any_o grace_n in_o himself_o from_o god_n but_o also_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n serve_v he_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o of_o to_o shut_v god_n out_o from_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o all_o these_o man_n and_o their_o matter_n that_o he_o take_v it_o rather_o for_o fury_n and_o madness_n in_o man_n to_o think_v otherwise_o special_o see_v both_o man_n &_o matter_n plain_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o be_v it_o never_o so_o small_a but_o that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o the_o beck_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o as_o for_o man_n himself_o he_o be_v so_o far_o of_o from_o guide_v &_o govern_v these_o thing_n that_o either_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o else_o if_o he_o have_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v thing_n worthy_a either_o to_o be_v belove_v or_o to_o be_v hate_v he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o use_v they_o now_o what_o will_v this_o avail_n to_o prove_v doubt_v for_o our_o good_a estate_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n before_o god_n whereas_o it_o speak_v that_o the_o unregenerate_a who_o beastly_a blindness_n and_o blockishness_n be_v so_o great_a that_o neither_o can_v they_o discern_v of_o god_n administration_n &_o government_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o condition_n nor_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o wide_a and_o indeed_o unnatural_a &_o unreasonable_a that_o from_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v judge_v of_o those_o that_o be_v enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v from_o god_n but_o we_o will_v leave_v this_o and_o proceed_v to_o the_o sift_v examine_v and_o answer_v of_o such_o place_n as_o they_o produce_v and_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n special_o such_o as_o they_o make_v most_o account_n of_o and_o press_v most_o as_o they_o that_o must_v bear_v the_o stress_n of_o this_o cause_n place_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n 1_o the_o first_o place_n which_o they_o object_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v rom._n 3._o verse_n 28._o which_o they_o turn_v thus_o we_o think_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n and_o thereupon_o they_o infer_v and_o enforce_v that_o since_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o word_n of_o think_v that_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o affirm_v concern_v his_o own_o justification_n but_o we_o have_v many_o exception_n against_o this_o interpretation_n as_o first_o that_o though_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o old_a latin_a translation_n yet_o the_o word_n that_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o the_o original_n be_v of_o a_o more_o sure_a and_o certain_a signification_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o reason_n or_o to_o gather_v together_o or_o out_o of_o the_o premise_n to_o put_v down_o a_o collect_v or_o sure_a assertion_n and_o the_o same_o to_o deliver_v also_o in_o word_n or_o speech_n and_o this_o almost_o all_o the_o greek_a interpreter_n the_o best_a expositor_n of_o their_o own_o word_n have_v observe_v and_o special_o theophilactus_fw-la who_o turn_v the_o simple_a verb_n that_o the_o apostle_n use_v by_o a_o compound_n which_o signify_v by_o reason_v to_o evince_v together_o and_o out_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o only_o probable_o but_o true_o put_v down_o necessary_o to_o effect_v and_o conclude_v but_o suppose_v we_o have_v not_o this_o in_o just_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n yet_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o doubt_v and_o think_v the_o one_o always_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o under_o it_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o other_o many_o time_n have_v certainty_n adjoin_v with_o it_o for_o though_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n the_o word_n to_o think_v be_v doubt_o use_v yet_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o good_a and_o approve_a author_n that_o very_o often_o it_o signify_v after_o the_o propound_v of_o diverse_a opinion_n and_o sentence_n to_o choose_v out_o that_o which_o a_o man_n will_v affirm_v and_o maintain_v and_o so_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n it_o impli_v not_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncerten_a imagination_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n the_o apostle_n will_v not_o deal_v so_o sleighte_o with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o but_o a_o assure_a and_o steadfast_a affirmation_n which_o as_o yet_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n above_o mention_v so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o matter_n the_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o hand_n which_o be_v free_a justification_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n of_o which_o howsoever_o sometime_o some_o good_a man_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o behold_v of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v or_o do_v doubt_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v most_o sure_a and_o stable_a and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o will_v continual_o confound_v the_o term_n of_o doubt_v and_o think_v this_o text_n or_o testimony_n will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o doubtful_a signification_n always_o then_o must_v it_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o place_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o same_o every_o where_n and_o can_v be_v vary_v as_o in_o respect_n of_o difference_n or_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o that_o can_v be_v so_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o word_n in_o other_o place_n &_o namely_o in_o some_o place_n of_o this_o epistle_n can_v admit_v or_o receive_v this_o doubtful_a sense_n and_o therefore_o not_o hear_v neither_o we_o will_v but_o take_v one_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o namely_o rom._n 8._o verse_n 18._o for_o i_o think_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v show_v unto_o us._n what_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o this_o point_n whether_o that_o our_o suffering_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v unequal_a sure_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v well_o enough_o the_o great_a odds_n and_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o and_o that_o make_v he_o in_o another_o place_n to_o say_v our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o while_n cause_v unto_o we_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o i_o suppose_v very_o the_o gross_a papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a meritemonger_n among_o they_o will_v not_o defend_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n between_o the_o suffering_n of_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a joy_n of_o eternal_a life_n beside_o what_o logician_n be_v there_o that_o see_v not_o that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n falacia_fw-la homo_fw-la nymias_fw-la that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o equivocation_n or_o doubtful_a and_o diverse_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n to_o think_v which_o though_o sometime_o &_o in_o some_o place_n it_o may_v signify_v to_o doubt_v &_o yet_o that_o have_v be_v show_v on_o this_o part_n yet_o here_o for_o the_o reason_n above_o allege_v it_o must_v signify_v certainty_n and_o assurednes_n though_o not_o of_o the_o feel_n of_o this_o truth_n always_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o sometime_o feel_v it_o and_o sometime_o not_o yet_o of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o which_o can_v be_v no_o more_o uncerten_a then_o god_n himself_o from_o who_o it_o commteh_a or_o they_o the_o spirit_n itself_o by_o which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v &_o deliver_v the_o same_o to_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o from_o the_o former_a disputation_n or_o point_n that_o before_o have_v be_v handle_v he_o do_v necessary_o gather_v &_o fine_o conclude_v that_o a_o christian_n or_o faithful_a man_n be_v justify_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o good_a reason_n he_o shall_v conclude_v so_o out_o of_o the_o premise_n for_o he_o have_v before_o evince_v &_o prove_v this_o that_o all_o man_n whether_o they_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n the_o gentile_n without_o the_o law_n &_o the_o jew_n by_o &_o under_o the_o law_n be_v sinner_n and_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n &_o therefore_o destitute_a &_o void_a of_o righteousness_n in_o &_o of_o themselves_o &_o righteous_a they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v but_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o christ_n righteousness_n &_o the_o same_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o therefore_o
whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v have_v good_a success_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v loath_a witting_o on_o willing_o as_o we_o say_v to_o offend_v and_o displease_v he_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o sentence_n here_o but_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n of_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v that_o lord_n where_o also_o we_o be_v to_o know_v further_o that_o such_o sentence_n be_v propound_v unto_o we_o not_o to_o strike_v doubtfulness_n or_o distrust_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v in_o they_o natural_o &_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n god_n labour_v by_o so_o many_o mean_n to_o remove_v from_o they_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n the_o participation_n of_o his_o sacrament_n the_o pledge_n &_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o deed_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o we_o must_v so_o expound_v his_o word_n as_o we_o find_v no_o contradition_n in_o the_o place_n themselves_o nor_o load_v he_o with_o any_o opposition_n who_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n &_o in_o his_o word_n also_o be_v always_o but_o one_o but_o in_o they_o that_o set_n before_o their_o eye_n on_o the_o one_o side_n their_o own_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o good_a that_o god_n require_v of_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o depend_v whole_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o no_o way_n swell_v with_o the_o confidence_n of_o any_o gift_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o also_o strive_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o to_o do_v that_o that_o the_o lord_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n and_o what_o will_v this_o serve_v to_o uphold_v doubtfullnes_n or_o distrust_n of_o hart_n in_o god_n child_n 6_o the_o last_o place_n that_o they_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v any_o marrow_n or_o strength_n in_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastes_n or_o the_o book_n of_o the_o preacher_n cha_n 9_o ver_fw-la 1._o which_o they_o turn_v and_o expound_v after_o this_o manner_n man_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a love_n or_o hatred_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o popish_a language_n &_o as_o they_o interpret_v it_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o grace_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o no._n where_o first_o we_o may_v not_o dissemble_v this_o that_o as_o in_o other_o place_n so_o here_o they_o dissent_v from_o the_o original_a verity_n both_o in_o their_o translation_n &_o in_o their_o sense_n for_o these_o word_n be_v in_o hebrew_n thus_o even_o or_o either_o love_n even_o or_o either_o hatred_n know_v not_o man_n all_o which_o be_v before_o their_o face_n whereas_o we_o may_v perceive_v in_o their_o translation_n they_o add_v the_o word_n worthy_a which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v and_o in_o their_o interpretation_n or_o sense_n they_o add_v god_n and_o his_o favour_n or_o hatred_n there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o text_n any_o of_o the_o name_n whereby_o god_n be_v call_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o deliver_v that_o which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n here_o i_o think_v that_o even_o the_o text_n as_o they_o turn_v it_o will_v not_o evince_v that_o for_o which_o they_o allege_v it_o for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v they_o that_o love_n and_o hatred_n shall_v in_o this_o place_n be_v understand_v of_o god_n love_n &_o hatred_n towards_o man_n yet_o this_o i_o think_v we_o may_v say_v of_o it_o namely_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o understand_v it_o either_o of_o man_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n word_n and_o unbeliever_n or_o else_o of_o his_o love_n and_o hatred_n towards_o such_o as_o of_o who_o faith_n we_o doubt_v not_o for_o between_o these_o two_o there_o be_v no_o mean_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o incredulous_a &_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v have_v tell_v we_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v conden_v already_o because_o he_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n &_o since_o he_o have_v give_v the_o judgement_n we_o judge_v not_o according_a to_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o his_o truth_n that_o can_v err_v and_o beside_o he_o that_o beleve_v not_o the_o gospel_n as_o he_o know_v not_o god_n himself_o with_o effect_n and_o fruit_n so_o he_o know_v not_o neither_o for_o himself_o nor_o for_o other_o those_o who_o god_n love_v or_o hate_v or_o of_o what_o force_n his_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v we_o must_v therefore_o understand_v of_o the_o faithful_a &_o believer_n who_o though_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o other_o man_n special_o by_o their_o outward_a estate_n of_o which_o it_o seem_v solomon_n speak_v here_o whether_o god_n love_v any_o man_n or_o hate_v he_o yet_o concern_v himself_o or_o for_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n towards_o he_o he_o can_v either_o be_v ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o it_o because_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o as_o a_o adopt_a child_n and_o that_o by_o better_a proof_n and_o pledge_n then_o outward_a mercy_n as_o we_o may_v perceive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o 7._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v go_v eat_v thy_o bread_n with_o joy_n etc._n etc._n for_o god_n now_o accept_v thy_o work_n but_o also_o by_o this_o of_o john_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n four_o chapter_n herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n make_v manifest_a among_o we_o because_o god_n send_v that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o and_o sundry_a such_o other_o place_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o school_n or_o a_o evil_a favour_a argument_n by_o outward_a thing_n man_n can_v determine_v of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v conclude_v of_o it_o out_o of_o god_n word_n what_o and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v reason_v thus_o in_o the_o same_o book_n solomon_n say_v we_o can_v by_o outward_a event_n see_v a_o sensible_a difference_n betwixt_o man_n soul_n and_o beast_n life_n because_o the_o end_n of_o either_o be_v alike_o therefore_o we_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n discern_v the_o difference_n it_o be_v false_a and_o indeed_o will_v not_o hold_v or_o follow_v by_o all_o these_o thing_n than_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o howesoever_o we_o understand_v this_o place_n of_o the_o love_n or_o hatred_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n that_o yet_o it_o will_v make_v nothing_o for_o the_o papist_n to_o establish_v their_o doctrine_n of_o doubt_v touch_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o full_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v take_v no_o advantage_n of_o this_o that_o papist_n affirm_v that_o such_o as_o offend_v against_o their_o conscience_n do_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o they_o be_v under_o god_n hatred_n and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o do_v by_o this_o doctrine_n across_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n and_o again_o it_o that_o be_v true_a in_o offend_v party_n why_o shall_v they_o enjoin_v such_o as_o be_v turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v unfeigned_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o let_v we_o return_v and_o deliver_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n and_o see_v whether_o that_o will_v help_v any_o whit_n at_o all_o i_o know_v that_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_a expositor_n also_o do_v give_v diverse_a sense_n of_o this_o one_o place_n but_o to_o i_o this_o follow_v seem_v most_o right_a in_o this_o chapter_n as_o i_o take_v it_o he_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o administration_n or_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n as_o be_v beyond_o man_n reach_n &_o he_o set_v it_o out_o by_o sundry_a particular_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n and_o some_o of_o the_o verse_n follow_v and_o indeed_o respect_v man_n person_n and_o the_o several_a event_n and_o success_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o first_o verse_n he_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o flesh_n &_o blood_n concern_v the_o person_n themselves_o but_o also_o express_v what_o he_o himself_o conceive_v of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n this_o be_v it_o then_o that_o he_o mean_v that_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n not_o only_o to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o can_v by_o
