of_o it_o if_o i_o have_v never_o so_o good_a a_o evidence_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o blot_v it_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o my_o evidence_n if_o the_o title_n be_v questionable_a again_o which_o it_o confirm_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o few_o of_o god_n people_n enjoy_v a_o uninterrupted_n actual_a assurance_n indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sparkle_n of_o glory_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v bear_v it_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n though_o never_o so_o full_a to_o a_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o one_o court_n it_o carry_v the_o judgement_n without_o far_a ado_n may_v be_v upon_o review_v in_o another_o court_n call_v into_o question_n again_o and_o be_v perplex_v so_o by_o a_o cunning_a lawyer_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v questionable_a again_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o once_o give_v full_a assurance_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v by_o satan_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o court_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o make_v disputable_a again_o yet_o as_o to_o habitual_a assurance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v by_o doubt_v it_o may_v be_v dip_v but_o not_o drown_v it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o swoon_n but_o not_o die_v a_o saint_n may_v say_v to_o satan_n when_o he_o triumph_n most_o over_o his_o assurance_n as_o the_o church_n mic._n 7_o 8_o 9_o rejoice_v not_o over_o i_o etc._n etc._n when_o i_o be_o in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n god_n have_v promise_v it_o isa_n 57_o 15_o 16_o 17._o heaviness_n may_v endure_v for_o a_o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n psal_n 306._o and_o indeed_o assurance_n be_v god_n seal_n and_o earnest_n if_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v not_o without_o repentance_n neither_o be_v his_o covenant_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n irrevocable_a if_o god_n recall_v his_o earnest_n he_o recant_v his_o bargain_n as_o the_o take_v a_o earnest_n back_o again_o among_o mâ—n_z make_v the_o bargain_n void_a and_o the_o puâ—ling_n off_o a_o seal_n cancel_v the_o deed._n yet_o let_v i_o not_o herein_o be_v mistake_v i_o will_v caution_n caution_n not_o be_v conceive_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n always_o recover_v his_o assurance_n again_o after_o loss_n in_o this_o life_n in_o as_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o he_o once_o have_v it_o a_o man_n may_v lose_v his_o assurance_n for_o his_o ill_a manage_n of_o it_o and_o possible_o such_o may_v be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n as_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o let_v he_o lie_v long_o under_o break_a bone_n and_o whenever_o by_o renew_v repentance_n he_o recover_v it_o he_o may_v just_o withdraw_v from_o he_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o presence_n which_o he_o have_v before_o nay_o i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v not_o after_o lose_v assurance_n if_o lose_v in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o provocation_n on_o his_o part_n go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o hardly_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o 15._o isai_n 3â—_n 15._o act_v it_o again_o direct_o and_o formal_o yet_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o may_v be_v still_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o in_o itself_o still_o capable_a to_o be_v reduce_v into_o act_n but_o that_o he_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v in_o his_o own_o way_n incapable_a of_o revive_v the_o act_n of_o it_o now_o that_o even_o in_o such_o a_o one_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o remain_v still_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o he_o still_o produce_v some_o visible_a fruit_n of_o it_o keep_v up_o a_o contest_v though_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o faint_a one_o with_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o quite_o lay_v down_o the_o weapon_n to_o despair_v that_o though_o he_o apprehend_v his_o hope_n exceed_o small_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o they_o by_o all_o satan_n offer_n and_o even_o in_o this_o darkness_n many_o time_n choose_v affliction_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o that_o holy_a martyr_n that_o under_o those_o sad_a desertion_n be_v go_v to_o the_o stake_n and_o reâ—olved_v to_o die_v though_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o actual_a assurance_n again_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v but_o glover_n glover_n all_o these_o act_n be_v not_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o assurance_n but_o indirect_a and_o virtual_a act_n such_o as_o suffice_v to_o keep_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n together_o as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v ourselves_o but_o such_o as_o discover_v much_o of_o the_o vigour_n of_o a_o saint_n spiritual_a constitution_n to_o be_v impair_v other_o question_n there_o be_v that_o may_v be_v prâ—mised_v here_o but_o i_o shall_v find_v time_n to_o take_v they_o up_o in_o the_o application_n chap._n xxii_o popish_a doctrine_n concern_v doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n confute_v our_o own_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n examine_v where_o several_a case_n concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o heart_n this_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o confutation_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o doubt_v application_n application_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o papist_n and_o person_n among_o ourselves_o un-experienced_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n take_v for_o truth_n viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v in_o this_o life_n be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n these_o person_n rob_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o one_o of_o his_o special_a office_n that_o of_o be_v the_o comforter_n the_o lord_n jesus_n of_o one_o of_o the_o glorious_a fruit_n of_o his_o ascension_n which_o be_v the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o his_o people_n to_o that_o end_n god_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o glory_n and_o service_n at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n of_o it_o that_o that_o proceed_v from_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n the_o saint_n of_o their_o great_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n support_v in_o tribulation_n comfort_n in_o suffering_n and_o hope_v in_o death_n and_o last_o evacuate_v one_o main_a end_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v therefore_o at_o least_o a_o main_a part_n of_o they_o write_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5_o 13._o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v abhor_v the_o romish_a synagogue_n yet_o be_v this_o sufficient_a that_o they_o profess_o hold_v forth_o a_o doctrine_n of_o despair_n that_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o comfortable_o live_v nor_o die_v but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o that_o preach_v up_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n shall_v preach_v down_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n love_v i_o or_o hate_v i_o as_o i_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v obey_v or_o not_o obey_v persevere_v or_o not_o persevere_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o frequent_a fail_n i_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a hesitancy_n as_o to_o my_o estate_n no_o certainty_n in_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n use_v 2._o this_o let_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o possible_o we_o get_v therefrom_o be_v sound_a and_o certain_a or_o no._n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o it_o be_v sound_a if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o not_o it_o be_v suspicious_a and_o can_v afford_v no_o sufficient_a and_o satisfactory_a peace_n unto_o our_o spirit_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o no_o may_v not_o satan_n be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o may_v not_o i_o reason_v myself_o into_o it_o and_o if_o so_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o these_o answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a question_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o some_o time_n more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o sift_v the_o difficulty_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o then_o take_v it_o away_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o something_o be_v i_o shall_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n as_o 1_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o satan_n may_v so_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n as_o to_o suggest_v to_o a_o man_n a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o good_a condition_n he_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o plausible_a doctrine_n and_o comfortable_a dream_n where_o with_o they_o pronounce_v peace_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o
a_o total_a alienation_n of_o mind_n from_o it_o it_o may_v be_v so_o though_o at_o the_o present_a i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o i_o now_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o before_o say_v that_o divine_a assurance_n if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o full_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n exclude_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o rational_a assurance_n in_o point_n of_o doubt_v be_v very_o great_a for_o when_o a_o man_n divine_o assure_v doubt_n it_o be_v only_o so_o with_o he_o because_o and_o while_o his_o evidence_n be_v not_o full_a and_o clear_a but_o let_v a_o rational_a assurance_n that_o be_v mere_o so_o be_v never_o so_o full_a yet_o its_o utmost_a height_n and_o perfection_n be_v thus_o encumber_v with_o haesitacine_n and_o unresolvednesse_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o observe_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o difference_n between_o a_o opinion_n and_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n may_v give_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o difference_n a_o very_a probable_a guess_n at_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o mere_o rational_a and_o divine_a assurance_n but_o there_o remain_v yet_o a_o three_o and_o full_a mark_n of_o distinction_n which_o be_v 3._o the_o way_n in_o which_o a_o rational_a assurance_n come_v and_o this_o may_v give_v some_o far_a light_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o for_o example_n judge_n by_o these_o six_o thing_n 1._o if_o assurance_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o impatient_a weariness_n of_o soul-trouble_n this_o be_v apt_a to_o put_v a_o man_n upon_o contrive_v his_o own_o escape_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o temptation_n to_o a_o endeavour_n of_o reason_v they_o out_o of_o the_o soul_n now_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o in_o case_n of_o desertion_n and_o discomfort_n to_o put_v itself_o to_o the_o question_n as_o david_n do_v more_o than_o once_o psalm_n 42._o and_o 43._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o soul-troubles_a of_o god_n saint_n after_o assurance_n have_v be_v most_o ground_v on_o phantasy_n and_o not_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o he_o put_v that_o question_n many_o time_n to_o himself_o he_o will_v find_v he_o be_v able_a to_o give_v very_o little_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v trouble_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v lawful_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n down_o