willing_a until_o he_o have_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o obedience_n acceptable_o such_o a_o one_o be_v never_o yet_o true_o humble_v and_o bring_v to_o know_v the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n neither_o do_v he_o true_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n whatever_o formal_a profession_n he_o make_v of_o it_o second_o those_o that_o think_v sincere_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n in_o ordinary_a case_n to_o be_v so_o pass_v easy_a show_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o themselves_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n only_o but_o against_o principality_n power_n spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n ephes_n 6.12_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n not_o to_o lust_n or_o covet_v according_a to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o apostle_n paul_n find_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o obey_v this_o commandment_n that_o his_o concupiscence_n prevail_v the_o more_o by_o occasion_n of_o the_o commandment_n rom._n 7.7_o 8._o our_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o alter_v vicious_a custom_n but_o to_o mortisie_n corrupt_v natural_a affection_n which_o breed_v those_o custom_n and_o not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o fulfil_n of_o sinful_a lust_n but_o to_o be_v full_a of_o holy_a lust_n and_o desire_n that_o even_o the_o restrain_v the_o execution_n of_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o cross_v they_o by_o contrary_a act_n be_v in_o many_o case_n like_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n mat._n 5.29_o 30._o if_o obedience_n be_v so_o easy_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o heathen_n general_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v they_o as_o worthy_a of_o death_n rom._n 1.32_o and_o many_o among_o we_o seek_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o strait_a gate_n and_o be_v not_o able_a luke_n 13.24_o and_o break_v so_o many_o vow_n and_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o fall_v back_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o lust_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n press_v hard_o upon_o their_o conscience_n as_o to_o those_o that_o find_v persecution_n for_o religion_n to_o be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o late_a day_n they_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n love_v his_o own_o else_o they_o will_v find_v that_o national_a profession_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o secure_v those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a from_o several_a sort_n of_o persecution_n and_o suppose_v man_n do_v not_o persecute_v we_o for_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o bear_v great_a injury_n from_o man_n on_o other_o account_n and_o loss_n poverty_n bodily_a pain_n long_a disease_n and_o untimely_a death_n from_o the_o ordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o such_o hearty_a love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o injurious_a man_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o such_o a_o patient_a acquiescence_n in_o his_o will_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o those_o who_o god_n right_o furnish_v with_o endowment_n for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v easy_a to_o man_n in_o their_o common_a condition_n show_v their_o imprudence_n in_o contradict_v the_o general_a experience_n of_o heathen_n and_o christian_n though_o many_o duty_n do_v not_o require_v much_o labour_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n and_o may_v be_v do_v with_o ease_n if_o we_o be_v willing_a yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o remove_v a_o mountain_n than_o to_o move_v and_o incline_v the_o heart_n to_o will_n and_o affect_v the_o do_v of_o they_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o those_o that_o account_n that_o all_o have_v sufficient_a strength_n for_o a_o holy_a practice_n because_o they_o can_v do_v their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v what_o they_o can_v do_v for_o god_n require_v actual_a sulfil_n of_o his_o command_n what_o if_o by_o our_o endeavour_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n shall_v the_o law_n be_v put_v off_o with_o no_o performance_n and_o shall_v such_o endeavour_n be_v account_v sufficient_a holiness_n and_o what_o if_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v in_o a_o right_a way_n if_o man_n ability_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o acceptable_a duty_n the_o command_v of_o the_o law_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a three_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o funish_v people_n with_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v both_o to_o will_v and_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o first_o adam_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o strength_n and_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o need_v to_o sear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o corruption_n because_o he_o have_v no_o corruption_n in_o he_o until_o he_o have_v produce_v they_o in_o himself_o by_o sin_v against_o strength_n and_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v that_o strength_n he_o can_v not_o recover_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n until_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o a_o better_a strength_n whereby_o the_o head_n of_o satan_n shall_v be_v bruise_v gen._n 3.15_o our_o lord_n christ_n doubtless_o know_v the_o insinite_a power_n of_o his_o deity_n to_o enable_v he_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o our_o nature_n he_o know_v the_o lord_n god_n will_v help_v he_o therefore_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v be_v 50.7_o the_o scripture_n show_v what_o plentiful_a assurance_n of_o strength_n god_n give_v to_o moses_n joshua_n gideon_n when_o he_o call_v they_o to_o great_a employment_n and_o to_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o call_v they_o to_o subdue_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n christ_n will_v have_v the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drink_v of_o his_o cup_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n that_o he_o be_v baptize_v with_o matth._n 20.22_o paul_n encourage_v believer_n to_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o sin_n shall_v not_o prevail_v to_o get_v the_o dominion_n over_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.13_o 14._o and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes_n 6.10_o 11._o john_n exhort_v believer_n not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o jo._n 2.14_o 15._o they_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n heretofore_o to_o work_v miracle_n be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o power_n to_o work_v they_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v attempt_v to_o do_v they_o without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gift_n even_o so_o when_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v call_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o holy_a life_n which_o be_v in_o they_o great_a miracle_n god_n make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o power_n unto_o they_o that_o he_o may_v encourage_v they_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o such_o a_o wonderful_a enterprise_n direct_v iii_o the_o way_n to_o get_v holy_a endowment_n and_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o frame_v and_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n by_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o fellowship_n we_o must_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n himself_o in_o we_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n with_o he_o explication_n here_o as_o much_o as_o any_o where_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n even_o so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v it_o if_o god_n have_v not_o make_v it_o know_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v reveal_v clear_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o there_o for_o it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o and_o if_o god_n express_v it_o never_o so_o plain_o and_o proper_o he_o will_v think_v that_o god_n be_v speak_v riddle_n and_o parable_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o riddle_n and_o parable_n even_o to_o many_o true_o godly_a that_o have_v receive_v a_o holy_a nature_n in_o this_o way_n for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v the_o save_a benefit_n of_o it_o before_o the_o comforter_n discover_v it_o clear_o to_o they_o john_n 14_o 20._o and_o they_o walk_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o
the_o gospel-mystery_n of_o sanctification_n open_v in_o sundry_a practical_a direction_n suit_v especial_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o labour_n under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o sermon_n of_o justification_n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v yea_o and_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n that_o according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o that_o glori_v let_v he_o glory_n in_o the_o lord_n by_o mr._n walter_n marshal_z late_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o t._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n 1692._o the_o preface_n reader_n mr._n walter_n marshal_n composer_n of_o these_o direction_n how_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o practice_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n which_o we_o call_v holiness_n righteousness_n or_o godliness_n be_v educate_v in_o new_a college_n in_o oxford_n and_o be_v a_o fellow_n of_o the_o say_a college_n and_o afterward_o he_o be_v choose_v a_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n at_o winchester_n but_o be_v put_v under_o the_o bartholomew_n bushel_n with_o nigh_o two_o thousand_o more_o light_n a_o sin_n not_o yet_o repent_v of_o who_o illumination_n make_v the_o land_n a_o goshen_n he_o be_v esteem_v a_o presbyterian_a and_o be_v call_v to_o be_v pastor_n to_o a_o people_n at_o gospert_a in_o hampshire_n where_o he_o shine_v though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o public_a oil_n the_o substance_n of_o these_o meditation_n be_v there_o spin_v out_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n he_o have_v be_v much_o exercise_v with_o trouble_a thought_n and_o that_o for_o many_o year_n and_o have_v by_o many_o mortify_a method_n seek_v peace_n of_o conscience_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o trouble_n still_o increase_v whereupon_o he_o consult_v other_o particular_o mr._n baxter_n who_o write_n he_o have_v be_v much_o conversant_a with_o who_o thereupon_o tell_v mr._n marshal_n he_o take_v they_o too_o legal_o he_o afterward_o consult_v a_o eminent_a divine_a give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o particularise_v his_o sin_n that_o lay_v heavy_a on_o his_o conscience_n who_o in_o his_o reply_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o mention_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n in_o not_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sanctify_v his_o nature_n hereupon_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o study_v and_o preach_v of_o christ_n and_o attain_v to_o eminent_a holiness_n great_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mr._n marshal_n die_a word_n be_v these_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n have_v but_o just_a before_o say_v to_o those_o about_o he_o that_o he_o now_o die_v in_o the_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n some_o time_n since_o he_o be_v translate_v by_o death_n elijah-like_a drop_v these_o sheet_n as_o his_o mantle_n for_o succeed_a elisha_n to_o go_v forth_o with_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o comfort_n of_o droop_a soul_n these_o paper_n be_v the_o profound_a experience_n of_o a_o studious_a holy_a soul_n learned_a of_o the_o father_n come_v from_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o smell_v of_o no_o party_n or_o design_n but_o for_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o will_v scarce_o go_v down_o with_o the_o heady_a notionalist_n of_o this_o age_n who_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o reuben_n waver_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o modish_a doctrine_n but_o in_o judah_n it_o will_v be_v praise_v and_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o many_o shrub_n and_o cedar_n hereby_o may_v advance_v in_o knowledge_n and_o comfort_n but_o not_o to_o detain_v thou_o long_o read_v over_o all_o these_o direction_n that_o you_o may_v full_o understand_v the_o author_n or_o read_v none_o if_o you_o do_v it_o with_o the_o serious_a humble_a spirit_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v the_o matter_n be_v so_o weighty_a and_o from_o so_o able_a a_o hand_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v sink_v into_o thy_o conscience_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o solid_a christian_a full_a of_o faith_n holiness_n and_o consolation_n n._n n._n the_o author_n of_o these_o direction_n be_v well_o know_v to_o i_o and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o my_o house_n a_o month_n together_o above_o twenty_o year_n past_a and_o i_o esteem_v he_o a_o person_n deserve_v the_o character_n which_o this_o preface_n give_v he_o t._n woodcock_n the_o gospel_n mystery_n of_o sanctification_n direction_n i._n that_o we_o may_v acceptable_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteonsness_n require_v in_o the_o law_n our_o first_o work_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o end_n explication_n this_o direction_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o preface_n to_o prepare_v the_o understanding_n and_o attention_n of_o the_o reader_n for_o those_o that_o follow_v and_o first_o it_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o all_o those_o mean_n be_v design_v that_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n to_o be_v here_o treat_v