Selected quad for the lemma: mercy_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
mercy_n goodness_n great_a sin_n 6,173 5 4.6117 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

sad_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o add_v to_o our_o own_o affliction_n and_o the_o heavy_a we_o judge_v the_o burden_n the_o more_o we_o lie_v on_o as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o do_v enough_o or_o will_v not_o sufficient_o afflict_v we_o we_o may_v more_o comfortable_o bear_v that_o which_o god_n lay_v on_o we_o then_o that_o which_o we_o immediate_o lie_v upon_o ourselves_o cross_n be_v not_o great_a or_o small_a according_a to_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o according_a chief_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o sufferer_n or_o else_o how_o can_v holy_a man_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n reproach_n wrong_n loss_n be_v all_o without_o you_o unless_o you_o open_v they_o the_o door_n wilful_o yourself_o they_o can_v come_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n god_n have_v not_o put_v the_o joy_n or_o grief_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o any_o other_o man_n power_n but_o in_o your_o own_o it_o be_v you_o therefore_o that_o do_v yourselves_o the_o great_a mischief_n god_n afflict_v your_o body_n or_o man_n wrong_v you_o in_o your_o state_n of_o name_n a_o small_a hurt_n if_o it_o go_v on_o further_o and_o therefore_o you_o will_v afflict_v your_o soul_n but_o a_o sad_a thing_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o man_n fear_v god_n shall_v so_o high_o value_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o who_o in_o their_o convenant_n with_o christ_n be_v engage_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o that_o have_v take_v god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o portion_n for_o their_o all_o and_o have_v resign_v themselves_o and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o christ_n dispose_n who_o very_a business_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o christian_a life_n consist_v so_o much_o in_o resist_v the_o devil_n mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v god_n business_n in_o his_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o outward_a teach_n and_o sharp_a affliction_n and_o example_n of_o other_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thorough_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o high_a in_o their_o estimation_n and_o sit_v so_o close_o to_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o without_o such_o discontent_n disquiet_a and_o distraction_n of_o mind_n yea_o tho_o when_o all_o be_v go_v they_o have_v their_o god_n leave_v they_o they_o have_v their_o christ_n still_o who_o they_o take_v for_o their_o treasure_n they_o have_v opportunity_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v the_o sure_a promise_n of_o glory_n yea_o and_o a_o promise_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a yea_o and_o for_o that_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v take_v from_o they_o they_o have_v yet_o a_o hundred_o outward_a mercy_n remain_v that_o yet_o even_a believer_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o unbelief_n and_o have_v their_o faith_n to_o seek_v when_o they_o shall_v use_v it_o and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v seem_v so_o small_a in_o their_o eye_n as_o not_o to_o satisfy_v or_o quit_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v the_o world_n with_o he_o and_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v still_o seem_v so_o amiable_a when_o god_n have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n true_o this_o and_o more_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o professor_n and_o that_o we_o bend_v not_o the_o force_n of_o our_o daily_a strive_n and_o endeavour_n that_o way_n if_o christian_n do_v bestow_v but_o as_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o get_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o christ_n interest_n may_v be_v advance_v as_o they_o do_v about_o controversy_n external_a duty_n formality_n task_n of_o devotion_n and_o self_n torment_v fear_n o_o what_o excellent_a christian_n shall_v we_o then_o be_v and_o how_o happy_o will_v most_v of_o our_o disquiet_n be_v remove_v alas_o if_o we_o be_v so_o unfit_a to_o part_v with_o one_o outward_a comfort_n now_o upon_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o father_n providence_n how_o shall_v we_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n or_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v at_o death_n when_o all_o must_v be_v part_v with_o as_o ever_o therefore_o you_o will_v live_v in_o true_a christian_a peace_n set_v more_o by_o christ_n and_o less_o by_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o hold_v all_o that_o you_o possess_v so_o loose_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o you_o when_o you_o must_v leave_v they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o trouble_n that_o arise_v from_o your_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v direct_v for_o the_o cure_v of_o those_o trouble_n that_o arise_v immediate_o from_o more_o spiritual_a cause_n direction_n iii_o 3._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o first_o lie_v sound_a apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n in_o your_o understanding_n and_o lay_v they_o deep_o this_o be_v the_o first_o article_n of_o your_o creed_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o life_n eternal_a to_o know_v god_n his_o substance_n be_v quite_o past_a humane_a understanding_n therefore_o never_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o reach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o to_o have_v any_o positive_a conceiving_n of_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v all_o but_o idol_n or_o false_a conception_n but_o his_o attribute_n be_v manifest_v to_o our_o understanding_n well_o consider_v that_o even_o under_o the_o terrible_a law_n when_o god_n proclaim_v to_o moses_n his_o own_o name_n and_o therein_o his_o nature_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o the_o first_o and_o great_a part_n be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o he_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o return_v and_o live_v think_v not_o therefore_o of_o god_n mercifulness_n with_o diminish_v extenuate_a thought_n nor_o limit_v it_o by_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o frail_a understanding_n for_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o so_o far_o above_o the_o earth_n as_o his_o thought_n and_o way_n be_v above_o we_o still_o remember_v that_o you_o must_v have_v no_o low_a thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n but_o apprehend_v it_o as_o bear_v proportion_n with_o his_o power_n as_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o limit_v his_o power_n so_o it_o be_v to_o limit_v his_o goodness_n the_o advantage_n that_o your_o soul_n will_v get_v by_o this_o right_a knowledge_n and_o estimation_n of_o god_n goodness_n will_v be_v these_o 1._o this_o will_v make_v god_n appear_v more_o amiable_a in_o your_o eye_n and_o than_o you_o will_v love_v he_o more_o ready_o and_o abundant_o and_o love_n 1._o be_v effectual_o consolatory_a in_o the_o very_a work_n so_o much_o love_n usual_o so_o much_o comfort_n i_o mean_v this_o love_n of_o complacency_n for_o a_o love_n of_o desire_n there_o may_v be_v without_o comfort_n 2._o it_o will_v breed_v persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o you_o again_o and_o so_o comfort_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o so_o comfort_n the_o affection_n follow_v the_o understanding_n conception_n if_o you_o think_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o be_v glad_a of_o all_o advantage_n against_o you_o and_o delight_v in_o his_o creature_n misery_n it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v love_v he_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v lay_v it_o by_o nor_o love_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o and_o direct_o against_o we_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o absolute_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o one_o that_o seek_v our_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v love_v he_o and_o the_o great_a cause_n why_o trouble_a soul_n do_v love_n god_n no_o more_o be_v because_o they_o represent_v he_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o ugly_a odious_a shape_n to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o seek_v and_o delight_v in_o man_n ruin_n be_v to_o make_v he_o as_o the_o devil_n and_o than_o what_o wonder_n if_o in_o stead_n of_o love_v he_o and_o delight_v in_o he_o you_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v child_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o devil_n paint_v on_o a_o wall_n in_o a_o ugly_a shape_n they_o have_v partly_o fear_v and_o partly_o hate_v it_o if_o you_o do_v so_o by_o god_n in_o your_o fancy_n it_o be_v not_o put_v the_o name_n of_o god_n on_o he_o when_o you_o have_v do_v that_o will_v reconcile_v your_o affection_n
expression_n because_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o able_a natural_a part_n and_o have_v a_o tongue_n to_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n the_o promote_a of_o holy_a desire_n will_v help_v man_n to_o expression_n for_o a_o full_a soul_n be_v hardly_o hinder_v from_o vent_v itself_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n enflame_v the_o heart_n with_o holy_a affection_n do_v very_o much_o furnish_v both_o the_o invention_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o uncertain_a for_o those_o that_o be_v either_o man_n of_o unready_a tongue_n or_o that_o be_v so_o ill_o breed_v among_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a that_o they_o want_v fit_a expression_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v of_o over-bashful_a disposition_n or_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o small_a knowledge_n and_o of_o little_a and_o short_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o that_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o example_n or_o that_o have_v be_v but_o of_o short_a stand_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n many_o a_o year_n and_o never_o be_v able_a in_o full_a expression_n of_o his_o own_o to_o make_v know_v his_o want_n to_o god_n no_o nor_o in_o good_a and_o tolerable_a sense_n and_o language_n before_o other_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n from_o his_o own_o invention_n a_o man_n may_v know_v all_o those_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v matter_n or_o word_n for_o the_o open_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n at_o length_n i_o will_v advise_v such_o to_o frequent_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o can_v teach_v and_o help_v they_o in_o prayer_n and_o neglect_v not_o to_o use_v the_o small_a part_n they_o have_v especial_o in_o secret_a between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n where_o they_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o public_a to_o be_v regardful_a of_o expression_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o learn_v a_o prayer_n from_o some_o book_n that_o may_v fitly_o express_v their_o necessity_n or_o to_o use_v the_o book_n itself_o in_o prayer_n if_o they_o distrust_v their_o memory_n not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v he●●_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o ind●l●i●●●●eir_n la●i●ess_n and_o negligence_n much_o less_o to_o reproach_n and_o deride_v those_o that_o express_v their_o desire_n to_o god_n from_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o want_n as_o some_o wicked_o do_v deride_v such_o but_o to_o use_v this_o lawful_a help_n till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v better_o without_o it_o then_o with_o it_o and_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o by_o and_o not_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v rom._n 8.16_o to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n but_o how_o 1._o by_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o not_o always_o what_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o by_o but_o what_o necessary_a grace_n to_o pray_v for_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o sigh_n and_o groan_n unexpressible_a which_o be_v far_o from_o give_v copious_a expression_n for_o groan_n and_o sigh_n be_v not_o word_n and_o if_o they_o be_v groan_n that_o we_o can_v express_v it_o will_v rather_o seem_v to_o intimate_v a_o want_n of_o expression_n than_o a_o constant_a abound_v therein_o where_o the_o spirit_n do_v assist_v though_o indeed_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o groan_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o expression_n of_o our_o word_n all_o our_o speech_n can_v express_v that_o deep_a sense_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o affection_n herein_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v express_v to_o other_o but_o the_o feeling_n and_o fervent_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v but_o very_o defective_o express_v last_o all_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o like_a measure_n nor_o all_o that_o have_v it_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n at_o one_o time_n can_v find_v it_o so_o at_o pleasure_n desire_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o these_o earnest_a groan_n be_v not_o in_o every_o prayer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v assist_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o a_o prayer_n that_o ever_o a_o believer_n do_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o it_o be_v put_v up_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o weak_a prayer_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a desire_n in_o it_o and_o address_n to_o god_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o express_v they_o and_o these_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o only_o from_o the_o spirit_n mere_a word_n without_o desire_n be_v no_o more_o prayer_n than_o a_o suit_n of_o apparel_n hang_v on_o a_o stake_n be_v a_o man_n you_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v it_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a degree_n yet_o still_o i_o will_v encourage_v you_o to_o bewail_v your_o defect_n herein_o as_o your_o sin_n and_o seek_v earnest_o the_o supply_n of_o your_o want_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o question_n or_o deny_v your_o sincerity_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n doubt_v x._o i_o have_v no_o gift_n to_o make_v i_o useful_a to_o myself_o or_o other_o when_o i_o shall_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n i_o can_v remember_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v reprove_v a_o sinner_n or_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a i_o have_v not_o word_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o have_v not_o word_n to_o express_v that_o which_o as_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o what_o grace_n can_v here_o be_v then_o answer_n this_o need_v no_o long_a answer_n lament_v and_o amend_v those_o sin_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v disable_v but_o know_v that_o these_o gift_n depend_v more_o on_o nature_n art_n industry_n and_o common_a grace_n then_o upon_o special_a save_a grace_n many_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v excellent_a in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v defective_a where_o have_v god_n lay_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o memory_n the_o readiness_n of_o our_o tongue_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o like_a gift_n that_o be_v almost_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o have_v find_v complexion_n and_o healthful_a and_o youthful_a body_n and_o all_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v sickly_a age_a