make_v supplication_n to_o my_o judge_n and_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o that_o other_o beside_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v every_o where_o david_n psal_n 143._o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v none_o that_o live_v be_v justify_v and_o paul_n though_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o for_o all_o that_o justify_v before_o god_n and_o so_o he_o declare_v that_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n must_v altogether_o distrust_v their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o which_o can_v yield_v they_o no_o other_o comfort_n almost_o but_o doubtfulness_n and_o distrust_n and_o rely_v upon_o god_n grace_n only_o and_o by_o that_o even_o to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n knowe_a that_o even_a here_o that_o be_v true_a which_o saint_n james_n say_v mercy_n rejoice_v against_o condemnation_n but_o suppose_v this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n and_o that_o that_o translation_n of_o they_o be_v true_a and_o right_a yet_o i_o think_v that_o shall_v make_v little_a or_o nothing_o for_o they_o in_o this_o behalf_n for_o they_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o upon_o it_o but_o this_o at_o the_o uttermost_a namely_o that_o job_n complain_v that_o though_o he_o be_v innocent_a yet_o his_o soul_n feel_v not_o it_o because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v rend_v in_o sunder_o and_o overthrow_v with_o the_o scourge_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o job_n innocency_n in_o itself_o without_o respect_n or_o comparison_n and_o namely_o of_o this_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o sore_a chastisement_n he_o can_v not_o feel_v it_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o help_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o say_v that_o he_o be_v altogether_o innocent_a since_o no_o flesh_n live_v be_v without_o sin_n but_o every_o one_o transgress_v and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n james_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 5_o a_o other_o place_n they_o bring_v out_o of_o pet._n 28._o verse_n 14._o where_n it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o where_o first_o we_o say_v that_o fear_n and_o doubt_v differ_v and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o name_n &_o title_n but_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o effect_n also_o for_o doubt_v breed_v distrustfulness_n as_o one_o vice_n engender_v another_o whereas_o fear_n work_v care_n circumspection_n reverence_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v il_fw-mi do_v thus_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v it_o to_o speak_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o word_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v already_o or_o the_o sense_n which_o we_o hear_v anon_o will_v bear_v now_o for_o the_o meaning_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o solomon_n in_o this_o place_n mean_v the_o fear_n that_o we_o common_o call_v filial_a childlike_a or_o such_o as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o have_v adjoin_v with_o it_o a_o reverend_a love_n &_o love_a reverence_n towards_o their_o father_n mother_n etc._n etc._n it_o work_v also_o in_o they_o carefulness_n not_o so_o much_o to_o do_v the_o good_a thing_n enjoin_v they_o for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v they_o lack_v ability_n and_o power_n as_o to_o avoid_v indeed_o the_o evil_a thing_n their_o parent_n have_v forbid_v they_o &_o they_o know_v will_v displease_v they_o and_o because_o god_n be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o far_o exceed_v all_o earthly_a friend_n and_o parent_n whatsoever_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o even_o the_o same_o be_v mean_v here_o towards_o god_n yea_o there_o be_v as_o a_o man_n may_v say_v command_v to_o be_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n acknowledge_v and_o feel_v god_n judgement_n and_o wrath_n against_o sin_n and_o work_a desire_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o shun_v all_o corruption_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o conversation_n because_o with_o such_o thing_n god_n be_v high_o displease_v and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v two_o common_a faulâ—s_n among_o other_o in_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o all_o adam_n posterity_n the_o first_o be_v carefulness_n and_o security_n by_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v to_o make_v small_a account_n if_o not_o to_o contemn_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_a god_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o second_o be_v pride_n and_o presumption_n thrust_v man_n forward_o not_o only_o beyond_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n but_o even_o into_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n power_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n both_o which_o sin_n bring_v forth_o this_o bitter_a effect_n that_o god_n judgement_n be_v little_a or_o no_o whit_n at_o all_o regard_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o phatao_n and_o his_o secure_a and_o proud_a people_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n also_o commend_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o holy_a sentence_n the_o reverence_n and_o fear_n of_o almighty_a god_n go_v about_o therein_o even_o to_o express_v these_o as_o other_o sin_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o a_o holy_a and_o continual_a care_n watchfulness_n yea_o and_o if_o we_o will_v fear_v that_o we_o sin_v not_o or_o offend_v against_o god_n nor_o in_o any_o respect_n if_o we_o can_v fail_v in_o our_o duty_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o towards_o ourselves_o as_o though_o solomon_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o fear_v much_o continual_o for_o so_o much_o i_o think_v will_v the_o text_n itself_o bear_v both_o in_o the_o word_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o conjugation_n that_o the_o verb_n be_v use_v in_o to_o wit_n that_o he_o sin_v not_o or_o offend_v against_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a commandment_n and_o that_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v forsake_v and_o cast_v away_o from_o god_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v two_o reason_n of_o this_o sense_n the_o one_o from_o the_o word_n itself_o turn_v here_o fear_n which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v fear_n of_o evil_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n or_o of_o sin_n but_o also_o to_o fear_v with_o reverence_n and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o the_o thing_n or_o party_n fear_v but_o also_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o he_o that_o do_v fear_n he_o be_v draw_v thereinto_o not_o only_o by_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v as_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o base_a and_o weak_a estate_n but_o even_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reverence_n and_o excellency_n of_o he_o before_o who_o he_o tremble_v and_o from_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o genes_n 31._o ver_fw-la 42._o god_n be_v call_v the_o fear_n of_o izhak_n the_o second_o from_o thing_n proceed_v or_o go_v before_o in_o the_o text_n and_o also_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n itself_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o verse_n next_o and_o immediate_o go_v before_o this_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o transgression_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n and_o thereunto_o he_o adjoin_v this_o say_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v much_o continual_o as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v he_o that_o by_o a_o godly_a fear_n be_v draw_v to_o the_o unfeigned_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o loathe_n and_o leave_v of_o the_o same_o and_o by_o loathe_v of_o they_o to_o sincere_a repentance_n be_v in_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a estate_n though_o perhaps_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o time_n present_a or_o man_n of_o the_o world_n continual_o will_v never_o think_v so_o yet_o bless_v and_o happy_a must_v he_o be_v because_o god_n have_v so_o pronounce_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v he_o say_v but_o he_o that_o harden_v his_o hart_n shall_v fall_v into_o evil_n we_o know_v this_o be_v usual_a in_o these_o proverbial_a sentence_n that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v opposite_a to_o another_o when_o therefore_o he_o have_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o fear_v much_o continual_o &_o by_o &_o by_o add_v but_o he_o that_o harden_v his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n he_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o mind_v to_o commend_v &_o set_v out_o such_o a_o fear_n of_o offend_v and_o displease_v god_n as_o be_v opposite_a to_o hardness_n of_o hart_n contemn_v god_n wherefore_o doubtless_o he_o mind_v to_o signify_v the_o secure_a &_o proud_a person_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o not_o be_v move_v neither_o by_o god_n commandment_n nor_o threaten_n lay_v the_o reins_n in_o their_o own_o neck_n &_o follow_v their_o pleasure_n shall_v sure_o fall_v into_o wrath_n and_o punishment_n