of_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o be_v to_o teach_v you_o how_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o practice_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n which_o we_o call_v holiness_n righteousness_n or_o godliness_n obedience_n true_a religion_n and_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o law_n particular_o in_o the_o moral_a law_n 20._o exod._n 20._o sum_v up_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o more_o brief_o in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n mat._n 22.37_o 39_o and_o more_o large_o explain_v throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n my_o work_n be_v to_o show_v how_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o law_n may_v be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v know_v therefore_o expect_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v delay_v my_o intent_n to_o help_v you_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o any_o large_a exposition_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o work_n already_o perform_v in_o several_a catechism_n and_o commentary_n yet_o that_o you_o may_v not_o miss_v the_o mark_n for_o want_v of_o discern_v of_o it_o take_v notice_n in_o few_o word_n that_o the_o holiness_n which_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o be_v spiritual_a rom._n 7.14_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o external_a work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a thought_n imagination_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o chief_o in_o love_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o good_a work_n must_v flow_v or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o only_o in_o refrain_v the_o execution_n of_o sinful_a lust_n but_o in_o lust_a and_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o god_n without_o repine_v fret_a grudge_a at_o any_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a yoke_n and_o burden_n to_o you_o take_v notice_n further_o that_o the_o law_n which_o be_v your_o mark_n be_v exceed_v broad_a psal_n 119.96_o and_o yet_o not_o the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v hit_v because_o you_o must_v aim_v to_o hit_v it_o in_o every_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o a_o performance_n of_o equal_a breadth_n or_o else_o you_o can_v hit_v it_o all_o isai_n 2.10_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o at_o all_o love_a with_o that_o love_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o lord_n of_o all_o if_o he_o be_v not_o love_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n spirit_n and_o may_v we_o be_v to_o love_v every_o thing_n in_o he_o his_o justice_n holiness_n sovereign_a authority_n all-seeing_a eye_n and_o all_o his_o decree_n command_n judgement_n and_o all_o his_o do_n we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o not_o only_o better_a than_o other_o thing_n but_o single_o as_o only_o good_a the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o fleshly_a and_o worldly_a enjoyment_n even_o our_o own_o life_n as_o if_o we_o hate_v they_o when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o
they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o light_a they_o deserve_v to_o be_v partaker_n with_o the_o devil_n in_o torment_n as_o they_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o evil_a lust_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o do_v good_a will_v no_o more_o excuse_v they_o than_o it_o excuse_v the_o devil_n eight_o neither_o will_v this_o assertion_n make_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o natural_a people_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n for_o the_o design_n of_o our_o preach_a be_v not_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o holiness_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n but_o to_o raise_v they_o above_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o perfect_a in_o christ_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n col._n 1.28_o and_o though_o they_o can_v perform_v those_o duty_n by_o their_o natural_a strength_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o 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his_o voice_n and_o live_v john_n 5.25_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o gospel_n and_o command_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v with_o good_a success_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v say_v to_o dead_a carcase_n tabytha_n cumi_fw-la mark_v 5.41_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o john_n 11_o 43_o 44._o and_o to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o go_v unto_o thy_o house_n matth._n 9.6_o nine_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o example_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o jew_n or_o christian_n by_o outward_a profession_n that_o have_v live_v without_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n shall_v move_v we_o by_o their_o wise_a say_n and_o renown_v attainment_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n to_o recede_v from_o this_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v so_o full_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o at_o least_o some_o few_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n attain_v as_o near_o to_o that_o true_a holiness_n as_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n yet_o paul_n after_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n judge_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n in_o his_o high_a former_a attainment_n though_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o he_o be_v blameless_a touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n and_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v to_o live_v to_o god_n in_o a_o new_a way_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o phil._n 3.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o none_o of_o the_o 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our_o salvation_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v necessary_o have_v some_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v before_o we_o can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act._n give_v i_o such_o a_o save_a faith_n as_o will_v produce_v such_o fruit_n as_o these_o no_o other_o faith_n will_v work_v by_o love_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o salvation_n in_o christ_n gal._n 5.6_o the_o apostle_n james_n put_v thou_o upon_o show_v thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n james_n 2.18_o and_o in_o this_o trial_n this_o faith_n of_o assurance_n come_v off_o with_o high_a praise_n and_o honour_n when_o god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o work_v outward_a miracle_n by_o it_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v possible_a to_o they_o and_o it_o have_v frequent_o bring_v forth_o 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except_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n than_o ordinary_a thus_o many_o believer_n walk_v heavy_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o soul_n conflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n all_o their_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a courage_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o so_o much_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o if_o they_o get_v some_o assurance_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n they_o often_o soon_o lose_v it_o again_o by_o sin_n and_o temptation_n the_o way_n to_o avoid_v these_o evil_n be_v to_o get_v your_o assurance_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n by_o trust_v assure_o on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v your_o self_n upon_o your_o god_n when_o you_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n in_o any_o of_o your_o own_o qualification_n isa_n 50.10_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o choice_a christian_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n direct_v xi_o endeavour_v diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n without_o any_o delay_n and_o then_o also_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n that_o so_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o all_o holiness_n by_o he_o may_v be_v begin_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o you_o explication_n have_v already_o discover_v to_o you_o the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o a_o holy_a practice_n my_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o lead_v you_o to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o for_o the_o immediate_a attainment_n of_o the_o end_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v clear_o perceive_v by_o the_o
forego_n direction_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o duty_n with_o which_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v and_o by_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v before_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o christ_n himself_o with_o all_o endowment_n necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a practice_n be_v receive_v actual_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n knit_v the_o knot_n of_o mystical_a marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o make_v we_o branch_n of_o that_o noble_a vine_n member_n of_o that_o body_n join_v to_o that_o excellent_a head_n live_v stone_n of_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n build_v upon_o the_o precious_a live_a cornerstone_n and_o sure_a foundation_n partaker_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o drink_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n whereby_o we_o pass_v from_o our_o corrupt_a natural_a state_n to_o a_o new_a holy_a state_n in_o christ_n also_o from_o death_n in_o sin_n to_o life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o whereby_o we_o be_v comfort_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n if_o we_o put_v the_o question_n what_o must_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n resolve_v it_o that_o we_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 6.28_o 29._o he_o put_v we_o first_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o work_n of_o work_n because_o all_o other_o good_a work_n proceed_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o present_a direction_n be_v to_o put_v you_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o guide_v you_o therein_o for_o which_o end_n you_o be_v to_o consider_v distinct_o four_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v you_o be_v to_o make_v it_o your_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n many_o make_v little_a conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n as_o many_o moral_a duty_n be_v but_o only_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man._n these_o be_v sometime_o terrify_v with_o apprehension_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o will_v examine_v themselves_o concern_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v will_v write_v they_o down_o to_o help_v their_o memory_n and_o devotion_n but_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v seldom_o think_v of_o in_o their_o self-examination_n or_o register_v in_o the_o large_a catalogue_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o even_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v neglect_v all_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v it_o either_o because_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o perform_v at_o any_o time_n without_o any_o labour_n or_o diligent_a endeavour_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o account_v it_o as_o difficult_a as_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o utter_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v by_o their_o most_o diligent_a endeavour_n except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o its_o mighty_a power_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o work_v until_o they_o feel_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o because_o they_o account_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n that_o it_o will_v be_v presumption_n for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o until_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n i_o shall_v urge_v you_o to_o a_o diligent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o impediment_n by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o best_a endeavour_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preciousness_n excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o already_o discover_v if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o darken_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o will_v show_v we_o that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o find_v out_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v condemn_v those_o that_o despise_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n declare_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o obedience_n yea_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o reveal_v doctrine_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o cor._n 3.15_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n be_v for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10.4_o and_o christ_n be_v that_o end_n for_o righteousness_n the_o moral_a law_n itself_o be_v reveal_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n by_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o else_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o avail_v fall_v man_n that_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v it_o therefore_o they_o that_o slight_a the_o duty_n of_o believe_v and_o count_v it_o foolishness_n do_v thereby_o slight_a despise_v and_o villisie_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o such_o the_o only_a fruit_n that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v attain_v to_o of_o all_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v only_o some_o hypocritical_a moral_a duty_n and_o slavish_a performance_n which_o will_v be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o great_a day_n however_o many_o mind_n