reasonless_a scruple_n although_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v safe_a sometime_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o without_o vouchsafe_v they_o so_o much_o respect_n as_o to_o spend_v reason_n upon_o they_o but_o in_o this_o case_n i_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o through_o weariness_n of_o stay_v god_n leisure_n for_o a_o release_n i_o betake_v myself_o to_o these_o reason_n for_o this_o be_v to_o abandon_v jordan_n and_o fly_v to_o abana_n and_o pharphar_n to_o forsake_v the_o water_n of_o siloah_n because_o they_o run_v soft_o and_o 6._o isaiah_n 8_o 6._o make_v not_o so_o much_o speed_n towards_o we_o as_o we_o desire_v and_o labour_n to_o quench_v our_o thirst_n in_o muddy_a stream_n of_o our_o own_o this_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o break_v the_o spirit_n prison_n as_o i_o have_v before_o tell_v you_o rather_o than_o to_o stay_v his_o leisure_n till_o he_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o when_o a_o man_n seek_v his_o assurance_n only_o from_o his_o own_o reason_n it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o try_v it_o out_o what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o that_o way_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o those_o which_o begin_v to_o appear_v bootless_a and_o unprofitable_a after_o so_o long_a trial_n to_o so_o little_a advantage_n reason_n manage_v by_o prayer_n and_o by_o holy_a plead_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o work_v assurance_n but_o it_o be_v dangerous_a when_o it_o come_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o prayer_n the_o near_a a_o soul_n be_v to_o a_o divine_a assurance_n the_o more_o he_o value_v these_o divine_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appointment_n but_o when_o he_o grow_v slack_a in_o these_o and_o fly_v to_o reason_n out_o of_o a_o distrust_n of_o these_o the_o more_o he_o be_v endanger_v to_o a_o rational_a assurance_n 3._o if_o a_o man_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o reason_v out_o his_o evidence_n find_v himself_o overwilling_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o to_o take_v every_o small_a hint_n as_o sufficient_a to_o bottom_v his_o confidence_n upon_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v the_o best_a of_o himself_o and_o so_o ready_a not_o so_o much_o to_o answer_v as_o to_o silence_v material_a doubt_n with_o general_a salvo_n of_o the_o freeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o general_a offer_n invitation_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v rather_o foundation_n for_o reliance_n and_o hope_n than_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n and_o apt_a to_o sit_v down_o upon_o these_o without_o descend_v to_o more_o difference_v and_o distinguish_v inquiry_n this_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o peace_n that_o arise_v thence_o though_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n and_o so_o he_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n material_o true_a be_v but_o rational_a assurance_n 4_o you_o may_v guess_v at_o it_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n under_o after-desertions_a a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v assure_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v much_o maintain_v in_o his_o dependence_n by_o a_o reasonless_a support_n i_o call_v that_o a_o reasonless_a support_n which_o keep_v up_o a_o soul_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n when_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v see_v reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n in_o another_o case_n that_o he_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n rom._n 4._o 18._o that_o be_v faith_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n when_o reason_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v none_o so_o a_o soul_n after_o assurance_n receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n can_v appeal_v to_o his_o former_a taste_n and_o experience_n and_o believe_v himself_o out_o of_o a_o plunge_n when_o sense_n and_o reason_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n but_o a_o mere_a rational_a assurance_n when_o it_o be_v counterbalance_v by_o reason_n as_o probable_a on_o the_o contrary_a side_n afford_v no_o prop_n at_o all_o but_o say_v such_o a_o souâ—_n i_o perceive_v now_o all_o my_o former_a hope_n be_v but_o delusion_n and_o dream_n of_o golden_a mountain_n for_o i_o be_o yet_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v in_o this_o as_o in_o most_o of_o the_o precede_a difference_n that_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v gather_v hence_o be_v not_o always_o certain_a for_o possible_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n may_v afterward_o be_v call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o suspicious_a reason_n and_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v have_v it_o may_v by_o satan_n sophistry_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n but_o sure_o a_o man_n be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o be_v reason_v out_o of_o that_o assurance_n as_o one_o who_o primitive_a and_o original_a assurance_n be_v mere_o rational_a as_o a_o man_n will_v easy_o be_v baffle_v out_o of_o the_o dictate_v and_o conclusion_n of_o his_o reason_n then_o of_o his_o sense_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n or_o divine_a assurance_n be_v something_o in_o the_o soul_n like_o sense_n in_o the_o body_n 5_o ordinary_o the_o assurance_n that_o the_o spirit_n give_v surprise_v a_o man_n unexpected_o god_n therein_o love_v to_o endear_v himself_o to_o his_o saint_n come_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o look_v least_o for_o he_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o come_n though_o they_o look_v for_o he_o indefinite_o every_o day_n he_o take_v they_o at_o unaware_o there_o be_v little_a of_o man_n plot_v or_o contrivance_n in_o the_o bring_n it_o about_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o sermon_n that_o a_o man_n come_v accidental_o to_o in_o a_o prayer_n or_o sacrament_n whence_o if_o a_o man_n may_v judge_v by_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o have_v least_o cause_n to_o expect_v good_a it_o may_v be_v in_o cast_v a_o transient_a glance_a eye_n upon_o a_o scripture_n without_o a_o man_n predetermining_a such_o a_o mean_n at_o least_o in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a confidence_n upon_o or_o expectation_n from_o it_o to_o such_o a_o end_n in_o rational_a assurance_n a_o man_n lay_v the_o whole_a design_n in_o his_o head_n before_o hand_n now_o say_v he_o i_o will_v
unto_o i_o he_o have_v pull_v i_o in_o piece_n and_o set_v i_o as_o a_o mark_n for_o the_o arrow_n he_o have_v cause_v the_o arrow_n of_o his_o quiver_n to_o enter_v into_o my_o reins_o he_o have_v â—illed_v i_o with_o bitternâ—…s_n and_o make_v i_o drunken_a with_o wormwood_n he_o have_v break_v my_o tooth_n with_o gravel_n stone_n he_o have_v cover_v i_o with_o ash_n and_o this_o have_v be_v of_o so_o long_a continuance_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o have_v forget_v prosperity_n i_o can_v 17._o 17._o scarce_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o better_a day_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o i_o conclude_v that_o my_o strength_n and_o my_o hope_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n oh_o say_v the_o church_n this_o be_v 18._o 18._o my_o very_a case_n when_o i_o remember_v my_o affliction_n 19_o 19_o the_o wormwood_n and_o the_o gall_n i_o even_o say_v as_o thou_o do_v but_o i_o withal_o consider_v that_o though_o my_o case_n be_v bad_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v be_v worse_o sure_a god_n have_v show_v i_o some_o mercy_n in_o that_o i_o live_v it_o be_v of_o the_o mercy_n 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n 22._o 22._o etc._n etc._n therefore_o have_v i_o hope_v and_o therefore_o i_o 32._o 23._o etc._n etc._n to_o 32._o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o lord_n cause_n grief_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v compassion_n etc._n etc._n read_v that_o chapter_n ter_z all_o over_o i_o have_v give_v but_o a_o draught_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o see_v thy_o case_n and_o thy_o cure_n as_o to_o thy_o own_o experience_n urge_v his_o preservation_n of_o thou_o and_o support_v thus_o long_o and_o plead_v for_o its_o continuance_n obj._n but_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v hope_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v believe_v for_o i_o be_o yet_o you_o tell_v i_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n till_o by_o these_o trouble_v god_n convert_v i_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o faith_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 3._o and_o till_o conversion_n we_o can_v rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v another_o hope_n that_o be_v not_o always_o gracious_a though_o possible_o sometime_o grace_n may_v be_v seminal_o in_o it_o and_o may_v first_o appear_v by_o it_o as_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o act_n of_o hope_n as_o this_o true_o i_o be_o a_o condemn_a creature_n but_o there_o be_v such_o and_o such_o free_a offer_n of_o christ_n and_o promise_n of_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n indefinite_o and_o why_o not_o to_o i_o yet_o i_o say_v this_o hope_n be_v not_o always_o gracious_a because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o presumptuous_a as_o well_o as_o repent_v sinner_n and_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n on_o which_o they_o presume_v this_o hope_n i_o shall_v for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v a_o moral_a or_o rational_a hope_n because_o it_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n as_o also_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o general_a probable_a hope_n that_o be_v accompany_v only_o with_o opinion_n and_o not_o faith_n though_o it_o may_v ground_n faith_n as_o to_o its_o act_n of_o reliance_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n please_v to_o infuse_v faith_n in_o such_o a_o rational_a way_n as_o divers_a time_n he_o do_v whereas_o the_o hope_n that_o flow_v from_o faith_n be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o infuse_a hope_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n as_o expect_v a_o certainty_n of_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n to_o i_o in_o particular_a arise_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o not_o in_o the_o habit_n or_o seed_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v infuse_v in_o the_o first_o vital_a act_n of_o reliance_n upon_o christ_n which_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o so_o justify_v arise_v i_o say_v from_o the_o particular_a evidence_n of_o my_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o so_o from_o a_o act_n of_o assurance_n and_o be_v high_a or_o low_a like_o it_o distinguish_v thus_o the_o one_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o negative_a hope_n the_o other_o a_o positive_a the_o one_o say_v i_o be_o not_o exclude_v the_o other_o say_v i_o be_o include_v it_o be_v language_n be_v why_o not_o i_o now_o it_o be_v the_o former_a hope_n that_o rational_a moral_a hope_n i_o advise_v thou_o to_o keep_v alive_a in_o thy_o soul_n let_v no_o power_n of_o corruption_n no_o strength_n of_o temptation_n no_o length_n or_o grievousnesse_n of_o thy_o soul_n trouble_v no_o false_a conclusion_n from_o god_n decree_n of_o reprobation_n etc._n etc._n drive_v thou_o out_o of_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n that_o though_o thy_o case_n be_v sad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a god_n have_v invite_v such_o as_o thou_o be_v have_v offer_v christ_n and_o grace_n free_o to_o thou_o among_o other_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v by_o no_o positive_a declare_v act_n of_o god_n exclude_v more_o