how_o can_v i_o understand_v except_o i_o have_v some_o one_o to_o guide_v i_o some_o take_v redemption_n to_o be_v more_o extensive_a than_o it_o be_v and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o entitle_v they_o to_o salvation_n that_o they_o be_v sinner_n because_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v sinner_n thus_o many_o make_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o calling_n christ_n their_o saviour_n than_o of_o call_v he_o the_o saviour_n other_o again_o mistake_v the_o other_o way_n and_o think_v some_o sinner_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n especial_o such_o as_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v though_o they_o come_v never_o so_o hearty_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o seek_v it_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o such_o soul_n as_o have_v be_v hitherto_o describe_v that_o fall_v into_o this_o error_n and_o by_o it_o into_o despair_n mistake_v such_o place_n as_o that_o in_o luke_n 13.24_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a that_o in_o matth._n 12._o whosoever_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v and_o so_o that_o in_o heb._n 6._o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n be_v exception_n to_o the_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o salvation_n so_o all_o the_o former_a work_n of_o conviction_n terror_n consultation_n etc._n etc._n be_v lose_v by_o reason_n of_o such_o like_a misapprehension_n how_o sad_o judas_n miscarry_v in_o the_o point_n of_o consultation_n be_v show_v before_o and_o probable_o that_o take_v he_o very_o much_o off_o from_o study_v what_o he_o know_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o may_v stumble_v also_o at_o this_o stone_n though_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o have_v often_o preach_v it_o to_o other_o yet_o he_o may_v think_v himself_o exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o general_a because_o christ_n have_v so_o often_o denounce_v irreversible_a judgement_n against_o the_o man_n that_o shall_v betray_v he_o though_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v no_o bar_n to_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o have_v seek_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o they_o that_o perish_v that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o be_v his_o condemnation_n for_o though_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o not_o be_v able_a yet_o that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o word_n to_o these_o luke_n 13.25_o and_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v have_v pardon_n but_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o sin_n be_v such_o as_o bind_v the_o sinner_n up_o in_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n so_o that_o sin_n of_o judas_n be_v such_o as_o harden_v his_o heart_n against_o any_o serious_a address_n to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o so_o our_o saviour_n doom_v he_o to_o destruction_n not_o as_o one_o except_v from_o the_o promise_n but_o as_o one_o conclude_v under_o unbelief_n thus_o many_o man_n come_v near_o to_o faith_n and_o yet_o miscarry_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o where_o god_n go_v on_o with_o the_o design_n of_o conversion_n he_o so_o direct_v the_o humble_a sinner_n in_o his_o attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o bring_v he_o at_o the_o next_o step_v to_o a_o hearty_a believe_v of_o it_o so_o the_o jew_n act_n 2._o attend_v diligent_o to_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o peter_n at_o length_n glad_o receive_v it_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o believe_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v believe_v of_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o and_o which_o be_v usual_o and_o fit_o call_v assent_v faith_n this_o assent_v faith_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o perception_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o reception_n or_o take_v of_o it_o for_o truth_n upon_o god_n own_o testimony_n 1._o first_o the_o humble_a soul_n by_o a_o serious_a attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o report_n and_o account_v which_o it_o give_v of_o the_o salvation_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v believe_v that_o be_v not_o understand_v the_o soul_n must_v apprehend_v the_o sense_n and_o import_v of_o that_o which_o be_v propound_v to_o belief_n before_o it_o can_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o now_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 3_o john_n 16._o or_o as_o it_o be_v epitomise_v in_o 1_o john_n 5._o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o eternal_a life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o plain_o express_v that_o whereas_o the_o law_n condemn_v every_o sinner_n to_o eternal_a death_n and_o justice_n require_v execution_n jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o law_n in_o his_o own_o death_n and_o righteousness_n so_o that_o now_o god_n may_v save_v sinner_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n without_o offence_n to_o his_o justice_n and_o according_o he_o do_v most_o serious_o and_o free_o offer_v salvation_n to_o all_o sinner_n without_o exception_n particular_o 1._o that_o the_o law_n condem_n sinner_n and_o justice_n demand_v execution_n be_v presume_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o sinner_n under_o soul-humbling_a consideration_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o already_o as_o have_v be_v say_v god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v might_n not_o perish_v this_o do_v manifest_o imply_v that_o according_a to_o law_n and_o strictness_n of_o justice_n all_o mankind_n be_v under_o condemnation_n to_o perish_v eternal_o and_o must_v perish_v if_o god_n have_v not_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o save_n of_o some_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n rom._n 6._o 2._o that_o christ_n not_o only_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o his_o life_n but_o endure_v in_o his_o death_n the_o punishment_n which_o it_o denounce_v against_o sinner_n be_v manifest_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n gal._n 3.10_o isa_n 53.4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 5._o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o bear_v the_o pain_n and_o torment_n in_o which_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v pour_v out_o on_o sinner_n and_o the_o anguish_n of_o a_o forsake_a person_n though_o he_o be_v not_o forsake_v and_o though_o his_o suffering_n be_v not_o eternal_a yet_o they_o be_v equivalent_a to_o eternal_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o unconceivable_a greatness_n of_o they_o for_o the_o time_n and_o the_o infinite_a worth_n of_o his_o person_n 3._o that_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v become_v free_a for_o god_n to_o save_v sinner_n without_o prejudice_n to_o his_o justice_n be_v clear_o assert_v by_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 3.24_o 25_o 26._o herein_o be_v declare_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n because_o he_o do_v it_o not_o against_o law_n but_o upon_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n give_v to_o it_o so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o merciful_a in_o justify_v he_o that_o believe_v but_o just_o in_o show_v that_o mercy_n on_o he_o 4._o that_o god_n in_o christ_n hereupon_o most_o serious_o offer_v salvation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o free_a gift_n to_o all_o sinner_n without_o exception_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o very_a gospel_n itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_v it_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n etc._n etc._n what_o salvation_n be_v we_o be_v plain_o teach_v in_o joh._n 3.16_o not_o to_o perish_v but_o to_o have_v eternal_a life_n this_o be_v to_o be_v save_v to_o have_v sin_n pardon_v that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v and_o so_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o holy_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n and_o complete_v in_o that_o to_o come_v and_o so_o continue_v to_o eternity_n this_o i_o say_v be_v gospel-salvation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o holy_a and_o bless_a conjunction_n with_o god_n by_o nature_n we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n how_o dead_a dead_a because_o sin_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o a_o man_n divide_v from_o god_n be_v as_o a_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o soul_n so_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o
rather_o and_o if_o you_o tell_v the_o humble_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o hearty_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o no_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v certain_o conclude_v himself_o reprobate_v because_o for_o aught_o any_o know_v he_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n he_o will_v yet_o object_v object_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o be_v deep_o and_o kind_o humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n and_o it_o be_v mercy_n indeed_o if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o uncontrite_a spirit_n i_o can_v grieve_v for_o sin_n to_o any_o purpose_n though_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o objection_n will_v be_v unanswerable_a if_o the_o soul_n consider_v only_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n may_v indeed_o be_v merciful_a and_o glorious_o merciful_a in_o save_v sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v only_o save_v some_o of_o the_o most_o restrain_v and_o least_o provoke_v the_o soon_a yield_v and_o most_o signal_o humble_v and_o mourn_a sinner_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o judge_n worse_o of_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o free_o offer_v his_o salvation_n to_o all_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v invite_v and_o command_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o this_o answer_v all_o objection_n the_o worst_a the_o soul_n can_v say_v against_o himself_o exempt_v he_o not_o from_o the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n in_o general_n he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o let_v he_o make_v as_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o he_o can_v and_o though_o he_o think_v it_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o mercy_n yet_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o force_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o require_v he_o to_o repose_v his_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n hope_n or_o that_o which_o he_o rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o in_o his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n common_o in_o scripture_n call_v a_o trust_n or_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o free_a tender_a of_o salvation_n which_o he_o make_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n in_o general_a be_v the_o only_a sufficient_a ground_n that_o any_o soul_n have_v to_o stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n john_n 3.15_o 16_o 18_o 36._o john_n 6.35_o 1_o pet._n 2.6_o act_n 11.17_o act_n 16.31_o and_o many_o other_o place_n faith_n be_v a_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o believe_a on_o he_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v as_o he_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n can_v believe_v or_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o as_o he_o trust_v