absolute_a and_o infinite_a in_o some_o measure_n unto_o we_o our_o knowledge_n come_v from_o he_o and_o infuse_v into_o we_o do_v entitle_v we_o in_o our_o measure_n thereunto_o and_o yet_o notwistanding_n he_o in_o sense_n before_o the_o only_a knower_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o as_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n in_o his_o word_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o this_o matter_n and_o by_o many_o mean_n to_o labour_v not_o only_o our_o knowledge_n therein_o but_o also_o our_o assurance_n thereof_o as_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o these_o notable_a sentence_n 2._o cor._n 13._o prove_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o that_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n he_o double_v this_o exhortation_n or_o commandment_n rather_o that_o so_o he_o may_v express_v the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o point_n and_o the_o 1._o john_n 3._o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o sound_a love_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n even_o god_n himself_o assure_v our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o natural_a thing_n we_o do_v from_o the_o effect_n gather_v of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o not_o only_o probable_o but_o certain_o for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o be_v the_o effect_n so_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o may_v yea_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o like_a wherein_o though_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o other_o that_o be_v hypocrite_n we_o may_v be_v sometime_o deceive_v yet_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o if_o we_o have_v wise_a judgement_n and_o be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o thing_n that_o differ_v we_o can_v light_o err_v for_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n of_o this_o syllogism_n we_o confess_v it_o also_o to_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o in_o sense_n before_o the_o very_a self_n same_o serve_v to_o clear_a and_o answer_v this_o proposition_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o mayor_n but_o because_o they_o suppose_v this_o argument_n to_o be_v weak_a they_o adjoine_v unto_o it_o another_o as_o like_o it_o both_o for_o form_n of_o reason_v &_o pith_n or_o strength_n to_o prove_v as_o possible_a may_v be_v so_o that_o a_o egg_n be_v not_o so_o like_a to_o a_o egg_n as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o proverb_n than_o one_o of_o they_o be_v like_o another_o say_v he_o that_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n he_o can_v know_v touch_v his_o salvation_n for_o that_o be_v to_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_n of_o man_n which_o belong_v only_o unto_o god_n but_o no_o man_n know_v the_o heart_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a unto_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v know_v or_o be_v assure_v touch_v salvation_n whereunto_o though_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o former_a may_v suffice_v for_o full_a answer_n yet_o a_o word_n or_o two_o more_o to_o this_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o can_v say_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v easy_o answer_v the_o mayor_n if_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o absolute_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v utter_o false_a not_o only_o because_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o knowledge_n but_o also_o because_o that_o the_o measure_n &_o manner_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n be_v sufficient_a enough_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o make_v they_o by_o sound_a effect_n and_o fruit_n charitable_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o though_o it_o do_v not_o or_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o that_o fullness_n thereof_o that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n adjoin_v to_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n neither_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o cause_n for_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v have_v give_v in_o some_o measure_n that_o grace_n unto_o man_n and_o special_o to_o his_o child_n and_o yet_o have_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o thereof_o in_o himself_o or_o equal_v they_o thereby_o unto_o his_o majesty_n the_o minor_a likewise_o be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v that_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o sound_v other_o man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o extraordinary_o as_o peter_n do_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n his_o wife_n act._n 5._o but_o ordinary_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o place_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o allege_v and_o yet_o not_o rush_v into_o god_n office_n or_o be_v induce_v with_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a knowledge_n as_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v utter_o deceive_v that_o object_n this_o but_o for_o final_a answer_n in_o a_o word_n we_o say_v further_o though_o he_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n know_v the_o heart_n can_v absolute_o know_v it_o as_o god_n because_o that_o which_o be_v in_o he_o in_o all_o fullness_n be_v be_v he_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o god_n which_o distribute_v his_o grace_n see_v good_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v absolute_o know_v either_o himself_o or_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o god_n or_o can_v be_v precedent_n or_o immediate_a matter_n judge_v or_o determine_v thereof_o for_o indeed_o that_o be_v to_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n yet_o by_o subsequent_a thing_n or_o mean_n man_n may_v know_v as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o effect_n from_o cause_n or_o by_o consequent_n of_o or_o from_o antecedent_n and_o not_o only_o probable_o but_o true_o and_o certain_o gather_v concern_v the_o matter_n and_o i_o think_v this_o argument_n may_v well_o be_v retort_v and_o cast_v back_o again_o thus_o against_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o he_o that_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n his_o own_o and_o other_o man_n heart_n may_v from_o thence_o charitable_o gather_v for_o other_o and_o certain_o conclude_v for_o himself_o touch_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a life_n or_o else_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a the_o light_n raise_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n and_o of_o no_o use_n but_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o feel_v in_o themselves_o this_o grace_n therefore_o they_o may_v know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consequent_a need_v not_o to_o doubt_v though_o not_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o so_o who_o will_v not_o be_v overwhelm_v therewith_o yet_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o be_v faithful_a and_o fast_o in_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o grace_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o also_o 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o enforce_v thus_o he_o that_o know_v not_o god_n will_n he_o can_v know_v god_n grace_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o salvation_n but_o no_o man_n know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v who_o have_v not_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o be_v his_o counsellor_n which_o word_n be_v repeat_v isaiah_n 48.13_o &_o roman_n 11.34_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v know_v or_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n but_o we_o will_v answer_v first_o unto_o the_o mayor_n or_o proposition_n by_o distinguish_v second_o unto_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n by_o explain_v or_o expound_v right_o the_o place_n allege_v god_n though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n can_v have_v but_o one_o will_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o and_o man_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n who_o be_v by_o many_o mean_n and_o way_n distinguish_v from_o himself_o he_o have_v indeed_o &_o be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v a_o double_a will_n that_o be_v one_o secret_a in_o himself_o &_o the_o other_o reveal_v to_o man_n special_o to_o his_o people_n in_o his_o word_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o speak_v any_o thing_n herein_o without_o warrant_n let_v we_o mark_v what_o god_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o law_n deuter._n 29._o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o the_o thing_n reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n in_o this_o behalf_n or_o matter_n respect_v god_n will_v man_n be_v common_o sick_a of_o two_o sin_n that_o be_v curiosity_n to_o search_v further_o than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v and_o negligence_n or_o contempt_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v in_o these_o word_n and_o by_o this_o distinction_n god_n go_v about_o to_o repress_v and_o redress_n both_o teach_v man_n so_o to_o abstain_v from_o be_v wise_a above_o measure_n and_o search_v into_o his_o way_n counsel_n and_o judgement_n that_o be_v beyond_o their_o reach_n that_o yet_o