than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v a_o great_a support_n that_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n get_v by_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o be_v for_o although_o grace_n do_v not_o always_o attend_v or_o accompany_v this_o hope_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v use_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o preparatory_a work_n to_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o grace_n nay_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o if_o the_o soul_n follow_v this_o moral_a hope_n with_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n and_o in_o they_o resolve_v to_o cast_v himself_o upon_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n why_o this_o hope_n may_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a ground_n if_o not_o the_o vehicle_n or_o chariot_n of_o the_o very_a first_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n wherefore_o 3_o let_v this_o hope_n produce_v wait_v think_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v present_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n because_o he_o do_v not_o present_o as_o to_o thy_o sense_n answer_v thy_o desire_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o impatience_n usual_o in_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o such_o soul_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o that_o fail_v for_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o intolerable_a wound_n prov._n 18._o 14._o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o a_o man_n in_o intolerable_a pain_n and_o anguish_n than_o delay_n hear_v i_o speedy_o say_v david_n else_o shall_v i_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n psalm_n 143._o 7._o and_o when_o god_n hide_v long_o he_o apprehend_v it_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o psalm_n 13._o 1._o but_o we_o must_v labour_v against_o this_o corruption_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o contentedness_n to_o wait_v for_o god_n salvation_n as_o long_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o exercise_v and_o discipline_n we_o in_o that_o condition_n the_o scripture_n abound_v in_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o example_n press_v home_o this_o duty_n upon_o we_o the_o place_n lam._n 3._o 26._o require_v not_o only_a hope_n but_o wait_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d siluit_fw-la a_o quiet_a silent_a wait_a free_a from_o clamorous_a complaint_n against_o god_n murmur_v at_o his_o delay_n and_o desperate_a expression_n of_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v a_o great_a encouragement_n hereunto_o if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o time_n of_o delay_n be_v god_n wait_a time_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v 30._o 18._o the_o lord_n therefore_o wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o indeed_o he_o have_v wait_v upon_o we_o many_o year_n before_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_n of_o any_o his_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o do_v we_o now_o think_v it_o much_o to_o wait_v on_o he_o till_o he_o hear_v we_o beside_o 2._o save_v grace_n be_v a_o thing_n worth_a the_o wait_n for_o thou_o have_v hear_v often_o and_o pray_v often_o thou_o say_v and_o yet_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v obtain_v neither_o grace_n nor_o peace_n conversion_n nor_o comfort_n remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v jam._n 5._o 7._o though_o with_o relation_n to_o another_o fruit_n i._n e._n the_o fruit_n of_o external_a suffering_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v no_o less_o herein_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lengthen_v out_o the_o patience_n into_o long_a suffering_n behold_v your_o husbandman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lengthen_v out_o his_o hope_n though_o the_o seed_n come_v not_o up_o after_o the_o first_o rain_n yet_o he_o expect_v another_o shower_n it_o be_v not_o ripe_a as_o soon_o as_o it_o grow_v up_o it_o may_v be_v a_o
conscience_n mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o and_o this_o i_o call_v conviction_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o happy_a estate_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o that_o conviction_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o wretched_a estate_n discover_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o legal_a syllogism_n before_o mention_v 4_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 1._o calmness_n and_o sedation_n of_o spirit_n by_o the_o allay_n of_o those_o boisterous_a wind_n of_o temptation_n that_o raise_v the_o wave_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o soul_n confound_v horror_n that_o soul-ague_n soul-quake_a that_o i_o speak_v of_o former_o and_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n peace_n isai_n 57_o 19_o 21._o and_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o horrible_a confusion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o wicked_a man_n awaken_v conscience_n ver_fw-la 20._o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v therefore_o the_o godly_a man_n pacify_v conscience_n be_v like_o the_o calm_a sea_n that_o have_v not_o a_o wrinkle_n in_o its_o face_n not_o a_o blast_n to_o stir_v any_o there_o no_o wind_n breathe_v on_o it_o except_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o excite_v it_o to_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n 2._o joy_n and_o sweetness_n and_o self_n complacency_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o second_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n within_o a_o man_n which_o be_v before_o mention_v viz._n soul_n distress_v anguish_n a_o man_n that_o be_v before_o not_o only_o a_o terror_n but_o a_o burden_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v weary_a of_o live_v through_o his_o anguish_n of_o heart_n now_o begin_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o himself_o and_o begin_v to_o eat_v his_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o go_v about_o his_o business_n rejoice_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o primitive_a saint_n act_n 2._o 46._o &_o 8_o 39_o this_o be_v call_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o 17._o and_o 1_o thess_n 1._o 6._o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o proceed_v from_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v like_o the_o content_a a_o man_n take_v in_o view_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wealth_n heap_v up_o together_o and_o a_o man_n can_v â—ay_n this_o be_v i_o when_o a_o miser_n do_v sibi_fw-la plaudere_fw-la applaud_v himself_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o poet_n and_o bless_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o horace_n horace_n language_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 49._o 18._o such_o a_o soul_n can_v go_v through_o the_o whole_a treasury_n of_o the_o word_n and_o wallow_v on_o the_o promise_v as_o oâ—_n so_o many_o heap_n of_o gold_n and_o cry_v out_o rejoice_v all_o this_o be_v i_o can_v look_v abroad_o among_o all_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o say_v all_z these_o be_v i_o and_o look_v upward_o to_o heaven_n and_o to_o crown_v of_o glory_n and_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v all_z this_o shall_v be_v i_o too_o in_o possession_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o title_n this_o be_v like_o the_o triumph_n after_o a_o peace_n and_o express_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 55_o 56_o 57_o in_o some_o such_o height_n of_o actual_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o his_o own_o happiness_n such_o a_o soul_n look_v as_o god_n promise_v david_n house_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o grass_n spring_v up_o by_o 4_o 2_o sam._n 23._o 4_o clear_a shine_a after_o rain_n 3_o soul_n support_v hope_n and_o this_o i_o set_v against_o soul-distracting_a despair_n which_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o former_a point_n among_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n this_o be_v not_o that_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o justify_v dependence_n upon_o christ_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o daughter_n of_o assurance_n and_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o as_o negative_a and_o positive_a as_o rational_a and_o spiritual_a differ_v that_o hope_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o notional_a knowledge_n this_o of_o experimental_a experience_n produce_v this_o hope_n rom._n 5._o 4._o this_o be_v that_o that_o raise_v a_o man_n to_o a_o certain_a and_o patient_a expectation_n of_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o faith_n of_o evidence_n assure_v he_o he_o have_v a_o title_n unto_o and_o shall_v certain_o enjoy_v we_o through_o the_o spirit_n wait_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n where_o wait_a set_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o do_v look_v out_o for_o and_o expect_v with_o earnestness_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o sisera_n be_v say_v to_o do_v judges_z 5._o the_o hope_n i._o e._n the_o matter_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n which_o justify_v faith_n assure_v we_o of_o and_o this_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n testimony_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o hope_n and_o his_o assistance_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o this_o be_v call_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o stay_v he_o from_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o wave_n of_o despair_n upon_o the_o rock_n of_o certain_a ruin_n and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o be_v the_o helmet_n of_o our_o salvation_n guard_v all_o blow_n from_o our_o head_n all_o the_o blow_n of_o temptation_n heb._n 6._o 19_o 20._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 8._o chap._n viii_o a_o case_n concern_v absolute_a promise_n and_o general_a offer_n of_o the_o the_o gospel_n and_o conditional_a promise_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n but_o here_o arise_v another_o question_n quest_n do_v the_o spirit_n in_o its_o mediate_a testimony_n witness_v from_o absolute_a promise_n or_o from_o conditional_a promise_n from_o general_a offer_n or_o special_a mark_n ans_fw-fr by_o absolute_a promise_n i_o here_o understand_v such_o as_o suppose_v no_o precede_a grace_n infuse_v into_o and_o act_v in_o we_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o as_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o first_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o price_n and_o purchase_v of_o it_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o suppose_v no_o gracious_a condition_n at_o all_o in_o we_o require_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o if_o at_o least_o these_o may_v in_o a_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v call_v promise_n by_o conditional_a promise_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o express_v such_o and_o such_o qualification_n in_o we_o as_o dispose_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n as_o when_o christ_n be_v promise_v 21_o john_n 3._o 16_o matth._n 5._o 4_o john_n 14._o 21_o to_o believer_n comfort_n to_o they_o that_o mourn_v acquaintance_n with_o god_n to_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n by_o general_a offer_n i_o mean_v such_o promise_n in_o scripture_n as_o tender_a christ_n to_o every_o one_o exclude_v none_o by_o special_a mark_n such_o character_n in_o scripture_n as_o discover_v who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v receive_v he_o next_o i_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o a_o support_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o assure_v testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o the_o support_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o witness_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n as_o in_o a_o grievous_a plunge_n of_o temptation_n keep_v he_o from_o sink_v a_o plank_n in_o a_o desperate_a shipwreck_n that_o save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o soul_n when_o satan_n have_v quite_o conquer_v assurance_n than_o the_o spirit_n act_v that_o soul_n by_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n wherein_o he_o do_v petere_fw-la principium_fw-la in_o a_o good_a sense_n act_v faith_n as_o at_o first_o in_o justification_n well_o say_v the_o soul_n if_o i_o be_o no_o believer_n if_o i_o be_o no_o lover_n of_o god_n if_o i_o be_v a_o formalist_n a_o hypocrite_n yet_o there_o be_v faith_n repentance_n love_n sincerity_n for_o i_o in_o christ_n and_o god_n offer_v it_o free_o and_o unconditionate_o i_o will_v stay_v myself_o upon_o those_o promise_n or_o gracious_a declaration_n thus_o absolute_a promise_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o spirit_n support_v testimony_n 2_o but_o second_o there_o be_v a_o assure_v testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o that_o a_o christian_a life_n by_o in_o calm_a and_o clear_a time_n and_o trade_n by_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v say_v to_o know_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o 1_o john_n 4._o 13._o therein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o much_o assurance_n 1_o thess_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o full_a sail_n of_o peace_n and_o spiritual_a satisfaction_n so_o that_o not_o only_o all_o doubt_n be_v remove_v but_o all_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o a_o man_n doubt_n be_v