weak_a child_n and_o most_o woman_n doubt_n xi_o o_o but_o i_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n before_o i_o come_v home_o and_o have_v fall_v foul_o since_o and_o i_o be_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o mercy_n will_v the_o lord_n ever_o save_o such_o a_o unworthy_a wretch_n as_o i_o will_v he_o ever_o give_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n to_o one_o that_o have_v so_o abuse_v it_o answer_n 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o with_o god_n what_o you_o have_v be_v but_o what_o you_o be_v god_n take_v man_n as_o they_o then_o be_v and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o gild_n against_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n do_v you_o think_v christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o that_o he_o die_v for_o small_a sin_n and_o not_o for_o great_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o will_v pardon_v all_o and_o have_v give_v out_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o in_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o to_o all_o man_n on_o condition_n they_o will_v accept_v christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o heal_v they_o in_o his_o own_o way_n have_v god_n make_v it_o his_o great_a design_n in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n to_o make_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n as_o honourable_a and_o wonderful_a as_o he_o do_v his_o power_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o will_v you_o after_o all_o this_o oppose_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o satisfaction_n why_o you_o may_v as_o well_o think_v yourself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o god_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v you_o as_o to_o think_v your_o sin_n so_o great_a that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o they_o or_o will_v not_o pardon_v they_o if_o you_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o 3._o and_o for_o worthiness_n i_o pray_v you_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a worthiness_n &_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o legal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o pure_a nature_n and_o work_n this_o no_o man_n have_v but_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o look_v after_o this_o righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n in_o yourself_o then_o do_v you_o depart_v from_o christ_n and_o make_v
it_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v you_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o banish_v those_o terror_n and_o trouble_n from_o your_o heart_n and_o help_v you_o to_o live_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o command_v i_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o sorrow_n he_o stand_v by_o when_o you_o see_v he_o not_o and_o say_v he_o have_v forsake_v you_o he_o mind_v you_o with_o great_a tenderness_n when_o you_o say_v he_o have_v forget_v you_o he_o number_v your_o sigh_n he_o bottle_n up_o your_o tear_n the_o groan_n of_o your_o heart_n do_v reach_v his_o own_o he_o take_v it_o unkind_o that_o you_o be_v so_o suspicious_a of_o he_o and_o that_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o your_o soul_n and_o all_o your_o own_o peculiar_a experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v raise_v you_o to_o no_o high_a apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n shall_v not_o love_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v love_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o miracle_n when_o it_o surpass_v comprehension_n must_v the_o lord_n set_v up_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n to_o be_v equal_o admire_v with_o his_o omnipotency_n manifest_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o call_v forth_o the_o world_n to_o this_o sweet_a employment_n that_o in_o secret_n and_o in_o public_a it_o may_v be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o yet_o shall_v it_o be_v so_o overlookt_v or_o question_v as_o if_o you_o live_v without_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o world_n providence_n do_v its_o part_n by_o heap_v up_o mountain_n of_o daily_a mercy_n and_o these_o it_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n the_o gospel_n have_v eminent_o do_v its_o part_n by_o clear_a describe_v they_o and_o full_o assure_v they_o and_o this_o be_v proclaim_v frequent_o in_o your_o ear_n and_o yet_o be_v there_o so_o little_a in_o your_o heart_n and_o mouth_n do_v you_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v mercy_n and_o love_n do_v you_o live_v whole_o on_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v you_o still_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o it_o and_o so_o hardly_o acknowledge_v it_o god_n take_v not_o this_o well_o but_o yet_o he_o consider_v your_o frailty_n and_o take_v you_o not_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o know_v that_o flesh_n will_v play_v its_o part_n and_o the_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o the_o serpent_n will_v be_v suggest_v false_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v still_o strive_v most_o to_o obscure_v that_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o and_o especial_o which_o be_v most_o conjoin_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n he_o know_v also_o that_o sin_n will_v breed_v sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o that_o man_n understanding_n be_v shallow_a and_o all_o his_o conceiving_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o low_a and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o god_n as_o creature_n and_o so_o much_o further_a as_o sinner_n and_o especial_o as_o conscious_a of_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o follow_v such_o a_o strangeness_n as_o will_v damp_n and_o dull_a our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n and_o such_o a_o abatement_n of_o our_o confidence_n as_o will_v make_v we_o draw_v back_o and_o look_v at_o god_n afar_o off_o see_v therefore_o that_o at_o this_o distance_n no_o full_a apprehension_n of_o love_n can_v be_v expect_v it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o redeemer_n short_o to_o return_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n with_o the_o noble_a army_n of_o his_o martyr_n and_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o angel_n and_o to_o give_v you_o such_o a_o convince_v demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o one_o more_o doubt_n your_o comfort_n be_v now_o but_o a_o taste_n they_o shall_v be_v then_o a_o feast_n they_o be_v now_o but_o intermittent_a they_o shall_v be_v then_o continual_a how_o soon_o now_o do_v your_o conquer_a fear_n return_v and_o what_o a_o unconstancy_n and_o unevenness_n be_v there_o in_o our_o peace_n but_o then_o our_o peace_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a and_o permanent_a when_o we_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o perfection_n to_o perpetuity_n certain_o christian_n your_o comfort_n shall_v be_v now_o more_o abundant_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ripe_a it_o be_v that_o and_o not_o this_o that_o be_v your_o harvest_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o another_o book_n the_o mistake_n and_o danger_n of_o expect_v too_o much_o here_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o look_v and_o long_v for_o that_o rest_n if_o we_o will_v have_v peace_n indeed_o but_o alas_o how_o hard_o be_v this_o lesson_n learn_v unbeliever_n will_v have_v happiness_n but_o how_o fain_o will_v they_o have_v it_o in_o the_o creature_n rather_o than_o in_o god_n believer_n will_v rather_o have_v their_o happiness_n in_o god_n then_o in_o the_o creature_n but_o how_o fain_o will_v they_o have_v it_o without_o die_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o sin_n bring_v in_o death_n even_o grace_n itself_o can_v love_v it_o though_o it_o may_v submit_v to_o it_o but_o though_o churlish_a death_n do_v stand_v in_o our_o way_n why_o look_v we_o not_o at_o the_o soul_n admittance_n into_o rest_n and_o the_o body_n resurrection_n that_o must_v short_o follow_v doubtless_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v as_o it_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o its_o confident_a repose_n so_o do_v it_o thence_o look_v with_o one_o eye_n backward_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o with_o the_o other_o forward_o on_o the_o crown_n and_o if_o we_o well_o observe_v the_o scripture_n description_n of_o that_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o as_o frequent_o magnify_v it_o and_o describe_v it_o from_o the_o latter_a as_o from_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o glory_n of_o faith_n to_o look_v back_o with_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o his_o payment_n of_o our_o ransom_n so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o same_o justify_v save_v faith_n to_o look_v forward_o with_o desire_n and_o hope_n to_o the_o return_n of_o king_n jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a celebration_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sentencial_a justification_n and_o the_o glorification_n of_o his_o saint_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n unfeigned_o which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o ever_o speak_v with_o man_n that_o do_v see_v and_o to_o hope_v for_o they_o so_o real_o as_o to_o let_v go_v all_o present_a forbid_a pleasure_n and_o all_o worldly_a hope_n and_o seem_a happiness_n rather_o than_o to_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v own_o as_o justify_v and_o save_v for_o it_o never_o distinguish_v between_o justify_v faith_n and_o save_v faith_n as_o to_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o some_o to_o look_v only_o at_o that_o one_o eye_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o look_v only_o at_o that_o eye_n of_o it_o which_o behold_v the_o crown_n both_o christ_n crucify_a and_o christ_n intercede_v and_o christ_n return_v to_o justify_v and_o glorify_v be_v the_o object_n even_o of_o justify_v save_v faith_n most_o strict_o so_o call_v the_o scripture_n oft_o express_v the_o one_o only_o but_o than_o it_o still_o imply_v the_o other_o the_o socinian_o erroneous_o therefore_o from_o heb._n 11._o where_o the_o example_n and_o eulogy_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o do_v exclude_v christ_n crucify_a or_o the_o respect_n to_o his_o satisfaction_n from_o justify_v faith_n and_o place_n it_o in_o a_o mere_a expectation_n of_o glory_n and_o other_o do_v as_o unground_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n which_o heb._n 11._o describe_v because_o they_o find_v not_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n there_o mention_v for_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n blood_n comprehend_v the_o end_n even_o the_o expectation_n of_o remission_n and_o glory_n merit_v by_o that_o blood_n so_o the_o believe_v of_o that_o glory_n do_v always_o imply_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o expect_v it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n ransom_n it_o be_v for_o health_n and_o life_n that_o we_o accept_v and_o trust_v upon_o our_o physician_n and_o it_o be_v for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o we_o accept_v and_o trust_v on_o christ_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o that_o question_n whether_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o obey_v for_o our_o own_o
to_o he_o as_o long_o as_o you_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o divine_a nature_n remember_v the_o holy_a ghost_n description_n of_o god_n 1_o joh_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n write_v these_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n 2._o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v this_o advantage_n also_o that_o your_o thought_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o you_o for_o as_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a sight_n to_o your_o eye_n and_o melodious_a sound_n to_o your_o ear_n and_o sweet_a smell_n taste_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o delightful_a when_o thing_n deform_v stink_a etc._n etc._n be_v all_o loathsome_a and_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o one_o with_o abhorrency_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o will_v often_o see_v taste_n etc._n etc._n and_o enjoy_v they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n god_n have_v give_v no_o command_n for_o duty_n but_o what_o most_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n he_o have_v therefore_o bid_v we_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o because_o he_o be_v above_o all_o in_o goodness_n even_o infinite_o and_o unconceivable_o good_a else_o we_o can_v not_o love_v he_o above_o all_o nor_o will_v he_o ever_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v the_o object_n be_v ever_o as_o exact_o fit_v to_o its_o part_n as_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o precept_n be_v on_o its_o part_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o precept_n to_o duty_n and_o it_o which_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n 3._o hereupon_o will_v follow_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o your_o thought_n will_v be_v both_o easily_o draw_v towards_o god_n and_o more_o frequent_a and_o constant_a on_o he_o for_o delightful_a object_n draw_v the_o heart_n to_o they_o as_o the_o loadstone_n do_v the_o iron_n how_o glad_o and_o free_o and_o frequent_o do_v you_o think_v of_o your_o dear_a friend_n and_o if_o you_o do_v firm_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o gracious_a love_v and_o amiable_a than_o any_o friend_n that_o you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v make_v you_o not_o only_o to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o friend_n but_o also_o more_o free_o delightful_o and_o unwearied_o to_o think_v of_o he_o 4._o and_o then_o you_o will_v hence_o have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o you_o will_v have_v less_o backwardness_n to_o any_o duty_n and_o less_o weariness_n in_o duty_n you_o will_v find_v more_o delight_n in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o speech_n of_o god_n when_o once_o god_n himself_o be_v more_o lovely_a and_o delightful_a in_o your_o eye_n 5._o all_o these_o advantage_n will_v produce_v a_o further_a that_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o all_o your_o grace_n for_o its_o impossible_a but_o this_o growth_n of_o love_n and_o frequent_v delightful_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o address_n to_o he_o shall_v cause_v a_o increase_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 6._o hereupon_o your_o evidence_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o discernible_a for_o grace_n in_o strength_n and_o action_n will_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o will_v not_o this_o resolve_v all_o your_o doubt_n at_o once_o 7._o yea_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o these_o several_a grace_n will_v be_v comfortable_a 8._o and_o hereupon_o you_o will_v have_v more_o humble_a familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o love_n delight_n and_o frequent_a address_n will_v overcome_v strangeness_n and_o disacquaintance_n which_o make_v we_o fly_v from_o god_n as_o a_o fish_n or_o bird_n or_o wild_a beast_n will_v from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v give_v we_o access_n with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o this_o will_v banish_v sadness_n and_o terror_n as_o the_o sun_n dispel_v darkness_n and_o cold_a 9_o at_o least_o you_o will_v hence_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o the_o fix_a apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o merciful_a nature_n will_v cause_v a_o fix_a apprehension_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o your_o happiness_n as_o long_o as_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o