in_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o who_o by_o he_o believe_v on_o god_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psalm_n 15.5_o psalm_n 147.11_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trust_n in_o mercy_n only_o as_o it_o be_v express_v display_v and_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o word_n psalm_n 119.42_o 74._o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o declare_v and_o propound_v that_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n on_o which_o alone_o the_o soul_n may_v rest_v itself_o in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v the_o sinner_n bring_v by_o the_o several_a step_n of_o consideration_n conviction_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o fiducial_a faith_n or_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o be_v he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o effectual_a call_v or_o conversion_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o then_o man_n be_v call_v and_o convert_v when_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v full_o prove_v in_o rom._n 1.16_o with_o 1_o cor._n 1.24_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n set_v safe_a from_o condemnation_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o faith_n call_v justify_v faith_n rom._n 5.1_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n adopt_v and_o entitle_v to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n call_v save_v faith_n or_o believe_v to_o salvation_n heb._n 10._o yea_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n possess_v of_o all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v he_o for_o heaven_n the_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o faith_n act_v 15.9_o and_o take_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o habitation_n ephes_n 2.22_o with_o ephes_n 2.17_o wherever_o there_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v also_o love_n to_o god_n obedience_n patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v write_v on_o renew_a heart_n the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v whereof_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v 1._o the_o sinner_n take_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n ezek._n 18.28_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o transgression_n 2._o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o lose_a and_o perish_a condition_n luke_n 15.17_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n 3._o the_o sight_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o estate_n affect_v his_o soul_n with_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o distress_n trouble_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v pierce_v at_o the_o heart_n 4._o this_o distress_n put_v he_o upon_o a_o studious_a consultation_n and_o enquiry_n for_o a_o remedy_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 5._o upon_o this_o enquiry_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o heedful_a attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n act_n 11.14_o send_v for_o peter_n he_o shall_v tell_v thou_o word_n whereby_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o act_v 10.33_o we_o be_v all_o etc._n etc._n 6._o thus_o attend_v the_o gospel_n he_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o god_n testimony_n act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v john_n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n every_o one_o therefore_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o 7._o upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o proceed_v to_o a_o hearty_a reliance_n on_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o gal._n 2.16_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n salvation_n and_o so_o desire_v it_o earnest_o for_o himself_o 2._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v this_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o general_a and_o so_o conceive_v hope_n that_o he_o may_v have_v it_o 3._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v that_o salvation_n be_v procure_v and_o grant_v only_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o rest_v only_o upon_o that_o mercy_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o believer_n from_o his_o conversion_n to_o his_o perfection_n under_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n 1_o peter_z ii_o 2._o as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o text_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o 1._o the_o person_n exhort_v they_o be_v late_o convert_v christian_n compare_v to_o newborn_a babe_n so_o young_a and_o incomplete_a christian_n be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 3.1_o and_o i_o brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n babe_n in_o christ_n because_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n have_v go_v on_o but_o a_o little_a way_n in_o they_o they_o be_v hitherto_o very_o carnal_a 2._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o exhortation_n a_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o first_o the_o object_n of_o this_o desire_n
newness_n of_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n to_o they_o be_v very_o much_o a_o cause_n of_o their_o pleasure_n in_o it_o they_o take_v up_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o love_v it_o for_o its_o goodness_n and_o so_o far_o grace_n act_v they_o and_o work_n in_o they_o but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a pleasure_n which_o they_o take_v in_o it_o as_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n to_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v use_v and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o while_n to_o hold_v they_o up_o to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o forwardness_n and_o activity_n which_o afterward_o wear_v off_o with_o its_o cause_n and_o leave_v but_o so_o much_o activity_n behind_o as_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o produce_v and_o maintain_v it_o this_o sometime_o make_v christian_n seem_v to_o other_o to_o have_v be_v but_o hypocrite_n in_o their_o former_a diligence_n in_o christianity_n because_o they_o be_v now_o more_o remiss_a and_o common_o themselves_o at_o some_o time_n or_o 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and_o forwardness_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o newness_n of_o it_o but_o some_o may_v object_v and_o say_v object_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o ephesian_n and_o not_o reprovable_a in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o leave_v it_o i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v sin_n in_o other_o as_o in_o they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o love_v duty_n still_o in_o as_o high_a degree_n for_o christ_n sake_n when_o such_o accidental_a motion_n fall_v off_o as_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a as_o a_o schoolboy_n shall_v love_v his_o book_n when_o it_o be_v old_a as_o when_o it_o be_v fresh_a and_o new_a so_o perhaps_o new_a convert_v love_v christianity_n better_a at_o first_o than_o afterward_o but_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o be_v speak_v concern_v christian_n that_o be_v hopeful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o why_o christian_n that_o be_v comfortable_o assure_v of_o their_o safe_a estate_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n why_o they_o be_v so_o active_a and_o forward_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n first_o 1_o r._n christian_n comfortable_o assure_v of_o their_o justification_n or_o interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n do_v therefore_o hearty_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o righteousness_n because_o they_o love_v god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o their_o love_n the_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v implant_v in_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v first_o love_v they_o see_v psal_n 116.1_o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o in_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o second_o 2_o r._n the_o trouble_n and_o torment_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o they_o make_v they_o glad_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n in_o hope_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n psal_n 25.12_o 13._o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v his_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v at_o ease_n etc._n etc._n obedience_n seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o very_a hard_a and_o wearisome_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v return_v to_o he_o weary_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o vexatious_a fear_n and_o despair_n which_o attend_v on_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n 3_o r._n three_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o their_o complete_a happiness_n though_o heaven_n be_v not_o merit_v by_o holiness_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v without_o it_o as_o heb._n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a say_n of_o divine_n that_o holiness_n do_v not_o merit_v heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o this_o christian_n understanding_n be_v more_o willing_a and_o forward_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o use_v use_v 1_o this_o confute_v the_o usual_a objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n that_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n for_o say_v they_o that_o deny_v assurance_n attainable_a if_o once_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o will_v present_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o take_v more_o pain_n about_o their_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v see_v that_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a estate_n be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o duty_n and_o christian_n never_o set_v so_o courageous_o and_o resolve_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n as_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v a_o good_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n use_v 2._o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v be_v propound_v to_o you_o may_v convince_v man_n of_o their_o self-deceit_n who_o neglect_v duty_n and_o take_v liberty_n to_o sin_n because_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n that_o stand_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o command_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o argument_n of_o that_o neglect_n i_o be_o god_n alsufficient_a walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v perfect_a gen._n 15._o so_o god_n indent_n with_o they_o who_o he_o receive_v for_o his_o people_n and_o they_o consent_v with_o he_o you_o that_o live_v beside_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o christianity_n without_o any_o state_v worship_n of_o god_n in_o your_o family_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n in_o your_o chamber_n and_o closet_n you_o that_o ordinary_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n and_o lay_v it_o common_a to_o your_o worldly_a uses_n that_o be_v ordinary_o guilty_a of_o swear_v lie_a defraud_v and_o injure_v your_o neighbour_n that_o be_v intemperate_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o that_o so_o clear_o know_v your_o sin_n that_o you_o use_v your_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o hide_v it_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o such_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n yea_o but_o possible_o some_o may_v say_v we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v justify_v through_o his_o blood_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o live_v the_o strict_a life_n certain_o your_o hope_n deceive_v you_o and_o you_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a estate_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n will_v make_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n being_n make_v free_a from_o sin_n you_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o the_o example_n of_o noah_n and_o david_n forefather_n or_o of_o man_n repute_v godly_a use_v 3_o it_o help_v much_o to_o confirm_v christian_n in_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n who_o find_v themselves_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o persuasion_n be_v right_o ground_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o three_o step_v of_o convert_v towards_o their_o salvation_n a_o resolve_v settle_v upon_o a_o course_n of_o christian_a practice_n 2_o cor._n v._o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o