be_v yea_o &_o amen_o sure_a and_o firm_a in_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o purchase_n propter_fw-la pretium_fw-la solutum_fw-la as_o a_o bargain_n be_v to_o the_o purchaser_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o price_n whether_o any_o man_n think_v they_o so_o or_o no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v they_o sure_a to_o the_o party_n for_o who_o they_o be_v purchase_v per_fw-la possessionem_fw-la inchoatam_fw-la by_o a_o inchoated_a possession_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o lard_n of_o canaan_n by_o a_o few_o cluster_n of_o grape_n and_o a_o man_n enter_v upon_o a_o great_a estate_n by_o the_o cut_n of_o a_o turf_n upon_o the_o land_n assurance_n be_v a_o turf_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n by_o the_o spirit_n i_o can_v add_v many_o more_o place_n i_o will_v name_v at_o present_a only_o one_o more_o and_o that_o be_v rom._n 5._o 5._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o abundant_a shed_v abroad_o of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ver_fw-la 4._o that_o our_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a if_o one_o man_n build_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o in_o business_n of_o concernment_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o produce_v he_o in_o open_a court_n his_o testimony_n come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n or_o his_o testimony_n appear_v suspicious_a a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o lose_v his_o cause_n but_o his_o hope_n also_o and_o be_v public_o shame_v for_o his_o confidence_n in_o such_o a_o testimony_n but_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n i._n e._n plentiful_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o will_v never_o make_v we_o ashamed_a his_o testimony_n will_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o his_o cause_n up_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o deputy_n conscience_n whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n whether_o here_o or_o hereafter_o at_o the_o great_a day_n 2._o reason_n and_o herein_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o assurance_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v regular_o be_v a_o demonstration_n a_o demonstration_n say_v logician_n be_v syllogismus_fw-la scientificus_fw-la a_o argument_n that_o produce_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n conclude_v demonstration_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o and_o why._n 1_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v i_o can_v certain_o prove_v that_o the_o tree_n live_v because_o it_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o leaf_n and_o fruit_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o present_a good_a temper_n of_o body_n because_o he_o have_v a_o good_a pulse_n and_o this_o be_v call_v demonstratio_fw-la ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la or_o demonstratio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o the_o spirit_n certain_o prove_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o adoption_n thus_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o certain_a testimony_n the_o major_n of_o this_o argument_n he_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a scripture_n and_o set_v forth_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o minor_a or_o second_v proposition_n be_v true_a by_o experience_n which_o i_o see_v by_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v i_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v demonstrative_o true_a such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n 2_o why_o it_o be_v and_o this_o also_o have_v place_n here_o i_o can_v certain_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v day_n because_o the_o sun_n shine_v that_o make_v day_n so_o if_o the_o spirit_n conclude_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v of_o god_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o argument_n be_v demonstrative_a and_o produce_v where_o the_o spirit_n set_v it_o home_n a_o certain_a assent_n this_o be_v demonstratio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o conclude_v the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n quest_n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o good_a estate_n by_o a_o argument_n à _fw-la priori_fw-la that_o be_v by_o that_o which_o constitute_v he_o in_o such_o a_o estate_n as_o suppose_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o conversion_n which_o constitute_v he_o such_o or_o rather_o whether_o his_o only_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o that_o convert_v grace_n that_o make_v he_o so_o because_o grace_n in_o its_o first_o generation_n be_v dark_a answ_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n 1._o if_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o immediate_o testify_v or_o mediate_o but_o not_o by_o argument_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v heretofore_o than_o he_o can_v assure_v a_o man_n without_o the_o present_a use_n of_o either_o of_o these_o mean_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o please_v work_v a_o immediate_a consent_n to_o this_o proposition_n at_o first_o conversion_n i_o be_o at_o this_o instant_n beget_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o minor_a proposition_n in_o the_o syllogism_n which_o be_v a_o implicit_a assurance_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o spirit_n testify_v as_o he_o ordinary_o do_v i_o e._n by_o argument_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o own_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o evidence_n or_o in-evidence_n of_o the_o proposition_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o conclusion_n if_o the_o spirit_n give_v light_a to_o they_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v tell_v a_o soul_n under_o his_o own_o vis_fw-la plastica_fw-la in_o the_o very_a womb_n of_o renew_v grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o regeneration_n this_o work_n i_o be_o now_o work_v be_v a_o regenerate_a work_n god_n be_v now_o beget_v true_a grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n therefore_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a evidence_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o conclusion_n thou_o regenerate_v person_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n every_o one_o who_o god_n beget_v to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o certain_o from_o scripture_n the_o assumption_n but_o thou_o be_v one_o who_o god_n at_o this_o instant_n have_v beget_v to_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v true_a by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n testify_v to_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n who_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v enable_v to_o feel_v that_o work_n upon_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o evidence_n may_v be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n though_o it_o be_v à _fw-fr priori_fw-la yet_o will_v i_o be_v understand_v wary_o in_o what_o caution_n caution_n i_o say_v herein_o 1._o i_o only_o affirm_v a_o possibility_n of_o receive_v assurance_n this_o way_n not_o a_o usual_a or_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o all_o or_o any_o that_o i_o know_v in_o particular_a because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o hear_v oftentimes_o plead_v for_o by_o some_o of_o god_n precious_a one_o who_o experience_n in_o this_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v more_o than_o i_o i_o can_v say_v less_o than_o this_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o of_o a_o antinomian_a spirit_n that_o reject_v all_o trial_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o regeneration_n which_o i_o still_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a road_n way_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o give_v assurance_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v more_o 2_o remember_v that_o before_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o habitual_a and_o fix_v settle_a permanent_a actual_a assurance_n be_v collect_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o follow_v the_o first_o act_n of_o unite_n grace_n though_o a_o present_a temporary_a actual_a assurance_n may_v possible_o be_v give_v in_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o actual_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v so_o assure_v at_o first_o not_o to_o rest_v there_o but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o ratify_v and_o habituate_v that_o assurance_n