god_n way_n for_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o who_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o who_o goodness_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o almightiness_n and_o who_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o live_v will_v not_o destroy_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o lie_v in_o submission_n at_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resolve_a rebellion_n against_o he_o that_o it_o grieve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o can_v please_v he_o no_o more_o 10._o however_o these_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n will_v overcome_v those_o terror_n which_o be_v raise_v only_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o doubtless_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o man_n causeless_a trouble_n be_v raise_v from_o such_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n for_o satan_n know_v that_o if_o he_o can_v bring_v you_o to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o bloodthirsty_a man-hater_n than_o he_o can_v drive_v you_o from_o he_o in_o terror_n and_o turn_v all_o your_o love_n and_o cheerful_a obedience_n into_o hatred_n and_o slavish_a fear_n i_o say_v therefore_o again_o do_v not_o only_o get_v but_o also_o fix_v deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n the_o high_a thought_n of_o god_n natural_a goodness_n and_o graciousness_n that_o possible_o you_o can_v raise_v for_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a they_o come_v short_a ten_o thousand_o fold_n object_n but_o god_n goodness_n lie_v not_o in_o mercy_n to_o man_n as_o i_o have_v read_v in_o great_a divine_n he_o may_v be_v perfect_o good_a though_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o torment_v the_o most_o innocent_a creature_n answ_n these_o be_v ignorant_a presumptuous_a intrusion_n into_o that_o which_o be_v unsearchable_a where_o do_v scripture_n say_v as_o you_o say_v judge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o reveal_v himself_o or_o you_o will_v but_o delude_v yourself_o and_o abuse_v he_o all_o his_o work_n represent_v he_o merciful_a for_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o legible_a in_o they_o all_o his_o word_n say_v he_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a psal_n 119.68_o and_o 145.9_o how_o himself_o do_v proclaim_v his_o own_o name_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o i_o tell_v you_o before_o the_o most_o merciful_a man_n be_v his_o lively_a image_n and_o therefore_o he_o plant_v mercy_n in_o they_o in_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o new_a nature_n and_o command_v of_o mercifulness_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o law_n and_o he_o bid_v we_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a luk._n 6.36_o now_o if_o this_o be_v none_o of_o his_o nature_n how_o can_v he_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o new_a nature_n herein_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o infinite_o merciful_a himself_o how_o can_v we_o be_v require_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o he_o be_v who_o dare_v say_v i_o be_o more_o merciful_a than_o god_n object_n but_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o for_o all_o his_o merciful_a nature_n he_o will_v damn_v most_o of_o the_o world_n for_o ever_o in_o hell_n answ_n 1._o but_o james_n say_v mercy_n rejoice_v against_o judgement_n jam._n 2.13_o 2._o god_n be_v necessary_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n while_o there_o be_v a_o world_n and_o therefore_o must_v govern_v it_o in_o justice_n and_o so_o must_v not_o suffer_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v perpetual_o abuse_v by_o wicked_a wilful_a contemptuous_a sinner_n but_o then_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o destroy_v not_o humble_a soul_n that_o lie_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v mercy_n on_o his_o easy_a term_n but_o only_o the_o stubborn_a despiser_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o damn_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n that_o be_v that_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n free_o give_v they_o i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n for_o other_o their_o case_n be_v more_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o be_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o he_o will_v not_o save_v those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v to_o accept_v of_o salvation_n 2._o and_o consider_v how_o long_o he_o use_v to_o wait_v on_o sinner_n and_o even_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o before_o he_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o he_o heap_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n on_o they_o even_o in_o their_o rebellion_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o life_n and_o be_v it_o unmercifulness_n yet_o if_o such_o man_n perish_v object_n but_o if_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n as_o you_o say_v why_o do_v he_o not_o make_v all_o these_o
man_n willing_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v save_v answ_n god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o at_o first_o do_v make_v they_o in_o a_o certain_a nature_n and_o order_n and_o so_o establish_v they_o as_o by_o a_o fix_a law_n and_o he_o thereupon_o be_v their_o governor_n to_o govern_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n now_o man_n nature_n be_v to_o be_v principled_a with_o a_o inclination_n to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o object_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o the_o guider_n of_o himself_o under_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n god_n do_v continue_v that_o same_o course_n of_o rule_v they_o by_o law_n and_o draw_v they_o by_o end_n and_o object_n as_o their_o nature_n do_v require_v and_o in_o this_o way_n he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o they_o his_o law_n be_v now_o law_n of_o grace_n and_o universal_a in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o free_a gift_n and_o promise_n for_o he_o have_v there_o give_v life_n in_o christ_n to_o all_o that_o will_v have_v it_o and_o the_o object_n propound_v be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n to_o work_v even_o the_o most_o wonderful_a effect_n on_o man_n soul_n for_o they_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o christ_n and_o glory_n beside_o god_n give_v man_n natural_a faculty_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a then_o to_o refuse_v this_o offer_a mercy_n he_o give_v induce_v argument_n in_o the_o write_a word_n and_o sermon_n and_o add_v such_o mercy_n and_o affliction_n that_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v bow_v the_o hard_a heart_n beside_o the_o strive_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n within_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o now_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o belong_v to_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o creature_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o give_v of_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o create_v new_a heart_n in_o man_n after_o all_o their_o rebellious_a reject_v of_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n in_o another_o relation_n even_o as_o the_o free_a chooser_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o not_o direct_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n this_o be_v from_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o former_a from_o his_o general_n now_o special_a providence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v as_o common_a as_o the_o general_n nor_o to_o subvert_v god_n ordinary_a establish_v course_n of_o government_n if_o god_n please_v to_o stop_v jordan_n and_o dry_v up_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o sun_n to_o stand_v still_o for_o joshua_n must_v he_o do_v so_o still_o for_o every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o be_v account_v unmerciful_a the_o sense_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v plain_o this_o god_n be_v not_o so_o rich_a in_o mercy_n except_o he_o will_v new_o make_v all_o the_o world_n or_o govern_v it_o above_o its_o nature_n suppose_v a_o king_n know_v his_o subject_n to_o be_v so_o wicked_a that_o they_o have_v every_o one_o a_o full_a design_n to_o famish_v or_o kill_v themselves_o or_o poison_v themselves_o with_o something_o which_o be_v entice_v by_o its_o sweetness_n the_o king_n not_o only_o make_v a_o law_n strict_o charge_v they_o all_o to_o forbear_v to_o touch_v that_o poison_n but_o he_o send_v special_a messenger_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o it_o and_o tell_v they_o the_o danger_n if_o these_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v he_o but_o wilful_o poison_v themselves_o be_v he_o therefore_o unmerciful_a but_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v three_o or_o four_o of_o his_o son_n that_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o same_o wickedness_n and_o he_o will_v not_o only_o command_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o he_o will_v also_o lock_v they_o up_o or_o keep_v the_o poison_n from_o they_o or_o will_v feed_v they_o by_o violence_n with_o bitter_a food_n be_v he_o unmerciful_a unless_o he_o will_v do_v so_o by_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n last_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n and_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a to_o we_o how_o god_n work_v on_o man_n will_n inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n 3._o or_o yet_o what_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n there_o may_v be_v if_o god_n shall_v work_v in_o other_o way_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o upon_o such_o uncertainty_n deny_v certainty_n nor_o from_o some_o unreasonable_a scruple_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v grace_n deny_v the_o bless_a nature_n of_o god_n which_o himself_o have_v most_o evident_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o of_o this_o because_o i_o find_v satan_n harp_n so_o much_o on_o this_o string_n with_o many_o trouble_a soul_n especial_o on_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o common_a doctrine_n for_o false_a doctrine_n still_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n remember_v therefore_o before_o all_o other_o thought_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n to_o get_v high_a thought_n of_o the_o gracious_a and_o lovely_a nature_n of_o god_n direction_n iu._n 4._o next_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o deep_o apprehend_v the_o gracious_a nature_n disposition_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n though_o there_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v of_o the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o son_n then_o of_o the_o father_n even_o that_o his_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a yet_o these_o two_o advantage_n this_o consideration_n will_v add_v unto_o the_o former_a 1._o you_o will_v see_v here_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o its_o condescension_n and_o near_o to_o you_o then_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n alone_o it_o be_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_o more_o strange_a because_o of_o our_o infinite_a distance_n from_o the_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n will_v be_v the_o less_o work_v because_o less_o familiar_a but_o in_o christ_n god_n be_v come_v down_o into_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v incarnate_a the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v able_a now_o to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o we_o have_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o infirmity_n 2._o herein_o we_o see_v the_o will_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o itself_o for_o our_o help_n in_o the_o most_o astonish_a way_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v here_o be_v more_o than_o mere_o a_o gracious_a inclination_n it_o be_v a_o office_n of_o save_v and_o show_v mercy_n also_o that_o christ_n have_v undertake_v even_o to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v to_o bring_v home_n stray_v soul_n to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o great_a peacemaker_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n and_o man_n to_o god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o his_o people_n certain_o the_o devil_n strange_o wrong_v poor_a trouble_v soul_n in_o this_o point_n that_o he_o can_v bring_v they_o to_o have_v such_o hard_a suspicious_a thought_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o much_o to_o overlook_v the_o glory_n of_o mercy_n which_o so_o shine_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o son_n of_o mercy_n itself_o how_o can_v we_o more_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel-description_n of_o he_o then_o to_o think_v he_o a_o destroy_a hater_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o one_o that_o watch_v for_o our_o halt_n and_o have_v more_o mind_n to_o hurt_v we_o then_o to_o help_v we_o how_o can_v he_o have_v manifest_v more_o willingness_n to_o save_v and_o more_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o he_o have_v full_o manifest_v that_o the_o godhead_n shall_v condescend_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a even_o to_o astonishment_n that_o it_o put_v faith_n to_o it_o to_o apprehend_v it_o for_o it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o condescension_n then_o for_o the_o great_a king_n to_o become_v a_o fly_n or_o a_o toad_n to_o save_v such_o creature_n and_o shall_v we_o ever_o have_v low_a and_o suspicious_a thought_n of_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o christ_n after_o so_o strange_a and_o full_a a_o discovery_n of_o it_o if_o twenty_o be_v ready_a to_o drown_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o if_o one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o swim_v and_o fetch_v they_o all_o out_o shall_v cast_v himself_o into_o the_o water_n and_o offer_v they_o his_o help_n be_v it_o not_o foolish_a ingratitude_n for_o any_o to_o say_v
