Selected quad for the lemma: mercy_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
mercy_n	father_n	sin_n	sinner_n	3,110	5	7.5131	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A09365	The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three bookes: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundrie places, and the other two annexed. Taught and deliuered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his owne briefes, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelour of Diuinitie. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolued; another of the principall texts of Scripture vvhich are either explaned, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.; Cases of conscience	Perkins, William, 1558-1602.; Pickering, Thomas, d. 1625.	1606 (1606)	STC 19669; ESTC S114066	314,224	686

and_o erroneous_a ground_n of_o doctrine_n much_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o direction_n or_o resolution_n of_o the_o 7._o conscience_n in_o time_n of_o need_n as_o namely_o i._n that_o a_o man_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n may_v build_v himself_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o teacher_n and_o for_o his_o salvation_n rest_n content_v with_o a_o implicit_a and_o un-expressed_a faith_n which_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v a_o only_a mean_a to_o keep_v man_n in_o perpetual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o it_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o to_o plunge_v the_o hart_n of_o man_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o despair_n it_o be_v uncapable_a of_o comfort_n for_o want_v of_o particular_a knowledge_n &_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n &_o promise_n of_o god_n i●_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v in_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o 9_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n either_o of_o the_o present_a favour_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o unworthines_n and_o indisposition_n we_o have_v just_a cause_n not_o only_o to_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o to_o despair_v and_o be_v confound_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v certain_o resolve_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o and_o for_o the_o merir_fw-fr of_o christ_n be_v a_o comfortless_a doctrine_n to_o a_o distress_a soul_n and_o contrary_a unto_o the_o save_a 20._o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o teach_v that_o certainty_n flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o doubt_v iii_o that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o make_v special_a confession_n of_o 7._o his_o mortal_a sin_n with_o all_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n thereof_o once_o every_o year_n to_o his_o priest_n this_o position_n &_o practice_n beside_o that_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n of_o sacred_a write_v nor_o yet_o any_o ground_n of_o orthodox_n antiquity_n for_o 800._o year_n more_o or_o less_o after_o christ_n it_o make_v notable_o to_o the_o disturb_v of_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o time_n of_o extremity_n consider_v that_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o understand_v or_o remember_v all_o many_o be_v hide_v and_o 12._o unknown_a and_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o this_o case_n inform_v that_o forgiveness_n depend_v upon_o such_o a_o enumeration_n may_v thus_o be_v bring_v into_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n and_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o rest_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o only_a sovereign_a medicine_n of_o the_o soul_n again_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o always_o arise_v from_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v neither_o do_v the_o lord_n set_v before_o the_o sinner_n eye_n whatsoever_o evil_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o but_o some_o one_o or_o more_o particular_n and_o these_o be_v they_o that_o do_v lie_v heavy_a upon_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o they_o will_v be_v work_n enough_o though_o he_o do_v not_o exhibit_v unto_o the_o confessor_n a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n iv._o that_o some_o sin_n be_v venial_a because_o they_o be_v only_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o against_o it_o and_o because_o 6._o they_o bind_v over_o the_o sinner_n only_o to_o temporal_a and_o not_o to_o eternal_a punishment_n this_o conclusion_n first_o be_v false_a for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o offence_n be_v great_a some_o lesser_a some_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n other_o in_o a_o low_a again_o that_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o event_n be_v repent_v of_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o account_v just_a be_v pardonable_a because_o they_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o condemnation_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o which_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o of_o itself_o mortal_a whether_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n or_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o divine_a justice_n for_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o anomy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o aberration_n from_o the_o perfect_a 4._o rule_n of_o righteousness_n &_o therefore_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o curse_n both_o of_o temporary_a and_o eternal_a death_n it_o be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o man_n stand_v by_o it_o engage_v to_o everlasting_a torment_n second_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n of_o resolution_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n for_o whereas_o true_a and_o save_a joy_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o the_o apprehension_n and_o conceit_n of_o heavenly_a comfort_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o abase_v and_o by_o true_a humiliation_n bring_v to_o nothing_o in_o itself_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o that_o the_o offence_n commit_v be_v