though_o shame_n and_o fear_n may_v for_o a_o time_n restrain_v they_o they_o at_o length_n open_v their_o grief_n and_o state_n the_o case_n of_o their_o soul_n earnest_o pursue_v the_o great_a question_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v the_o five_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o work_n be_v a_o heedful_a and_o humble_a attendance_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o lydia_n she_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n and_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o doctrine_n every_o where_o we_o know_v viz._n that_o which_o alone_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o next_o step_v towards_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n after_o consultation_n have_v about_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o consider_v soul_n that_o never_o come_v to_o any_o full_a conviction_n and_o some_o convince_v who_o yet_o be_v never_o sound_o humble_v yea_o many_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o a_o legal_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o any_o serious_a enquiry_n so_o there_o be_v many_o that_o consult_v with_o themselves_o and_o may_v be_v with_o other_o for_o and_o about_o a_o remedy_n for_o their_o bad_a estate_n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v so_o far_o as_o to_o give_v any_o heedful_a attention_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o which_o propound_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n for_o die_a soul_n 1._o some_o pitch_n upon_o false_a remedy_n and_o heal_v the_o wound_n slight_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o mislead_v by_o erroneous_a and_o unskilful_a teacher_n and_o the_o rock_n that_o man_n here_o usual_o split_v upon_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o they_o may_v satisfy_v god_n and_o save_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o work_n by_o amend_v their_o life_n break_v off_o from_o former_a sin_n and_o take_v up_o neglect_v duty_n emancipate_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n as_o the_o prodigal_n hire_v himself_o to_o the_o citizen_n in_o hope_n to_o recover_v favour_n with_o god_n and_o escape_v his_o judgement_n by_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n now_o they_o fall_v to_o pray_v hear_v of_o sermon_n read_v of_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n they_o forsake_v their_o bad_a company_n and_o leave_v off_o their_o licentious_a course_n and_o so_o pacify_v their_o conscience_n choke_v their_o conviction_n and_o drain_v up_o their_o sorrow_n till_o at_o length_n all_o their_o trouble_n be_v suppress_v they_o grow_v secure_a again_o and_o by_o degree_n return_v to_o their_o old_a course_n or_o else_o which_o make_v their_o case_n less_o hopeful_a have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n take_v up_o with_o that_o and_o run_v the_o stage_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o duty_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o high_a time_n when_o they_o see_v themselves_o perish_v for_o sin_n but_o to_o rest_v in_o that_o reformation_n as_o the_o price_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v that_o wherein_o they_o seduce_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o ruin_n if_o god_n do_v not_o gracious_o seize_v upon_o they_o and_o give_v they_o another_o shake_n to_o bring_v they_o back_o into_o the_o way_n 2._o other_o after_o some_o consultation_n have_v with_o themselves_o and_o sometime_o with_o other_o also_o fall_v into_o incurable_a despair_n they_o can_v devise_v no_o remedy_n for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o very_o think_v there_o be_v none_o or_o they_o have_v good_a counsel_n offer_v they_o by_o those_o they_o advise_v with_o but_o understand_v it_o not_o aright_o or_o they_o ask_v advice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unable_a to_o direct_v they_o or_o careless_a of_o their_o sad_a condition_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o judas_n he_o consider_v his_o estate_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o it_o he_o be_v deep_o humble_v and_o proceed_v to_o consultation_n but_o this_o be_v his_o unhappiness_n he_o open_v his_o case_n to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o compassion_n for_o he_o no_o not_o when_o he_o profess_v himself_o torment_v in_o conscience_n with_o the_o pain_n of_o that_o sin_n into_o which_o they_o have_v hire_v he_o mat._n 27.4_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o see_v thou_o to_o that_o poor_a judas_n he_o have_v betray_v his_o lord_n and_o can_v not_o go_v to_o he_o for_o comfort_n he_o have_v forsake_v the_o disciple_n and_o can_v not_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n to_o who_o shall_v he_o betake_v himself_o for_o advice_n in_o so_o great_a a_o distress_n when_o he_o see_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n smoke_v against_o he_o and_o ready_a to_o consume_v he_o but_o to_o the_o priest_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n to_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n hebr._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o who_o be_v so_o great_o concern_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o they_o reject_v he_o and_o leave_v he_o perish_v in_o his_o despair_n unhappy_a soul_n who_o under_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a fall_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o hard-hearted_a confessor_n but_o where_o the_o work_n of_o salvation_n go_v on_o the_o enquiry_n speak_v of_o before_o never_o cease_v till_o the_o soul_n set_v itself_o down_o under_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o god_n some_o way_n or_o other_o provide_v it_o for_o he_o and_o hearken_v diligent_o to_o the_o proposal_n therein_o make_v to_o sinner_n for_o salvation_n see_v act_n 11.14_o with_o act_n 10.33_o now_o he_o hear_v the_o gospel_n after_o another_o manner_n and_o read_v it_o with_o another_o attention_n than_o heretofore_o watch_n and_o observe_v every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n as_o benhadad_n servant_n watch_v the_o word_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o if_o any_o argument_n of_o hope_n be_v offer_v they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o o_o how_o still_o be_v the_o jew_n and_o how_o close_o attentive_a to_o peter_n discourse_n act_n 2._o while_n he_o be_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o after_o they_o have_v propound_v to_o he_o that_o weighty_a question_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v now_o the_o sinner_n will_v not_o miss_v a_o sermon_n that_o he_o may_v hear_v nor_o lose_v a_o sentence_n for_o want_n of_o heed_n take_v that_o he_o may_v see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o be_v every_o one_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o john_n 6.45_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v hear_v the_o father_n what_o offer_v he_o make_v of_o his_o son_n to_o poor_a sinner_n and_o what_o encouragement_n he_o give_v they_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o understand_v and_o learn_v what_o he_o hear_v it_o will_v be_v well_o with_o he_o the_o six_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o work_n be_v belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o hearty_a assent_n to_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n serve_v proper_o to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o majesty_n in_o it_o as_o strong_o demand_v the_o credit_n of_o he_o that_o serious_o attend_v it_o but_o even_o in_o this_o place_n also_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o obstruction_n or_o diversion_n to_o be_v heedful_o observe_v man_n that_o do_v attentive_o consider_v the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v turn_v aside_o first_o by_o disbelief_n the_o gospel_n be_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n so_o strange_a and_o so_o unlikely_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o the_o poor_a affright_a sinner_n can_v bring_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o life_n as_o the_o word_n propound_v though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o never_o doubt_v of_o it_o before_o while_o as_o yet_o he_o never_o understand_v the_o evil_a of_o his_o own_o estate_n nor_o what_o a_o hateful_a thing_n a_o sinner_n be_v that_o which_o he_o never_o question_v before_o he_o now_o look_v upon_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v sinner_n especial_o so_o great_a a_o sinner_n as_o he_o account_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o this_o incredulity_n will_v be_v his_o destruction_n if_o help_n come_v not_o in_o from_o heaven_n against_o it_o 2._o by_o misbelief_n a_o man_n may_v attentive_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o understand_v it_o as_o the_o eunuch_n say_v
to_o the_o mean_n be_v call_v faith_n as_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n eph._n 2.8_o or_o as_o rom._n 8.24_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n i_o shall_v therefore_o for_o plainness_n treat_v of_o fiducial_a faith_n and_o hope_n as_o one_o act_n not_o as_o affect_v to_o follow_v the_o schoolman_n or_o other_o who_o go_v that_o way_n but_o as_o intend_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v usual_o disturb_v by_o a_o unnecessary_a multiplication_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o scripture_n common_o speak_v of_o both_o as_o one_o act_n which_o be_v confess_v why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v so_o handle_v obj._n if_o any_o object_n that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o where_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n be_v enumerate_v as_o three_o distinct_a grace_n ans_fw-fr i_o answer_v if_o we_o take_v faith_n for_o assent_v faith_n which_o be_v primary_o and_o most_o proper_o faith_n the_o number_n be_v make_v good_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o thing_n now_o which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v as_o by_o hope_n he_o mean_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o that_o good_a which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o description_n of_o fiducial_a faith_n viz._n a_o rest_a or_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n tender_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n here_o we_o be_v distinct_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o tendency_n of_o faith_n to_o that_o end_n and_o that_o be_v in_o hope_n 3._o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o hope_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n first_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o