child_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o sin_n be_v pardon_v this_o that_o i_o describe_v to_o you_o be_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o mistake_n be_v so_o dangerous_a that_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a direction_n by_o itself_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o it_o but_o now_o i_o have_v go_v so_o far_o i_o will_v dispatch_v it_o here_o two_o dangerous_a consequent_n i_o find_v do_v follow_v this_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a efficient_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v adopt_a 1._o some_o poor_a soul_n have_v languish_v in_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n almost_o all_o their_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o witness_n as_o the_o spirit_n use_v not_o to_o give_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v other_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v they_o yea_o they_o have_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o inhabitation_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o run_v as_o samuel_n do_v to_o eli_n not_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o look_v for_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n when_o they_o have_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o elias_n and_o the_o messiah_n 2._o other_o do_v more_o dangerous_o err_v by_o take_v the_o strong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v but_o entertain_v the_o opinion_n that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n that_o must_v assure_v man_n of_o their_o adoption_n present_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o have_v that_o witness_n themselves_o it_o be_v scarce_o likely_a to_o be_v god_n spirit_n that_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o the_o mere_a change_n of_o a_o opinion_n the_o devil_n use_v to_o do_v as_o much_o to_o cherish_v presumption_n as_o to_o destroy_v true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o our_o persuasion_n of_o our_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o delusion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o friend_n to_o it_o and_o help_v it_o on_o and_o it_o be_v a_o probable_a sign_n it_o be_v a_o good_a persuasion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o still_o trouble_v we_o and_o endeavour_v our_o disquiet_n and_o here_o i_o remember_v the_o scruple_n that_o trouble_v some_o about_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v mean_v that_o spirit_n and_o those_o operation_n on_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o law_n of_o work_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v partly_o in_o bondage_n to_o a_o task_n of_o ceremonious_a duty_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o curse_n and_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n for_o disobedience_n without_o any_o power_n to_o justify_v they_o be_v say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_v 15._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v mean_v 1._o that_o spirit_n or_o those_o qualification_n and_o work_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n god_n give_v only_o to_o his_o son_n 2._o and_o which_o raise_v in_o we_o some_o childlike_a affection_n to_o god_n incline_v we_o in_o all_o our_o want_n to_o run_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n as_o to_o a_o father_n and_o to_o make_v our_o moan_n to_o he_o and_o open_v our_o grief_n and_o cry_v for_o redress_n and_o look_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o a_o child_n on_o the_o father_n this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n you_o may_v have_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v certain_a of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o you_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o his_o general_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o raise_v in_o you_o true_a childlike_a affection_n you_o may_v know_v god_n to_o have_v fatherly_a inclination_n to_o you_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v use_v you_o as_o a_o child_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o you_o may_v hope_n god_n be_v your_o father_n when_o yet_o you_o may_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o displease_a angry_a father_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v more_o your_o terror_n then_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o you_o ready_a in_o most_o of_o your_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n to_o go_v to_o god_n before_o all_o other_o for_o relief_n and_o do_v not_o your_o heart_n sigh_v and_o groan_v to_o he_o when_o you_o can_v scarce_o speak_v do_v not_o your_o trouble_a spirit_n there_o find_v its_o first_o vent_n and_o say_v lord_n kill_v i_o not_o forsake_v i_o not_o my_o life_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n o_o soften_v this_o hard_a heart_n make_v this_o carnal_a mind_n more_o spiritual_a o_o be_v not_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o my_o soul_n woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o so_o ignorant_a of_o thou_o so_o disaffect_v to_o thou_o so_o backward_o and_o disincline_v to_o holy_a communion_n with_o thou_o woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o thou_o and_o be_o s●_n mindless_a and_o disregardfull_a of_o thou_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v stir_v up_o in_o i_o more_o lively_a desire_n and_o work_n of_o my_o soul_n towards_o thou_o and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o lie_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o the_o breathe_n of_o your_o spirit_n why_o these_o be_v childlike_a breathe_n after_o god_n this_o be_v cry_v abba_n father_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n even_o when_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v cast_v you_o off_o you_o much_o mistake_v and_o those_o that_o tell_v you_o so_o if_o you_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n lie_v only_o in_o a_o persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v god_n child_n or_o that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n without_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n adopt_v you_o for_o god_n may_v adopt_v you_o and_o give_v you_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o give_v only_o to_o his_o child_n and_o possess_v you_o with_o true_a filial_a affection_n towards_o he_o before_o ever_o you_o know_v yourself_o to_o be_v adopt_a much_o more_o though_o you_o may_v have_v frequent_a return_v doubt_n of_o your_o adoption_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o how_o far_o you_o may_v expect_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o far_o you_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o mark_n and_o qualification_n or_o action_n of_o your_o own_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o assurance_n and_o settle_a peace_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o principal_a objection_n of_o the_o antinomian_o against_o this_o object_n they_o say_v this_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o and_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o law_n to_o lay_v their_o comfort_n and_o build_v their_o peace_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o make_v themselves_o their_o own_o saviour_n and_o those_o teacher_n that_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n be_v as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o take_v up_o our_o assurance_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o at_o uncertainty_n and_o at_o a_o loss_n or_o unconstant_a up_o and_o down_o in_o our_o comfort_n as_o long_o as_o we_o take_v they_o from_o any_o sign_n in_o ourselves_o also_o our_o own_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o unfit_a to_o be_v the_o evidence_n for_o our_o assurance_n answ_n because_o i_o be_o not_o now_o purposely_o confute_v the_o antinomian_o but_o only_o fore-arming_a you_o against_o their_o assault_n i_o shall_v no●_n therefore_o give_v you_o half_a that_o i_o shall_v otherwise_o say_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o point_n and_o the_o confutation_n of_o their_o error_n but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o your_o preservation_n which_o i_o do_v because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v th●_n only_a preacher_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o only_a right_a comforter_n of_o trouble_a conscience_n &_o because_o they_o have_v write_v so_o many_o book_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o your_o hand_n may_v seem_v so_o specious_a as_o that_o you_o may_v nee●_n some_o preservative_n i_o suppose_v you_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o so_o oft_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o different_a condition_n upon_o which_o
this_o rule_n in_o any_o of_o your_o self-examinings_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v he_o have_v the_o heart_n he_o may_v have_v much_o of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o not_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o know_v he_o so_o thorough_o as_o to_o will_v he_o unfeigned_o than_o he_o have_v our_o heart_n affectionate_a work_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v sweet_a thing_n and_o high_a and_o noble_a duty_n and_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n shall_v strive_v for_o but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o safe_a mark_n to_o try_v our_o state_n by_o 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a sincere_a intention_n and_o choice_n in_o and_o of_o the_o will_n when_o there_o be_v little_o stir_v perceive_v in_o the_o affection_n 2._o because_o the_o will_n be_v the_o master_n command_v faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_a that_o man_n be_v upright_o and_o safe_a 3._o because_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o mutable_a and_o uncertain_a the_o will_n can_v command_v they_o but_o imperfect_o it_o can_v perfect_o restrain_v they_o from_o vanity_n much_o less_o can_v it_o perfect_o raise_v they_o to_o that_o height_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a object_n but_o the_o object_n itself_o with_o its_o sensible_a manner_n of_o apprehension_n move_v they_o more_o than_o all_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will._n and_o so_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o a_o godly_a man_n when_o with_o his_o utmost_a private_a endeavour_n he_o can_v command_v one_o stir_v pang_n of_o divine_a love_n or_o joy_n in_o his_o soul_n yet_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o move_a sermon_n or_o the_o sudden_a receive_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a mercy_n or_o the_o read_n of_o some_o quicken_a book_n he_o shall_v feel_v perhaps_o some_o stir_n of_o that_o affection_n so_o when_o we_o can_v weep_v in_o private_a one_o tear_n for_o sin_n yet_o at_o a_o stir_a sermon_n or_o when_o we_o give_v vent_v to_o our_o sorrow_n and_o ease_v our_o trouble_a heart_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o some_o faithful_a friend_n than_o we_o can_v find_v tear_n 4._o because_o passion_n and_o affection_n depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n to_o one_o they_o be_v easy_a familiar_a and_o at_o command_n to_o another_o as_o honest_a they_o be_v difficult_a and_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o with_o most_o woman_n and_o person_n of_o weak_a temper_n they_o be_v easy_a than_o with_o man_n some_o can_v weep_v at_o the_o death_n of_o a_o friend_n though_o never_o so_o dear_a no_o nor_o perhaps_o feel_v very_o sensible_a inward_a grief_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o will_v have_v redeem_v his_o life_n at_o a_o far_o dear_a rate_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a then_o those_o that_o can_v grieve_v and_o weep_v more_o abundant_o 5._o because_o worldly_a thing_n have_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n on_o our_o passion_n and_o affection_n 1._o they_o be_v sensible_a and_o near_o we_o and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v clear_a but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v hear_v or_o feel_v by_o our_o sense_n he_o be_v far_o from_o we_o though_o local_o present_a with_o we_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o little_a very_o little_a of_o he_o 2._o earthly_a thing_n be_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n their_o advantage_n be_v continual_a 3._o earthly_a thing_n be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n do_v force_n our_o passion_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o though_o they_o can_v force_v our_o wi_n 6._o because_o affection_n and_o passion_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o any_o even_a and_o constant_a frame_n and_o therefore_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a or_o certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o state_n but_o the_o will_n resolution_n and_o choice_n may_v be_v more_o constant_a so_o that_o i_o advise_v you_o rather_o to_o try_v yourself_o by_o your_o will_n then_o by_o your_o passionate_a stir_n of_o love_n or_o longing_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n object_n but_o do_v not_o scripture_n lay_v as_o much_o on_o love_n as_o on_o any_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n say_v that_o except_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n answ_n it_o be_v all_o very_a true_a but_o consider_v love_n have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o rational_a and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o call_v willing_a accept_n choose_v or_o consent_v this_o complacency_n be_v true_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a stand_a mark._n the_o other_o be_v the_o passionate_a part_n common_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sensitive_a and_o this_o though_o most_o common_o call_v love_n yet_o be_v less_o certain_a and_o constant_a and_o so_o unfit_a to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o though_o a_o great_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v reach_v it_o 2._o you_o must_v understand_v and_o well_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o willingness_n that_o will_v prove_v your_o sincerity_n for_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v slight_a apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o may_v produce_v some_o slight_a desire_n and_o wish_n which_o yet_o be_v so_o feeble_a and_o heartless_a that_o every_o lust_n and_o carnal_a desire_n overcome_v they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o deny_v the_o gross_a sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prevalent_a part_n of_o your_o will_n that_o god_n must_v have_v i_o mean_v a_o great_a share_n a_o deep_a and_o large_a room_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v you_o must_v have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n then_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o your_o will_n must_v be_v so_o dispose_v hereby_o and_o incline_v to_o god_n that_o if_o god_n and_o glory_n to_o be_v obtain_v through_o christ_n by_o a_o holy_a self-denying_a life_n be_v set_v before_o you_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o will_v resolve_o take_v the_o former_a and_o refuse_v the_o late_a indeed_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o you_o and_o upon_o your_o choice_n depend_v your_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n though_o that_o choice_n must_v come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v you_o well_o remember_v that_o this_o willingness_n and_o choice_n be_v still_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o mention_v a_o hearty_a willingness_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o perfect_a willingness_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o most_o gracious_a soul_n on_o earth_n much_o undisposedness_n backwardness_n and_o withdraw_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v too_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o unwillingness_n to_o duty_n especial_o to_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o flesh_n be_v most_o averse_a from_o and_o which_o require_v most_o of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o among_o all_o duty_n i_o think_v the_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o to_o these_o follow_v 1._o to_o secret_a prayer_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o require_v great_a reverence_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o external_a pomp_n or_o form_n to_o take_v we_o up_o with_o and_o consist_v not_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o common_a gift_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o search_n pant_n and_o strive_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n towards_o god_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o heartless_a repeat_n of_o bare_a word_n learn_v by_o rote_n and_o either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o utter_v from_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o to_o serious_a meditation_n also_o be_v the_o soul_n very_o backward_o that_o be_v either_o to_o meditate_v on_o god_n and_o the_o promise_a glory_n or_o any_o spiritual_a subject_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v thereby_o quicken_v and_o raise_v and_o grace_n exercise_v though_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o same_o subject_n only_o to_o know_v or_o dispute_v on_o it_o the_o heart_n be_v nothing_o near_o so_o backward_o or_o else_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n by_o way_n of_o self-examination_n or_o self-judging_a or_o self-reprehension_n or_o self-exciting_a 3._o also_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o faithful_a deal_n with_o each_o other_o soul_n in_o secret_a reproof_n and_o exhortation_n plain_o though_o lovingly_z to_o tell_v each_o other_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o danger_n to_o this_o the_o heart_n be_v usual_o very_o backward_o partly_o through_o a_o