venial_a may_v in_o some_o case_n too_o much_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o presume_v when_o haply_o there_o will_v be_v reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o not_o that_o yet_o in_o case_n of_o fall_v by_o infirmity_n after_o grace_n receive_v the_o mind_n be_v forestall_v with_o this_o erroneous_a conceit_n that_o the_o sin_n be_v less_o than_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o venial_a may_v in_o the_o issue_n be_v less_o quiet_v and_o more_o perplex_v v._o that_o a_o man_n may_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n 13._o of_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o omit_v the_o untruth_n of_o ●●is_n position_n how_o it_o make_v to_o the_o case_a of_o the_o heart_n or_o the_o asswage_n of_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n in_o temptation_n i_o appeal_v to_o common_a experience_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n shall_v yet_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o behind_o to_o be_v do_v on_o his_o part_n how_o can_v he_o in_o probability_n rely_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n how_o can_v he_o reap_v unto_o himself_o from_o thence_o any_o assurance_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n who_o he_o former_o offend_v if_o we_o may_v and_o must_v do_v something_o in_o our_o own_o person_n whereby_o to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n why_o have_v our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o for_o our_o heart_n relief_n whole_o and_o only_o to_o make_v the_o plea_n of_o pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o popish_a confessor_n do_v teach_v their_o penitent_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o sin_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n by_o performance_n of_o a_o formal_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n yea_o to_o offer_n unto_o god_n some_o ceremonial_a duty_n in_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o when_o sorrow_n seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o man_n fall_v into_o temptation_n than_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o these_o direction_n be_v not_o currant_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o he_o may_v want_v sound_a comfort_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o run_v into_o despair_n without_o recovery_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n upon_o experience_n it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o even_a papist_n themselves_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n have_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o work_n yea_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o humane_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o cleave_v only_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n by_o these_o instance_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v apparent_a upon_o how_o weak_a and_o unstable_a ground_n the_o case-divinitie_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n stand_v and_o how_o indirect_a a_o course_n they_o take_v for_o the_o resolution_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n now_o by_o the_o benefit_n and_o abuse_v of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o in_o church_n which_o profess_v christian_a religion_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o teach_v and_o further_o enlarge_v than_o it_o be_v and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o ministry_n that_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n attain_v unto_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a will_v employ_v their_o pain_n this_o way_n not_o only_o in_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o such_o point_n as_o stand_v in_o bare_a speculation_n but_o in_o annex_v thereunto_o the_o ground_n and_o conclusion_n of_o practice_n whereby_o they_o may_v both_o inform_v the_o judgement_n &_o rectify_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n may_v

the_o commandment_n when_o he_o reply_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o his_o youth_n christ_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v go_v yet_o further_o and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o john_n tell_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o come_v unto_o his_o baptism_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n that_o if_o they_o will_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v they_o must_v repent_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n 8._o worthy_a amendment_n of_o life_n from_o these_o place_n then_o i_o frame_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n the_o man_n that_o will_v stand_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v save_v must_v do_v four_o thing_n first_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n second_o believe_v in_o christ_n three_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n four_a perform_v new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n sect._n 2._o for_o the_o first_o humiliation_n be_v indeode_v a_o humiliation_n fruit_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o put_v it_o in_o place_n before_o faith_n because_o in_o practice_v it_o be_v first_o faith_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o first_o effect_n whereby_o it_o appear_v be_v the_o abase_v and_o humble_v of_o ourselves_o and_o here_o we_o be_v further_a to_o consider_v three_o point_n first_o wherein_o stand_v humiliation_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o three_o the_o question_n of_o conscience_n that_o concern_v it_o touch_v the_o first_o point_n humiliation_n stand_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v a_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n be_v displease_v with_o himself_o &_o ashamed_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v a_o confession_n to_o god_n wherein_o also_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o to_o acknowledge_v all_o our_o main_a sin_n original_a and_o actual_a second_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o guiltiness_n before_o god_n three_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o just_a damnation_n for_o