which_o it_o look_v to_o attain_v be_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o what_o this_o salvation_n be_v be_v show_v before_o viz._n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o a_o holy_a union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n john_n 3.16_o not_o to_o perish_v i._n e._n to_o be_v condemn_v for_o sin_n but_o to_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n he_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o which_o be_v the_o soul_n life_n sin_n separate_v from_o god_n meritorious_o and_o legal_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o curse_n bind_v the_o sinner_n over_o to_o a_o everlasting_a separation_n from_o his_o glorious_a presence_n and_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o it_o separate_v from_o he_o natural_o and_o formal_o though_o there_o be_v no_o punishment_n by_o law_n assign_v to_o the_o sinner_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n now_o separation_n from_o god_n be_v man_n spiritual_a death_n even_o as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v his_o natural_a death_n so_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o liable_a to_o death_n for_o they_o death_n be_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wage_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n consist_v as_o well_o in_o deliver_v man_n from_o sin_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o matth._n 1.21_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o he_o can_v never_o make_v they_o happy_a sin_n will_v keep_v they_o miserable_a still_o though_o they_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o pain_n of_o sense_n then_o a_o man_n be_v save_v when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o god_n 1_o pet._n 3.18_o i_o e._n into_o a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o he_o and_o indeed_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o this_o part_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o law_n subject_v the_o sinner_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n as_o the_o most_o signal_n part_v of_o his_o punishment_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n unless_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o law_n the_o curse_n i_o mean_v which_o hold_v he_o under_o sin_n be_v loose_v 1_o cor._n 15.56_o this_o then_o be_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n salvation_n from_o hell_n and_o sin_n pardon_v and_o a_o holy_a conjunction_n with_o god_n second_o the_o tendency_n or_o motion_n of_o fiducial_a faith_n to_o this_o end_n i._n e._n towards_o salvation_n be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o hope_n faith_n rest_v on_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n all_o fiducial_a reliance_n or_o trust_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n in_o reference_n to_o any_o good_a to_o be_v attain_v be_v in_o hope_n of_o that_o good_a when_o a_o man_n trust_v in_o a_o physician_n for_o his_o health_n it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o when_o a_o rich_a man_n trust_v in_o his_o riches_n it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o safety_n and_o favour_n among_o man_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o jew_n trust_v or_o be_v say_v to_o trust_v on_o the_o break_a reed_n egypt_n it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o aid_n from_o thence_o so_o to_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v to_o hope_v for_o his_o salvation_n tit._n 1.2_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_a be_v in_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n now_o hope_v as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v the_o intention_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o some_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o attainable_a some_o put_v in_o difficulty_n but_o that_o be_v not_o always_o competent_a to_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n hope_v therefore_o imply_v first_o 1._o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o second_o 2._o a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v wherever_o these_o two_o meet_a there_o be_v hope_n and_o no_o where_o else_o no_o man_n hope_n but_o as_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v catachrestical_o for_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v not_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o as_o man_n total_o despair_v under_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o pardon_n else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v grieve_v as_o they_o be_v for_o want_v of_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n a_o man_n may_v wish_v himself_o a_o eagle_n or_o a_o swallow_n as_o david_n but_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n to_o be_v so_o for_o beside_o desire_n hope_v always_o imply_v a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o good_a desire_a may_v be_v attain_v or_o which_o be_v more_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v attain_v devil_n may_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v out_o of_o torment_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v so_o but_o no_o hope_n of_o it_o because_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o attainable_a the_o lame_a man_n act_n 5._o hope_v to_o receive_v money_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o desire_v it_o and_o think_v they_o have_v it_o to_o give_v he_o but_o as_o for_o a_o cure_n he_o desire_v that_o also_o but_o hope_v not_o for_o it_o because_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v at_o first_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o healing-power_n about_o they_o he_o that_o hope_v for_o any_o thing_n look_v on_o it_o as_o attainable_a and_o the_o more_o likely_a he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v attain_v the_o more_o confident_a he_o be_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o as_o probable_a but_o as_o certain_a then_o it_o be_v full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n as_o heb._n 6.11_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n when_o god_n have_v bring_v the_o humble_a soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a believe_v of_o the_o gospel_n he_o thereby_o work_v he_o up_o to_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n therein_o propound_v and_o withal_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o may_v for_o his_o own_o part_n attain_v it_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o hope_v for_o everlasting_a life_n the_o soul_n understand_v already_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n see_v such_o a_o excellency_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n as_o make_v he_o vehement_o desire_v it_o he_o now_o account_v it_o the_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n and_o hell_n and_o join_v unto_o god_n though_o he_o make_v never_o so_o light_a of_o it_o before_o and_o earnest_o cry_v out_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n union_n with_o god_n and_o god_n to_o be_v my_o god_n for_o ever_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v eat_v bread_n in_o my_o father_n house_n luke_n 15._o thus_o the_o merchant_n have_v see_v the_o pearl_n like_a achan_n present_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_z so_o importunate_o desire_v it_o that_o he_o stick_v not_o at_o sell_v all_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v it_o this_o be_v that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v matth._n 5.6_o isaiah_n 55.1_o and_o elsewhere_o this_o be_v that_o willingness_n which_o make_v a_o soul_n capable_a of_o the_o water_n of_o
rest_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o save_v faith_n may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o man_n be_v a_o offender_n and_o guilty_a of_o death_n eternal_a can_v be_v save_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o thereforefore_o he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n from_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n he_o that_o be_v bind_v over_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n must_v either_o suffer_v it_o or_o be_v forgive_v it_o now_o nothing_o forgive_v but_o mercy_n look_v upon_o god_n as_o almighty_a and_o it_o speak_v terror_n to_o the_o guilty_a soul_n power_n make_v he_o able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o just_o and_o justice_n speak_v terror_n as_o that_o which_o make_v he_o hate_v sin_n and_o punish_v sinner_n but_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o pitiful_a to_o poor_a creature_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o there_o you_o have_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n hope_n can_v never_o find_v whereon_o to_o rest_v the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n till_o you_o come_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o merciful_a god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 18.13_o he_o can_v light_v on_o nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o stay_v his_o hope_n upon_o but_o mercy_n the_o poor_a leper_n matth._n 8._o urge_v our_o saviour_n with_o his_o power_n to_o make_v he_o clean_o but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v some_o hopeful_a conceit_n of_o his_o willingness_n to_o relieve_v poor_a supplicant_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o will_v never_o have_v ask_v he_o for_o the_o cure_n he_o that_o expect_v a_o debt_n may_v trust_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o he_o that_o owe_v it_o but_o he_o that_o expect_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n must_v rest_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o expect_v it_o or_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o obj._n you_o will_v say_v a_o believer_n hope_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o mercy_n ans_fw-fr i_o grant_v it_o a_o believer_n hope_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_a as_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n do_v assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o mercifulness_n god_n profess_v and_o declare_v himself_o merciful_a the_o soul_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o will_v approve_v himself_o so_o because_o it_o judge_v he_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o hope_n in_o mercy_n so_o declare_v so_o the_o soul_n rely_v on_o mercy_n rely_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o only_o as_o mercy_n turn_v and_o use_v it_o to_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n otherwise_o he_o be_v true_a to_o punish_v according_a to_o his_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v true_a to_o save_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n so_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o save_v yea_o the_o soul_n rely_v on_o mercy_n rely_v also_o on_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v just_a in_o show_v mercy_n but_o all_o this_o while_n mercy_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o believer_n hope_n let_v god_n be_v never_o so_o mighty_a never_o so_o wise_a never_o so_o faithful_a never_o so_o righteous_a all_o this_o speak_v no_o encouragement_n to_o the_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n but_o all_o against_o he_o till_o mercy_n be_v discover_v and_o then_o some_o ground_n appear_v for_o he_o to_o build_v his_o hope_n upon_o and_o now_o the_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n give_v their_o assistance_n and_o bear_v up_o expectation_n 2._o but_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v safe_o hope_v in_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o