though_o that_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o full_a answer_n unto_o all_o yet_o it_o like_v we_o a_o little_a further_o to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o herein_o if_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n do_v depend_v either_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o of_o the_o dignity_n and_o worthiness_n of_o our_o work_n than_o the_o mayor_n proposition_n shall_v of_o necessity_n be_v true_a but_o that_o can_v be_v because_o the_o law_n be_v not_o give_v to_o justify_v but_o to_o condemn_v rather_o and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o a_o defile_a cloth_n &_o so_o indeed_o we_o shall_v never_o sure_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o touch_n our_o salvation_n or_o find_v peace_n of_o conscience_n at_o home_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o neither_o of_o those_o be_v true_a the_o mayor_n or_o proposition_n can_v be_v sound_a or_o right_o but_o since_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n &_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v not_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o work_n but_o be_v from_o christ_n absolute_a obedience_n &_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o every_o where_n teach_v that_o christ_n be_v therefore_o send_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v save_v sinner_n and_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n may_v make_v we_o righteouse_a through_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o mayor_n or_o proposition_n separate_v as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v from_o christ_n and_o understand_v as_o it_o must_v be_v and_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o minor_a not_o of_o christ_n but_o of_o our_o obedience_n can_v not_o be_v true_a beside_o since_o the_o word_n general_o and_o more_o particular_o the_o gospel_n a_o special_a part_n of_o it_o every_o where_o instruct_v we_o not_o to_o respect_v our_o own_o dignity_n or_o worthiness_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o but_o all_o manner_n of_o unworthines_n nor_o yet_o to_o behold_v our_o own_o unworthiness_n otherwise_o then_o to_o humble_v we_o before_o god_n and_o in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v we_o to_o run_v unto_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o righteousness_n more_o earnest_o &_o speedy_o then_o we_o do_v but_o send_v we_o unto_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n that_o so_o for_o his_o sake_n we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v both_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v before_o he_o and_o receive_v unto_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o receive_v but_o much_o and_o great_a reason_n to_o refuse_v this_o minor_a as_o unsound_a insufficient_a either_o utter_o exclude_v or_o else_o no_o whit_n at_o all_o mention_v christ_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n and_o in_o who_o be_v justify_v through_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o say_v further_o that_o since_o by_o the_o law_n righteousness_n can_v come_v unto_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o namely_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galathian_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v therefore_o make_v manifest_a that_o both_o it_o may_v discover_v unto_o we_o a_o mean_a a_o manner_n yea_o and_o matter_n of_o justification_n that_o in_o the_o law_n can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o and_o also_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o appropriate_v and_o apply_v the_o same_o unto_o our_o own_o heart_n last_o concern_v the_o minor_a we_o answer_v and_o say_v that_o no_o man_n have_v in_o himself_o as_o of_o himself_o that_o perfect_a and_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o speak_v of_o howbeit_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o that_o have_v christ_n have_v it_o because_o they_o do_v by_o faith_n lie_v hold_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n the_o want_n or_o lack_v of_o then_o own_o in_o themselves_o be_v so_o far_o of_o from_o hinder_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o that_o it_o rather_o further_v they_o thereto_o for_o he_o that_o be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o can_v have_v no_o part_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o that_o be_v full_a though_o it_o be_v but_o of_o airy_a and_o windy_a matter_n or_o as_o we_o say_v bad_a repletion_n can_v hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o till_o he_o be_v purge_v of_o that_o admit_v any_o more_o but_o also_o because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o flat_a opposition_n between_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o man_n that_o they_o can_v both_o be_v at_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o time_n in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o subject_n but_o the_o have_v of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o privation_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o namely_o rom._n 10._o verse_n 3._o and_o also_o rom._n 11._o verse_n 5.6_o psal_n 3.6_o and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n yea_o stop_n his_o mouth_n from_o bark_v or_o bellow_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n howbeit_o our_o adversary_n yet_o press_v this_o point_n further_o and_o object_n say_v christ_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o commandment_n or_o say_n or_o word_n but_o no_o man_n keep_v his_o word_n therefore_o say_v they_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o god_n love_v he_o yea_o or_o no._n first_o for_o the_o form_n of_o the_o syllogysmo_n and_o then_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o conclusion_n there_o be_v more_o then_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n for_o whereas_o the_o mayor_n teach_v we_o that_o obedience_n to_o christ_n word_n be_v a_o sign_n unto_o other_o and_o a_o pledge_n unto_o ourselves_o of_o some_o love_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n towards_o he_o the_o conclusion_n turn_v it_o up_o side_n down_o and_o say_v no_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o god_n love_v he_o yea_o or_o no_o as_o though_o our_o love_n &_o god_n love_n be_v all_o one_o or_o as_o though_o god_n love_v not_o many_o i_o will_v not_o say_v unto_o eternal_a life_n for_o that_o love_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o elect_a but_o in_o many_o outward_a respect_n from_o which_o also_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v christ_n himself_o math._n 5._o infer_v this_o doctrine_n love_v they_o that_o hate_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o make_v this_o comfortable_a use_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n who_o can_v set_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v &_o his_o rain_n to_o rain_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a now_o to_o the_o matter_n all_o the_o doubt_n rest_v in_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n keep_v my_o word_n and_o say_n that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v mean_v thereby_o absolute_a obedience_n and_o performance_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n for_o he_o that_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o know_v also_o that_o even_o in_o the_o best_a there_o be_v great_a defect_n and_o want_n and_o to_o have_v deliver_v such_o a_o speech_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o sense_n and_o meaning_n have_v be_v by_o his_o own_o word_n to_o have_v cross_v and_o thuart_v his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v more_o indeed_o then_o truth_n be_v why_o they_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o will_v signify_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o thereby_o sure_o this_o much_o that_o the_o care_n and_o conscience_n that_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o these_o good_a beginning_n and_o proceed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v therein_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v accept_v they_o as_o absolute_a and_o cover_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v and_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o so_o present_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n neither_o do_v that_o dislike_n i_o that_o one_o answer_v hereto_o namely_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sentence_n or_o say_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o speech_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o law_n then_o to_o the_o gospel_n but_o of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o as_o we_o haur_n hear_v already_o the_o beginning_n and_o grooth_o in_o goodness_n that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v for_o in_o this_o sentence_n as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n and_o piece_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o term_n to_o keep_v christ_n saying_n or_o word_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o by_o faith_n to_o embrace_v and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o concern_v christ_n and_o as_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o profess_v it_o open_o and_o as_o faithful_a