not_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o self-examination_n and_o write_v it_o not_o in_o their_o scroul_n yet_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a sin_n of_o all_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o scroul_n will_v not_o prevail_v to_o their_o condemnation_n yea_o they_o will_v not_o prevail_v in_o their_o conversation_n be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o unbelief_n this_o one_o sin_n prevail_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o please_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n whatsoever_o heb._n 11.6_o if_o you_o will_v not_o mind_v this_o one_o main_a sin_n now_o god_n will_v at_o last_o mind_n you_o of_o it_o with_o a_o vengeance_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o joh._n 3.36_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 1.5_o 2._o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v a_o work_n that_o will_v require_v diligent_a endeavour_n and_o labour_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v by_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.11_o we_o must_v show_v diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o may_v and_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3.16_o 17._o i_o confess_v it_o be_v easy_a pleasant_a and_o delicious_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o any_o cumbersome_a bodily_a labour_n and_o it_o be_v a_o take_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o our_o own_o which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o this_o by_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o affection_n which_o make_v even_o hard_o work_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a to_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v withal_o from_o our_o own_o inward_a corruption_n and_o from_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o receive_v christ_n as_o our_o happiness_n and_o true_a salvation_n with_o true_a confidence_n and_o lively_a affection_n when_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n lie_v heavy_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n manifest_v by_o the_o word_n and_o terrible_a judgement_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v be_v
state_n be_v that_o which_o we_o derive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n by_o natural_a generation_n and_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o old_a man_n and_o while_o we_o be_v in_o it_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o our_o new_a state_n be_v that_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o through_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o new_a man_n and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o it_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n the_o principle_n and_o mean_n of_o practice_n belong_v to_o a_o natural_a state_n be_v such_o as_o person_n do_v or_o may_v attain_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o before_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n such_o as_o belong_v proper_o to_o the_o new-state_n be_v the_o manifold_a holy_a endowment_n privilege_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o we_o partake_v of_o in_o christ_n by_o faith_n such_o as_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o either_o of_o these_o state_n or_o to_o the_o principle_n or_o mean_n that_o belong_v to_o either_o of_o they_o when_o we_o be_v move_v and_o guide_v by_o virtue_n of_o they_o to_o such_o act_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o thus_o king_n act_n according_a to_o their_o state_n in_o command_v authoritative_o and_o in_o magnificicent_a bounty_n poor_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n and_o obedience_n and_o child_n indiscreet_o hester_n 1.7_o prov._n 18.23_o 1_o cor._n 13.11_o so_o the_o manner_n of_o practice_n here_o direct_v to_o consist_v in_o move_v and_o guide_v ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n by_o gospel_n principle_n and_o mean_n this_o be_v the_o rare_a and_o excellent_a art_n of_o godliness_n in_o which_o every_o christian_n shall_v strive_v to_o be_v skilful_a and_o expert_a the_o reason_n why_o many_o come_v off_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n after_o they_o have_v a_o long_a time_n labour_v with_o much_o zeal_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o true_a godliness_n be_v because_o they_o be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o this_o holy_a art_n and_o never_o endeavour_v to_o practice_v in_o a_o right_a gospel_n way_n some_o worldly_a art_n be_v call_v mystery_n but_o above_o all_o this_o spiritual_a art_n of_o godliness_n be_v without_o controversy_n a_o great_a mystery_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o because_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o it_o be_v deep_o mysterious_a as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o you_o be_v not_o a_o skilful_a artist_n till_o you_o know_v they_o and_o can_v reduce_v they_o to_o practice_n it_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o practice_n far_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o natural_a ability_n such_o as_o will_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wise_a in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o it_o be_v there_o most_o plain_o reveal_v continue_v a_o dark_a riddle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o inward_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o many_o godly_a person_n guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n walk_v in_o yet_o do_v but_o obscure_o discern_v that_o they_o can_v hardly_o perceive_v their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o can_v hardly_o give_v any_o account_n to_o other_o of_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v as_o the_o disciple_n that_o walk_v in_o christ_n the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o perceive_v not_o that_o knowledge_n in_o themselves_o lord_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o go_v and_o how_o can_v we_o know_v the_o way_n joh._n 14.5_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o poor_a believer_n be_v so_o weak_a in_o christ_n and_o attain_v to_o so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n therefore_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o be_v acquaint_v with_o a_o mystery_n of_o so_o high_a concernment_n i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v direct_v you_o to_o this_o manner_n of_o practice_n as_o only_o effectual_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v lay_v before_o you_o some_o necessary_a instruction_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v how_o to_o walk_v aright_o in_o it_o and_o continue_v and_o go_v forward_o therein_o till_o you_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o christ_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v very_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o direct_v we_o to_o this_o manner_n of_o practice_n and_o to_o continuance_n and_o growth_n therein_o and_o here_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o peculiar_a word_n and_o phrase_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v this_o mystery_n which_o many_o that_o frequent_o read_v the_o scripture_n yea_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v little_o understand_v or_o regard_v show_v thereby_o that_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o acquaint_v with_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o very_a language_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o preach_v i_o shall_v therefore_o present_v to_o your_o view_n several_a of_o those_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n whereby_o this_o mysterious_a manner_n of_o practice_n be_v express_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o commend_v to_o you_o as_o the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o sure_a attainment_n of_o all_o holiness_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o shall_v rank_v such_o of_o they_o together_o as_o agree_v in_o sense_n that_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o may_v not_o breed_v confusion_n in_o your_o thought_n 1._o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o practice_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v express_v by_o live_v by_o faith_n hab._n 2.4_o gal._n 2.20_o heb._n 10.38_o walk_v by_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o overcome_v the_o world_n by_o faith_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n eph._n 6.19_o 20._o some_o make_v no_o more_o of_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o faith_n than_o mere_o a_o stir_v up_o and_o encourage_v ourselves_o to_o our_o duty_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o we_o believe_v thus_o the_o jew_n may_v account_v that_o they_o believe_v by_o faith_n because_o they_o profess_v and_o assent_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n though_o they_o seek_v righteousness_n not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n rom._n 3.32_o thus_o paul_n may_v think_v he_o live_v by_o faith_n while_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a pharisee_fw-mi but_o afterward_o he_o know_v that_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o die_v to_o the_o law_n and_o live_n to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o himself_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o he_o gal._n 2.19_o as_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o christ_n believe_v on_o rom._n 5.1_o so_o to_o live_v walk_v and_o work_v by_o faith_n be_v all_o one_o with_o live_v walk_a work_v by_o mean_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o save_a endowment_n which_o we_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o faith_n to_o guide_v and_o move_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n 2._o the_o same_o thing_n be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o walk_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n col._n 2.6_o live_v to_o god_n as_o not_o to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o have_v christ_n live_v in_o we_o gal._n 2.19_o 20._o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 3.16_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n rom._n 13.13_o 14._o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6.10.11_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n col._n 3.17_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n zech._n 10.12_o go_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o righteousness_n even_o of_o his_o only_a psal_n 71.16_o these_o phrase_n be_v frequent_a and_o do_v sufficient_o explain_v one_o another_o and_o do_v show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v holiness_n not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n authority_n but_o also_o of_o his_o strengthen_v endowment_n move_v we_o and_o encourage_v we_o thereunto_o 3._o it_o be_v also_o signify_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 2.1_o have_v your_o
and_o to_o many_o other_o assertion_n in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a we_o can_v rational_o encourage_v ourselves_o to_o attempt_v a_o holy_a practice_n until_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o some_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o enable_v we_o for_o it_o while_o man_n continue_v upright_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v at_o first_o create_v eccles_n 7.29_o gen._n 1.27_o he_o can_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n sincere_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o know_v it_o but_o when_o he_o be_v fall_v he_o be_v quick_o afraid_a because_o of_o his_o nakedness_n but_o can_v not_o help_v it_o at_o all_o until_o god_n discover_v to_o he_o the_o mean_n of_o restoration_n gen._n 3.10_o say_v to_o a_o strong_a healthy_a servant_n go_v and_o he_o go_v come_v and_o he_o come_v do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o but_o a_o bedridden_a servant_n must_v know_v first_o how_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v no_o doubt_v the_o fall_v angel_n know_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o they_o know_v of_o no_o mean_n for_o they_o to_o attain_v to_o holiness_n effectual_o and_o so_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o wickedness_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o samson_n to_o say_v i_o will_v go_v out_o as_o at_o other_o time_n before_o and_o shake_v myself_o when_o he_o have_v sin_v away_o his_o strength_n judge_n 16.20_o man_n show_v themselves_o strange_o forgetful_a or_o hypocritical_a in_o profess_v original_a sin_n in_o their_o prayer_n catechism_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o urge_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o strengthen_n enliven_a mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o ability_n but_o only_o of_o activity_n 2_o those_o that_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n may_v all_o of_o they_o know_v concern_v themselves_o if_o their_o conscience_n be_v not_o blind_a that_o the_o exact_a justice_n of_o god_n be_v against_o they_o and_o they_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o sentence_n of_o death_n for_o their_o actual_a sin_n if_o god_n shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o they_o rom._n 1.32_o &_o 2.2_o &_o 3.9_o gal._n 3.10_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v this_o to_o be_v his_o case_n and_o have_v not_o learn_v any_o mean_n of_o get_v out_o of_o it_o to_o practice_v the_o law_n immediate_o to_o love_n god_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o he_o his_o justice_n holiness_n power_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n and_o to_o yield_v himself_o willing_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o god_n though_o god_n shall_v inflict_v sudden_a death_n upon_o he_o be_v there_o no_o skill_n or_o artifice_v at_o all_o require_v in_o this_o case_n to_o encourage_v the_o faint_a soul_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a obedience_n 3_o though_o heathen_n may_v know_v much_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n rom._n 2.14_o yet_o the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o