o purpose_n in_o comfort_v they_o to_o make_v use_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n so_o in_o special_a of_o these_o two_o passage_n the_o one_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o other_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 30._o the_o one_o serve_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n how_o strong_o soever_o they_o be_v assault_v with_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v otherways_o for_o in_o this_o passage_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o few_o word_n hold_v forth_o first_o that_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o three_o person_n be_v in_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o transgression_n unto_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n tender_v through_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n second_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n â—ath_v commit_v unto_o his_o minister_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o they_o with_o 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