only_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n consider_v as_o he_o be_v merciful_a in_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n as_o he_o be_v merciful_a so_o as_o to_o provide_v and_o accept_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o justice_n in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o so_o to_o offer_v salvation_n free_o to_o sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n as_o love_v the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n for_o 1._o if_o the_o humble_a sinner_n consider_v mercy_n absolute_o justice_n present_o come_v in_o and_o damp_n his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n though_o he_o be_v almighty_a shall_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o his_o wisdom_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v though_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o pity_n to_o a_o sinner_n which_o his_o justice_n will_v not_o bear_v because_o he_o be_v just_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a now_o justice_n require_v that_o the_o law_n shall_v proceed_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v sin_v shall_v die_v gal._n 3.10_o deut._n 27.26_o but_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n have_v so_o satisfy_v the_o law_n that_o justice_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o sinner_n who_o god_n will_v please_v to_o save_v rom._n 3.25_o 26._o by_o this_o mean_v god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o he_o be_v high_o just_a in_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o sinner_n as_o have_v lay_v the_o punishment_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n and_o therefore_o mercy_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o hope_n but_o not_o otherwise_o as_o heb._n 9.21_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n though_o god_n be_v never_o so_o merciful_a second_o if_o the_o humble_a soul_n consider_v mercy_n absolute_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o will_v save_v sinner_n suppose_v that_o he_o will_v save_v any_o of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v object_v against_o his_o own_o hope_n of_o salvation_n obj._n 1_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o break_v out_o into_o gross_a wickedness_n but_o have_v restrain_v themselves_o to_o some_o bound_n of_o fairness_n and_o morality_n and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v exceed_v in_o sin_n and_o do_v evil_a with_o a_o high_a hand_n obj._n 2._o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v sin_v out_o of_o ignorance_n as_o be_v uninform_v and_o unconvince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o light_n and_o sin_v against_o knowledge_n and_o the_o express_a dictate_v of_o my_o own_o conscience_n obj._n 3_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o accept_v the_o first_o or_o second_o call_v that_o he_o give_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o close_o with_o offer_a grace_n betimes_o and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o sinner_n but_o alas_o i_o have_v withstand_v many_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o neglect_a salvation_n when_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o i_o god_n know_v how_o many_o time_n and_o so_o my_o day_n may_v be_v expire_v it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o signal_o contradict_v their_o profession_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n who_o as_o they_o have_v not_o practise_v godliness_n so_o have_v never_o much_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o or_o some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o have_v dissemble_v with_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o ungodly_a under_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n yea_o i_o have_v give_v up_o my_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v give_v my_o hand_n to_o satan_n and_o my_o own_o lust_n object_n 4._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o save_v some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v never_o to_o be_v pardon_v object_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v save_v some_o great_a and_o eminent_a sinner_n but_o they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o be_v within_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o election_n and_o he_o show_v great_a mercy_n in_o save_v they_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o under_o the_o decree_n of_o reprobation_n
the_o word_n compare_v to_o pure_a milk_n the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v for_o you_o as_o pure_a breast-milk_n be_v for_o the_o newborn_a babe_n sweet_a and_o please_a nourish_a and_o strengthen_v the_o mean_v appoint_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o by_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o edification_n unto_o glory_n act_v 20.32_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v second_o second_o the_o desire_n itself_o describe_v by_o the_o appetite_n of_o newborn_a infant_n to_o the_o nurse_n milk_n that_o be_v a_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v three_o the_o end_n of_o this_o desire_n growth_n in_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o what_o that_o be_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v intend_v a_o growth_n appear_v plain_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n to_o be_v faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o next_o epistle_n grow_v in_o grace_n growth_n be_v the_o gradual_a process_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o their_o due_a measure_n and_o maturity_n and_o of_o all_o the_o growth_n the_o growth_n of_o child_n which_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n similitude_n be_v a_o very_a slow_a and_o imperceptible_a motion_n such_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n towards_o its_o proper_a and_o purpose_a perfection_n mark_v 4.27_o the_o seed_n spring_v and_o grow_v up_o we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o hence_o we_o way_n observe_v direct_v 1._o that_o save_v grace_n begin_v in_o convert_a soul_n go_v gradual_o on_o to_o its_o perfection_n under_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o god_n justification_n be_v perfect_v at_o once_o and_o with_o it_o adoption_n but_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n be_v begin_v in_o low_a degree_n and_o bring_v on_o by_o step_n to_o it_o its_o intend_a height_n and_o fullness_n see_v this_o prove_v in_o phil._n 1.6_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o again_o in_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n so_o likewise_o hosea_n 6.3_o his_o go_v forth_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n and_o mark_v 4.26_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o which_o he_o begin_v that_o which_o in_o its_o perfection_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o grotius_n and_o some_o other_o understand_v those_o three_o age_n 1_o john_n 2.12_o 13._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o doctrine_n in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a advance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n towards_o perfection_n from_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o that_o in_o ten_o successive_a period_n of_o their_o motion_n first_o the_o first_o period_n or_o point_n of_o a_o christian_n motion_n towards_o perfection_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v 1._o a_o vehement_a pursuit_n of_o some_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n when_o once_o man_n be_v bring_v through_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n they_o present_o become_v very_o laborious_a to_o get_v some_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o save_v estate_n they_o do_v not_o indeed_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n the_o mortify_n of_o lust_n well_o order_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o but_o that_o which_o they_o especial_o and_o most_o ambitious_o intend_v now_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o be_v a_o soul-quieting_a certainty_n that_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o they_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v yet_o it_o be_v usual_o a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o can_v clear_o understand_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n save_v person_n a_o man_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n a_o believer_n before_o he_o can_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o faith_n be_v sometime_o very_o long_o unevident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o though_o he_o do_v perceive_v the_o believe_a act_n in_o himself_o and_o dare_v not_o deny_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n or_o no_o and_o very_o impatient_a of_o the_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o young_a convert_v and_o their_o great_a affair_n to_o assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o not_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n bring_v in_o a_o sweet_a calmness_n of_o spirit_n ease_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o despair_a and_o torment_v fear_n with_o which_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v before_o and_o therefore_o faith_n itself_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o rest_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o stay_n of_o the_o mind_n on_o god_n isa_n 26.3_o but_o a_o positive_a assurance_n of_o one_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o further_a benefit_n and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v to_o the_o make_n of_o our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o this_o be_v usual_o the_o great_a study_n of_o new_a convert_v as_o hosea_n 6.2_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o that_o be_v it_o in_o prosecution_n whereof_o they_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o do_v main_o intend_v and_o follow_v this_o appear_v first_o in_o their_o eager_a desire_n after_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n appoint_v to_o this_o end_n to_o confirm_v faith_n and_o work_v assurance_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o eunuch_n be_v convert_v he_o be_v present_o ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n act_n 8.36_o 37._o and_o the_o eunuch_n say_v see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o baptism_n be_v a_o confirm_a ordinance_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v that_o doctrine_n seal_v to_o he_o by_o wash_v which_o he_o have_v late_o hear_v preach_v out_o of_o isa_n 53._o and_o paul_n when_o convert_v assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o the_o church_n communion_n with_o saint_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o own_o good_a estate_n act_v 9.26_o and_o when_o saul_n be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n two_o their_o earnest_n harken_v after_o promise_n and_o such_o part_n of_o the_o word_n as_o declare_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o poor_a sinner_n they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o so_o studious_a of_o that_o word_n which_o set_v forth_o that_o reward_n which_o saint_n shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n as_o of_o that_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o serve_v to_o give_v humble_v soul_n notice_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o go_v to_o every_o sermon_n that_o they_o hear_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o word_n of_o peace_n and_o be_v mighty_o take_v with_o that_o word_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n descend_v and_o stoop_v down_o to_o poor_a unworthy_a wretch_n though_o they_o hearty_o like_o a_o boanerges_n a_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o bless_v god_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o now_o they_o be_v sore_o and_o wound_a and_o most_o earnest_o desire_v after_o barnabas_n the_o son_n of_o consolation_n to_o pour_v some_o oil_n into_o their_o wound_n