sin_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o humiliation_n be_v supplication_n make_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n as_o earnest_o as_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o ezra_n daniel_n and_o the_o prodigal_a son_n ezra_n 9_o dan._n 9_o luk._n 15._o 18._o the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o excellency_n of_o humiliation_n which_o stand_v in_o this_o that_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a annex_v to_o it_o esa._n 57_o 15._o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o give_v life_n to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal._n 51._o 17._o a_o contrite_a and_o a_o break_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v prov._n 28._o 13._o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n 1._o joh._n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n by_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o very_a instant_n when_o a_o sinner_n begin_v true_o in_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o humble_v himself_o he_o be_v then_o enter_v into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n so_o soon_o as_o david_n say_v i_o have_v sin_v 13._o nathan_n pronounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v put_v away_o and_o david_n himself_o say_v allude_v to_o the_o former_a place_n i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o sin_n and_o loc_n 5._o thou_o forgave_v the_o wickedness_n of_o my_o sin_n when_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v but_o say_v i_o will_v go_v to_o 18._o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n even_o then_o before_o he_o humble_v himself_o his_o father_n meet_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o the_o three_o point_n be_v touch_v the_o question_n of_o conscience_n concern_v humiliation_n all_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o principal_a case_n i._o case_n what_o if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o man_n in_o humble_v himself_o can_v call_v to_o mind_v either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o his_o sin_n i_o answer_v a_o particular_a humiliation_n indeed_o be_v require_v for_o main_a and_o know_v sin_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o general_a repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o unknown_a sin_n one_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v search_v himself_o diligent_o and_o by_o a_o serious_a examination_n pass_v through_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o after_o such_o examination_n and_o search_n make_v his_o particular_a offence_n be_v yet_o hide_v and_o not_o reveal_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o he_o can_v call_v they_o to_o remembrance_n then_o the_o general_a repentance_n be_v accept_v for_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o david_n who_o after_o long_a search_n when_o he_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o particular_a slip_n than_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o a_o general_a humiliation_n say_v who_o know_v the_o error_n of_o 12._o this_o life_n cleanse_v i_o lord_n from_o my_o secret_a fault_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o be_v no_o doubt_n accept_v again_o when_o a_o man_n humble_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o time_n so_o as_o he_o can_v search_v his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o he_o will_v his_o general_a repentance_n will_v be_v take_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o search_v himself_o make_v no_o special_a humiliation_n yet_o upon_o his_o general_a confession_n he_o be_v accept_v now_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v this_o he_o that_o true_o repent_v of_o one_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n when_o he_o be_v prevent_v be_v as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o all_o ii_o case_n what_o must_v a_o man_n do_v that_o find_v himself_o hard_o heart_v and_o of_o a_o dead_a spirit_n so_o as_o he_o can_v humble_v himself_o as_o he_o will_v answ._n such_o person_n if_o they_o humble_v themselves_o they_o must_v be_v content_a with_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o if_o thou_o be_v true_o and_o unfeigned_o grieve_v for_o this_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v grieve_v thy_o humiliation_n shall_v be_v accept_v for_o that_o which_o paul_n say_v of_o alm_n may_v be_v true_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o ready_a mind_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v and_o not_o 12._o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o iii_o case_n whether_o the_o party_n that_o be_v more_o grieve_a for_o loss_n of_o his_o friend_n then_o for_o offence_n of_o god_n by_o his_o sin_n do_v or_o can_v true_o humble_v himself_o answ._n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a grief_n for_o a_o earthly_a loss_n then_o for_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v true_o grieve_v for_o his_o sin_n too_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o be_v a_o bodily_a natural_a and_o sensible_a loss_n and_o according_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a now_o the_o sorrow_n for_o the_o offend_n of_o god_n be_v no_o sensible_a thing_n but_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o sensible_a thing_n do_v more_o affect_v &_o urge_v the_o mind_n than_o the_o other_o david_n do_v notable_o humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o he_o do_v exceed_o mourn_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n yea_o and_o more_o too_o then_o for_o his_o sin_n will_v god_n i_o have_v die_v for_o thou_o absolom_n o_o 33._o absolom_n my_o son_n my_o son_n etc._n etc._n again_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o affection_n &_o by_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o sorrow_n now_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v less_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o intention_n thereof_o yet_o be_v it_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o they_o which_o true_o mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n grieve_v for_o the_o offence_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o all_o and_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o for_o loss_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a &_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n iv._o case_n whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o humiliation_n that_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v smite_v with_o a_o sensible_a sorrow_n answer_n i._o in_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o be_v displease_v for_o our_o sin_n second_o to_o have_v a_o bodily_a move_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o cause_v cry_v and_o tear_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v necessary_a