flesh-pleasing_a the_o three_o great_a sin_n therefore_o that_o do_v most_o direct_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v 1._o pride_n or_o ambition_n 2._o worldliness_n or_o love_n of_o riches_n 3._o sensuality_n voluptuousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n indeed_o other_o sin_n as_o direct_o against_o god_n as_o these_o and_o more_o radical_a as_o 1._o atheism_n deny_v a_o god_n 2._o polutheism_n deny_v our_o god_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a god_n and_o join_v other_o with_o he_o 3._o idolatry_n own_v false_a go_n 4._o infidelity_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord-redeemer_n 5._o own_v false_a saviour_n and_o prophet_n in_o his_o stead_n or_o before_o he_o as_o do_v the_o mahometan_n 6._o join_v other_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o alone_a christ_n 7._o deny_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o deny_v credit_n to_o his_o holy_a and_o miraculous_a testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 8._o own_v and_o believe_v in_o devil_n or_o lie_v spirit_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o montanist_n mahometan_n ranter_n familist_n do_v 9_o own_v and_o adjoin_v devil_n or_o lie_a spirit_n in_o coordination_n or_o equality_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o believe_v equal_o his_o doctrine_n and_o they_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o sole_a and_o sufficient_a in_o his_o work_n all_o these_o be_v sin_n direct_o against_o god_n himself_o and_o if_o prevalent_a most_o certain_o damn_v three_o against_o the_o father_n three_o against_o the_o son_n and_o three_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o they_o that_o i_o need_v now_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o these_o be_v prevalent_a only_o in_o pagan_n infidel_n and_o blasphemer_n your_o trouble_n and_o complaint_n show_v that_o these_o be_v not_o predominant_a in_o you_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o three_o forementioned_a sin_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o careful_o to_o look_v after_o in_o your_o trouble_n to_o see_v whether_o none_o of_o they_o get_v ground_n and_o strength_n in_o you_o 1._o inquire_v careful_o into_o your_o humility_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o grace_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a when_o he_o bless_v the_o meek_a and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n when_o he_o set_v a_o little_a child_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o except_o they_o become_v as_o that_o child_n they_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o he_o stoop_v to_o wash_v and_o wipe_v his_o disciple_n foot_n require_v they_o to_o do_v so_o by_o one_o another_o how_o oft_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n press_v this_o upon_o we_o command_v we_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o to_o mind_v high_a thing_n but_o to_o condescend_v to_o man_n of_o low_a estate_n rom._n 12.16_o and_o not_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o our_o own_o esteem_n but_o in_o honour_n prefer_v other_o before_o ourselves_o rom._n 12.10_o how_o oft_o have_v god_n profess_v to_o resist_v and_o take_v down_o the_o proud_a and_o to_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o dwell_v with_o they_o search_v careful_o therefore_o lest_o this_o sin_n get_v ground_n upon_o you_o for_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o predominant_a and_o reign_v as_o to_o damn_v you_o yet_o may_v it_o cause_v god_n to_o afflict_v you_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o and_o humble_v you_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o concealment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o though_o one_o will_v think_v that_o doubt_v trouble_v soul_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o free_a from_o pride_n yet_o sad_a experience_n have_v certify_v i_o that_o much_o pride_n may_v dwell_v with_o great_a doubt_n and_o distress_n of_o mind_n even_o some_o of_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v firebrand_n of_o hell_n yet_o can_v endure_v a_o close_a reproof_n especial_o for_o any_o disgraceful_a sin_n nor_o can_v bear_v a_o disparage_a word_n nor_o love_v those_o nor_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o value_v they_o nor_o endure_v to_o be_v cross_v or_o contradict_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n but_o must_v have_v all_o go_v their_o way_n and_o follow_v their_o judgement_n and_o say_v as_o they_o say_v and_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n and_o their_o heart_n rise_v against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o much_o more_o against_o those_o that_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o diminish_n of_o their_o reputation_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v low_a and_o past_a by_o and_o overlook_v when_o other_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o disrespect_a or_o their_o word_n or_o part_n or_o work_n or_o judgement_n to_o be_v contemn_v or_o disparage_v nay_o some_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o house_n or_o church_n or_o town_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n with_o any_o but_o those_o that_o will_v humour_n and_o please_v they_o and_o speak_v they_o fair_a and_o give_v they_o smooth_a and_o stroke_a language_n and_o forbear_v cross_v reprove_v and_o disparage_v they_o every_o one_o of_o these_o single_o be_v a_o evident_a mark_n and_o fruit_n of_o pride_n how_o much_o more_o all_o joint_o i_o serious_o profess_v it_o amaze_v i_o to_o consider_v how_o heinous_o most_o professor_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n even_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o devil_n own_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a abomination_n hate_v of_o god_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v so_o much_o against_o it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o confess_v it_o so_o oft_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o inward_o cherish_v it_o but_o in_o word_n action_n gesture_n apparel_z express_v it_o and_o passionate_o defend_v these_o discovery_n of_o it_o the_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o it_o so_o be_v the_o contention_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o unpeaceableness_n in_o family_n for_o only_o from_o pride_n come_v contention_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.10_o for_o my_o part_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n self-esteem_a that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n that_o ever_o i_o be_v acquaint_v with_o we_o of_o the_o ministry_n not_o except_v i_o wonder_v that_o god_n do_v not_o afflict_v we_o more_o and_o bring_v we_o down_o by_o foul_a mean_n that_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v down_o by_o fair_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v have_v as_o great_a mean_n to_o help_v i_o against_o this_o sin_n as_o most_o man_n live_v have_v have_v first_o in_o many_o year_n trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o then_o in_o near_o twenty_o year_n languish_v and_o bodily_a pain_n have_v be_v almost_o twenty_o time_n at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n and_o live_v near_o it_o continual_o and_o last_o and_o above_o all_o i_o have_v have_v as_o full_a a_o sight_n of_o it_o in_o other_o even_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n and_o in_o the_o doleful_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o heinous_a detestable_a abomination_n of_o this_o age●_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v full_o cure_v it_o and_o yet_o if_o i_o hear_v but_o either_o a_o applaud_a word_n from_o any_o of_o fame_n on_o one_o side_n or_o a_o disparage_a word_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o be_o fain_a to_o watch_v my_o heart_n as_o narrow_o as_o i_o will_v do_v the_o thatch_n of_o my_o house_n when_o fire_n be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o present_o to_o throw_v on_o it_o the_o water_n of_o detestation_n resolution_n and_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o though_o the_o act_n through_o god_n great_a mercy_n be_v thus_o restrain_v yet_o the_o constancy_n of_o these_o inclination_n assure_v i_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a and_o deep_a root_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v ever_o have_v settle_a peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v watchful_a against_o this_o sin_n of_o pride_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v it_o down_o and_o get_v it_o mortify_v at_o the_o very_a heart_n 2._o the_o next_o sin_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o be_v special_o jealous_a of_o be_v covetousness_n or_o love_n of_o the_o profit_n or_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rich_a only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o more_o heinous_a be_v it_o in_o they_o to_o love_v the_o world_n inordinate_o that_o have_v so_o
mistake_n of_o many_o sad_a christian_n hereabout_o the_o cure_n lie_v in_o break_v off_o sin_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n this_o be_v the_o achan_n that_o disquiet_v all_o it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n that_o he_o disquiet_v you_o in_o sin_v and_o give_v you_o not_o over_o to_o so_o deep_a a_o slumber_n and_o peace_n in_o sin_n as_o may_v hinder_v your_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o some_o do_v as_o the_o lapwing_n cry_v loud_a when_o they_o be_v further_a from_o the_o nest_n and_o complain_v of_o a_o ache_a tooth_n when_o the_o disease_n be_v in_o the_o head_n or_o heart_n they_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o have_v such_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o bad_a memory_n and_o so_o hard_a a_o heart_n that_o i_o can_v weep_v for_o sin_n or_o such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o little_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n when_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v i_o have_v so_o proud_a a_o heart_n that_o god_n be_v fain_o by_o these_o sad_a mean_n to_o humble_v i_o i_o be_o so_o high_a in_o my_o own_o eye_n so_o wise_a in_o my_o own_o conceit_n and_o so_o tender_a of_o my_o own_o esteem_n and_o credit_n that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v i_o base_a in_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o abhor_v myself_o i_o be_o so_o worldly_a and_o in_o love_n with_o earth_n that_o it_o draw_v away_o my_o thought_n from_o god_n dull_v my_o love_n and_o spoil_v all_o my_o duty_n i_o be_o so_o sensual_a that_o i_o venture_v soon_o to_o displease_v my_o god_n then_o my_o flesh_n i_o have_v so_o little_a compassion_n on_o the_o infirmity_n of_o neighbour_n and_o servant_n and_o other_o brethren_n and_o deal_v so_o censorious_o churlish_o and_o unmerciful_o with_o they_o that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o hide_v his_o mercy_n from_o i_o and_o speak_v to_o i_o as_o in_o anger_n and_o vex_v i_o as_o in_o sore_a displeasure_n i_o be_o so_o froward_a peevish_a quarrelsome_a unpeaceable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v please_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o i_o have_v no_o peace_n with_o god_n or_o in_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o if_o i_o have_v so_o little_a quietness_n who_o love_n and_o seek_v it_o no_o more_o many_o have_v more_o reason_n i_o say_v to_o turn_v their_o complaint_n into_o this_o tune_n 2._o another_o most_o common_a unhappy_a miscarriage_n of_o sad_a christian_n lie_v here_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o continue_v complain_v and_o self-tormenting_a then_o give_v over_o sin_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v give_v it_o over_o if_o they_o will_v i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o you_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v your_o vexation_n but_o your_o reformation_n no_o further_o do_v he_o desire_v the_o trouble_n of_o your_o mind_n then_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o god_n will_v have_v you_o less_o in_o your_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o more_o in_o your_o obedience_n obey_v more_o and_o disquiet_v your_o mind_n less_o will_v you_o take_v this_o counsel_n present_o and_o see_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o do_v you_o more_o good_a than_o all_o the_o complaint_n and_o doubt_n of_o your_o whole_a life_n have_v do_v set_a yourself_o with_o all_o your_o might_n against_o your_o pride_n worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n your_o unpeaceableness_n and_o want_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o whatever_o other_o sin_n your_o conscience_n be_v acquaint_v with_o i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o if_o you_o have_v gravel_n in_o your_o shoe_n in_o your_o travel_n will_v it_o not_o be_v more_o wisdom_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v off_o your_o shoe_n and_o cast_v it_o out_o then_o to_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v complain_v and_o tell_v every_o one_o you_o meet_v of_o your_o soreness_n if_o you_o have_v a_o thorn_n in_o your_o foot_n will_v you_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o lament_v or_o will_v you_o pull_v it_o out_o true_o sin_n be_v the_o thorn_n in_o your_o conscience_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o have_v such_o trouble_a conscience_n tell_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o fear_n of_o increase_v their_o distress_n be_v unskilful_a comforter_n and_o will_v continue_v the_o trouble_n while_o the_o thorn_n be_v in_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v peace_n then_o resolve_v against_o sin_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n never_o excuse_v it_o or_o cherish_v it_o or_o favour_v it_o more_o confess_v it_o free_o thank_v those_o that_o reprove_v you_o for_o it_o desire_v those_o about_o you_o to_o watch_v over_o you_o and_o to_o tell_v you_o of_o it_o yea_o to_o tell_v you_o of_o all_o suspicious_a sign_n that_o they_o see_v of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v so_o much_o pride_n worldliness_n unpeaceableness_n or_o other_o sin_n in_o yourself_o as_o your_o friend_n think_v they_o see_v in_o you_o yet_o let_v their_o judgement_n make_v you_o jealous_a of_o your_o heart_n see_v self-love_n do_v oft_o so_o blind_v we_o that_o we_o can_v see_v that_o evil_n in_o ourselves_o which_o other_o see_v in_o we_o nay_o which_o all_o the_o town_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v sure_a to_o engage_v your_o friend_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o smooth_a over_o your_o fault_n or_o mince_v they_o and_o tell_v you_o of_o they_o in_o extenuate_a language_n which_o may_v hinder_v conviction_n and_o repentance_n much_o less_o silence_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o displease_v you_o but_o that_o they_o will_v deal_v free_o and_o faithful_o with_o you_o and_o see_v that_o you_o distaste_n they_o not_o and_o discountenance_v not_o their_o plain_a deal_n lest_o you_o discourage_v they_o and_o deprive_v your_o soul_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n think_v best_a of_o those_o as_o your_o great_a friend_n who_o be_v least_o friend_n to_o your_o sin_n and_o do_v most_o for_o your_o recovery_n very_o from_o it_o if_o you_o say_v alas_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o mortify_v my_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o perfect_a conquest_n nor_o of_o a_o freedom_n from_o every_o passion_n or_o infirmity_n 2._o take_v heed_n of_o pretend_v disability_n when_o it_o be_v unwillingness_n if_o you_o be_v hearty_o willing_a you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v much_o and_o god_n will_v strengthen_v you_o can_v you_o resist_v pride_n worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n if_o you_o be_v willing_a can_v you_o forbear_v most_o of_o the_o actual_a sin_n you_o commit_v and_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o you_o omit_v if_o you_o be_v willing_a though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o you_o will_v perform_v they_o yea_o let_v i_o say_v this_o much_o lest_o i_o endanger_v you_o by_o spare_v you_o many_o a_o miserable_a hypocrite_n do_v live_v in_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o complain_v and_o after_o all_o perish_v for_o their_o wilful_a disobedience_n do_v not_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n go_v far_o before_o he_o will_v break_v off_o with_o christ_n and_o when_o he_o do_v leave_v he_o he_o go_v away_o sorrowful_a and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o sorrow_n why_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a when_o he_o have_v great_a possession_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v christ_n and_o heaven_n without_o forsake_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o unsanctified_a person_n that_o be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o need_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v not_o wean_v from_o worldly_a profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n they_o be_v perhaps_o trouble_v in_o mind_n and_o i_o can_v blame_v they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o can_v leave_v sin_v but_o that_o they_o can_v have_v heaven_n without_o leave_v their_o delight_n and_o contentment_n on_o earth_n sin_n as_o sin_n they_o will_v willing_o leave_v for_o no_o man_n can_v love_v evil_a as_o evil_n but_o their_o fleshly_a profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o leave_v and_o there_o be_v the_o stop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n for_o their_o own_o judgement_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o he_o that_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o inform_v understanding_n and_o conscience_n second_v it_o and_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n but_o the_o flesh_n cry_v loud_a than_o both_o these_o will_v thou_o leave_v