concernment_n of_o every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v 1_o cor._n 10_o 12._o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v that_o your_o ground_n may_v be_v good_a and_o safe_a take_v a_o few_o direction_n direct_v 1._o be_v very_o careful_a to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o glass_n in_o which_o you_o may_v see_v your_o own_o face_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n you_o be_v james_z 1.24_o two_o watch_v narrow_o over_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v your_o general_a aim_n and_o intendment_n wherein_o you_o exercise_v yourselves_o as_o paul_n act_v 24.16_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o etc._n etc._n for_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o try_v himself_o by_o his_o main_a purpose_n and_o design_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n three_o rest_v not_o upon_o other_o man_n judgement_n of_o you_o gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v and_o so_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o himself_o or_o other_o think_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o 4._o think_v not_o to_o confirm_v your_o assurance_n by_o change_v mode_n and_o way_n of_o christianity_n neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n shall_v you_o worship_v the_o father_n john_n 4.21_o in_o this_o mountain_n there_o be_v their_o forefather_n example_n lead_v they_o to_o mount_n gerezim_n etc._n etc._n but_o you_o that_o be_v the_o jew_n plead_v solomon_n building_n and_o god_n blessing_n the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n some_o have_v try_v this_o way_n of_o change_a form_n and_o be_v quiet_v a_o little_a while_n but_o their_o doubt_n have_v return_v and_o must_v needs_o for_o any_o help_n that_o can_v be_v that_o way_n get_v evidence_n of_o salvation_n be_v internal_a and_o stand_v thing_n abide_v 5th_o slight_v not_o any_o hopeful_a evidence_n because_o you_o yet_o find_v some_o doubt_n paul_n bless_a god_n that_o with_o his_o mind_n he_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o the_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o last_o assurance_n be_v always_o imperfect_a and_o this_o first_o work_n be_v always_o needful_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v if_o god_n will_v in_o the_o next_o step._n six_o wait_v always_o on_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o information_n concern_v your_o own_o estate_n see_v psalm_n 139.1_o 2_o and_o 23d_o verse_n search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a matth_n xiii_o 44._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o second_o period_n or_o degree_n of_o a_o believer_n motion_n towards_o his_o perfection_n may_v be_v describe_v by_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o signal_n and_o remarkable_a in_o believer_n of_o some_o little_a stand_n after_o they_o have_v awhile_o conflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o take_v some_o solicitous_a pain_n to_o assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n to_o give_v they_o peace_n and_o persuade_v they_o of_o his_o special_a love_n some_o sermon_n or_o other_o he_o employ_v on_o purpose_n to_o disperse_v their_o darkness_n some_o promise_n or_o other_o he_o so_o interpret_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o as_o to_o make_v it_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o speak_v comfort_n to_o they_o sometime_o it_o come_v in_o return_n to_o some_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o they_o have_v late_o make_v for_o it_o sometime_o when_o they_o be_v sad_o ponder_v their_o doubt_n and_o almost_o overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n but_o usual_o when_o they_o have_v little_a expectation_n of_o it_o than_o they_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o peace_n and_o receive_v intimation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o high_o rejoice_v and_o cheer_v up_o their_o heart_n as_o our_o saviour_n word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v imply_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o understand_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o perfection_n whereof_o be_v that_o it_o crown_v man_n with_o a_o kingly_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a glory_n this_o salvation_n our_o saviour_n here_o compare_v to_o hide_a treasure_n because_o as_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o excellency_n so_o it_o be_v unseen_a by_o man_n till_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v bring_v by_o faith_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o then_o when_o a_o man_n believe_v he_o find_v the_o treasure_n jesus_n christ_n be_v find_v by_o faith_n isa_n 65.1_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v christ_n be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o he_o be_v reveal_v he_o be_v find_v and_o he_o that_o find_v he_o findeth_z life_n prov._n 8.35_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v thus_o find_v salvation_n his_o great_a care_n be_v to_o secure_v it_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o not_o fail_v to_o obtain_v it_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v here_o intimate_v by_o hide_v of_o the_o treasure_n when_o it_o be_v find_v for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n way_n to_o ascertain_v himself_o of_o the_o attainment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v find_v be_v to_o make_v it_o as_o sure_a as_o he_o can_v from_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o have_v so_o do_v he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o have_v it_o to_o himself_o which_o signify_v that_o joy_n whereof_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v viz._n the_o joy_n of_o a_o believer_n under_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o same_o joy_n be_v that_o report_v of_o the_o samaritan_n act_n 8.8_o there_o be_v great_a joy_n in_o that_o city_n and_o verse_n the_o 39th_o it_o be_v say_v the_o eunuch_n go_v on_o his_o way_n rejoice_v and_o that_o in_o act_n 16.34_o he_o rejoice_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o we_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n some_o instance_n of_o this_o joy_n in_o christian_n upon_o their_o first_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n after_o their_o come_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o and_o the_o first_o instance_n be_v inst_z 1._o a_o very_a thankful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v awaken_v and_o persuade_v to_o return_v to_o god_n though_o many_o christian_n be_v unable_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o first_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o ordinary_o they_o remember_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o have_v be_v more_o remarkable_o stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o inquire_v after_o god_n and_o seek_v peace_n with_o he_o and_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o so_o you_o shall_v hear_v they_o blessing_n god_n for_o such_o or_o such_o a_o sermon_n or_o such_o a_o man_n ministry_n whereby_o it_o please_v god_n to_o set_v they_o a_o move_n towards_o himself_o o_o that_o be_v a_o proper_a word_n for_o my_o case_n i_o think_v the_o word_n be_v choose_v and_o the_o sermon_n study_v on_o purpose_n for_o i_o it_o come_v home_o so_o close_o to_o i_o discover_v my_o sin_n show_v i_o what_o be_v my_o confidence_n and_o how_o i_o delude_v myself_o in_o it_o what_o be_v my_o danger_n and_o how_o near_o i_o be_v to_o it_o i_o little_o think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o full_o meet_v withal_o so_o clear_o to_o have_v see_v my_o own_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n to_o have_v return_v so_o convince_v so_o affright_v etc._n etc._n i_o use_v to_o hear_v for_o other_o and_o to_o observe_v how_o they_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o concern_v in_o what_o be_v say_v but_o now_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v i_o my_o portion_n and_o send_v i_o home_o with_o my_o own_o burden_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o grace_n that_o so_o and_o so_o
seasonable_o find_v i_o out_o i_o think_v i_o have_v be_v arm_v sufficient_o and_o can_v have_v endure_v the_o force_n of_o a_o sermon_n as_o easy_o as_o any_o man_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o have_v bear_v up_o my_o face_n undaunted_o against_o all_o rebuke_n and_o threaten_n but_o the_o word_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o i_o and_o bring_v i_o down_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o it_o do_v so_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o prepare_v it_o so_o sharpen_v it_o so_o time_v it_o and_o so_o follow_v it_o with_o powerful_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o i_o can_v never_o acquit_v myself_o of_o it_o till_o i_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v and_o yield_v myself_o up_o to_o god_n second_o two_o their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o that_o they_o die_v not_o in_o their_o former_a estate_n as_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o be_v recover_v of_o his_o sickness_n and_o find_v himself_o well_o again_o write_v a_o memorial_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o in_o his_o restitution_n wherein_o he_o record_v the_o danger_n he_o have_v be_v in_o and_o how_o near_o he_o be_v to_o death_n and_o what_o a_o narrow_a escape_n he_o have_v isaiah_n 38.9_o so_o christian_n when_o once_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n be_v even_o afraid_a to_o think_v what_o a_o estate_n they_o be_v in_o before_o and_o mighty_o take_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o perish_v in_o that_o condition_n i_o be_v in_o love_n with_o my_o own_o perverse_a way_n when_o i_o be_v run_v headlong_o to_o destruction_n i_o think_v myself_o safe_a enough_o when_o i_o be_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o evil_a i_o trust_v to_o my_o own_o work_n when_o i_o be_v work_v out_o my_o damnation_n prov._n 5.14_o i_o be_v almost_o in_o all_o evil_a i_o despise_a reproof_n and_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o teacher_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v then_o take_v i_o off_o by_o death_n i_o have_v certain_o perish_v o_o bless_a be_v god_n that_o have_v pity_n on_o i_o when_o i_o have_v no_o care_n of_o myself_o and_o awaken_v i_o when_o i_o be_v sleep_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n thus_o paul_n i_o be_v a_o persecutor_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o injurious_a but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o so_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v say_v to_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n rev._n 15.3_o blessing_n god_n that_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o die_v under_o egyptian_a bondage_n or_o perish_v in_o the_o red-sea_n three_o their_o readiness_n to_o tell_v other_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o their_o soul_n christian_n be_v hardly_o ever_o so_o communicative_a of_o their_o experience_n as_o about_o this_o age._n as_o child_n when_o first_o they_o get_v use_v of_o their_o tongue_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o