which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o violent_a distress_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o know_v by_o the_o way_n that_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o party_n thus_o distress_v to_o dissemble_v and_o cloak_n their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v allege_v that_o their_o trouble_n arise_v from_o some_o evil_a thought_n from_o wicked_a affection_n and_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n whereas_o common_o man_n be_v not_o distress_v in_o violent_a manner_n for_o evil_a thought_n affection_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o violent_a distress_n come_v from_o so●…e_o actual_a and_o odious_a sin_n or_o sin_n do_v which_o wind_v the_o conscience_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a distraction_n of_o mind_n and_o they_o be_v many_o which_o have_v be_v upon_o occasion_n before_o rehearse_v i_o will_v not_o now_o repeat_v they_o only_o this_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o great_a sin_n against_o the_o three_o six_o and_o seven_o commandment_n be_v the_o main_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o violent_a 〈◊〉_d distress_n and_o the_o more_o secret_a the_o sin_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o great_a horror_n of_o conscience_n it_o bring_v and_o open_a offence_n do_v not_o give_v so_o deep_a a_o wound_n unto_o it_o as_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n second_o the_o particular_a sin_n be_v know_v inquirie_n must_v be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v by_o sign_n whether_o the_o party_n distress_v repent_v yea_o or_o no._n for_o except_o he_o have_v repent_v he_o can_v be_v fit_v to_o receive_v comfort_n &_o unless_o he_o be_v first_o fit_v to_o receive_v comfort_n he_o can_v be_v relieve_v in_o conscience_n now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o party_n have_v repent_v than_o care_n must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o his_o repentance_n may_v be_v renew_a for_o the_o particular_a sin_n commit_v three_o have_v thus_o do_v the_o comfort_n must_v be_v minister_v for_o the_o moderate_n or_o take_v away_o of_o the_o distress_n and_o here_o remember_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o comfort_n minister_v usual_o and_o ordinary_o must_v not_o go_v alone_o but_o be_v mingle_v and_o temper_v with_o some_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v thereby_o fear_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o the_o same_o the_o comfort_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o sweet_a the_o minister_a whereof_o in_o case_n of_o this_o distress_n will_v not_o be_v direct_a and_o present_a but_o by_o certain_a step_n and_o degree_n except_o only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o death_n for_o then_o a_o direct_a course_n must_v be_v use_v these_o degree_n be_v two_o first_o the_o party_n be_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n that_o be_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v great_a and_o heinous_a yet_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v remit_v now_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o afflict_a apprehend_v only_o the_o odiousness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o this_o fit_n put_v off_o the_o pardon_n from_o himself_o and_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o his_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v ans._n then_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o first_o degree_n certain_a ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o whereupon_o assurance_n in_o that_o case_n may_v be_v build_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n pardon_n be_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a yea_o over_o all_o his_o work_n psal._n ●45_n 9_o that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o infinite_a price_n merit_n and_o value_n before_o god_n that_o god_n be_v much_o in_o spare_v isa._n 55._o 7._o that_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o with_o he_o be_v plenteous_a redemption_n psal._n 130._o 7._o that_o christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o only_o a_o 〈◊〉_d price_n but_o a_o 〈◊〉_d counterprice_n 1._o tim._n 2._o 6._o able_a to_o satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o for_o they_o that_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o therefore_o unpardonable_a because_o the_o offence_n thereof_o be_v great_a than_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o th●_n party_n offend_v neither_o do_v nor_o can_v apply_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n unto_o himself_o a_o ancient_a father_n upon_o cain_n word_n my_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v say_v thou_o lie_v cain_n for_o god_n mercy_n be_v augustin_n great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o man_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v very_o great_a to_o manasses_n to_o solomon_n to_o peter_n and_o to_o many_o other_o though_o 15._o they_o be_v great_a offender_n the_o second_o ground_n man_n of_o year_n live_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v simple_o for_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o lie_v in_o their_o sin_n upon_o this_o ground_n i_o say_v that_o man_n distress_v must_v be_v grieve_v not_o so_o much_o for_o commit_v of_o sin_n as_o for_o lie_v and_o continue_v in_o sin_n commit_v a_o three_o ground_n it_o please_v god_n many_o time_n to_o leave_v man_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o commit_v some_o sin_n that_o wound_v