of_o such_o a_o temptation_n before_o hand_n as_o a_o physician_n keep_v that_o body_n low_a in_o flesh_n which_o he_o see_v incline_v to_o evil_a humour_n though_o it_o be_v not_o actual_o distemper_v by_o they_o now_o if_o thou_o cooperate_v with_o god_n in_o this_o design_n as_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v this_o he_o aim_v at_o sure_o thou_o will_v hasten_v thy_o deliverance_n from_o thy_o present_a darkness_n 6._o labour_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o in_o the_o direction_n to_o the_o get_n of_o assurance_n so_o i_o tell_v you_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o recover_v lose_v assurance_n the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o exercise_v a_o holy_a reliance_n upon_o god_n in_o a_o condition_n so_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v this_o we_o find_v have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o like_a case_n psal_n 27._o 13._o david_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a straight_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o exclusion_n from_o ordinance_n but_o even_o in_o the_o sad_a conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v thence_o to_o the_o distemper_a of_o his_o spirit_n see_v how_o he_o close_v all_o i_o have_v faint_v say_v he_o except_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 job_n speak_v big_a word_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o job_n 13._o 15._o q._n d._n satan_n tell_v i_o and_o my_o own_o misgive_a heart_n many_o time_n second_v he_o that_o these_o trouble_n will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v never_o come_v alive_a out_o of_o they_o well_o say_v job_n be_v it_o so_o lot_z him_z kill_v i_o if_o he_o will_v if_o i_o be_v now_o a_o die_a and_o drop_v into_o hell_n yet_o i_o will_v hold_v fast_o for_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o i_o so_o if_o i_o go_v to_o hell_n i_o will_v pull_v he_o after_o our_o saviour_n christ_n also_o in_o his_o agony_n cry_n my_o god_n though_o he_o be_v a_o forsake_v god_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o hold_v loose_a and_o man_n hold_v the_o fast_o for_o it_o god_n spurn_v at_o a_o poor_a soul_n and_o he_o lay_v hold_v of_o his_o foot_n god_n say_v jacob_n let_v i_o go_v and_o jacob_n say_v no_o i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v except_o thou_o bless_v i_o gen._n 32._o 26._o the_o advice_n be_v plain_a isa_n 50._o 10._o i_o urge_v this_o place_n before_o in_o the_o direction_n for_o procure_v assurance_n and_o there_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n of_o case_n and_o so_o a_o proportion_n in_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v for_o recovery_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o never_o have_v and_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v lose_v assurance_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o special_a way_n for_o 1._o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n speak_v strength_n of_o faith_n a_o small_a strength_n will_v serve_v to_o hold_v one_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o stay_v but_o when_o a_o strong_a man_n put_v out_o all_o his_o strength_n to_o wrest_v himself_o out_o of_o a_o friend_n importunate_a embrace_n it_o have_v need_n be_v more_o strength_n then_o ordinary_a that_o hold_v he_o or_o fetch_v he_o back_o then_o this_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v discover_v in_o another_o case_n he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n strong_a in_o faith_n he_o be_v mighty_o enable_v by_o faith_n what_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v to_o believe_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n when_o he_o be_v past_o all_o probable_a hope_n of_o one_o rom._n 4._o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o thou_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o strong_a faith_n when_o thou_o can_v say_v let_v my_o heart_n tell_v i_o never_o so_o much_o god_n have_v cast_v i_o off_o and_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o let_v go_v my_o confidence_n and_o the_o hold_n that_o thereby_o i_o have_v upon_o he_o here_o be_v strong_a faith_n see_v mat._n 15._o 24_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n faith_n be_v admire_v by_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o she_o will_v play_v the_o dog_n and_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n when_o he_o rate_v she_o away_o o_o woman_n say_v he_o great_a be_v thy_o faith_n person_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n when_o a_o soul_n walk_v in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o live_v high_a thereupon_o be_v a_o strong_a faith_n but_o i_o tell_v thou_o friend_n there_o be_v more_o strength_n by_o far_o in_o that_o faith_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o darkness_n and_o desertion_n that_o trust_v when_o a_o man_n can_v see_v no_o light_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o life_n of_o assurance_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n a_o life_n of_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o life_n above_o faith_n a_o life_n of_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v say_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 11_o 1._o assurance_n in_o proper_a speech_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o sense_n and_o fruition_n not_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o hope_n in_o this_o chapter_n hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n ver_fw-la 24._o so_o say_v i_o of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o faith_n faith_n be_v a_o friend_n make_v especial_o for_o a_o time_n of_o distance_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o comfort_n and_o be_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o derive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o to_o the_o soul_n during_o that_o state_n of_o distance_n 2_o beside_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o god_n be_v take_v with_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o season_n see_v strength_n of_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n rom._n 4._o 20._o and_o he_o can_v long_o withdraw_v from_o a_o soul_n that_o so_o much_o glorify_v he_o upon_o so_o little_a encouragement_n i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o as_o christ_n to_o thomas_n hold_v this_o course_n and_o thou_o be_v a_o bless_a man_n other_o see_v and_o believe_v but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v joh._n 20._o 20._o 3._o beside_o last_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n must_v needs_o keep_v down_o many_o of_o those_o murmur_a despair_a and_o in_o a_o sort_n blasphemous_a misapprehension_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o promise_n which_o length_n of_o soul-trouble_n be_v apt_a to_o plunge_v a_o man_n into_o and_o certain_o the_o less_o iniquity_n there_o be_v break_v forth_o in_o our_o desertion_n the_o soon_o they_o will_v be_v over_o now_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o season_n maintain_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o defend_v he_o and_o take_v his_o part_n against_o the_o calumny_n of_o satan_n and_o god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v this_o therefore_o how_o can_v he_o but_o take_v this_o kind_o if_o a_o husband_n absent_v himself_o a_o while_n from_o a_o wife_n and_o she_o be_v ready_a upon_o every_o whisper_n of_o slanderous_a gossip_n to_o suspect_v her_o husband_n fidelity_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o give_v out_o speech_n tend_v that_o way_n can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o husband_n shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o wife_n will_v he_o not_o rather_o choose_v to_o stay_v away_o still_o and_o be_v suspect_v for_o something_o as_o we_o say_v rather_o than_o live_v under_o constant_a suspicion_n for_o no_o cause_n but_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o husband_n may_v be_v secure_a of_o this_o that_o his_o wife_n be_v confident_a of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o her_o heart_n quiet_o rest_v in_o he_o absent_a as_o well_o as_o present_v let_v suspicion_n suggest_v what_o it_o will_v sure_o he_o can_v but_o be_v exceed_o tender_a of_o such_o a_o wife_n and_o much_o take_v with_o her_o company_n god_n see_v your_o jealousy_n of_o he_o in_o darkness_n and_o observe_v how_o apt_a you_o be_v to_o censure_v he_o in_o his_o absence_n do_v not_o think_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o he_o will_v make_v you_o entertain_v better_a thought_n of_o he_o ere_o he_o return_v quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o exercise_v faith_n in_o desertion_n what_o shall_v i_o believe_v a._n believe_v in_o general_n most_o thing_n that_o seem_v most_o contrary_a to_o thy_o present_a sense_n and_o moral_a probability_n for_o in_o soul-trouble_n the_o fancy_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n possess_v by_o distrustful_a imagination_n and_o satan_n in_o that_o fortify_v himself_o against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o may_v be_v mean_n of_o consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o way_n to_o
again_o to_o a_o assure_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o precede_a doctrine_n when_o a_o man_n be_v find_v in_o two_o contrary_a tale_n we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o they_o we_o may_v believe_v a_o man_n can_v never_o this_o suppose_a have_v solid_a comfort_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v recant_v it_o and_o testify_v the_o quite_o contrary_a chap._n xxxv_o the_o cause_n of_o legal_a terror_n in_o saint_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o legal_a terror_n which_o after_o conversion_n and_o assurance_n many_o time_n surprise_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n answ_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a cause_n be_v satan_n who_o combine_v with_o our_o own_o suspicious_a and_o distrustful_a or_o melancholy_a spirit_n or_o by_o divine_a permission_n or_o last_o by_o take_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n bring_v we_o into_o this_o darkness_n psal_n 143._o 3._o the_o enemy_n have_v persecute_v my_o soul_n he_o have_v make_v i_o to_o dwell_v in_o darkness_n like_o those_o that_o have_v be_v long_o dead_a i_o have_v long_o ago_o bury_v all_o my_o comfort_n and_o they_o be_v almost_o quite_o out_o of_o remembrance_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o my_o soul_n call_v the_o enemy_n by_o a_o special_a emphasis_n because_o the_o most_o deadly_a malicious_a enemy_n the_o saint_n have_v he_o sow_n all_o manner_n of_o tare_n of_o corruption_n tentation_n doubt_n in_o god_n field_n the_o heart_n of_o saint_n now_o this_o he_o do_v as_o but_o now_o i_o hint_v 1_o partly_o by_o combine_v with_o our_o own_o suspicious_a heart_n and_o increase_a jealousy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o sadness_n as_o many_o time_n he_o do_v the_o heart_n that_o know_v its_o own_o wickedness_n and_o deceitfulness_n many_o time_n reject_v sound_a and_o solid_a joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o delusion_n mere_o upon_o suspicion_n and_o wariness_n occasion_v by_o its_o former_a experience_a liablenesse_n to_o self-deception_n now_o here_o satan_n strike_v in_o and_o increase_v the_o jealousy_n that_o the_o heart_n have_v of_o itself_o as_o a_o malicious_a tale-bearer_n that_o find_v suspicion_n ready_a to_o break_v out_o ever_o and_o anon_o between_o friend_n be_v at_o hand_n perpetual_o to_o blow_v the_o coal_n and_o hint_v to_o they_o both_o several_o such_o and_o such_o presumption_n of_o each_o other_o till_o at_o last_o he_o have_v weaken_v all_o mutual_a confidence_n and_o make_v a_o irreparable_a breach_n between_o they_o fie_o fie_o say_v the_o old_a serpent_n will_v thou_o believe_v these_o comfort_n and_o joy_n be_v real_a and_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v thou_o know_v thy_o own_o heart_n no_o better_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v how_o it_o speak_v peace_n to_o thou_o heretofore_o and_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o country_n can_v not_o persuade_v thou_o that_o thy_o condition_n be_v not_o safe_a then_o and_o since_o do_v thou_o not_o remember_v how_o when_o thou_o wente_v to_o examine_v and_o search_v thyself_o it_o hide_v sin_n by_o pretence_n and_o excuse_n and_o apology_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o deceive_v thou_o now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o now_o here_o many_o time_n the_o soul_n give_v up_o and_o yield_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o damn_v all_o its_o comfort_n for_o mere_a fantasy_n and_o dream_n and_o all_o its_o assurance_n for_o a_o imposture_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o soul_n plead_v the_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o spirit_n concurrence_n in_o that_o testimony_n than_o satan_n begin_v to_o take_v the_o matter_n upon_o himself_o alas_o say_v he_o and_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v that_o satan_n can_v turn_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o by_o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14._o consequence_n easy_o cheat_v a_o credulous_a heart_n into_o a_o belief_n that_o his_o delusion_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n sic_fw-la not_o we_o ulysses_n be_v thou_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o that_o subtle_a enemy_n that_o thou_o can_v take_v every_o fair_a pretence_n of_o he_o for_o gospel_n and_o adventure_v thy_o soul_n upon_o it_o 2_o partly_o by_o combine_v with_o a_o mere_a melancholy_a distemper_n