minister_n to_o publish_v it_o &_o spread_v it_o abroad_o and_o all_o as_o man_n mindful_a of_o and_o careful_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o god_n to_o addorne_v and_o beautify_v it_o and_o to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v in_o holy_a life_n to_o make_v it_o honourable_a and_o so_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n say_v and_o mean_v also_o joh._n 17._o where_n speak_v of_o his_o apostle_n he_o affirm_v that_o they_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o therefore_o also_o to_o such_o as_o after_o this_o manner_n embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profess_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n be_v very_o large_a and_o excellent_a grace_n promise_v as_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n etc._n etc._n not_o because_o imperfect_a work_n can_v merit_v or_o deserve_v any_o more_o at_o god_n hand_n then_o gross_a corruption_n for_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o absolute_a justice_n no_o imperfect_a thing_n can_v please_v he_o but_o because_o that_o god_n through_o his_o mercy_n and_o christ_n obedience_n be_v please_v as_o to_o forgive_v and_o forget_v our_o defect_n so_o to_o crown_v his_o own_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o by_o these_o large_a promise_n and_o performance_n also_o to_o whet_v we_o unto_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n though_o indeed_o we_o can_v never_o here_o attain_v thereto_o now_o the_o mayor_n be_v thus_o expound_v and_o these_o word_n to_o keep_v christ_n saying_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o minor_a as_o untrue_a because_o christ_n say_v of_o his_o apostle_n john_n 17._o they_o have_v keep_v thy_o word_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v and_o do_v in_o sort_n as_o before_o be_v express_v embrace_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v may_v right_o be_v term_v in_o their_o measure_n to_o keep_v christ_n say_n though_o he_o will_v not_o or_o dare_v not_o affirm_v they_o do_v it_o so_o well_o and_o in_o such_o a_o large_a measure_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v 7_o another_o argument_n they_o frame_v as_o follow_v he_o that_o by_o the_o gospel_n can_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v sufficient_a repentance_n for_o his_o sin_n he_o can_v be_v assure_v touch_v justification_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o or_o concern_v salvation_n for_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n require_v repentance_n of_o us._n but_o no_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a repentance_n yea_o or_o no_o therefore_o no_o man_n no_o not_o by_o the_o gospel_n know_v or_o can_v know_v concern_v god_n grace_n towards_o he_o &_o his_o own_o salvation_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o maior_fw-la proposition_n that_o have_v need_n of_o explanation_n first_o that_o word_n of_o sufficient_a repentance_n be_v not_o only_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a but_o full_a of_o unsoundnesse_n as_o though_o forsooth_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n or_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o stand_v upon_o the_o dignity_n sufficiency_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o repentance_n that_o be_v of_o our_o contrition_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n whereas_o we_o know_v it_o depend_v not_o upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o absolute_a obedience_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n which_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a indeed_o to_o take_v away_o all_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o powerful_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o though_o again_o we_o can_v sufficient_o and_o enough_o sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o weigh_v not_o only_o all_o our_o sin_n but_o any_o of_o they_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n and_o according_a to_o the_o grievous_a effect_n it_o bring_v forth_o or_o the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o we_o for_o the_o same_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o in_o truth_n before_o god_n that_o though_o we_o will_v or_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n but_o repent_v we_o of_o that_o one_o yet_o we_o can_v not_o sufficient_o perform_v it_o therefore_o or_o as_o though_o we_o have_v some_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o to_o all_o or_o any_o good_a thing_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o plain_a &_o evident_a term_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n much_o less_o sufficient_o to_o repent_v but_o that_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n secondlie_o whereas_o the_o mayor_n affirm_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n have_v sufficient_a repentance_n for_o his_o sin_n he_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o justification_n etc._n etc._n we_o answer_v that_o be_v false_a for_o though_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v yet_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o for_o he_o be_v supply_v by_o another_o and_o accept_v of_o he_o to_o who_o that_o supply_n be_v due_a he_o may_v conceive_v comfort_n and_o certainty_n also_o for_o even_o as_o when_o the_o debt_n that_o a_o man_n owe_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o brother_n &_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v due_a acknowledge_v himself_o content_v and_o pay_v he_o that_o ought_v the_o debt_n need_v not_o doubt_n much_o less_o distrust_n so_o be_v the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o we_o through_o the_o death_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n &_o our_o elder_a brother_n for_o god_n confess_v contentment_n and_o acknowledge_v satisfaction_n when_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o wellbe_n love_v son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v &c_n &c_n and_o christ_n have_v pay_v the_o debt_n because_o he_o have_v put_v out_o the_o hand_n writing_n of_o ordinance_n that_o be_v against_o we_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o he_o even_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o fasten_v it_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v make_v a_o show_v of_o they_o open_o and_o have_v triumph_v over_o they_o in_o the_o same_o cross_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o distrust_v or_o doubt_n unless_o we_o will_v suspect_v the_o suffiencie_n of_o christ_n obedience_n or_o the_o absolutenes_n of_o god_n work_v in_o give_v he_o to_o the_o death_n for_o we_o all_o three_o this_o be_v faulty_a in_o the_o mayor_n that_o it_o make_v it_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o certify_v man_n heart_n of_o repentance_n whereas_o the_o chief_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o publish_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o consequent_a eternal_a life_n also_o for_o where_o the_o first_o be_v the_o latter_a can_v choose_v but_o follow_v in_o the_o name_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o though_o we_o will_v not_o or_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o repentance_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o join_v with_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v not_o therefore_o annex_v thereunto_o that_o in_o the_o worthiness_n or_o suffiencie_n of_o it_o we_o may_v merit_v assurance_n but_o that_o in_o the_o have_v of_o it_o it_o may_v pledge_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o transgression_n and_o yet_o