performance_n can_v be_v discover_v by_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o the_o teach_n of_o supernatural_a revelalation_n for_o what_o be_v our_o natural_a light_n but_o some_o spark_n and_o glimmering_n of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o adam_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o even_o then_o in_o its_o bright_a meridian_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v adam_n how_o to_o recover_v ability_n to_o walk_v holy_o if_o once_o he_o shall_v lose_v it_o by_o sin_n nor_o to_o assure_v he_o beforehand_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o he_o any_o mean_n of_o recovery_n god_n have_v set_v nothing_o but_o death_n before_o his_o eye_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n gen._n 2.17_o and_o therefore_o he_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n when_o the_o shame_n of_o his_o nakedness_n appear_v as_o expect_v no_o favour_n from_o he_o we_o be_v like_o sheep_n go_v astray_o and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o return_v until_o we_o hear_v the_o shepherd_n voice_n can_v these_o dry_a bone_n live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n o_o lord_n thou_o know_v and_o we_o can_v know_v it_o except_o we_o learn_v it_o of_o thou_o 4_o sanctification_n whereby_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o law_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o we_o by_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o teach_v and_o learn_v something_o that_o we_o can_v see_v without_o the_o word_n act_v 26.17_o 18._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n that_o be_v give_v through_o knowledge_n 2_o pet._n 1.3_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n make_v use_v of_o by_o god_n to_o make_v people_n free_a from_o sin_n and_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n rom._n 6._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o there_o be_v several_a piece_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o put_v on_o that_o we_o may_v stand_v against_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o the_o evil_a day_n eph._n 6.13_o shall_v we_o slight_v and_o overlook_v the_o way_n of_o sanctification_n when_o the_o learning_n the_o way_n of_o justification_n have_v be_v count_v worth_a so_o many_o elaborate_a treatise_n 5_o god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o his_o inspiration_n plentiful_a instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v for_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o especial_o since_o the_o day_n spring_n from_o a_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o guide_v our_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n luke_n 1.78_o 79._o if_o god_n condescend_v to_o we_o very_o low_a to_o teach_v we_o this_o way_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v great_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o sit_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o learn_v it_o 6_o the_o way_n of_o attain_v to_o godliness_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v know_v without_o learning_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o it_o be_v here_o plain_o reveal_v we_o can_v learn_v it_o so_o easy_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v know_v in_o part_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o more_o easy_o assent_v unto_o it_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o the_o dead_a be_v bring_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o be_v far_o above_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o conjecture_n of_o human_a wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a by_o discover_v thing_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 1.19.21_o &_o 2.14_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o learning_n of_o it_o require_v double_a work_n because_o we_o must_v unlearn_v many_o of_o our_o former_a deep_o root_v notion_n and_o become_v fool_n that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a we_o must_v pray_v earnest_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v we_o as_o well_o as_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v get_v this_o knowledge_n o_o that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n teach_v i_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o to_o the_o end_n psal_n 119.5.33_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n psal_n 14.3_o 10._o the_o lord_n direct_v your_o heart_n unto_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 2_o thess_n 3.5_o sure_o these_o saint_n do_v not_o so_o much_o want_v teach_v and_o direction_n concern_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v do_v as_o concern_v the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o they_o may_v do_v they_o 7_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o these_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n for_o our_o establishment_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o avoid_v error_n contrary_a thereunto_o for_o we_o can_v rational_o doubt_v that_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a religion_n so_o that_o it_o can_v subsist_v without_o they_o and_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o may_v firm_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o holy_a duty_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v true_o necessary_a powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o
of_o it_o the_o second_o adam_n also_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v a_o holy_a thing_n luke_n 1_o 35._o with_o a_o holy_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o propensity_n to_o goodness_n and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o hope_v to_o arise_v to_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n from_o which_o the_o first_o adam_n fall_v or_o to_o be_v imitator_n of_o christ_n since_o duty_n be_v make_v so_o difficult_a by_o the_o fall_n if_o we_o be_v not_o renew_v in_o a_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o same_o image_n of_o god_n and_o enable_v with_o such_o a_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n 3_o original_a corruption_n whereby_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o god_n and_o godliness_n from_o the_o birth_n and_o make_v willing_a slave_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o actual_a sin_n until_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v we_o free_a confi_v in_o a_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o sin_n and_o averseness_n to_o holiness_n without_o this_o propensity_n to_o sin_n what_o can_v that_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o member_n be_v that_o war_v against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_a to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7.23_o what_o be_v that_o poison_n in_o we_o for_o which_o man_n may_v be_v call_v serpent_n viper_n what_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o whoredom_n in_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o will_v not_o frame_v their_o do_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n hos_fw-la 5.4_o how_o be_v the_o tree_n first_o corrupt_v and_o then_o its_o fruit_n corrupt_v matth._n 12.33_o how_o can_v man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v abominable_a and_o filthy_a that_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n job_n 15.16_o how_o shall_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v continual_a enmity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o i_o know_v there_o be_v also_o a_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o original_a corruption_n which_o conduce_v to_o this_o evil_a propensity_n of_o the_o will_n but_o yet_o this_o propensity_n itself_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n the_o indwelling_a sin_n which_o produce_v all_o actual_a sin_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v remove_v or_o restrain_v by_o restore_v that_o contrary_a inclination_n wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n confisted_a or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v backward_o and_o reprobate_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o whatever_o freedom_n the_o will_n have_v shall_v be_v employ_v only_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n 4_o god_n restore_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n by_o give_v to_o they_o a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a spirit_n and_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n out_o of_o their_o flesh_n and_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n ezek._n 36.26_o 27._o and_o he_o circumcise_v their_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o soul_n and_o he_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v transform_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v his_o acceptable_a will_n rom._n 12.2_o and_o david_n pray_v for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o he_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o psal_n 51.10_o if_o any_o one_o can_v judge_v that_o this_o new_a clean_o circumcise_a heart_n this_o heart_n of_o flesh_n this_o new_a right_a spirit_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v no_o actual_a inclination_n and_o propensity_n to_o good_a but_o only_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v good_a or_o evil_n undeserved_o call_v freewill_n with_o a_o present_a inclination_n to_o evil_n or_o a_o indifference_n of_o propensity_n to_o both_o contrary_n it_o will_v not_o be_v worth_a my_o labour_n to_o convince_v such_o a_o judgement_n only_o let_v he_o consider_v whether_o david_n can_v account_v such_o a_o heart_n to_o be_v clean_a and_o right_a when_o he_o pray_v psal_n 119.36_o incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o covetousness_n the_o second_o endowment_n necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o other_o two_o that_o follow_v to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o rational_a propensity_n to_o this_o practice_n be_v that_o we_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n we_o must_v reckon_v that_o the_o breach_n of_o amity_n which_o sin_n have_v make_v betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o be_v make_v up_o by_o a_o firm_a reconciliation_n to_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o herein_o i_o include_v the_o great_a benefit_n of_o justification_n as_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n either_o by_o forgive_a our_o sin_n or_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n to_o we_o rom._n 4.5_o 6_o 7._o because_o both_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o justify_v act_n as_o one_o act_n of_o illumination_n comprehend_v expulsion_n of_o darkness_n and_o introduction_n of_o light_n one_o act_n of_o repentance_n contain_v mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o vivification_n to_o righteousness_n and_o every_o motion_n from_o any_o thing_n to_o its_o contrary_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o though_o it_o may_v be_v express_v by_o divers_a name_n with_o respect_n to_o either_o of_o the_o two_o contrary_a term_n the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v abolish_v the_o other_o introduce_v by_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n contrary_a to_o the_o apprehension_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o of_o some_o learned_a divine_n that_o we_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o justify_v by_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n before_o any_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o they_o account_v that_o this_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o a_o holy_a practice_n and_o be_v a_o great_a pillar_n of_o antinemianism_n and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o establish_v sincere_a obedience_n be_v to_o make_v it_o rather_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v before_o our_o actual_a justification_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n therefore_o some_o late_a divine_n have_v think_v sit_v to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o former_a protestant_n concern_v justification_n to_o their_o anvil_n and_o to_o hammer_v it_o into_o another_o form_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o free_a from_o antinomianism_n and_o effectual_a to_o secure_v a_o holy_a practice_n but_o their_o labour_n be_v vain_a and_o pernicious_a tend_v to_o antinemian_a profaneness_n or_o paint_a hypocrisice_n at_o best_a neither_o can_v the_o true_a practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v secure_a except_o the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v first_o obtain_v without_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v thereby_o to_o do_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n intend_v also_o to_o show_v in_o the_o follow_a direction_n that_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o god_n give_v to_o his_o people_n tend_v only_o to_o holiness_n though_o a_o misperswasion_n of_o it_o be_v in_o many_o a_o occasion_n of_o licentiousness_n first_o when_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v frame_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n at_o his_o creation_n he_o be_v high_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o sin_n impute_v to_o he_o and_o be_v account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o present_a state_n because_o he_o be_v make_v upright_o according_a to_o god_n image_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o these_o qualification_n be_v his_o advantage_n for_o a_o holy_a practice_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n judge_v they_o good_a for_o that_o end_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o lose_v they_o he_o become_v dead_a in_o sin_n the_o second_o adam_n also_o in_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o belove_a of_o the_o father_n account_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o he_o except_z what_o his_o office_n be_v to_o bear_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o christ_n by_o perform_v more_o difficult_a obedience_n than_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v before_o the_o fall_n except_o the_o like_a advantage_n be_v give_v to_o we_o by_o reconciliation_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o a_o righteousness_n give_v by_o god_n to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v none_o of_o our_o own_o second_o those_o that_o know_v that_o natural_a deadness_n under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n be_v full_o convince_v that_o if_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a work_n except_o it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o great_a love_n and_o mercy_n to_o work_v it_o in_o they_o joh._n 8.36_o philip._n 2.13_o