melancholy_n be_v muse_v and_o thoughtful_a it_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o body_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n anvil_n whereon_o he_o hammer_v all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n all_o manner_n of_o deadly_a weapon_n to_o wound_v the_o soul_n he_o have_v a_o mighty_a power_n upon_o the_o fantasy_n and_o can_v suggest_v thing_n to_o it_o as_o he_o please_v the_o fantasy_n or_o imagination_n be_v the_o looking-glass_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n by_o reflection_n be_v first_o discover_v to_o it_o now_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o satan_n to_o represent_v in_o this_o glass_n what_o bugbear_n shape_v he_o please_v to_o affright_v the_o soul_n withal_o &_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o fix_a entertainment_n of_o the_o thought_n with_o such_o object_n of_o terror_n and_o affrightment_n to_o make_v such_o strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n abuse_v by_o mere_a fantasy_n as_o no_o reason_v or_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o can_v remove_v that_o strange_a affection_n of_o the_o fantasy_n which_o some_o say_v persuade_v nabuchadnezzar_n that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a beast_n 4._o dan._n 4._o and_o the_o frequent_a parallel_n to_o this_o in_o 8._o wierus_n de_fw-fr praestigiis_fw-la virg._n eclog._n 8._o humane_a write_n render_v such_o a_o interpretation_n not_o incredible_a many_o time_n be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o good_a soul_n that_o dwell_v as_o be_v say_v of_o galba_n wit_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o most_o habitat_fw-la ingenium_fw-la galbae_n malè_fw-la habitat_fw-la dreggy_a part_n of_o live_a earth_n of_o a_o melancholy_a constitution_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o satan_n act_v the_o 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from_o the_o continue_a meditation_n of_o such_o subject_n as_o by_o their_o fix_v on_o the_o fantasy_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v remove_v the_o very_a humour_n of_o melancholy_n be_v a_o dull_a heavy_a humour_n that_o must_v be_v stir_v as_o much_o by_o exercise_n as_o physic_n and_o so_o must_v the_o fantasy_n that_o it_o beget_v be_v cure_v by_o avocation_n 3_o partly_o by_o the_o permission_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n god_n give_v the_o soul_n over_o in_o some_o case_n into_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v job_n once_o to_o do_v with_o he_o what_o he_o will_v only_o spare_v his_o 6._o job_n 2._o 6._o life_n for_o some_o notorious_a affront_n offer_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o abuse_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o some_o bold_a intrenchment_n upon_o his_o majesty_n and_o authority_n or_o some_o other_o like_o cause_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n god_n withdraw_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o satan_n to_o improve_v such_o a_o sensible_a defect_n and_o decay_n of_o influence_n to_o 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body_n to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o be_v man_n and_o our_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o only_a so_o in_o our_o grace_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o high_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o such_o elevation_n we_o despise_v our_o weak_a brethren_n and_o censure_v they_o if_o they_o walk_v not_o up_o even_o with_o we_o or_o if_o they_o fail_v especial_o in_o any_o grosser_n way_n we_o forget_v against_o the_o rule_n that_o we_o also_o may_v be_v tempt_v 1._o gal._n 6._o 1._o 2._o dependent_a not_o only_o upon_o public_a ordinance_n where_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o especial_a quicken_a presence_n and_o where_o the_o saint_n have_v use_v to_o find_v recover_v remedy_n under_o spiritual_a decay_n but_o also_o on_o private_a communion_n even_o with_o weak_a brethren_n and_o principal_o upon_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o both_o psal_n 30._o 6._o 3._o wathfull_a lest_o the_o strength_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o grace_n be_v lose_v through_o 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7_o many_o time_n decay_n may_v not_o be_v the_o abatement_n of_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o our_o own_o over-actings_a it_o may_v be_v i_o may_v have_v have_v more_o seem_a zeal_n former_o then_o now_o i_o seem_v to_o have_v but_o be_v not_o my_o zeal_n more_o rash_a heady_a &_o inconsiderate_a more_o mix_v with_o self_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o heighten_v by_o its_o imperfection_n and_o blemish_n if_o so_o to_o continue_v it_o so_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o sin_n rather_o than_o grace_n so_o my_o faith_n in_o some_o of_o its_o precede_a act_n may_v possible_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o god_n depend_v on_o he_o beside_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o it_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o mean_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o presumption_n in_o it_o now_o it_o may_v be_v i_o trust_v god_n and_o be_o as_o zealous_a for_o he_o as_o former_o but_o those_o grace_n act_n more_o regular_o and_o not_o with_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o distemper_n as_o former_o so_o in_o repentance_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n many_o time_n worldly_a and_o selfish_a consideration_n mix_v with_o it_o to_o heighten_v it_o many_o time_n the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n that_o accompany_v sin_n the_o affliction_n and_o cross_n that_o attend_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n who_o influence_n may_v heighten_v it_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n may_v not_o only_o stand_v at_o their_o former_a pitch_n their_o bow_n may_v not_o only_o abide_v in_o strength_n but_o may_v grow_v more_o radicate_v and_o be_v more_o strengthen_v and_o dispose_v for_o more_o operation_n under_o the_o most_o sensible_a decay_n of_o the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o they_o as_o many_o time_n in_o the_o winter_n a_o man_n hand_n and_o foot_n may_v be_v benumb_v with_o cold_a when_o his_o stomach_n and_o entrails_n be_v most_o hot_a now_o to_o understand_v this_o you_o must_v know_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a habit_n of_o grace_n allow_v i_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v call_v the_o new_a man_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o universal_a habit_n of_o grace_n be_v like_o the_o habitual_a life_n and_o heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o live_a body_n there_o be_v also_o special_a habit_n of_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a grace_n which_o symbolize_v with_o the_o heat_n and_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o body_n 2._o now_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v in_o a_o disease_n though_o the_o out_o most_o member_n languish_v the_o patient_a be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n of_o recovery_n and_o never_o the_o near_a death_n for_o lose_v the_o flesh_n off_o his_o rib_n and_o face_n so_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o grace_n the_o main_a frame_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v the_o decay_n in_o some_o act_n of_o particula_fw-la grace_n matter_n not_o much_o 3._o the_o increase_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a 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poor_a man_n that_o cry_v out_o lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n have_v then_o a_o great_a faith_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o canaan_n when_o she_o dare_v not_o claim_v a_o child_n portion_n but_o rank_n herself_o with_o the_o dog_n yet_o rely_v still_o on_o christ_n for_o a_o answer_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o eminent_a in_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o admire_v she_o for_o it_o mat._n 15._o 28._o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o understand_v but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v by_o frequent_a combat_n and_o conflict_n chap._n xliv_o a_o case_n how_o a_o saint_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o sensible_a actual_a decay_n know_v whether_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n grow_v or_o no._n quest_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n last_o propound_v how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v whether_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n notwithstanding_o his_o present_n suppose_a sensible_a decay_n answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o in_o some_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o managery_n of_o this_o examination_n those_o be_v 1._o take_v heed_n you_o inquire_v not_o too_o rigorous_o after_o a_o too_o sudden_a improvement_n if_o a_o man_n cast_v his_o grain_n into_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a he_o shall_v complain_v it_o be_v dead_a because_o it_o appear_v not_o above_o ground_n the_o next_o day_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o his_o field_n every_o day_n complain_v to_o day_n that_o it_o be_v grow_v nothing_o since_o yesterday_o because_o he_o can_v discern_v it_o have_v the_o man_n patience_n to_o look_v on_o it_o at_o convenient_a distance_n of_o time_n experience_n will_v
to_o raise_v their_o heart_n to_o such_o a_o pitch_n when_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n come_v in_o with_o a_o gross_a neglect_n of_o quicken_a endeavour_n its_o suspicious_a not_o that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v not_o now_o and_o then_o find_v a_o heat_n kindle_v in_o prayer_n which_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o but_o he_o constant_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o it_o in_o the_o regular_a way_n 2._o it_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o promise_n a_o natural_a man_n seldom_o eye_n a_o promise_n but_o his_o want_n ob._n yea_o but_o i_o can_v draw_v no_o comfort_n from_o this_o because_o all_o this_o concern_v such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o its_o witness_v work_n in_o i_o that_o have_v it_o not_o it_o may_v be_v still_o a_o fervency_n of_o a_o natural_a impression_n from_o mere_a necessity_n or_o sense_n of_o want_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o work_n eminent_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o its_o witness_v act_n but_o it_o also_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o its_o renew_n act._n the_o spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n not_o only_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n ze._n 12._o 10._o and_o therefore_o although_o such_o person_n who_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v take_v comfort_n in_o see_v this_o fruit_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fruit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o witness_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o find_v this_o fervency_n that_o be_v above_o describe_v in_o thy_o heart_n if_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o possible_o it_o may_v from_o its_o more_o obscure_a and_o remiss_a testimony_n of_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v before_o although_o thou_o do_v not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o not_o for_o the_o present_n observe_v it_o yet_o it_o always_o proceed_v from_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o 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that_o god_n will_v give_v all_o that_o read_v it_o experience_n of_o these_o work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o amen_n finis_fw-la a_o saint_n direction_n in_o a_o afflict_a condition_n by_o simon_n ford_z b._n d._n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o read_v london_n print_v for_o