not_o as_o though_o it_o be_v of_o ourselves_o though_o it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o but_o as_o it_o be_v god_n work_n in_o we_o he_o give_v this_o glory_n to_o his_o own_o work_n to_o testify_v this_o favour_n unto_o our_o heart_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n indeed_o if_o repentance_n be_v of_o and_o from_o man_n it_o be_v somewhat_o that_o they_o say_v but_o be_v simple_o and_o only_o from_o god_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o effectual_o batter_v man_n stony_a and_o hard_a heart_n they_o can_v return_v unto_o he_o they_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v thus_o but_o with_o great_a sin_n against_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n last_o concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o proposition_n in_o these_o word_n for_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n require_v repentance_n of_o we_o we_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sentence_n but_o not_o in_o their_o sense_n for_o that_o god_n demand_v it_o no_o man_n i_o think_v will_v deny_v because_o every_o where_o almost_o it_o be_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o require_v it_o for_o these_o end_n &_o purpose_n that_o these_o man_n imagine_v as_o namely_o that_o it_o shall_v puff_n we_o up_o in_o pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o merit_n that_o we_o shall_v think_v we_o have_v it_o of_o ourselves_o and_o so_o therein_o assure_v our_o heart_n that_o be_v most_o false_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o come_v from_o
condemn_v our_o own_o deed_n and_o work_n and_o renounce_v they_o utter_o to_o rest_n and_o stay_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n promise_v unto_o we_o for_o christ_n our_o saviour_n his_o sake_n and_o always_o both_o in_o mind_n and_o mouth_n to_o have_v that_o worthy_a say_n of_o the_o prophet_n rise_v with_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n for_o then_o no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v righteouse_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 4._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o just_a or_o justify_v for_o all_o that_o one_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v not_o humility_n as_o they_o suppose_v but_o arrogancy_n and_o indeed_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a promise_n not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o or_o not_o to_o believe_v these_o sweet_a promise_n and_o therefore_o saint_n john_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1._o john_n 5.10_o and_o we_o may_v see_v a_o memorable_a example_n of_o it_o in_o ahaz_n isaiah_n 7._o who_o refuse_v a_o sign_n give_v unto_o he_o from_o god_n but_o they_o press_v this_o further_a &_o say_v it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o humility_n to_o acknowledge_v our_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n and_o who_o will_v deny_v that_o that_o have_v any_o fault_n or_o savour_n in_o he_o of_o godliness_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o know_v not_o that_o humility_n and_o doubt_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o vice_n &_o virtue_n or_o what_o man_n unless_o he_o be_v mad_a not_o only_o without_o reason_n but_o against_o godliness_n will_v suppose_v that_o our_o true_a humility_n shall_v destroy_v confidence_n boldness_n or_o faith_n concern_v god_n grace_n forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n since_o our_o humility_n be_v as_o other_o good_a thing_n in_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o faith_n if_o man_n do_v sound_o understand_v what_o humility_n be_v they_o will_v doubtless_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n they_o conclude_v so_o this_o be_v humility_n not_o only_o true_o to_o fear_n god_n as_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o to_o acknowledge_v in_o his_o sight_n our_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n but_o also_o to_o fly_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o stay_v in_o his_o all_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n do_v this_o overthrow_n a_o poor_a man_n poverty_n that_o he_o beg_v a_o alm_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o we_o say_v or_o do_v this_o destroy_v a_o weak_a man_n weakness_n that_o he_o seek_v for_o shelter_n and_o defence_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o strong_a or_o do_v this_o take_v away_o a_o sick_a man_n sickness_n that_o he_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o physician_n and_o require_v medicine_n no_o very_o but_o rather_o argue_v poverty_n weakness_n sickness_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o do_v our_o humility_n but_o let_v we_o go_v forward_o 9_o the_o nine_o argument_n be_v this_o where_o there_o be_v unworthiness_n there_o can_v be_v assurance_n of_o god_n grace_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o salvation_n but_o still_o there_o must_v be_v doubt_v but_o in_o they_o that_o be_v turn_v to_o god_n there_o be_v great_a unworthiness_n while_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v sufficient_o and_o worthy_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o perform_v all_o the_o covenant_n and_o condition_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n or_o mayor_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v very_o false_a because_o the_o behold_n or_o feel_v of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n do_v no_o more_o work_n doubt_v much_o less_o distrustfulness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n then_o feel_v of_o outward_a want_n make_v natural_a man_n careless_a of_o a_o supply_n it_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n yea_o such_o a_o grace_n as_o god_n only_o bestow_v upon_o his_o own_o child_n that_o so_o in_o the_o behold_n and_o sight_n thereof_o they_o may_v more_o earnest_o seek_v after_o and_o be_v more_o fruitful_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n whereas_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n be_v either_o cease_v with_o benumbedness_n and_o senslesness_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o good_a reason_n thereof_o because_o they_o feel_v not_o sin_n or_o else_o see_v it_o in_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n and_o good_a reason_n of_o it_o also_o because_o rather_o they_o have_v make_v no_o account_n to_o profit_v by_o god_n mercy_n but_o to_o abuse_v they_o rather_o to_o licentiousness_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n namely_o that_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o indignity_n of_o god_n people_n have_v neither_o wrought_v doubt_v in_o themselves_o nor_o cause_v god_n the_o less_o but_o more_o rather_o to_o esteem_v they_o we_o have_v many_o memorable_a example_n but_o for_o the_o present_a we_o will_v content_v ourselves_o with_o one_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o another_o out_o of_o the_o new_a that_o so_o see_v the_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o confirmitie_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n we_o may_v the_o better_a believe_v it_o both_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o adversary_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n the_o spirit_n press_v this_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o abraham_n that_o he_o make_v for_o sodom_n gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o debase_v and_o humble_v himself_o and_o yet_o he_o continue_v afterward_o his_o prayer_n again_o &_o again_o which_o have_v his_o heart_n be_v possess_v with_o doubt_v and_o uphold_v with_o hope_n he_o can_v not_o have_v perform_v and_o in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o gospel_n after_o matthew_n the_o centurion_n that_o come_v to_o entreat_v christ_n for_o his_o servant_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n and_o grievous_o pain_v feel_v and_o confess_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a that_o christ_n shall_v come_v under_o his_o roof_n do_v not_o only_o make_v christ_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v man_n to_o marvel_v at_o it_o but_o according_a to_o truth_n for_o the_o better_a comfort_v of_o all_o that_o have_v the_o like_a sense_n to_o commend_v he_o &_o to_o say_v very_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n &_o what_o mean_v that_o general_a sentence_n of_o the_o word_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a &_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharise_n &_o publican_n luke_n eighteen_o but_o to_o teach_v we_o this_o point_n can_v a_o man_n be_v true_o humble_v in_o himself_o without_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n or_o can_v he_o taste_v or_o tell_v how_o sweet_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o misery_n if_o any_o man_n think_v so_o he_o be_v foul_o deceive_v nay_o we_o will_v say_v more_o that_o where_o unworthines_n be_v most_o feel_v there_o be_v offer_v unto_o