or_o christ_n for_o salvation_n to_o be_v account_v the_o principal_a saving-act_n of_o it_o because_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o many_o loose_a wicked_a people_n trust_v on_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n as_o much_o as_o other_o and_o be_v by_o their_o confidence_n harden_v the_o more_o in_o their_o wickedness_n but_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o shall_v be_v obedience_n to_o all_o christ_n law_n at_o least_o in_o their_o resolution_n or_o a_o consent_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v their_o lord_n accept_v of_o his_o term_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o his_o government_n in_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o scripture-form_n of_o teach_v be_v grow_v into_o disesteem_a with_o our_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n when_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o scripture_n be_v account_v a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n they_o endeavour_v to_o affright_v we_o from_o own_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o justification_n by_o tell_v we_o that_o thereby_o we_o that_o use_v the_o instrument_n be_v make_v our_o own_o principal_a justifier_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n though_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v make_v thereby_o only_o the_o principal_a receiver_n of_o our_o own_o justification_n from_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o it_o to_o who_o all_o the_o glory_n do_v belong_v all_o these_o error_n will_v fall_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v be_v a_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o actual_o receive_v christ_n himself_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o follow_a argument_n first_o by_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o actual_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o not_o only_o of_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o of_o life_n and_o so_o of_o holiness_n christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.17_o we_o live_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o we_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.19_o 20._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o son_n and_o everlasting_a life_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o john_n 5.12_o 13._o john_n 3.36_o he_o that_o hear_v christ_n word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v christ_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n these_o text_n express_v clear_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v therefore_o the_o efficiency_n or_o operation_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o fullness_n can_v be_v the_o procurement_n of_o a_o bare_a right_n or_o title_n to_o this_o enjoyment_n but_o rather_o it_o must_v be_v a_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v our_o access_n and_o entrance_n by_o faith_n into_o that_o grace_n of_o christ_n wherein_o we_o stand_v rom._n 5.2_o second_o the_o scripture_n plain_o ascribe_v this_o effect_n to_o faith_n that_o by_o it_o we_o receive_v christ_n put_v he_o on_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o he_o and_o also_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v john_n 1.2_o gal._n 3.26_o 27._o col._n 2.6_o 7._o gal._n 3.14_o act_n 26.18_o and_o the_o scripture_n illustrate_v this_o receive_v by_o the_o similitude_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n drink_v the_o live_a water_n of_o his_o spirit_n john_n 7.37_o 38_o 39_o christ_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o his_o blood_n drink_v indeed_o and_o the_o way_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o so_o do_v we_o dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 6.35_o 47_o 48_o 54_o 55_o 56._o how_o can_v it_o be_v teach_v more_o clear_o that_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o proper_o into_o our_o soul_n by_o faith_n as_o we_o do_v receive_v food_n into_o our_o body_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o that_o christ_n be_v as_o true_o unite_v to_o we_o thereby_o as_o our_o food_n when_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v it_o so_o that_o faith_n can_v be_v a_o condition_n to_o procure_v a_o mere_a right_n or_o title_n to_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o eat_v or_o drink_v procure_v a_o mere_a right_n or_o title_n to_o our_o food_n but_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o instrument_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o mouth_n that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o food_n three_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o salvation_n be_v free_o give_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gist_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.8_o 9_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n rom._n 8.24_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v a_o gift_n act_v 2.38_o now_o that_o which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o grace_n must_v not_o be_v at_o all_o earn_v purchase_v or_o procure_v by_o any_o work_n or_o work_v perform_v as_o a_o condition_n to_o get_v a_o right_a title_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o faith_n itself_o must_v not_o be_v account_v such_o a_o condition_n if_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n rom._n 11.1_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o free_a gift_n be_v only_o take_v and_o have_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n allow_v a_o liberty_n in_o term_n where_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n but_o if_o you_o give_v a_o pepper-corn_n to_o purchase_v a_o title_n to_o it_o than_o you_o spoil_v the_o freeness_n of_o the_o gift_n the_o free_a offer_n of_o christ_n to_o you_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confer_v upon_o you_o a_o right_n yea_o to_o make_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o you_o and_o because_o we_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n as_o a_o free_a gift_n therefore_o we_o may_v account_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o receive_v he_o four_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o all_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o union_n with_o he_o therefore_o the_o accomplish_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o save_v grace_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o faith_n itself_o be_v a_o holy_a grace_n and_o part_n of_o spiritual_a life_n can_v be_v in_o we_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o it_o be_v give_v to_o we_o and_o wrought_v in_o the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o union_n and_o the_o way_n wherein_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o union_n can_v be_v by_o procure_v a_o mere_a title_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o condition_n because_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v before_o the_o unite_n work_n begin_v but_o rather_o by_o be_v a_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o may_v active_o receive_v and_o embrace_v christ_n who_o be_v already_o come_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o his_o own_o habitation_n true_a saving-faith_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v have_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o operation_n a_o peculiar_a aptitude_n or_o fitness_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o to_o unite_v our_o soul_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o new_a holy_a nature_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o holy_a practice_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n have_v fit_v natural_a instrument_n for_o their_o office_n as_o the_o hand_n foot_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o may_v know_v by_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a manner_n of_o operation_n for_o what_o use_n they_o be_v design_v in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v know_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o instrument_n form_v on_o purpose_n for_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o sanctification_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o peculiar_a fitness_n it_o have_v for_o the_o work_n the_o discovery_n of_o this_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mysterious_a manner_n of_o our_o receive_n and_o practise_v all_o holiness_n by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o this_o pretions_a grace_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v you_o as_o it_o be_v to_o see_v with_o your_o eye_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o instrument_n as_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o to_o be_v i_o shall_v present_v it_o to_o your_o view_n
in_o three_o particular_n one_a the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o well_o fit_v for_o the_o soul_n receive_v of_o christ_n and_o union_n with_o he_o as_o any_o instrument_n of_o the_o body_n be_v for_o receive_v and_o close_v with_o thing_n needful_a for_o it_o by_o the_o very_a act_n of_o hearty_a trust_n or_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o all_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n the_o soul_n heave_v and_o put_v away_o from_o itself_o every_o thing_n that_o keep_v it_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n as_o all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n endeavour_n work_n privilege_n or_o in_o any_o worldly_a pleasure_n profit_n honour_n or_o in_o any_o humane_a help_n and_o succour_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n because_o such_o confidence_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o confidence_n in_o christ_n for_o all_o salvation_n paul_n by_o his_o confidence_n in_o christ_n be_v take_v off_o from_o all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o glory_v in_o his_o privilege_n legal_a righteousness_n and_o count_v all_o other_o enjoyment_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o religion_n to_o be_v but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.3_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o voice_n of_o faith_n be_v ashur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o neither_o will_v we_o ride_v upon_o horse_n neither_o will_v we_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n you_o be_v our_o god_n for_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n hos_fw-la 14.3_o we_o have_v no_o might_n against_o this_o great_a company_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n neither_o know_v we_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v upon_o thou_o 2_o chron._n 20.12_o i_o may_v multiply_v place_n of_o scripture_n to_o show_v what_o a_o self_n empty_v grace_n faith_n be_v and_o how_o it_o cast_v other_o considence_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n by_o get_v above_o they_o to_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n the_o same_o act_n of_o trust_v or_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o on_o god_n be_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o our_o soul_n come_v to_o christ_n joh._n 6.35_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 73.28_o flee_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o hide_v we_o psal_n 143.9_o make_v our_o resuge_n in_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n psal_n 57.1_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o our_o mind_n upon_o the_o lord_n isa_n 50.10_o &_o 26.3_o lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o lift_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 51.1_o 2._o roll_v our_o way_n and_o cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n psal_n 37.5_o &_o 55.22_o and_o of_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v christ_n as_o have_v already_o appear_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n can_v be_v see_v or_o handle_v or_o attain_v to_o by_o any_o bodily_a motion_n but_o be_v reveal_v and_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n now_o let_v any_o invent_v if_o they_o can_v any_o way_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o exercise_v any_o motion_n or_o activeness_n in_o receive_v of_o this_o unseen_a promise_a salvation_n beside_o believe_v the_o word_n and_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n promise_v if_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v earn_v by_o work_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o conditional_a faith_n than_o this_o yet_o a_o faith_n must_v be_v instrumental_a to_o receive_v he_o some_o think_v love_n as_o sit_v to_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n but_o i_o have_v show_v that_o love_n to_o christ_n salvation_n be_v a_o ingredient_n into_o faith_n and_o though_o love_v be_v a_o appetite_n unto_o union_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o other_o likely_a way_n to_o fill_v this_o appetite_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n beside_o trust_n on_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n as_o he_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n two_o there_o be_v in_o this_o saving-faith_n a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o nature_n and_o all_o endowment_n necessary_a thereunto_o out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n a_o hearty_a affectionate_a truss_v on_o christ_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n as_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o have_v natural_o enough_o to_o