sa._n gellibrand_n at_o the_o ball_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1655._o to_o the_o noble_a and_o worthy_o honour_v lady_n and_o gentlewoman_n the_o lady_n cecilia_n knollys_n the_o lady_n letice_n vachell_n the_o lady_n and_n pie_n mrs._n letice_n hampden_n mrs._n elizabeth_n margaret_z and_o mary_n hammonds_n mrs._n trevor_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o noble_a family_n concern_v in_o that_o late_a sad_a stroke_n of_o providence_n the_o death_n of_o that_o much_o bewail_v gentleman_n colonel_n robert_n hammond_n to_o you_o much_o honour_a and_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o make_v bold_a to_o present_v my_o meditation_n upon_o this_o subject_a not_o 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by_o reason_n of_o his_o public_a employment_n new_o enter_v on_o be_v call_v but_o immediate_o before_o to_o a_o eminent_a civil_a and_o military_a trust_n in_o ireland_n and_o choose_a high-steward_n and_o burgess_n in_o parliament_n for_o this_o corporation_n be_v as_o the_o high_a i_o know_v you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o such_o a_o blow_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o leave_v this_o monument_n in_o your_o cabinet_n to_o be_v your_o remembrancer_n of_o and_o direction_n in_o a_o duty_n which_o although_o you_o always_o conscionable_o practice_v yet_o you_o may_v as_o well_o as_o other_o through_o the_o oppression_n of_o your_o spirit_n under_o this_o heavy_a burden_n possible_o find_v some_o additional_a excitation_n and_o direction_n not_o altogether_o unuseful_a or_o unnecessary_a thereunto_o the_o lord_n if_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n find_v our_o some_o way_n how_o the_o great_a gap_n which_o the_o fall_n of_o such_o a_o oak_n have_v make_v in_o our_o hedge_n may_v be_v fill_v up_o by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o those_o young_a plant_n who_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o and_o be_v concern_v to_o imitate_v he_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v render_v he_o a_o public_a loss_n and_o support_v you_o under_o this_o grievous_a stroke_n this_o be_v and_o by_o god_n assistance_n shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n simon_n ford_n read_v decem._n 5_o 1654._o jam_z 5._o 13._o former_a part_n be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v the_o preface_n what_o one_o say_v of_o book_n procaptis_n lectoris_fw-la habent_fw-la sva_fw-la fata_fw-la libelli_fw-la that_o their_o entertainment_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n temper_n or_o distemper_n of_o the_o reader_n may_v with_o a_o little_a variation_n be_v affirm_v of_o sermon_n especial_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o upbraid_v the_o time_n with_o those_o disease_n which_o they_o labour_v under_o they_o be_v like_v or_o dislike_v as_o people_n understand_v or_o be_v affect_v towards_o the_o matter_n they_o deliver_v or_o the_o occurrence_n that_o occasion_n it_o thence_o be_v there_o such_o a_o general_n disrelish_v of_o suffer_a doctrine_n in_o these_o day_n wherein_o divers_a person_n see_v nothing_o but_o vision_n of_o peace_n and_o glory_n and_o triumph_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o a_o man_n that_o handle_v such_o a_o subject_a as_o this_o in_o diverse_a place_n be_v think_v to_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o he_o that_o preach_v a_o funeral_n sermon_n at_o a_o wedding_n or_o mar_v the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o feast_n with_o some_o sad_a story_n in_o all_o age_n the_o judgement_n that_o the_o most_o of_o man_n have_v make_v of_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o the_o time_n have_v be_v sensual_a thence_o so_o much_o difference_n of_o opinion_n appear_v even_o among_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o be_v skilful_a physician_n because_o every_o one_o pronounce_v according_a to_o what_o he_o feel_v there_o be_v never_o any_o time_n so_o black_a and_o dismal_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o all_o person_n will_v confess_v it_o such_o the_o papist_n then_o and_o ignorant_a protestant_n since_o agree_v in_o magnify_v the_o day_n of_o our_o forefather_n under_o hen._n 8._o and_o q._n mary_n when_o as_o we_o all_o know_v there_o be_v never_o day_n more_o sad_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o sincere_a profession_n thereof_o when_o israel_n be_v in_o babylon_n under_o a_o grievous_a captivity_n rob_v at_o once_o of_o all_o civil_a and_o church_n liberty_n when_o they_o hang_v up_o their_o harp_n upon_o the_o willow_n the_o cruel_a persecuter_n will_v fain_o persuade_v they_o they_o have_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o keep_v rejoice_v festival_n as_o ever_o and_o presume_v
when_o the_o spirit_n suggest_v matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o in_o expression_n without_o all_o question_n the_o spirit_n when_o he_o supply_v will_v not_o supply_v the_o less_o material_a part_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o momentous_a a_o man_n of_o a_o nimble_a invention_n and_o a_o fluent_a tongue_n may_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v high_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n in_o prayer_n but_o be_v the_o heart_n warm_v suitable_o to_o the_o expression_n if_o the_o stream_n run_v only_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o supply_v from_o a_o divine_a spring_n 5._o if_o the_o heart_n be_v warm_v also_o yet_o i_o ask_v do_v its_o warmth_n produce_v the_o language_n of_o prayer_n or_o rather_o the_o language_n it_o some_o good_a nature_n as_o we_o call_v they_o will_v weep_v at_o a_o passionate_a discourse_n either_o of_o their_o own_o or_o another_o man_n the_o heart_n be_v first_o hot_a where_o the_o expression_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v be_v expression_n may_v add_v to_o the_o quantity_n of_o heart-affection_n in_o duty_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n dull_a expression_n will_v much_o take_v off_o from_o the_o edge_n of_o a_o good_a affection_n but_o whence_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o thy_o heat_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o from_o without_o or_o from_o within_o a_o natural_a man_n expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o his_o affection_n a_o godly_a man_n affection_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o his_o expression_n 3._o add_v also_o that_o the_o fail_v of_o expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v much_o our_o own_o fault_n 1._o sometime_o we_o overprize_v it_o in_o desire_v it_o too_o sollicitous_o when_o absent_a in_o rejoice_v and_o please_v ourselves_o too_o fond_o when_o present_a discomfort_v ourselves_o when_o we_o want_v it_o as_o if_o we_o want_v the_o spirit_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o wish_a supply_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n upon_o that_o when_o present_a which_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v without_o 2_o study_v more_o to_o pray_v then_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v pray_v spiritual_a ability_n for_o prayer_n of_o whatever_o kind_n they_o be_v be_v usual_o fetch_v in_o by_o prayer_n luke_n 11._o 13._o as_o water_n in_o the_o well_o be_v fetch_v up_o by_o put_v water_n into_o the_o pump_n while_o we_o be_v ask_v god_n hear_v and_o that_o he_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o ask_v he_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o 3._o want_v of_o meditation_n i_o mean_v not_o of_o expression_n but_o thing_n well_o study_a matter_n yield_v plentiful_a expression_n the_o poet_n observe_v verbaque_fw-la praevisam_fw-la rem_fw-la non_fw-la invita_fw-la sequuntur_fw-la poet._n horat._n art_n poet._n well-conceived_n matter_n be_v never_o stifle_v in_o the_o birth_n for_o want_v of_o the_o midwifery_n of_o apt_a expression_n 4_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o people_n complain_v they_o have_v a_o great_a dearth_n of_o expression_n in_o prayer_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v in_o themselves_o they_o do_v not_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o complete_a magazene_n of_o matter_n so_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o genuine_a spring_n of_o expression_n in_o prayer_n the_o language_n of_o confession_n petition_n thanksgiving_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n use_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n a_o supply_n from_o the_o spirit_n fetch_v in_o by_o industry_n for_o it_o be_v all_o of_o it_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o our_o hand_n those_o be_v sure_o therefore_o the_o most_o acceptable_a &_o meet_v expression_n to_o send_v up_o to_o heaven_n which_o first_o descend_v from_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o strange_a vein_n of_o expression_n in_o prayer_n that_o conceit_a person_n affect_v in_o these_o day_n which_o a_o man_n if_o he_o compare_v with_o scripture_n will_v easy_o conclude_v to_o be_v a_o gibberish_n of_o a_o wanton_a age_n unknown_a to_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o former_a time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n love_v to_o indite_v your_o prayer_n when_o he_o do_v supply_v your_o defect_n that_o way_n in_o his_o own_o familiar_a expression_n which_o be_v those_o of_o the_o scripture_n chap._n xlix_o saint_n be_v inform_v what_o deaden_v they_o in_o prayer_n where_o also_o a_o case_n what_o to_o be_v do_v when_o a_o saint_n can_v call_v god_n father_n and_o in_o case_n some_o sin_n straighten_v he_o as_o also_o how_o to_o maintain_v boldness_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o useful_a point_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o let_v many_o poor_a soul_n under_o darkness_n know_v whence_o that_o deadness_n and_o flatnesse_n of_o spirit_n which_o they_o be_v ever_o compla_v of_o in_o prayer_n do_v proceed_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o darken_v their_o evidence_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o find_v matter_n of_o charge_n against_o themselves_o to_o the_o shake_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o they_o can_v have_v that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n and_o livelynesse_n in_o prayer_n which_o they_o desire_v this_o be_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v cut_v off_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o then_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v go_v they_o clip_v the_o very_a wing_n upon_o which_o prayer_n shall_v raise_v itself_o heaven-ward_n and_o then_o they_o complain_v they_o can_v fly_v so_o high_a in_o duty_n as_o they_o will_v qu._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v if_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o darkness_n i_o can_v call_v god_n father_n with_o confidence_n answ_n 1._o acknowledge_v with_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o unworthiness_n of_o thou_o which_o discourage_v thou_o say_v lord_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n as_o the_o prodigal_n do_v and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v to_o fill_v thy_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o sense_n hereof_o 2._o acquaint_v he_o with_o thy_o particular_a straightness_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o tell_v he_o what_o tie_v thy_o tongue_n that_o thou_o will_v pray_v but_o thou_o dare_v not_o own_o any_o relation_n to_o he_o desire_v he_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n to_o discover_v that_o relation_n to_o thou_o that_o may_v embolden_v thou_o to_o his_o service_n 3._o maintain_v notwithstanding_o this_o thy_o claim_n to_o god_n as_o thy_o father_n upon_o those_o promise_n upon_o which_o at_o first_o thou_o do_v believe_v god_n warrant_v every_o soul_n to_o call_v he_o father_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o desire_n to_o become_v his_o child_n none_o ever_o call_v god_n father_n out_o