talk_v thus_o christian_n when_o they_o have_v new_o get_v the_o sense_n of_o save_a love_n be_v often_o say_v with_o david_n come_v and_o hear_v you_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n psalm_n 66.16_o i_o be_v perish_v unaware_o and_o he_o show_v i_o my_o danger_n and_o then_o i_o think_v i_o must_v needs_o perish_v without_o remedy_n i_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o tremble_v like_o cain_n and_o can_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v lie_v down_o nor_o rise_v in_o peace_n all_o be_v black_a and_o dark_a about_o i_o every_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v against_o i_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a as_o i_o think_v to_o swallow_v i_o up_o till_o such_o a_o word_n come_v and_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v set_v home_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o they_o my_o fear_n vanish_v and_o my_o soul_n be_v quiet_v my_o mourn_v turn_v into_o joy_n etc._n etc._n never_o be_v a_o poor_a faint_a soul_n so_o revive_v o_o taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v grocious_a he_o beliver_v my_o soul_n from_o death_n my_o eye_n from_o tear_n my_o foot_n from_o fall_v psalm_n 116.8_o four_o their_o great_a contentedness_n under_o outward_a trouble_n because_o god_n have_v speak_v peace_n to_o their_o soul_n though_o they_o be_v poor_a it_o may_v be_v and_o low_o in_o the_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o many_o enemy_n though_o they_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o neighbour_n and_o their_o old_a companion_n and_o suffer_v the_o displeasure_n of_o their_o friend_n for_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v watch_v and_o keep_v in_o and_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v hard_a shift_n to_o get_v out_o to_o ordinance_n and_o into_o christian_a communion_n yet_o all_o be_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o they_o bear_v it_o patient_o because_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o their_o soul_n and_o give_v they_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n now_o let_v friend_n reject_v they_o father_n and_o mother_n forsake_v they_o since_o god_n have_v take_v they_o up_o their_o acquaintance_n disow_v they_o but_o god_n own_v they_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o they_o but_o heaven_n smile_v they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v loss_n of_o all_o but_o they_o have_v find_v christ_n and_o win_v christ_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o portion_n five_o 5thly_a the_o sweet_a savour_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n joy_n sweeten_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o relish_v what_o be_v set_v before_o we_o so_o christian_n in_o this_o estate_n be_v strange_o take_v with_o spiritual_a promise_n and_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o they_o which_o they_o never_o perceive_v before_o so_o that_o they_o wonder_v at_o themselves_o to_o think_v how_o many_o time_n they_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v such_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o never_o understand_v it_o never_o find_v any_o relish_n in_o it_o but_o now_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o what_o a_o good_a word_n be_v this_o oh_o delicacy_n of_o our_o father_n house_n what_o nourishment_n what_o cordial_n be_v in_o his_o evangelical_n provision_n this_o be_v bread_n from_o heaven_n angel_n food_n indeed_o what_o a_o table_n be_v here_o spread_v what_o a_o cup_n be_v here_o fill_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o six_o 6thly_fw-mi their_o affectionate_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o david_n express_v himself_o in_o psalm_n 116.1_o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o my_o supplication_n so_o christian_n raise_v up_o out_o of_o their_o sorrow_n terror_n and_o despair_n high_o admire_v and_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o they_o have_v now_o believe_v as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 7._o to_o you_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a though_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o as_o newborn_a babe_n now_o let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o few_o reason_n first_o reas_n 1._o no_o marvel_n that_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o first_o receipt_n of_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v usual_o the_o fruit_n of_o much_o studious_a pain_n and_o labour_n many_o prayer_n much_o wait_a and_o many_o strict_a examination_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v natural_o pleasant_a which_o be_v hardly_o attain_v they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n reap_v in_o joy_n psalm_n 126.5_o second_o reas_n 2._o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o begin_n of_o heaven_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n believer_n now_o receive_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n salvation_n be_v the_o intend_a end_n of_o faith_n that_o which_o faith_n be_v always_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o faith_n seek_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n as_o that_o in_o which_o it_o cease_v as_o believe_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o vision_n so_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v a_o very_a joyous_a thing_n three_o reas_n 3._o they_o common_o think_v their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n now_o go_v for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v despair_v no_o more_o distrust_n god_n no_o more_o as_o david_n psalm_n 30.6_o say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o this_o three_o reason_n have_v a_o mistake_n in_o it_o as_o it_o ordinary_o prove_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o four_o reas_n 4._o god_n give_v this_o comfort_n to_o facilitate_v his_o people_n way_n to_o heaven_n if_o
himself_o exod._n 2.11_o with_o act_n 7.35_o moses_n who_o they_o refuse_v say_v who_o make_v thou_o a_o ruler_n and_o a_o judge_n the_o same_o do_v god_n send_v to_o be_v a_o ruler_n and_o a_o deliverer_n he_o suppose_v his_o brethren_n will_v have_v understand_v that_o by_o his_o hand_n god_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o afterward_o have_v find_v the_o work_n so_o hard_o he_o can_v not_o hope_v to_o do_v it_o though_o god_n express_o set_v he_o about_o it_o and_o give_v he_o his_o commission_n for_o it_o exod._n 3.10_o 11._o come_v now_o therefore_o and_o i_o will_v send_v thou_o unto_o pharaoh_n that_o thou_o may_v bring_v forth_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o moses_n say_v unto_o god_n who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v unto_o pharaoh_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v bring_v forth_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n yea_o when_o he_o have_v now_o have_v some_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o undertake_n yet_o he_o speak_v as_o despair_v of_o bring_v it_o to_o any_o effect_n because_o he_o find_v so_o much_o difficulty_n in_o it_o exod._n 5.22_o 23._o moses_n return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v why_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o for_o since_o i_o come_v to_o pharaoh_n to_o speak_v in_o thy_o name_n he_o have_v do_v evil_a to_o this_o people_n neither_o haste_n thou_o deliver_v thy_o people_n at_o all_o so_o christian_n new_o convert_v make_v almost_o nothing_o of_o resolve_v if_o god_n will_v pardon_v they_o and_o speak_v peace_n to_o they_o to_o do_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v to_o be_v duty_n and_o break_v off_o from_o all_o sin_n for_o ever_o after_o but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o find_v sin_n so_o mighty_a in_o they_o that_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o purpose_n in_o that_o work_n of_o godliness_n so_o they_o find_v themselves_o utter_o unable_a for_o obedience_n and_o holy_a walk_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n this_o be_v the_o first_o experiment_n tend_v to_o this_o dependence_n on_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n in_o chrst_n two_o they_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n sometime_o with_o they_o help_v they_o against_o all_o weakness_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n with_o much_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n so_o they_o be_v marvellous_o encourage_v in_o trust_v god_n enliven_v in_o seek_v of_o he_o animate_v in_o speak_v and_o act_v for_o he_o and_o make_v free_a and_o cheerful_a in_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n insomuch_o that_o they_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o transport_v beyond_o their_o ordinary_a bound_n of_o weakness_n heaviness_n and_o indisposition_n as_o hab._n 3.19_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v my_o strength_n he_o make_v my_o foot_n like_o hind_n foot_n and_o he_o will_v make_v i_o to_o walk_v upon_o high_a place_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n they_o many_o time_n err_v think_v that_o it_o will_v continue_v always_o so_o with_o they_o as_o they_o have_v find_v it_o three_o they_o find_v that_o this_o assistance_n usual_o come_v in_o most_o when_o they_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o despair_v of_o themselves_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a the_o like_v you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o 94th_o psalm_n 18._o when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o that_o be_v very_o notable_a and_o observable_a to_o this_o purpose_n judge_n 6.14_o the_o angel_n bid_v gideon_n go_v forth_o in_o this_o thy_o might_n why_o what_o be_v his_o might_n he_o be_v humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o weakness_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o four_o they_o find_v that_o the_o more_o earnest_o they_o look_v to_o god_n for_o his_o help_n the_o more_o sensible_o he_o be_v please_v to_o relieve_v and_o succour_v they_o with_o it_o as_o david_n say_v in_o the_o 28_o psalm_n 7._o the_o lord_n be_v my_o strength_n my_o heart_n trust_v in_o he_o and_o i_o be_o help_v they_o fail_v most_o when_o they_o either_o forget_v their_o weakness_n and_o think_v to_o go_v forth_o as_o at_o other_o time_n as_o samson_n say_v or_o when_o they_o conceive_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n from_o god_n but_o provoke_v he_o by_o despair_n to_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o sink_v in_o their_o sorrow_n and_o thus_o experience_v plain_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a dependence_n on_o the_o gracious_a power_n of_o god_n for_o all_o their_o work_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a god_n enable_v they_o and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n and_o when_o they_o wait_v most_o earnest_o on_o he_o for_o strength_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o teach_v than_o all_o this_o teach_v they_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o whole_a christian_a duty_n now_o for_o the_o use_v use_v 1_o this_o show_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n who_o make_v their_o weakness_n a_o apology_n for_o their_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n instead_o of_o look_v to_o christ_n for_o strength_n of_o grace_n they_o cast_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o for_o such_o work_n and_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o power_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v let_v it_o alone_o unassayed_a unendeavour_v till_o more_o strength_n come_v