work_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o rational_a bent_n and_o inclination_n to_o and_o ability_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n because_o it_o comprehend_v in_o it_o a_o trust_v that_o through_o christ_n we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o alive_a to_o god_n and_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v rom._n 6.2_o 6_o 4._o and_o that_o we_o live_v by_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.25_o and_o that_o we_o have_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o god_n be_v our_o god_n psal_n 31.14_o and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o lord_n righteousness_n and_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n isa_n 45.24_o phil._n 4.13_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v glortens_o happy_a in_o the_o anjoyment_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o eternity_n phil._n 3.20_o 21._o when_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n speak_v so_o high_o of_o such_o glorious_a spiritual_a privilege_n as_o i_o have_v here_o name_v they_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o familiar_a fence_n and_o language_n of_o their_o faith_n trust_v on_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o they_o give_v we_o but_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o content_n of_o it_o and_o they_o speak_v of_o nothing_o more_o than_o what_o they_o receive_v out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o judge_v but_o that_o those_o that_o have_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o can_v upon_o a_o good_a ground_n think_v and_o speak_v such_o high_a thing_n concern_v themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v hearty_o dispose_v and_o mighty_o strengthen_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n three_o because_o faith_n have_v such_o a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o dispose_v and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o judge_v it_o a_o meet_a instrument_n to_o accomplish_v every_o part_n of_o that_o practice_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n those_o that_o with_o a_o due_a affection_n believe_v steadfast_o on_o christ_n for_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o all_o his_o salvation_n may_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v carry_v forth_o by_o that_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o its_o strength_n or_o weakness_n to_o love_n god_n hearty_o because_o god_n have_v love_v they_o first_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5.26_o john_n 16.26_o 27._o to_o be_v patient_a with_o cheerfulness_n under_o all_o affliction_n give_v thanks_o to_o the_o father_n that_o have_v call_v they_o to_o his_o heavenly_a inheritance_n col._n 1.11_o 12._o to_o love_n all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n 1_o john_n 5.1_o to_o walk_v as_o christ_n walk_v 1_o john_n 2.6_o and_o to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o live_v to_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o constrain_v by_o his_o 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this_o for_o such_o a_o practice_n while_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n the_o explanation_n that_o i_o have_v make_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o its_o aptitude_n for_o its_o office_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v call_v judas_n 20._o and_o that_o such_o a_o trust_n on_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n can_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o licentiousness_n but_o only_o to_o holiness_n and_o that_o it_o root_v and_o ground_v we_o in_o holiness_n more_o than_o the_o mere_a accept_n of_o any_o term_n of_o salvation_n and_o consent_v to_o have_v christ_n for_o our_o lord_n can_v do_v
the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v good_a tree_n that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit._n though_o they_o be_v give_v before_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o give_v to_o we_o in_o our_o corrupt_a sinful_a nature_n but_o in_o and_o with_o the_o new_a holy_a nature_n which_o immediate_o produce_v a_o holy_a practice_n though_o it_o must_v necessary_o go_v before_o as_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n and_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o comfort_n of_o those_o spiritual_a benefit_n by_o which_o our_o new_a estate_n and_o nature_n be_v produce_v and_o of_o which_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o make_v up_o as_o the_o comfort_n of_o redemption_n justification_n adoption_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a neither_o do_v i_o intend_v here_o any_o transport_v or_o ravishment_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n but_o only_o such_o manner_n of_o comfort_n as_o rational_o strengthen_v in_o some_o measure_n against_o the_o oppression_n of_o fear_n grief_n and_o despair_n which_o we_o be_v liable_a unto_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o misery_n this_o explanation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o assertion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v some_o common_a objection_n against_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v full_o evidence_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n first_o this_o truth_n be_v a_o clear_a consectary_n from_o those_o principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o have_v be_v already_o confirm_v i_o have_v show_v that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o our_o sufficient_a strength_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v rational_o incline_v and_o bend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o these_o endowment_n must_v be_v have_v by_o receive_v of_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n by_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n as_o he_o be_v free_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o by_o this_o faith_n we_o do_v as_o real_o receive_v christ_n as_o our_o food_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v now_o let_v right_a reason_n judge_n can_v we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o our_o strength_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o yet_o be_v without_o any_o comfort_n can_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v believe_v and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n actual_o believe_v into_o the_o heart_n without_o any_o relief_n to_o the_o soul_n from_o oppress_a fear_n grief_n despair_n can_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n be_v comfortless_a or_o the_o bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o sweet_a relish_n to_o those_o that_o feed_v on_o he_o with_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a appetite_n god_n will_v not_o give_v such_o benefit_n as_o these_o to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o desire_v and_o esteem_v they_o above_o the_o world_n and_o certain_o the_o very_a receive_n of_o they_o will_v be_v comfortable_a to_o such_o except_o they_o receive_v they_o blindfold_a which_o they_o can_v do_v when_o the_o very_a give_v and_o bestow_v of_o they_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o turn_v he_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n whereby_o he_o do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n see_v and_o perceive_v spiritual_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o present_a and_o future_a peace_n and_o reap_v some_o encourage_n and_o strengthen_v comfort_n thereby_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n second_o peace_n joy_n hope_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o spring_n of_o other_o holy_a duty_n and_o fear_v and_o oppress_a grief_n forbid_v as_o hindrance_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n keep_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 4.7_o be_v you_o not_o sorry_a for_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v your_o strength_n nehem._n 8.10_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o john_n 3.3_o fear_n have_v torment_n he_o that_o fear_v be_v not_o make_v perfect_a in_o love_n 1_o john_n 4.18_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n double_v his_o exhortation_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o exceed_a weight_n and_o necessity_n phil._n 4.4_o what_o be_v such_o duty_n but_o comfort_n itself_o and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o these_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o continuance_n in_o a_o holy_a practice_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o where_o the_o work_n be_v most_o difficult_a and_o encouragement_n most_o needful_a therefore_o we_o must_v make_v haste_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o get_v a_o comfortable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n if_o we_o will_v make_v hastâ—_n and_o not_o delay_v to_o keep_v god_n holy_a commandment_n three_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o gospel-doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v first_o to_o comfort_v our_o heart_n and_o thereby_o to_o establish_v we_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o thess_n 2.17_o and_o it_o appear_v how_o clear_o this_o method_n be_v adjust_v in_o several_a epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o they_o first_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o their_o strong_a consolation_n and_o then_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o such_o privilege_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o method_n of_o whole_a epistle_n but_o of_o many_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o duty_n wherein_o the_o comfortable_a benefit_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o saint_n to_o a_o holy_a practice_n which_o comfortable_a benefit_n must_v be_v first_o believe_v and_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o apply_v to_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v forcible_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n out_o of_o a_o multitude_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v we_o be_v exhort_v to_o practise_v holy_a duty_n because_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o alive_a to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n rom._n 6.11_o and_o because_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o for_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.14_o because_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o god_n will_v quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o rom._n 8.9.11_o 12._o because_o our_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 6.15_o 19_o because_o god_n have_v make_v he_o sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o 21._o and_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o and_o be_v to_o we_o a_o father_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o he_o son_n and_o daughter_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o because_o god_n have_v forgive_v we_o for_o ghrist_n sake_n and_o account_v we_o his_o dear_a child_n and_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o we_o that_o be_v sometime_o darken_v be_v now_o lighten_v in_o the_o lord_n ephes_n 4.32_o &_o 5.1_o 2_o 8._o because_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v than_o we_o shall_v also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n col._n 3.1.4_o because_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o heb._n 13.5_o because_o of_o the_o many_o promise_n make_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o may_v with_o delight_n see_v that_o be_v this_o the_o vein_n that_o run_v through_o gospel_n exhortation_n and_o you_o may_v find_v the_o like_a vein_n of_o comfort_n run_v through_o the_o prophetical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n some_o may_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o method_n in_o their_o write_n to_o saint_n that_o have_v practise_v holiness_n already_o that_o so_o they_o may_v continue_v and_o increase_v therein_o but_o to_o that_o i_o may_v easy_o reply_v if_o it_o be_v a_o method_n needful_a for_o grow_v saint_n much_o more_o than_o for_o beginner_n that_o find_v the_o work_n of_o obedience_n most_o difficult_a and_o have_v most_o need_v of_o strong_a consolation_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o lay_v hold_n