find_v true_a soul_n conflict_n pag._n 41_o 42._o though_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n ●f_n grow_v in_o holiness_n the_o soul_n will_v never_o be_v sound_o quiet_a because_o it_o will_v be_v pro●e_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a for_o sin_n to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o the_o conscience_n as_o for_o rot_a flesh_n and_o wood_n to_o breed_v worm_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o a_o pacify_v conscience_n etc._n etc._n read_v the_o rest_n this_o much_o i_o have_v be_v fain_o to_o premise_v lest_o my_o word_n for_o consolation_n shall_v occasion_v security_n and_o desolation_n but_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o peruse_v the_o direction_n and_o practise_v it_o if_o when_o god_n have_v give_v you_o assurance_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o only_o for_o that_o present_a time_n you_o will_v never_o then_o have_v a_o settle_a peace_n in_o your_o soul_n beside_o the_o great_a wrong_n you_o do_v to_o god_n by_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v so_o often_o renew_v such_o discovery_n and_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n to_o you_o so_o often_o over_o if_o your_o child_n offend_v you_o will_v you_o have_v he_o when_o he_o be_v pardon_v no_o long_a to_o believe_v it_o then_o you_o be_v tell_v it_o he_o shall_v he_o be_v still_o ask_v you_o over_o and_o over_o every_o day_n father_n be_o i_o forgive_v or_o no_o shall_v not_o one_o answer_n serve_v his_o turn_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o your_o money_n be_v in_o your_o purse_n or_o chest_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o it_o or_o that_o your_o corn_n be_v grow_v on_o your_o land_n or_o your_o cattle_n in_o your_o ground_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o they_o by_o this_o course_n a_o rich_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o content_a than_o a_o beggar_n long_o than_o he_o be_v look_v on_o his_o money_n or_o good_n or_o land_n and_o when_o he_o be_v look_v on_o one_o he_o shall_v again_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v god_n give_v you_o a_o memory_n for_o but_o to_o lay_v up_o former_a apprehension_n and_o discovery_n and_o experience_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o on_o all_o meet_a occasion_n afterward_o let_v i_o therefore_o persuade_v you_o to_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n when_o god_n have_v once_o resolve_v your_o doubt_n and_o show_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n love_n or_o obedience_n write_v it_o down_o if_o you_o can_v in_o your_o book_n as_o i_o have_v advise_v you_o in_o my_o treatise_n of_o rest_n such_o a_o day_n upon_o serious_a perusal_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o find_v it_o thus_o and_o thus_o with_o myself_o or_o at_o least_o write_v it_o deep_a in_o your_o memory_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o fancy_n or_o fear_n or_o light_a surmise_n to_o cause_v you_o to_o question_v this_o again_o as_o long_o as_o you_o fall_v not_o from_o the_o obedience_n or_o faith_n which_o you_o then_o discover_v alas_o man_n apprehension_n be_v a_o most_o mutable_a thing_n if_o you_o leave_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o every_o new_a apprehension_n you_o will_v never_o be_v settle_v you_o may_v think_v two_o contrary_a thing_n of_o yourself_o in_o a_o hour_n you_o have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o opportunity_n for_o right_a discern_a nor_o the_o same_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n nor_o the_o same_o outward_a mean_n to_o help_v you_o nor_o the_o same_o inward_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o you_o have_v these_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o fix_v your_o waver_a soul_n and_o take_v your_o question_n and_o doubt_v as_o resolve_v and_o do_v not_o tempt_v god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o new_a answer_n again_o and_o again_o as_o if_o he_o have_v give_v you_o no_o answer_n before_o you_o will_v never_o want_v some_o occasion_n of_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v corruption_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o sin_n in_o your_o life_n and_o a_o tempter_n to_o be_v trouble_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v suffer_v any_o such_o wind_n to_o shake_v your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n you_o will_v be_v always_o shake_v and_o fluctuate_a as_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o uncomfortableness_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n also_o of_o this_o course_n for_o though_o the_o question_v your_o own_o sincerity_n on_o every_o small_a occasion_n be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o question_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n or_o his_o readiness_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o penitent_a soul_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o even_o this_o be_v no_o contemptible_a sin_n for_o 1._o you_o be_v do_v satan_n work_n in_o deny_v god_n grace_n and_o accuse_v yourself_o false_o and_o so_o please_v the_o devil_n in_o disquiet_v yourself_o 2._o you_o slander_v god_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o soul_n in_o say_v he_o have_v not_o renew_a and_o sanctify_v you_o when_o he_o have_v 3._o this_o will_n necessitate_v you_o to_o further_a unthankfulness_n for_o who_o can_v be_v thankful_a for_o a_o mercy_n that_o think_v he_o never_o receive_v it_o 4._o this_o will_v shut_v your_o mouth_n against_o all_o those_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o that_o heavenly_a joyful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o great_a unspeakable_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o your_o life_n 5_o this_o will_v much_o abate_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o you_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o grace_n while_o you_o be_v still_o question_v your_o interest_n in_o god_n love_n 6._o it_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o discouragement_n on_o your_o soul_n as_o will_v both_o destroy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o you_o which_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o thereby_o make_v you_o backward_o to_o they_o and_o heartless_a in_o they_o you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n of_o pray_v meditation_n or_o other_o duty_n because_o all_o will_v seem_v dark_a to_o you_o and_o you_o will_v think_v that_o every_o thing_n make_v against_o you_o 7._o you_o rob_v all_o about_o you_o of_o that_o cheerful_a encourage_a example_n &_o persuasion_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v from_o you_o and_o by_o which_o you_o may_v win_v many_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o contrary_o you_o be_v a_o discouragement_n and_o hindrance_n to_o they_o i_o can_v mention_v many_o more_o sinful_a aggravation_n of_o your_o deny_v god_n grace_n in_o you_o on_o every_o small_a insufficient_a occasion_n which_o methinks_v shall_v make_v you_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o it_o if_o not_o to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a trouble_n to_o yourself_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o avoid_v sin_n against_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n i_o will_v have_v you_o understand_v also_o of_o your_o experience_n you_o must_v not_o make_v use_v only_o at_o the_o present_a of_o your_o experience_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v nor_o must_v you_o tempt_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o expect_v new_a experience_n upon_o every_o new_a scruple_n or_o doubt_n of_o you_o as_o the_o israelite_n expect_v new_a miracle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n still_o forget_v the_o old_a if_o a_o scholar_n shall_v in_o his_o study_n forget_v all_o that_o he_o have_v read_v and_o learned_a and_o all_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n which_o in_o study_n he_o have_v attain_v and_o leave_v his_o understanding_n still_o as_o a_o unwritten_a paper_n as_o receptive_a of_o every_o mutation_n and_o new_a apprehension_n and_o contrary_a conceit_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o study_v the_o point_n before_o he_o will_v make_v but_o a_o poor_a proficiency_n and_o have_v but_o a_o fluctuate_a unsettle_a brain_n a_o scholar_n shall_v make_v all_o the_o study_n of_o his_o life_n to_o compose_v one_o entire_a image_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o a_o painter_n make_v every_o line_n he_o draw_v to_o compose_v one_o entire_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o as_o a_o weaver_n make_v every_o thread_n to_o compose_v one_o web_n so_o shall_v you_o make_v all_o former_a examination_n discovery_n evidence_n and_o experience_n compose_v one_o full_a discovery_n of_o your_o condition_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v a_o settle_a peace_n of_o soul_n and_o see_v that_o you_o tie_v both_o end_n together_o and_o neither_o look_n on_o your_o present_a trouble_a state_n without_o your_o former_a lest_o you_o be_v unthankful_a and_o unjust_o discourage_v nor_o on_o
come_v not_o among_o they_o or_o pity_v they_o not_o as_o you_o shall_v and_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o think_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o other_o do_v you_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o servant_n and_o neighbour_n about_o you_o and_o tell_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o duty_n i_o doubt_v you_o do_v little_a in_o this_o and_o that_o be_v sad_a unmercifulness_n for_o if_o you_o do_v true_o you_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o find_v such_o miserable_a ignorance_n such_o senselesness_n and_o blockishness_n such_o hate_v reproof_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v reform_v such_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o slavery_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o little_a savour_n of_o christ_n grace_n heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o unteachableness_n intractableness_n as_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n of_o move_v they_o a_o inch_n from_o what_o they_o be_v that_o you_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a ever_o after_o to_o have_v minister_n preach_v more_o rouse_o then_o they_o do_v and_o you_o will_v be_v glad_a for_o their_o sake_n when_o you_o hear_v that_o which_o may_v awake_v they_o and_o prick_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n yea_o if_o you_o have_v try_v how_o hard_o a_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v worldly_a formal_a hypocrite_n to_o see_v their_o hypocrisy_n or_o to_o come_v over_o to_o christ_n from_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o salvation_n you_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v preacher_n search_v they_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o ransack_v their_o heart_n and_o help_v they_o against_o their_o affect_a and_o obstinate_a self-delusion_n beside_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o the●_n case_n be_v far_o different_a from_o you_o your_o disease_n be_v pain_n and_o trouble_v they_o be_v stark_o dead_a you_o have_v god_n favour_n and_o doubt_n of_o it_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o never_o suspect_v it_o you_o want_v comfort_n and_o they_o want_v pardon_n and_o life_n if_o your_o disease_n shall_v never_o here_o be_v cure_v it_o be_v but_o go_v more_o sad_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o recover_v by_o regeneration_n they_o must_v lie_v for_o ever_o in_o hell_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o pity_v they_o more_o than_o you_o and_o study_v more_o for_o they_o and_o preach_v more_o for_o they_o and_o rather_o forget_v you_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o they_o shall_v you_o not_o wish_v we_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v we_o more_o regard_v the_o comfort_v of_o one_o than_o the_o save_n of_o a_o hundred_o nay_o more_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o neglect_v they_o but_o dangerous_o hurt_v they_o if_o we_o shall_v preach_v too_o much_o to_o the_o case_n of_o trouble_a soul_n for_o you_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o misapply_v passage_n of_o terror_n and_o to_o take_v their_o portion_n as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o such_o passage_n for_o comfort_n and_o take_v your_o portion_n to_o themselves_o i_o know_v some_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v preach_v christ_n and_o set_v forth_o god_n love_n that_o will_v win_v they_o best_o and_o terror_n do_v but_o make_v unwilling_a hypocrital_a professor_n this_o make_v i_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o preacher_n of_o the_o time_n blame_v their_o brethren_n for_o not_o preach_v christ_n to_o their_o people_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n disobey_v he_o and_o resist_v his_o spirit_n do_v these_o man_n think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o preach_v christ_n when_o we_o have_v first_o many_o year_n tell_v man_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n the_o freeness_n and_o general_a extent_n of_o his_o covenant_n or_o promise_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o to_o tell_v they_o afterward_o the_o danger_n of_o refuse_v neglect_v and_o disobey_v he_o and_o of_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o prefer_v the_o world_n before_o he_o and_o serve_a mammon_n and_o fall_v off_o in_o persecution_n and_o avoid_v the_o cross_n and_o yield_v