conscience_n it_o be_v true_a and_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o we_o must_v withal_o remember_v that_o sin_n commit_v do_v not_o utter_o take_v away_o grace_n but_o rather_o make_v it_o the_o more_o to_o shine_v and_o show_v itself_o for_o god_n in_o mercy_n turn_v all_o thing_n even_o sin_n itself_o to_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o therefore_o sin_n commit_v can_v either_o waste_n or_o extinguish_v grace_n receive_v but_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n serve_v to_o amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o same_o so_o as_o where_o sin_n abound_v there_o grace_n abound_v much_o more_o rom._n 5._o 20._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o paul_n be_v in_o great_a extremity_n 2._o cor._n 12._o 9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o power_n be_v make_v perfect_a through_o weakness_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o utter_o lose_v but_o appear_v lively_a in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n the_o four_o ground_n be_v this_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n eternal_a in_o respect_n of_o believer_n be_v general_a and_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n indefinite_a that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o define_v or_o exclude_v any_o person_n or_o any_o sinner_n or_o any_o time_n only_o they_o admit_v one_o exception_n of_o final_a impenitency_n here_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v how_o long_o he_o that_o minister_v comfort_n must_v stand_v upon_o the_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n i_o answer_v until_o he_o have_v bring_v the_o party_n distress_v to_o some_o measure_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o this_o be_v do_v than_o he_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o degree_n of_o comfort_n the_o second_o degree_n of_o comfort_n be_v to_o teach_v that_o the_o sin_n or_o sin_n of_o the_o party_n distress_v be_v indeed_o pardon_v but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v upon_o what_o sign_n may_v this_o comfort_n be_v apply_v i_o answer_v upon_o these_o two_o first_o if_o the_o party_n distress_v confess_v that_o he_o or_o she_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v that_o by_o their_o sin_n or_o sin_n they_o have_v offend_v so_o love_v and_o so_o merciful_a a_o god_n second_o if_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o desire_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o at_o least_o do_v desire_n to_o repent_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o withal_o do_v carry_v in_o heart_n a_o purpose_n to_o sin_n no_o more_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o perform_v new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n luc._n 15._o 11._o etc._n etc._n now_o for_o the_o better_a enforce_v of_o this_o comfort_n some_o text_n of_o scripture_n fit_v this_o purpose_n must_v be_v rehearse_v a●_n for_o example_n matth._n 9_o 12_o 13._o i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v those_o that_o judge_v themselves_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n that_o be_v those_o which_o be_v grieve_v because_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o be_v vile_a and_o heinous_a offender_n to_o repentance_n again_o matth_n 11._o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v refresh_v you_o and_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luk._n 4._o 18._o to_o

pray_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n cheerful_o when_o their_o stomach_n be_v empty_a these_o person_n may_v eat_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o solemn_a fast_o so_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o caveat_n before_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o in_o these_o country_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v fast_v one_o two_o or_o three_o day_n together_o without_o any_o inconvenience_n we_o can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o hot_a country_n have_v cold_a stomach_n and_o so_o may_v fast_v the_o long_o but_o in_o cold_a climate_n such_o as_o we_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o man_n be_v of_o hot_a stomach_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v fast_v so_o long_o as_o they_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o right_a fast_v end_n of_o a_o religious_a fast_o and_o they_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o so_o the_o bodily_a lust_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n be_v make_v heavy_a the_o heart_n oppress_v the_o sense_n dull_a and_o the_o whole_a man_n unfit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n prayer_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n luk._n 21._o 24._o that_o therefore_o this_o unfitnesse_n may_v be_v take_v away_o not_o only_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o unruely_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v by_o this_o exercise_n of_o fast_v the_o second_o end_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o our_o devotion_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o hear_v and_o in_o prayer_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n fast_v and_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o always_o join_v together_o because_o when_o the_o stomach_n be_v full_a the_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v less_o able_a to_o do_v any_o good_a duty_n and_o contrariwise_o when_o abstinence_n be_v use_v the_o heart_n be_v light_a the_o affection_n in_o better_a order_n the_o whole_a man_n more_o quick_a and_o lively_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a cause_n anna_n be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n night_n and_o day_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n luk._n 2._o 37._o and_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v to_o commend_v she_o for_o the_o fervency_n of_o her_o prayer_n which_o she_o testify_v in_o that_o by_o such_o exercise_n she_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v the_o attention_n of_o her_o mind_n the_o three_o end_n be_v to_o testify_v the_o humility_n and_o contrition_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o