we_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v sinner_n in_o the_o way_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.8_o 9_o and_o he_o command_v they_o that_o lack_v wisdom_n to_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o but_o however_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n guide_v we_o only_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o we_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o trust_v right_o on_o god_n for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o great_a work_n to_o help_v you_o herein_o i_o have_v give_v you_o before_o in_o this_o treatise_n a_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o have_v show_v that_o it_o contain_v two_o act_n in_o it_o the_o one_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n now_o your_o great_a endeavour_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v both_o these_o act_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v well_o furnish_v dispose_v and_o encourage_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o you_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o corrupt_a inclination_n that_o hinder_v a_o cheerful_a embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o any_o fail_n in_o the_o second_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o fail_n be_v common_o some_o defect_n in_o this_o first_o act._n there_o be_v some_o false_a imagination_n or_o other_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a hold_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o must_v be_v pull_v down_o before_o they_o can_v receive_v christ_n into_o their_o heart_n by_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o they_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o entertain_v such_o false_a imagination_n and_o to_o account_v many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n strange_a paradox_n yea_o foolish_a and_o pernicious_a because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n self-conceitedness_a guilty_a conscience_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o manifold_a error_n wherewith_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossess_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o satan_n labour_v to_o beguile_v we_o as_o he_o do_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v you_o some_o particular_a instruction_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o prevent_v such_o defect_n as_o we_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n 1._o you_o must_v believe_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o other_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n subject_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o insupportable_a misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o you_o can_v possible_o procure_v your_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n or_o any_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n by_o any_o endeavour_v to_o get_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o that_o you_o can_v find_v any_o way_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o supernatural_a revelation_n nor_o be_v free_v from_o it_o except_o by_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o raise_v the_o dead_a we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a as_o some_o be_v to_o know_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n neither_o must_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v ourselves_o better_a than_o we_o be_v but_o must_v be_v hearty_o desirous_a and_o glad_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o our_o own_o condition_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o worst_a that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o yea_o we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v and_o find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o this_o be_v all_o necessary_a to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a humiliation_n self-despair_n and_o self-loathing_a that_o we_o may_v high_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o make_v we_o sick_a of_o sin_n and_o sensible_a of_o our_o need_n of_o the_o great_a physician_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o any_o of_o his_o prescription_n whatsoever_o we_o suffer_v rather_o than_o to_o follow_v our_o own_o wisdom_n mat._n 9.12_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o humiliation_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n mat._n 21.31_o 2._o you_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v save_v without_o receive_v all_o the_o save_a benesit_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o merit_n sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o holiness_n whenas_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o none_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v holy_o i._n e._n not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.1_o it_o be_v also_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v only_a remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o we_o can_v never_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n except_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o live_v only_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n that_o receive_v not_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o christ_n will_v never_o sanctify_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o heavenly_a glory_n heb._n 12.14_o 3._o you_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o yourself_o and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o his_o blood_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1.7_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o horrible_a and_o continue_v in_o never_o so_o long_o yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o abominable_a wicked_a person_n have_v be_v save_v by_o he_o idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a covetous_a drunkard_n extortioner_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n such_o as_o have_v deny_v christ_n as_o peter_n and_o persecute_v and_o blasphame_v he_o as_o paul_n many_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o account_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a for_o their_o pardon_n and_o sanctification_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o live_v ezek._n 33.10_o this_o despair_n work_v secret_o in_o many_o soul_n without_o much_o trouble_n and_o horror_n and_o make_v they_o careless_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o devil_n sill_n some_o with_o horrid_a filthy_a blasphemous_a thought_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v think_v their_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v though_o common_o such_o thought_n be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v pester_v
misspend_v the_o precious_a time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n which_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n they_o high_o provoke_v god_n never_o to_o give_v they_o time_n or_o grace_n to_o repent_v hereafter_o other_o imagine_v that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n they_o may_v lawful_o defer_v the_o believe_v of_o it_o until_o they_o have_v sufficient_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o other_o different_a doctrine_n or_o until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o assure_v they_o full_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o they_o that_o be_v call_v seeker_n misspend_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n ever_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v so_o clear_o evidence_n its_o self_n by_o its_o own_o light_n that_o if_o people_n do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o blind_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o the_o image_n of_o his_o grace_n mercy_n power_n justice_n and_o holiness_n appear_v manifest_o engrave_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n people_n be_v proud_a when_o they_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_o incline_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o will_v know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o joh._n 7.17_o they_o will_v quick_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o whatever_o other_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 16.31_o another_o sort_n of_o people_n there_o be_v that_o delay_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n instead_o of_o any_o endeavour_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o they_o call_v wait_v upon_o god_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o right_n wait_v on_o god_n require_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v rather_o disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o appointment_n which_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o jam._n 1.22_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o spiritual_a feast_n luke_n 14.23_o and_o not_o only_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n or_o sit_v under_o the_o dropping_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n lest_o christ_n repute_v we_o no_o better_o than_o eve-dropper_n that_o holy_a wait_v on_o the_o lord_n commend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o believe_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o depend_v thereon_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 23.13_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o quiet_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 3.26_o what_o be_v it_o that_o these_o delude_a one_o wait_n for_o before_o they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v be_v it_o for_o more_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o way_n to_o increase_v thy_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o talon_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v receive_v already_o believe_v hearty_o on_o christ_n for_o all_o thy_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o little_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o thou_o have_v and_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o knowledge_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.34_o be_v it_o for_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n that_o thou_o wait_v then_o thou_o wait_v as_o those_o impotent_a folk_n lie_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n wait_v for_o the_o season_n when_o the_o angel_n will_v come_v down_o and_o move_v the_o water_n know_v then_o that_o if_o thou_o enter_v into_o christ_n now_o by_o faith_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o he_o water_n of_o life_n and_o the_o spirit_n move_v they_o for_o the_o heal_n and_o quicken_a of_o thy_o soul_n god_n have_v appoint_v by_o his_o word_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v that_o the_o present_a time_n shall_v be_v the_o time_n of_o thy_o conversion_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n heb._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o thou_o shall_v never_o know_v at_o what_o time_n god_n have_v purpose_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o thou_o until_o thou_o do_v actual_o believe_v do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o manifestation_n or_o flow_n in_o of_o god_n save_v love_n to_o thy_o soul_n then_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n may_v sill_z thou_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v rom._n 15.13_o thou_o have_v sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thy_o soul_n by_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v but_o trust_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o thy_o god_n when_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n of_o sensible_a comfort_n any_o other_o way_n otherwise_o thou_o wait_v for_o comfort_n in_o vain_a and_o this_o thou_o shall_v have_v at_o the_o lord_n hand_n thou_o shall_v lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n isa_n 50.10_o 11._o do_v thou_o wait_v for_o any_o qualification_n to_o prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a qualification_n thou_o can_v not_o have_v they_o before_o faith_n but_o they_o be_v either_o include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o they_o be_v fruit_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v large_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v bad_a and_o sinful_a it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v wait_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o no_o more_o strange_a than_o true_a some_o foolish_o wait_v to_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o despair_a thought_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n though_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v rather_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o spiritual_a death_n and_o bring_v forth_o hatred_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o prevent_v they_o by_o believe_v god_n love_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o wait_v for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n make_v these_o despair_a thought_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sin_n work_n for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o to_o prize_n christ_n the_o more_o and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o to_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o yet_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o christ_n without_o they_o by_o god_n give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o of_o christ_n salvation_n together_o several_a example_n of_o these_o be_v above_o mention_v who_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o desire_v or_o wait_v for_o any_o evil_n of_o sin_n such_o as_o these_o despair_a thought_n be_v that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o neither_o shall_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v worse_a before_o we_o be_v better_o when_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v better_a present_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n 4._o in_o the_o direction_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o may_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o when_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o thereby_o be_v beget_v anew_o in_o christ_n our_o name_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o perfect_a we_o may_v lie_v in_o bed_n till_o noon_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o