in_o temptation_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o decline_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o not_o improve_n their_o talent_n and_o not_o forgive_a and_o love_v their_o brethren_n yea_o and_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o this_o gospel_n nor_o preach_v christ_n yea_o be_v not_o repentance_n itself_o except_o despair_v repentance_n proper_a to_o the_o gospel_n see_v the_o law_n exclude_v it_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o hope_n blame_v i_o not_o reader_n if_o i_o be_v zealous_a against_o these_o man_n that_o not_o only_o know_v no_o better_o what_o preach_v christ_n be_v but_o in_o their_o ignorance_n reproach_v their_o brethren_n for_o not_o preach_v christ_n and_o withal_o condemn_v christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n or_o that_o he_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n too_o low_o for_o our_o imitation_n i_o desire_v they_o sober_o to_o read_v mat._n 5.6_o 7_o 10_o 25._o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o rom._n 2._o heb._n 2._o &_o 4._o &_o 5._o &_o 10_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o we_o preach_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o do_v set_v forth_o god_n love_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o welcome_v return_v sinner_n this_o we_o do_v first_o mix_v with_o this_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o natural_a misery_n by_o sin_n which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o next_o we_o show_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o offer_n 2._o when_o we_o find_v man_n settle_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o a_o base_a contempt_n or_o sleepy_a neglect_n of_o it_o prefer_v the_o world_n and_o their_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o ease_n before_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o riches_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o we_o to_o say_v how_o shall_v you_o escape_v if_o you_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o and_o of_o how_o much_o soarer_n punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10.26_o when_o man_n grow_v careless_a and_o unbelieving_a must_v we_o not_o say_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v lest_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o heb._n 4.1_o 3._o have_v not_o christ_n lead_v we_o command_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o this_o way_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v be_v his_o doctrine_n luke_n 13.3_o 5._o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n what_o be_v that_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.16_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o stay_v they_o before_o i_o luke_n 19.27_o do_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o of_o hellfire_n and_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o be_v quench_v their_o christ_n himself_n do_v and_o do_v not_o his_o apostle_n go_v the_o same_o way_n even_o paul_n the_o great_a preacher_n of_o faith_n 2_o thess_n 1_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 2.12_o etc._n etc._n what_o more_o common_a alas_o what_o work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o shall_v stroke_n and_o smooth_a all_o man_n with_o antinomian_a language_n it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o please_v all_o the_o sensual_a profane_a multitude_n but_o it_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n way_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o these_o man_n will_v have_v christ_n preach_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v he_o pray_v to_o to_o say_v jesus_n jesus_n jesus_n nine_o time_n together_o and_o this_o oft_o over_o be_v their_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v christ_n name_n oft_o in_o the_o preacher_n mouth_n some_o man_n think_v be_v the_o right_n preach_v christ_n let_v i_o now_o desire_v you_o hereafter_o to_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v minister_n awaken_v the_o profane_a and_o dead-hearted_n hearer_n and_o search_v all_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o misapply_v nothing_o to_o yourself_o but_o if_o you_o think_v any_o passage_n do_v near_o concern_v you_o open_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o minister_n private_o
he_o be_v not_o sound_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o need_v not_o a_o conversion_n to_o a_o sound_a faith_n but_o only_o to_o a_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n the_o suddenness_n of_o the_o news_n must_v needs_o make_v those_o violent_a commotion_n and_o change_n in_o the_o one_o which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o other_o who_o be_v acquaint_v so_o early_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o such_o degree_n 5._o but_o suppose_v you_o hear_v nothing_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o a_o redeemer_n in_o your_o childhood_n or_o at_o least_o understand_v it_o not_o which_o yet_o be_v unlikely_a yet_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o do_v not_o that_o preacher_n or_o that_o book_n or_o whatever_o other_o mean_v god_n use_v for_o your_o conversion_n reveal_v to_o you_o misery_n and_o mercy_n both_o together_o do_v not_o you_o hear_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o understand_v your_o sin_n and_o misery_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v both_o together_o and_o so_o do_v every_o sound_a preacher_n and_o every_o sound_a writer_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o slanderous_a antinomian_o do_v shameless_o proclaim_v that_o we_o preach_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o law_n this_o be_v so_o you_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o abate_v very_o much_o of_o the_o terror_n which_o will_v else_o have_v be_v unavoidable_a if_o you_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o preach_v of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o must_v not_o use_v to_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o since_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o adam_n must_v receive_v yea_o or_o if_o you_o have_v hear_v nothing_o of_o a_o saviour_n for_o a_o year_n or_o a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n after_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o hell_n and_o so_o the_o remedy_n have_v be_v but_o conceal_v from_o you_o though_o not_o deny_v which_o ordinary_o must_v not_o be_v do_v than_o you_o may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v find_v some_o more_o terror_n of_o soul_n that_o hour_n but_o when_o you_o hear_v that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o hear_v that_o your_o misery_n have_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n provide_v if_o you_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v not_o remediless_a and_o this_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v of_o that_o misery_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_o abate_v your_o fear_n and_o trouble_n suppose_v two_o man_n go_v to_o visit_v two_o several_a neighbour_n that_o have_v the_o plague_n and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o be_v on_o you_o you_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o other_o say_v to_o the_o other_o sick_a person_n it_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o you_o have_v but_o here_o be_v our_o physician_n at_o the_o next_o door_n that_o have_v a_o receipt_n that_o will_v cure_v it_o as_o infallible_o and_o as_o easy_o as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n he_o have_v cure_v thousand_o and_o never_o fail_v one_o that_o take_v his_o receipt_n but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o send_v to_o he_o and_o trust_v he_o and_o take_v his_o re●e●●t_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o you_o tell_v i_o now_o whether_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sick_a person_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v more_o trouble_v than_o the_o other_o and_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o remove_v almost_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o certain_a remedy_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o disease_n though_o some_o trouble_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o disease_n in_o itself_o so_o desperate_a or_o loathsome_a nay_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o so_o the_o cure_n be_v but_o well_o do_v the_o less_o terror_n and_o despair_a fear_n you_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o more_o credit_n be_v it_o to_o your_o physician_n and_o his_o apothecary_n christ_n and_o the_o preacher_n or_o instrument_n that_o do_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v rather_o praise_v your_o physician_n then_o question_v the_o cure_n doubt_v iii_o but_o it_o be_v common_a with_o all_o the_o world_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o and_o somewhat_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n in_o they_o the_o mahometan_n in_o they_o and_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v no_o other_o work_n on_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o education_n that_o make_v i_o religious_a and_o that_o i_o have_v never_o that_o great_a renew_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o so_o that_o all_o my_o religion_n be_v but_o mere_a opinion_n or_o notion_n in_o my_o brain_n answer_n 1._o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v either_o much_o error_n and_o wickedness_n mix_v with_o some_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o they_o contain_v some_o lesser_a parcel_n of_o that_o truth_n alone_o as_o the_o jew_n only_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v that_o whole_a truth_n which_o be_v save_v now_o so_o much_o of_o god_n truth_n as_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o these_o religion_n so_o much_o it_o may_v work_v good_a effect_n upon_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o that_o god_n be_v holy_a good_a just_a merciful_a and_o that_o he_o show_v they_o much_o undeserved_a mercy_n in_o his_o daily_a providence_n etc._n etc._n but_o mark_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o person_n of_o false_a religion_n do_v more_o easy_o and_o greedy_o embrace_v the_o false_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n then_o the_o true_a and_o those_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o practice_n with_o all_o their_o might_n because_o their_o natural_a corruption_n do_v befriend_v it_o and_o be_v as_o combustible_a fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n to_o catch_v in_o but_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o their_o error_n if_o it_o be_v practical_a they_o fight_v against_o it_o and_o abhor_v it_o while_o they_o hold_v it_o because_o it_o cross_v their_o lust_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v usual_o but_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o convince_v and_o civil_a that_o god_n in_o providence_n make_v the_o main_a instrument_n of_o continue_v those_o truth_n of_o he_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o even_o among_o pagan_n the_o profaner_n and_o more_o sensual_a sort_n do_v deride_v the_o better_a sort_n as_o our_o profane_a christian_n do_v the_o godly_a who_o they_o call_v puritan_n 2._o note_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o in_o these_o false_a religion_n be_v still_o acknowledge_v be_v so_o small_a a_o part_n and_o so_o oppress_v by_o error_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o their_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o any_o sound_a hope_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o clear_a and_o deep_a and_o powerful_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o may_v make_v they_o holy_a or_o true_o heavenly_a or_o may_v overcome_v in_o they_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v so_o you_o may_v see_v great_a reason_n why_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n without_o god_n spirit_n or_o any_o true_a sanctification_n when_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v so_o true_o zealous_a for_o you_o without_o it_o indeed_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n separate_v from_o the_o practical_a or_o from_o the_o hard_a and_o self_n deny_v part_n of_o the_o practical_a many_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v zealous_a for_o as_o to_o maintain_v the_o godhead_n or_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n or_o to_o maintain_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o against_o the_o turk_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v christ_n church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o roman_n and_o against_o the_o socinian_o and_o arrian_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n nor_o do_v this_o or_o any_o heathenish_a zeal_n sanctify_v the_o heart_n or_o true_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n or_o overcome_v the_o world_n they_o may_v contemn_v life_n and_o cast_v it_o away_o for_o their_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n but_o not_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o bless_a life_n with_o god_n this_o be_v but_o the_o prevalency_n of_o one_o corruption_n against_o another_o or_o
harden_v their_o heart_n or_o stiffen_v their_o neck_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o most_o usual_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v this_o they_o be_v a_o intractable_a disobedient_a obstinate_a people_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v which_o we_o often_o translate_v vnbelieve_v they_o be_v a_o vnperswadable_a people_n no_o saying_n will_v serve_v they_o they_o set_v light_a by_o god_n command_n promise_n and_o severe_a threaten_n and_o judgement_n themselves_o nothing_o will_v move_v they_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v seldom_o put_v for_o want_n of_o tear_n or_o a_o melt_a weep_a disposition_n and_o never_o at_o all_o for_o the_o want_n of_o such_o tear_n where_o the_o will_n be_v tractable_a and_o obedient_a i_o pray_v you_o examine_v yourself_o then_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n god_n offer_v his_o love_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o you_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o accept_v they_o he_o command_v you_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o use_v his_o ordinance_n and_o love_v his_o people_n and_o other_o and_o to_o forsake_v your_o know_a iniquity_n so_o far_o that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o this_o he_o command_v you_o to_o take_v he_o for_o your_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o your_o redeemer_n and_o stick_v to_o he_o for_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o never_o forsake_v he_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o do_v this_o if_o you_o have_v a_o stiff_a rebellious_a heart_n and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v rather_o let_v go_v christ_n then_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v from_o your_o know_a iniquity_n but_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v they_o and_o love_v not_o to_o be_v reform_v and_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o those_o duty_n as_o you_o be_v able_a which_o god_n require_v and_o you_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o then_o be_v you_o hard-hearted_a in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n but_o if_o you_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v christ_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n upon_o the_o term_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o you_o do_v walk-day_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n as_o you_o can_v and_o be_v willing_a to_o pray_v and_o willing_a to_o hear_v and_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o willing_a to_o have_v all_o god_n grace_n form_v within_o you_o and_o willing_a to_o