inward_a sorrow_n and_o grief_n for_o sin_n and_o our_o repentance_n and_o effectual_a turn_n unto_o god_n without_o this_o end_n the_o fast_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n joel_n call_v upon_o the_o people_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o fast_v weep_a and_o mourn_a to_o rend_v their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n joel_n 2._o 12_o 13._o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o like_a manner_n reprove_v the_o jew_n because_o when_o they_o fast_v they_o will_v afflict_v their_o soul_n for_o a_o day_n and_o how_o down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o bulrush_n and_o lie_v down_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n isaiah_n 58._o 5_o 6._o therefore_o their_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n the_o four_o end_n of_o a_o fast_o be_v to_o admonish_v we_o of_o our_o guiltiness_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n whereby_o we_o become_v unworthy_a of_o any_o blessing_n gift_n or_o mercy_n yea_o unworthy_a to_o go_v upon_o the_o ground_n to_o breath_n in_o the_o air_n to_o eat_v drink_n sleep_n or_o enjoy_v any_o other_o benefit_n in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o have_v deserve_v by_o our_o sin_n all_o the_o plague_n and_o punishment_n threatue_v in_o the_o law_n against_o sinner_n the_o malefactor_n in_o the_o day_n of_o assize_n can_v give_v great_a testimony_n of_o the_o true_a confession_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n then_o by_o come_v before_o the_o judge_n with_o the_o rope_n about_o his_o neck_n neither_o can_v we_o bring_v a_o more_o notable_a sign_n of_o our_o true_a humiliation_n before_o god_n then_o by_o come_v before_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o solemn_a fast_o with_o open_a confession_n and_o proclamation_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o fast_o of_o nineveh_n not_o only_o man_n but_o even_o the_o beast_n be_v forbid_v to_o feed_v or_o drink_v water_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o nivevite_n may_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o heinous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o in_o regard_n thereof_o not_o only_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n themselves_o but_o also_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n for_o their_o sake_n be_v unworthy_a of_o life_n and_o nourishment_n iii_o question_n whether_o popish_a fast_n be_v lawful_a and_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n they_o be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o neither_o approve_v of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o man_n and_o that_o for_o three_o special_a cause_n first_o the_o patron_n &_o maintainer_n of_o they_o do_v appoint_v set_v time_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v keep_v upon_o pain_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o abstinence_n from_o flesh_n with_o they_o be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o prescribe_v set_v time_n necessary_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v contrary_a to_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o governor_n thereof_o have_v for_o this_o purpose_n only_o upon_o special_a occasion_n when_o the_o question_n be_v move_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o johns_n disciple_n why_o they_o and_o the_o pharisee_n fast_v often_o whereas_o his_o fast_v not_o answer_n be_v give_v in_o this_o manner_n can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_o the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o then_o shall_v they_o fast_v mat._n 9_o 15._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o time_n of_o fast_v must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o mourning_n for_o christ_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o fast_o as_o occasion_n of_o mourning_n be_v offer_v as_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v appoint_v no_o set_a time_n for_o mourning_n no_o more_o can_v there_o be_v enjoin_v a_o set_a time_n for_o fast_v but_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v prescribe_v as_o god_n shall_v give_v occasion_n again_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n for_o observe_v set_v day_n and_o month_n &_o time_n and_o year_n in_o way_n of_o religion_n gal._n 4._o 10._o montanus_n the_o heretic_n be_v think_v in_o 17._o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v law_n for_o set-fasting_a and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o ancient_a time_n fast_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n free_o not_o enforce_v by_o law_n or_o commandment_n but_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n serve_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o challenge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o heresy_n for_o it_o appoint_v and_o observe_v set_v time_n of_o fast_o ans._n nothing_o less_o for_o our_o church_n injoin_v and_o approve_v these_o time_n not_o upon_o necessity_n or_o for_o religion_n sake_n but_o for_o civil_a and_o politic_a respect_n whereas_o the_o romish_a church_n hold_v it_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o put_v off_o a_o set_v fast_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o till_o the_o next_o day_n follow_v the_o second_o reason_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v a_o distinction_n of_o meat_n for_o they_o whole_o forbid_v flesh_n to_o be_v eat_v upon_o day_n of_o fast_n and_o allow_v whitmeate_n only_o then_o to_o be_v use_v and_o that_o of_o necessity_n now_o this_o difference_n of_o meat_n be_v partly_o impious_a partly_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a impious_a it_o be_v because_o they_o make_v it_o for_o religion_n sake_n for_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o eat_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o meat_n without_o any_o distinction_n command_v abstinence_n from_o nothing_o which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o hold_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n and_o meat_n but_o how_o not_o in_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o temperance_n &_o health_n for_o civil_a and_o politic_a