when_o the_o gentile_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v glad_a and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v constrain_v by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o live_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.14_o 15._o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o any_o that_o obey_v god_n out_o of_o hearty_a love_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o and_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o love_n without_o comfortable_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o prodigy_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n seven_o what_o comfortless_a religion_n do_v those_o make_v that_o allow_v people_n no_o comfort_n before_o hand_n to_o strengthen_v they_o for_o holy_a performance_n that_o be_v very_a cross_n displease_v and_o grievous_a to_o their_o natural_a inclination_n as_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n cut_v off_o of_o a_o right_a hand_n but_o will_v have_v they_o first_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n with_o love_n and_o delight_n under_o all_o their_o present_a fear_n despondency_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o to_o hope_v that_o by_o do_v the_o work_n thorough_o and_o sincere_o they_o shall_v at_o last_o attain_v to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a state_n all_o true_a spiritual_a comfort_n as_o well_o as_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o quite_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o good_a work_n which_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n that_o work_v no_o comfort_n but_o wrath_n rom._n 4.15_o this_o make_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n odious_a to_o many_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v a_o pleasant_a hour_n in_o this_o world_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o they_o have_v rather_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o sinful_a pleasure_n than_o have_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o other_o labour_v a_o while_n in_o such_o a_o comfortless_a religion_n with_o inward_a fret_a and_o repine_v at_o the_o bondage_n of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v wearry_v and_o throw_v of_o all_o religion_n because_o they_o know_v none_o better_o they_o that_o bound_v such_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o man_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v will_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v because_o they_o do_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o preach_v a_o gospel_n of_o man_n be_v own_o forge_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o people_n luk._n 2.10_o a_o uncomfortable_a gospel_n can_v proceed_v from_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n 2_o cor._n 1.3_o nor_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n luk._n 2.25_o nor_o from_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o comforter_n joh._n 14.16_o 17._o god_n meet_v he_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n isa_n 64.5_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v with_o gladness_n and_o sing_v as_o he_o show_v by_o the_o type_n of_o variety_n of_o music_n and_o great_a number_n of_o musician_n in_o the_o temple_n christ_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n that_o his_o joy_n may_v abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o our_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a job_n 15.11_o no_o sorrow_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o god_n except_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o can_v never_o be_v in_o we_o without_o some_o comfort_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o uncomfortableness_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n never_o yet_o know_v the_o true_a way_n of_o religion_n else_o they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n arâ—_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n prov_n 3.17_o direct_v x._o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perform_v sincere_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n we_o must_v get_v some_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v receive_v into_o our_o heart_n therefore_o i_o must_v endeavoar_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n confident_o persuade_v and_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v that_o god_n free_o give_v to_o we_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n explication_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o holy_a practice_n can_v be_v true_o receive_v without_o some_o assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n for_o some_o of_o those_o comfort_n consist_v in_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o future_a heavenly_a happiness_n and_o of_o strength_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v before_o show_v hence_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o this_o assurance_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o those_o comfort_n that_o must_v go_v before_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o cause_n go_v before_o the_o effect_n though_o not_o in_o any_o distance_n of_o time_n my_o present_a work_n be_v to_o show_v what_o this_o assurance_n be_v that_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o holiness_n and_o which_o i_o have_v here_o assert_v that_o we_o must_v act_v in_o that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o into_o our_o heart_n even_o in_o justify_v save_a faith_n this_o doctrine_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o protestant_n a_o late_a day_n whereas_o it_o be_v former_o high_o own_v by_o the_o chief_a protestant_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o restore_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n for_o many_o year_n they_o common_o teach_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n or_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o ourselves_o in_o believe_v and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n whereby_o they_o prevail_v to_o overthrow_v the_o popish_a superstition_n whereto_o doubtfulness_n of_o salvation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a pillar_n but_o many_o of_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o protestant_n have_v desert_v they_o and_o leave_v their_o write_n to_o be_v shameful_o insult_v over_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o this_o innovation_n have_v be_v of_o long_a stand_v among_o we_o than_o several_a other_o part_n of_o our_o new_a divinity_n and_o maintain_v by_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o abhor_v that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v build_v upon_o such_o principle_n modern_a divine_n may_v think_v they_o stand_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o their_o predecessor_n who_o labour_n they_o enjoy_v and_o that_o they_o can_v see_v far_o than_o they_o as_o the_o schoolman_n may_v have_v like_o thought_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v so_o far_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o predecessor_n be_v better_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o these_o late_a year_n have_v be_v blind_v in_o this_o point_n of_o assurance_n by_o many_o false_a imagination_n they_o think_v that_o because_o salvation_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o we_o absolute_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o it_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v direct_o on_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o after_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v our_o mind_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o examine_v it_o by_o several_a mark_n and_o sign_n especial_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o examination_n we_o find_v out_o certain_o that_o it_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n then_o and_o not_o before_o we_o may_v believe_v assure_o that_o we_o in_o particular_a shall_v be_v save_v on_o this_o account_n they_o say_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v by_o the_o direct_a and_o our_o assurance_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o many_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o never_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n they_o find_v by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n that_o many_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n be_v frequent_o trouble_v with_o doubt_n whither_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o whither_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n
be_v sincere_a so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v assurance_n in_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o assurance_n must_v not_o be_v account_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o justify_v faith_n and_o salvation_n lest_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o doubt_v saint_n sad_a and_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v they_o account_v that_o former_a protestant_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o manifest_a absurdity_n in_o make_v assurance_n to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o saving-faith_n because_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v to_o saving-faith_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v absolute_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o then_o many_o of_o they_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v they_o in_o particular_a yea_o that_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a lie_n because_o the_o gospel_n show_v that_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v be_v not_o choose_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o perish_v for_o ever_o mat._n 20.16_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o appearance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n move_v many_o to_o imagine_v that_o saving-faith_n be_v a_o trust_n or_o rest_v on_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o trust_v or_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n concern_v our_o salvation_n or_o with_o a_o probable_a opinion_n or_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o it_o at_o best_a another_o objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n be_v that_o it_o destroy_v self-examination_n bring_v forth_o the_o evil_a fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n as_o if_o they_o know_v their_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n cause_v carelessness_n of_o duty_n carnal_a security_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o this_o make_v they_o commend_v doubtfulness_n 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salvation_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n though_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n until_o this_o present_a time_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o breed_v presumption_n in_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a already_o but_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n confident_o for_o a_o good_a state_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o may_v yea_o many_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o doubt_v whether_o their_o present_a state_n be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v humility_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o must_v find_v out_o the_o certainty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o self-examination_n before_o we_o can_v have_v a_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n already_o and_o that_o such_o a_o assurance_n belong_v to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a sense_n or_o feel_n of_o what_o be_v in_o myself_o and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v and_o that_o many_o precious_a saint_n be_v without_o it_o and_o subject_a to_o many_o doubt_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o intermit_v if_o not_o whole_o lose_v after_o it_o be_v get_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v holy_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o holiness_n most_o protestant_n among_o we_o when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v of_o assurance_n mean_v only_o that_o which_o be_v by_o reflection_n and_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o brief_o to_o show_v that_o what_o i_o assert_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v concern_v it_o and_o destructive_a to_o none_o of_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o it_o therefore_o not_o guilty_a of_o those_o evil_n that_o some_o false_o charge_v it_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n which_o i_o speak_v of_o answer_v not_o the_o question_n whither_o i_o be_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v answer_v that_o it_o may_v get_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v now_o to_o bestow_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n upon_o i_o though_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o a_o very_a wicked_a creature_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n comfortable_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o reflect_v upon_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a gracious_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o save_a mercy_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o former_a wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a promise_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o her_o belove_a which_o be_v not_o belove_v and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v they_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n rom._n 9.25_o 26._o second_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n whatever_o we_o do_v or_o however_o we_o live_v and_o walk_v but_o only_o in_o a_o limit_a way_n through_o mere_a freegrace_n in_o christ_n by_o partake_v of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n and_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o hearty_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o such_o a_o salvation_n as_o this_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bring_v first_o to_o see_v our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o the_o sanctify_a as_o well_o as_o justify_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n must_v have_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o persuasion_n of_o happiness_n but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a good_a qualification_n that_o will_v make_v it_o a_o most_o holy_a faith_n certain_o a_o assurance_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o beget_v any_o pride_n in_o we_o but_o rather_o humility_n and_o self-loathing_a except_o any_o account_n it_o pride_n to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o it_o will_v not_o destroy_v religious_a fear_n and_o breed_v carnal_a security_n but_o rather_o it_o will_v make_v we_o fear_v go_v aside_o from_o christ_n our_o only_a resuge_n and_o security_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n noah_n have_v cause_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o to_o abide_v there_o with_o assurance_n of_o his_o preservation_n yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v afraid_a to_o venture_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o continuance_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v his_o only_a safery_n from_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o how_o can_v a_o persuasion_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n breed_v sloathfulness_n in_o duty_n carelessness_n and_o licentiousness_n it_o do_v rather_o mighty_o allure_v we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n