first_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v not_o love_v christian_a duty_n they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o it_o or_o they_o will_v be_v impatient_a of_o their_o weakness_n cry_v out_o for_o strength_n as_o the_o poor_a syrophenician_a woman_n when_o christ_n seem_v to_o neglect_v she_o lord_n help_v i_o matth._n 15.24_o 25._o two_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o believe_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o salvation_n that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v god_n have_v no_o power_n on_o their_o heart_n nor_o that_o in_o 2_o thess_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o let_v we_o reason_v it_o a_o little_a if_o you_o believe_v these_o thing_n why_o do_v you_o not_o live_v holy_a and_o religious_a life_n why_o do_v you_o suffer_v your_o lust_n and_o brutish_a appetite_n to_o lead_v and_o carry_v you_o to_o such_o company_n and_o such_o course_n as_o you_o know_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o christianity_n and_o such_o as_o you_o be_v ashamed_a person_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o soberness_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o why_o do_v you_o not_o set_v up_o a_o strict_a exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o devote_v yourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n if_o you_o say_v you_o do_v not_o because_o you_o can_v you_o have_v no_o ability_n then_o it_o seem_v you_o think_v you_o can_v but_o perish_v you_o can_v but_o be_v damn_v for_o he_o that_o can_v be_v holy_a can_v see_v god_n and_o can_v but_o fall_v under_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a flame_n and_o do_v you_o believe_v this_o no_o no_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v not_o live_v a_o hour_n at_o quiet_a never_o enjoy_v yourselves_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o be_v always_o cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n etc._n etc._n no_o i_o will_v never_o think_v you_o can_v be_v such_o monster_n as_o to_o believe_v you_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o perish_v and_o yet_o be_v please_v and_o quiet_v in_o that_o estate_n but_o you_o will_v be_v secure_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o quarrel_n at_o they_o that_o will_v disturb_v you_o well_o if_o you_o will_v rather_o disbelieve_v god_n and_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n than_o be_v disturb_v in_o your_o security_n who_o can_v help_v it_o you_o will_v short_o find_v your_o error_n use_v 2._o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o unsoundness_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o look_v only_o at_o safety_n from_o misery_n and_o not_o at_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n true_a saving-faith_n rely_v on_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o reward_n and_o for_o a_o freedom_n from_o punishment_n though_o at_o first_o christian_n be_v usual_o but_o low_a in_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o experience_n bring_v they_o to_o it_o the_o three_o use_v use_v 3_o be_v
my_o face_n my_o heart_n answer_v and_o say_v thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n that_o the_o scripture_n use_v two_o word_n for_o meditation_n and_o both_o signify_v to_o speak_v there_o be_v in_o divine_a meditation_n such_o a_o close_a discourse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o or_o less_o exercise_v in_o divine_a meditation_n yet_o to_o hold_v a_o close_a and_o constant_a intercouse_n with_o god_n in_o it_o be_v very_o peculiar_a to_o christian_n of_o good_a experience_n and_o maturity_n two_o they_o bemoan_v themselves_o familiar_o to_o god_n in_o all_o their_o grievance_n and_o he_o answer_v they_o in_o the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n we_o have_v a_o expression_n of_o this_o of_o david_n in_o psalm_n 142.2_o i_o pour_v out_o my_o complaint_n before_o he_o i_o show_v before_o he_o my_o trouble_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o with_o they_o they_o run_v present_o to_o he_o with_o their_o complaint_n and_o so_o he_o ease_v they_o and_o relieve_v they_o psalm_n 34.18_o when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o christian_n be_v full_a of_o complaint_n to_o he_o every_o thing_n that_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v they_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o complaint_n and_o so_o they_o give_v he_o frequent_a occasion_n to_o express_v his_o kindness_n to_o they_o it_o be_v true_a christian_n be_v use_v to_o this_o way_n of_o open_v their_o grief_n to_o god_n from_o their_o youth_n up_o but_o be_v much_o more_o free_a and_o familiar_a in_o it_o after_o they_o have_v gain_v experience_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o their_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v more_o inward_a with_o he_o three_o they_o go_v confident_o to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o their_o want_n and_o he_o satisfy_v they_o with_o gracious_a answer_n of_o their_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o all_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v well-grown_a christian_n that_o can_v come_v bold_o in_o all_o case_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o perceive_v when_o they_o be_v answer_v according_a to_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 5_o 14._o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n we_o have_v in_o he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o a_o christian_n that_o pray_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o wellestablished_n faith_n as_o he_o come_v to_o god_n in_o good_a assurance_n of_o acceptance_n so_o he_o find_v his_o prayer_n one_o way_n or_o other_o answer_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n david_n find_v a_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n in_o a_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o now_o discover_v will_n of_o god_n 2_o sam._n 12.23_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o i_o david_n take_v comfort_n in_o this_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o he_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o worship_v what_o else_o will_v he_o have_v do_v if_o the_o child_n life_n have_v be_v grant_v why_o he_o can_v have_v do_v no_o better_o for_o he_o have_v satisfaction_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o child_n thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n find_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n for_o the_o depart_n of_o satan_n messenger_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o now_o this_o answer_n be_v matter_n of_o gladness_n to_o the_o apostle_n most_o glad_o therefore_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o infirmity_n and_o christ_n himself_o have_v his_o prayer_n answer_v even_o in_o that_o which_o he_o fear_v and_o this_o be_v parallel_n to_o that_o of_o david_n psalm_n 65.5_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n will_v thou_o answer_v we_o o_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n terrible_a thing_n thing_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o four_o they_o express_v their_o joy_n to_o he_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o he_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o more_o it_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o friendly_a intimacy_n to_o impart_v our_o joy_n to_o our_o friend_n and_o tell_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o please_v we_o to_o show_v they_o such_o good_n or_o rarity_n as_o we_o have_v about_o we_o wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o be_v take_v so_o christian_n and_o especial_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o good_a maturity_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n that_o god_n have_v show_v they_o and_o not_o only_o pour_v out_o their_o sorrow_n but_o express_v their_o joy_n before_o he_o as_o david_n in_o psalm_n 63.4_o 5._o thus_o will_v i_o bless_v thou_o while_o i_o live_v my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o special_a property_n of_o a_o well-grown_a christian_a to_o be_v much_o dispose_v to_o thanksgiving_n and_o tell_v not_o only_a other_o but_o god_n himself_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o soul_n and_o herein_o christian_n have_v a_o comfortable_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o not_o only_o accept_v their_o praise_n but_o usual_o warm_v and_o cheer_v their_o heart_n in_o suggest_v to_o they_o hope_n of_o more_o and_o great_a mercy_n see_v psalm_n 23.2_o 3._o david_n there_o acknowledge_v to_o god_n what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o thou_o say_v he_o make_v i_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o green_a pasture_n he_o lead_v i_o beside_o the_o still_a water_n he_o restore_v my_o soul_n he_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v ver._n 6._o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o place_n more_o and_o that_o be_v in_o psalm_n 73.23_o 24._o whereas_o david_n be_v consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o how_o gracious_a he_o be_v to_o he_o this_o come_v in_o thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o to_o glory_n as_o he_o send_v nathan_n to_o david_n when_o he_o be_v consider_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o favour_n he_o have_v receive_v 2_o samuel_n 7.11_o also_o the_o lord_n tell_v thou_o that_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o house_n 5th_o they_o retire_v fiducial_o to_o he_o in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o he_o encourage_v they_o in_o hope_n of_o safety_n see_v psalm_n 57.2_o 3._o i_o will_v cry_v to_o god_n most_o high_a he_o shall_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o save_v i_o and_o so_o psalm_n 91.1_o 2._o and_o throughout_o it_o be_v a_o soliloquie_n all_o along_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a i_o will_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n my_o god_n in_o he_o will_v i_o trust_v etc._n etc._n six_o they_o consult_v he_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n and_o he_o gracious_o resolve_v they_o i_o will_v say_v david_n cry_v unto_o god_n most_o high_a and_o he_o shall_v save_v i_o and_o the_o same_o david_n psalm_n 119.24_o say_v thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counsellor_n and_o isaiah_n 30.21_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o as_o peter_n in_o matth._n 18.21_o 22._o say_v lord_z how_o oft_o shall_v my_o brother_n sin_n against_o i_o and_o i_o forgive_v he_o till_o seven_o time_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o until_o seven_o time_n but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o so_o asaph_n thou_o will_v guide_v i_o by_o thy_o counsel_n seven_o they_o reason_v out_o their_o trouble_n with_o he_o when_o any_o providence_n of_o he_o be_v less_o satisfy_v to_o they_o and_o he_o content_v and_o pacify_v they_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a freedom_n and_o familiarity_n that_o godly_a man_n have_v with_o god_n and_o a_o very_a gracious_a condescension_n of_o he_o to_o they_o see_v jer._n 12.1_o 2._o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o and_o psal_n 73.16_o 17._o when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o until_o i_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n so_o moses_n in_o exod._n 5.23_o why_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o so_o be_v moses_n seem_o dissatisfied_a with_o god_n deal_v with_o he_o but_o look_v into_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n now_o shall_v thou_o see_v what_o i_o will_v do_v to_o pharaoh_n for_o