of_o a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o that_o relation_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o from_o who_o god_n refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o title_n we_o never_o find_v god_n quarrel_n with_o any_o upon_o this_o account_n for_o call_v he_o father_n except_o they_o be_v such_o as_o deny_v he_o filial_a duty_n and_o reverence_n suppose_v then_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o call_v god_n father_n upon_o evidence_n of_o particular_a faith_n yet_o do_v it_o upon_o ground_n of_o reliance_n such_o as_o his_o offer_n invitation_n promise_n plead_v that_o promise_n of_o relation_n 2_o corinth_n 6._o 18._o 4_o ask_v spiritual_a good_a thing_n of_o he_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o relation_n and_o urge_v he_o with_o his_o fatherly_a bowel_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o poor_a soul_n that_o come_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o call_v he_o father_n at_o adventure_n upon_o christ_n score_n and_o see_v whether_o he_o can_v disclaim_v the_o name_n the_o advantage_n of_o this_o will_v be_v the_o hear_n and_o grant_v of_o thy_o petition_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o thy_o interest_n no_o great_a foundation_n of_o assurance_n than_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n psal_n 66._o 19_o see_v what_o a_o kind_n of_o argument_n the_o holy_a man_n draw_v assurance_n from_o in_o that_o place_n if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n but_o very_o god_n have_v hear_v i_o that_o be_v the_o minor_a proposition_n the_o conclusion_n be_v natural_a therefore_o i_o do_v not_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n so_o in_o this_o case_n the_o argument_n will_v be_v undeniable_a god_n hear_v none_o but_o son_n but_o god_n hear_v i_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o son_n quest_n but_o suppose_v some_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_o die_v then_o ordinary_a straighten_v i_o and_o weaken_v my_o confidence_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n answ_n 1_o then_o sensible_o confess_v and_o bewail_v that_o sin_n before_o god_n acknowledge_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o only_o deserve_v the_o darken_n of_o thy_o own_o faith_n but_o also_o the_o darken_n of_o his_o face_n and_o that_o not_o only_o here_o but_o
hereafter_o for_o ever_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v with_o what_o face_n to_o call_v he_o father_n have_v so_o mis-behaved_n thyself_o towards_o he_o 2_o apply_v thyself_o to_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o renew_a pardon_n and_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o pardon_n may_v open_v thy_o mouth_n again_o psal_n 51_o 12_o 13_o 15._o 3_o consider_v thy_o acceptance_n depend_v not_o on_o thy_o own_o worthiness_n but_o on_o his_o mere_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o sinner_n and_o a_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n 1_o joh_n 2._o 1_o 2._o 4_o put_v a_o bold_a face_n upon_o it_o as_o we_o say_v and_o adventure_n as_o before_o upon_o the_o claim_n of_o that_o relation_n and_o use_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o all_o necessary_a grace_n from_o god_n resolve_v in_o case_n thou_o ever_o see_v his_o face_n again_o in_o love_n yea_o though_o thou_o shall_v never_o see_v it_o again_o to_o watch_v against_o thy_o corruption_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o walk_v more_o careful_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o relation_n then_o ever_o before_o follow_v on_o this_o course_n though_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o thy_o own_o jealous_a heart_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v thy_o heart_n grow_v warm_a and_o thy_o pulse_n more_o quick_a by_o a_o sensible_a recovery_n of_o lose_a spirit_n and_o life_n to_o thy_o prayer_n ii_o this_o let_v we_o know_v how_o we_o may_v maintain_v when_o we_o have_v and_o recover_v when_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o heat_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o confidence_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o prayer_n to_o wit_n by_o maintain_v our_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n 1_o john_n 5._o 14_o 15._o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o who_o he_o endeavour_v by_o several_a token_n to_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o then_o draw_v up_o the_o advantage_n of_o that_o assurance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o or_o concern_v he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o etc._n etc._n the_o way_n then_o to_o keep_v present_a and_o renew_v lose_v boldness_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o renew_v assurance_n of_o god_n love_n by_o the_o spirit_n how_o you_o may_v do_v that_o i_o have_v show_v before_o at_o large_a and_o so_o shall_v spare_v repetition_n here_o chap._n l._n three_o duty_n press_v on_o all_o assure_a saint_n the_o first_o to_o be_v much_o improve_n the_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n frequently-urged_n with_o eight_o motive_n iii_o this_o stir_v up_o all_o who_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o three_o duty_n 1_o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n 1_o those_z that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v it_o nor_o be_v they_o excusable_a for_o slight_v it_o over_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n now_o if_o they_o must_v drive_v on_o in_o this_o road_n who_o because_o the_o wheel_n of_o their_o chariot_n be_v take_v off_o must_v needs_o drive_v heavy_o how_o be_v you_o bind_v who_o have_v wheel_n and_o those_o oil_v too_o that_o you_o may_v go_v on_o the_o more_o cheerful_o 2._o if_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v what_o you_o neglect_v the_o comfortable_a refreshment_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o make_v you_o howl_v after_o he_o under_o spiritual_a darkness_n in_o a_o wide_a and_o howl_a wilderness_n of_o desertion_n and_o temptation_n you_o will_v find_v a_o difference_n between_o sail_v in_o a_o clear_a day_n and_o a_o calm_a sea_n and_o steer_v the_o same_o vessel_n in_o a_o dark_a night_n and_o stormy_a sea_n when_o neither_o sun_n nor_o moon_n nor_o star_n appear_v to_o direct_v the_o course_n and_o then_o you_o will_v wish_v you_o have_v use_v day_n of_o spiritual_a peace_n for_o maintain_v trade_n with_o god_n troublesome_a time_n be_v bad_a time_n to_o trade_n in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o adventure_n and_o return_n must_v needs_o cool_v the_o merchant_n endeavour_n 3_o other_o may_v but_o you_o must_v prevail_v with_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o arrow_n of_o prayer_n which_o by_o soul_n in_o darkness_n be_v shoot_v at_o adventure_n be_v not_o altogether_o without_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n but_o you_o be_v beyond_o possibility_n of_o miscarry_v and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o themselves_o but_o to_o you_o also_o you_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n be_v particular_o assure_v that_o whatever_o you_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o word_n he_o hear_v you_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 14_o 15._o 4_o hope_n to_o speed_n be_v the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n assurance_n as_o i_o before_o have_v show_v will_v be_v maintain_v by_o prayer_n and_o weaken_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o a_o friend_n and_o never_o so_o certain_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n yet_o disuse_n of_o intercourse_n will_v occasion_v jealousy_n and_o distrust_n or_o at_o least_o shynesse_n and_o fear_n of_o be_v too_o bold_a with_o each_o other_o 5_o you_o wrong_v many_o other_o you_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n how_o many_o petition_n of_o poor_a dark_a saint_n in_o corner_n be_v put_v into_o your_o hand_n for_o dispatch_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n how_o many_o occasion_n wherein_o you_o may_v serve_v the_o church_n come_v athwart_o you_o as_o we_o say_v daily_a and_o can_v you_o betray_v all_o these_o by_o your_o negligence_n of_o improve_n your_o interest_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n no_o man_n may_v do_v more_o good_a if_o he_o attend_v with_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n than_o a_o honest_a favourite_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n you_o must_v not_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o only_o but_o for_o they_o that_o can_v pray_v too_o you_o that_o be_v god_n favourite_n may_v do_v much_o good_a if_o you_o bestir_v yourselves_o 6_o know_v this_o also_o that_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o music_n of_o your_o prayer_n other_o man_n always_o find_v matter_n of_o complaint_n but_o you_o be_v more_o fit_v for_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o he_o that_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o god_n delight_v most_o in_o such_o a_o petitioner_n i_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o god_n do_v not_o also_o delight_v in_o the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n as_o they_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o petition_n but_o yet_o sure_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v god_n love_v that_o prayer_n most_o that_o most_o carry_v man_n out_o of_o himself_o to_o he_o and_o praise_n of_o assure_a soul_n be_v such_o give_v duty_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v as_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o in_o a_o sort_n bestow_v upon_o he_o 7_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o very_a present_a comfort_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o advantage_n to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o duty_n how_o be_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n wont_a to_o rejoice_v if_o god_n give_v they_o now_o and_o then_o a_o glance_n of_o his_o countenance_n how_o when_o they_o have_v not_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o for_o a_o while_n do_v they_o complain_v as_o if_o every_o day_n be_v a_o year_n every_o year_n a_o age_n and_o be_v the_o refreshment_n of_o that_o communion_n so_o slight_a unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o can_v now_o pass_v many_o day_n it_o may_v be_v week_n without_o any_o sensible_a affection_n of_o grief_n and_o trouble_n at_o the_o slenderness_n of_o intercourse_n between_o thy_o soul_n and_o he_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v not_o through_o his_o strangeness_n but_o through_o thy_o own_o 8_o consider_v what_o this_o liberty_n of_o approach_v to_o god_n cost_v christ_n for_o thou_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o dear_a blood_n to_o bring_v thou_o so_o nigh_o ephes_n 2._o 13._o and_o heb._n 10._o 20._o he_o have_v consecrate_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n through_o the_o vail_n ay_o e._n his_o flesh_n chap._n li._n a_o second_o duty_n press_v upon_o they_o viz._n stir_v up_o all_o their_o grace_n to_o pray_v with_o life_n and_o fervency_n upon_o six_o motive_n 2_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o you_o pray_v with_o life_n and_o fervency_n when_o we_o be_v bid_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n that_o prohibition_n stand_v between_o two_o verse_n wherein_o the_o proper_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o spirit_n alive_a in_o the_o soul_n be_v prescribe_v pray_v without_o cease_v and_o in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o 20_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o go_v before_o and_o despise_v not_o prophesy_v come_v after_o imply_v if_o our_o affection_n be_v indifferent_a to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v we_o need_v use_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n fire_n will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o neglect_n