let_v go_v your_o profitable_a and_o sweet_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v your_o daily_a desire_n o_o that_o i_o can_v seek_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n more_o faithful_o zealous_o and_o pleas_o then_o i_o do_v o_o that_o i_o be_v rid_v of_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n these_o carnal_a corrupt_a and_o worldly_a inclination_n and_o that_o i_o be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n on_o earth_n and_o if_o when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_v whether_o you_o shall_v obey_v or_o no_o though_o some_o unwillingness_n to_o duty_n and_o willingness_n to_o sin_n be_v in_o you_o you_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o the_o great_a bent_n of_o your_o will_n be_v for_o god_n and_o it_o be_v but_o the_o lesser_a which_o be_v towards_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n do_v not_o lead_v you_o captive_a and_o you_o live_v not_o wilful_o in_o avoidable_a sin_n nor_o at_o all_o in_o gross_a sin_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o than_o you_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o a_o soft_a heart_n a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o new_a heart_n for_o it_o be_v a_o willing_a obedient_a tractable_a heart_n oppose_v to_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n which_o scripture_n call_v a_o soft_a heart_n and_o then_o for_o the_o passionate_a part_n which_o consist_v in_o lively_a feeling_n of_o sin_n misery_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o weep_v for_o sin_n i_o shall_v say_v but_o this_o 1._o many_o a_o unsanctified_a person_n have_v very_o much_o of_o it_o which_o yet_o be_v desperate_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n it_o depend_v far_o more_o on_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n then_o of_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n woman_n usual_o can_v weep_v easy_o and_o yet_o not_o all_o and_o child_n and_o old_a man_n some_o complexion_n incline_v to_o it_o and_o other_o not_o many_o can_v weep_v at_o a_o passion-sermon_n or_o any_o move_a duty_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o obedience_n these_o be_v hard-hearted_a sinner_n for_o all_o their_o tear_n 2._o many_o a_o tender_a godly_a person_n can_v weep_v for_o sin_n partly_o through_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v more_o judicious_a and_o solid_a and_o less_o passionate_a but_o most_o from_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o body_n which_o dispose_v they_o not_o that_o way_n 3._o deep_a sorrow_n seldom_o cause_v tear_n but_o deep_a thought_n of_o heart_n as_o great_a joy_n seldom_o cause_n laughter_n but_o inward_a pleasure_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o how_o you_o shall_v know_v who_o heart_n be_v true_o sorrowful_a for_o sin_n and_o tender_v he_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o great_a cost_n or_o pain_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o sin_v you_o can_v weep_v for_o sin_n but_o you_o will_v give_v all_o that_o you_o have_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o sin_n you_o can_v wish_v when_o you_o dishonour_v god_n by_o sin_n that_o you_o have_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o suffer_v rather_o and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o do_v again_o on_o the_o same_o term_n and_o inducement_n you_o will_v not_o do_v it_o nay_o you_o will_v live_v a_o beggar_n condtend_o so_o you_o may_v full_o please_v god_n and_o never_o sin_n against_o he_o and_o be_v content_a to_o pinch_v your_o flesh_n and_o deny_v your_o worldly_a interest_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v rather_o than_o wilful_o disobey_v this_o be_v a_o true_o tender_a heart_n on_o the_o other_o side_n another_o can_v weep_v to_o think_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v he_o what_o will_v thou_o give_v or_o what_o will_v thou_o suffer_v so_o thou_o have_v not_o sin_v or_o that_o thou_o may_v sin_v no_o more_o alas_o very_o little_a for_o the_o next_o time_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o it_o he_o will_v rather_o venture_v on_o the_o sin_n then_o venture_v on_o a_o little_a loss_n or_o danger_n or_o disgrace_n in_o the_o world_n or_o deny_v his_o crave_v flesh_n its_o pleasure_n this_o be_v a_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n the_o more_o you_o will_v part_v with_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o sin_n or_o the_o great_a cost_n you_o will_v be_v at_o for_o that_o end_n the_o more_o repentance_n have_v you_o and_o true_a tenderness_n of_o heart_n alas_o if_o man_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n according_a to_o their_o weep_n what_o abundance_n of_o child_n and_o woman_n will_v be_v there_o for_o one_o man_n i_o will_v speak_v true_o my_o own_o case_n this_o doubt_n lie_v heavy_a many_o a_o year_n on_o my_o own_o soul_n when_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v give_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o sin_n but_o i_o can_v not_o weep_v a_o tear_n for_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o weep_v for_o the_o death_n of_o my_o dear_a friend_n when_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v buy_v their_o life_n have_v it_o be_v god_n will_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n than_o many_o that_o can_v weep_v for_o they_o ten_o time_n as_o much_o and_o now_o since_o my_o nature_n be_v decay_v and_o my_o body_n languish_v in_o consume_a weakness_n and_o my_o head_n more_o moisten_v and_o my_o vein_n fill_v with_o phlegmatic_a watery_a blood_n now_o i_o can_v weep_v and_o yet_o i_o find_v never_o the_o more_o tender-heartedness_n in_o myself_o then_o before_o and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n so_o much_o remain_v of_o my_o old_a disposition_n that_o i_o can_v wring_v all_o the_o money_n out_o of_o my_o purse_n easy_a than_o one_o tear_v out_o of_o my_o eye_n to_o save_v a_o friend_n or_o rescue_v they_o from_o evil_a when_o i_o see_v divers_a that_o can_v weep_v for_o a_o dead_a friend_n that_o will_v have_v be_v at_o no_o great_a cost_n to_o save_v their_o life_n 5._o beside_o as_o dr._n sibs_n say_v there_o be_v oft_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o we_o when_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v it_o want_v but_o some_o quicken_a word_n to_o set_v it_o afoot_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o grief_n to_o break_v out_o into_o tear_n most_o when_o sorrow_n have_v some_o vent_n either_o when_o we_o use_v some_o expostulate_v aggravate_v term_n with_o ourselves_o or_o when_o we_o be_v open_v our_o heart_n and_o case_n to_o a_o friend_n then_o sorrow_n will_v often_o show_v itself_o that_o do_v not_o before_o 6._o yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v but_o that_o our_o want_n of_o tear_n and_o
no_o great_a likelihood_n or_o hope_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v sincere_a if_o you_o do_v as_o i_o think_v many_o christian_n easy_o may_v that_o yet_o receive_v not_o a_o proportionable_a comfort_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v no_o small_a mercy_n but_o matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o see_v no_o grace_n in_o yourself_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a you_o have_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v there_o and_o you_o not_o see_v it_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o yet_o remember_v that_o you_o have_v still_o abundant_a cause_n of_o comfort_n in_o god_n general_n grace_n do_v you_o think_v you_o must_v needs_o despair_v or_o give_v up_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n or_o conclude_v yourself_o irrecoverable_o lose_v because_o you_o be_v graceless_a why_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o there_o be_v that_o ground_n of_o consolation_n in_o general_a grace_n that_o may_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o very_a wicked_a to_o leap_v for_o joy_n do_v i_o need_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o you_o you_o know_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v to_o tell_v those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v it_o behold_v we_o bring_v you_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o people_n and_o you_o know_v before_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o man_n they_o be_v miserable_a if_o then_o it_o be_v glad_a tiding_n and_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o the_o unconvert_v where_o it_o come_v why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o to_o you_o and_o where_o be_v your_o great_a joy_n if_o you_o be_v graceless_a be_v it_o nothing_o to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v exceed_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n ready_a to_o forgive_v pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n love_a mankind_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n down_o into_o humane_a flesh_n and_o have_v take_v on_o he_o the_o most_o bless_a office_n of_o reconcile_a and_o be_v become_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o you_o that_o all_o your_o sin_n have_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n pay_v for_o they_o so_o that_o you_o be_v certain_a not_o to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o ransom_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o you_o that_o god_n have_v make_v such_o a_o universal_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o mere_a law_n of_o work_n to_o be_v judge_v for_o not_o obey_v in_o perfection_n suppose_v you_o be_v never_o so_o certain_o graceless_a be_v it_o not_o a_o ground_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n that_o you_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v condemn_v you_o but_o a_o flat_a refusal_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n which_o may_v comfort_v a_o man_n as_o yet_o unsanctified_a that_o sin_n mere_o as_o sin_n shall_v not_o condemn_v he_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o final_a obstinate_a refusal_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o thereby_o leave_v all_o other_o sin_n unpardoned_a now_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o this_o question_n in_o your_o great_a fear_n that_o you_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n be_v you_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n to_o pardon_v sanctify_v guide_v and_o save_v you_o or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o you_o be_v not_o if_o you_o will_v but_o wait_v on_o god_n word_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o consider_v frequent_o and_o serious_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n &_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v but_o beg_v earnest_o of_o god_n to_o make_v you_o willing_a you_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v you_o this_o mean_n in_o vain_a &_o that_o this_o way_n will_v be_v more_o profitable_a than_o all_o your_o complain_n see_v therefore_o when_o you_o be_v at_o the_o very_o low_a that_o you_o forsake_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n and_o indeed_o those_o that_o deny_v any_o general_n grace_n or_o redemption_n do_v leave_v poor_a christian_n in_o a_o very_a lamentable_a condition_n for_o alas_o assurance_n of_o special_a grace_n yea_o or_o a_o high_a probability_n be_v not_o so_o common_a a_o thing_n as_o mere_a disputer_n against_o doubt_v have_v imagine_v and_o when_o a_o poor_a christian_a be_v beat_v from_o his_o assurance_n which_o few_o have_v he_o have_v nothing_o but_o probability_n and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o confident_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o special_a grace_n where_o be_v he_o then_o and_o what_o have_v he_o leave_v to_o support_v his_o soul_n i_o will_v not_o so_o far_o now_o meddle_v with_o that_o controversy_n as_o to_o open_v further_o how_o this_o opinion_n tend_v to_o leave_v most_o christian_n in_o desperation_n for_o all_o the_o pretence_n it_o have_v find_v and_o i_o have_v do_v more_o but_o that_o general_a redemption_n or_o satisfaction_n be_v common_o teach_v in_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o general_n sufficiency_n of_o it_o though_o man_n understand_v not_o how_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v cold_a comfort_n for_o i_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v thus_o christ_n will_v damn_v sinner_n i_o be_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o will_v damn_v i_o as_o to_o argue_v thus_o christ_n will_v save_v sinner_n i_o be_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o will_v save_v i_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o show_n of_o soundness_n in_o either_o of_o these_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o a_o certainty_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v you_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o general_n grace_n alone_o that_o must_v be_v have_v from_o assurance_n of_o of_o special_a grace_n superad_v to_o the_o general_n but_o a_o conditional_a certainty_n you_o may_v have_v from_o general_n grace_n only_o and_o thus_o you_o may_v sound_o and_o infallible_o argue_v god_n have_v make_v a_o grant_n to_o every_o sinful_a man_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n sacrifice_n if_o they_o will_v but_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n therefore_o god_n have_v make_v this_o grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o i_o direction_n xxxi_o if_o god_n do_v bless_v you_o with_o a_o able_a faithful_a prudent_a judicious_a pastor_n take_v he_o for_o your_o guide_n under_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o open_a to_o he_o your_o case_n and_o desire_v his_o advice_n in_o all_o your_o extraordinary_a press_a necessity_n where_o you_o have_v find_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o godly_a friend_n to_o be_v insufficient_a and_o this_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o but_o as_o often_o as_o such_o press_a necessity_n shall_v return_v or_o if_o your_o own_o pastor_n be_v more_o defective_a for_o such_o a_o work_n make_v use_n of_o some_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v more_o meet_a here_o i_o have_v these_o several_a thing_n to_o open_a to_o you_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v this_o direction_n from_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n you_o shall_v do_v this_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n and_o how_o far_o 4._o what_o minister_n they_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v choose_v thereto_o 5._o in_o what_o manner_n you_o must_v open_v your_o case_n that_o you_o may_v receive_v satisfaction_n 1._o the_o first_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o that_o you_o must_v open_v your_o case_n 2._o and_o that_o to_o your_o pastor_n 1._o the_o devil_n have_v great_a advantage_n while_o you_o keep_v his_o counsel_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o for_o if_o one_o of_o they_o fall_v he_o have_v another_o to_o help_v he_o it_o be_v dangerous_a resist_v such_o a_o enemy_n alone_o a_o unite_n of_o force_n oft_o procure_v victory_n god_n give_v other_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o other_o gift_n for_o our_o good_a that_o so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n may_v have_v need_n of_o another_o and_o each_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o other_o a_o independency_n of_o christian_a upon_o christian_a be_v most_o unchristian_a much_o more_o of_o people_n on_o their_o guide_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o body_n or_o fellow_n member_n be_v next_o to_o separation_n from_o they_o sometime_o bashfulness_n be_v the_o cause_n sometime_o self-confidence_n a_o far_o worse_a cause_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n smother_a their_o doubt_n the_o effect_n be_v oft_o sad_a the_o disease_n be_v oft_o go_v so_o far_o that_o the_o cure_n be_v very_o difficult_a