godly_a man_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n say_v where_o sin_n have_v abound_v their_o grace_n have_v abound_v much_o more_o but_o because_o god_n in_o his_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o assure_a goodwill_n call_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o who_o be_v altogether_o weak_a than_o water_n that_o so_o we_o may_v whole_o repose_v our_o woeful_a soul_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o the_o unmovable_a rock_n of_o our_o strength_n wherefore_o we_o see_v that_o the_o mayor_n be_v utter_o untrue_a as_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a we_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o namely_o that_o even_o in_o the_o faithful_a there_o be_v not_o only_o be_v great_a unworthines_n but_o a_o very_a good_a taste_n and_o feel_n thereof_o and_o good_a reason_n there_o be_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o they_o best_o observe_v their_o own_o way_n they_o best_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n etc._n etc._n neither_o will_v we_o much_o stick_v with_o they_o to_o yield_v they_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o that_o these_o be_v good_a mean_n to_o make_v even_o god_n feel_v their_o unworthines_n that_o they_o do_v not_o right_o and_o reverent_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o fulfil_v not_o all_o nay_o not_o any_o in_o sort_n as_o they_o shall_v of_o the_o covenant_n condition_n or_o commandment_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v doubt_v in_o they_o of_o god_n goodness_n &_o grace_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o deny_v and_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v for_o doubt_v be_v not_o the_o proper_a &_o peculiar_a
effect_n of_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o unworthines_n in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n but_o hasten_v rather_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o in_o he_o that_o account_v they_o worthy_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o they_o may_v be_v replenish_v with_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n only_o that_o word_n sufficient_o &_o worthy_o which_o here_o &_o else_o where_o they_o urge_v so_o much_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o they_o use_v it_o &_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o they_o apply_v it_o we_o utter_o mislike_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o justification_n salvation_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o sufficiency_n &_o worthiness_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o if_o we_o respect_v our_o self_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v sundry_a time_n already_o but_o upon_o the_o free_a &_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n &_o upon_o the_o absolute_a &_o infinite_a merit_n of_o christ_n obedience_n for_o therefore_o indeed_o be_v the_o promise_v publish_v and_o therefore_o also_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v &_o make_v our_o mediator_n &_o intercessor_n because_o we_o be_v utter_o unworthy_a of_o all_o or_o any_o favour_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v worthiness_n in_o and_o of_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v needle_n &_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n &_o through_o his_o obedience_n the_o father_n may_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v gracious_a &_o merciful_a unto_o we_o according_a unto_o which_o it_o be_v say_v roman_n the_o 8._o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v that_o a_o godly_a hart_n will_v easy_o confess_v yea_o aught_o indeed_o to_o acknowledge_v both_o that_o he_o be_v unworthy_a which_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o do_v if_o he_o consider_v well_o god_n justice_n his_o own_o daily_a and_o hourly_a transgression_n every_o manner_n of_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o ought_v steadfast_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a we_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n receive_v into_o favour_n whereof_o if_o he_o respect_v god_n faithfulness_n christ_n obedience_n his_o own_o comfort_n and_o good_a thereby_o he_o can_v but_o be_v right_o and_o assure_o persuade_v of_o the_o same_o 10_o their_o ten_o argument_n they_o frame_v thus_o where_o there_o be_v infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v a_o assure_a persuasion_n hope_v and_o boldness_n but_o in_o they_o that_o be_v turn_v to_o god_n there_o be_v great_a infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n therefore_o man_n can_v be_v assure_o certify_v of_o god_n favour_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n eternal_a salvation_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v but_o deny_v the_o mayor_n proposition_n of_o this_o sillogisme_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o do_v it_o without_o good_a cause_n why_o i_o beseech_v you_o mark_v that_o that_o follow_v weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o opposite_a or_o contrary_n for_o weakness_n and_o certainty_n of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o subject_n at_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o time_n because_o they_o be_v diverse_a and_o not_o contrary_a but_o the_o opposite_a or_o contrary_n to_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n be_v strength_n the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n that_o have_v a_o dumb_a spirit_n who_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o cast_v out_o and_o christ_n tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a upon_o the_o speech_n of_o christ_n cry_v out_o with_o tear_n and_o as_o he_o confess_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n so_o he_o earnest_o pray_v for_o underprop_a and_o uphold_v of_o it_o say_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_v the_o nine_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o prayer_n that_o the_o apostle_n make_v when_o they_o pray_v and_o say_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o faith_n in_o itself_o be_v always_o one_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n ephesian_n the_o four_o and_o that_o it_o have_v but_o one_o object_n to_o wit_n god_n as_o he_o have_v reveâ—led_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o as_o in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o daily_a increase_v of_o it_o through_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o cool_n or_o weaken_v of_o it_o by_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o satan_n malice_n against_o we_o we_o may_v be_v say_v sometime_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o sometime_o to_o be_v weak_a in_o it_o and_o sometime_o to_o grow_v in_o it_o and_o sometime_o to_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n as_o it_o be_v and_o this_o be_v that_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o just_a proceed_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n and_o again_o the_o spirit_n of_o and_o withstand_v satan_n say_v who_o resist_v strong_a in_o faith_n as_o also_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n say_v of_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o friend_n of_o god_n that_o he_o not_o weak_a in_o faith_n etc._n etc._n roman_n the_o four_o yea_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o godly_a man_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o sundry_a time_n and_o diverse_a occasion_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o this_o holy_a virtue_n and_o weak_a also_o what_o a_o faith_n be_v this_o in_o peter_n by_o christ_n comfortable_a word_n not_o only_o to_o expel_v fear_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n speech_n unto_o he_o and_o say_n come_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n and_o yet_o what_o weakness_n be_v this_o in_o see_v of_o a_o wind_n to_o be_v afraid_a etc._n etc._n god_n make_v we_o in_o he_o to_o behold_v this_o truth_n that_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o through_o christ_n we_o be_v strong_a and_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n but_o when_o we_o leave_v upon_o ourselves_o or_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o regard_v calamity_n we_o be_v as_o weak_a as_o water_n and_o ready_a to_o sink_v therefore_o in_o the_o maior_fw-la proposition_n we_o may_v well_o and_o easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o neither_o deal_v plain_o with_o the_o cause_n for_o as_o in_o that_o behalf_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v use_v infirmity_n or_o weakness_n of_o faith_n but_o doubt_v because_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o weakness_n and_o want_n in_o god_n saint_n which_o they_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o not_o only_o in_o their_o faith_n but_o in_o all_o other_o good_a grace_n beside_o but_o of_o doubt_v and_o distrustfulness_n which_o indeed_o be_v wickedness_n and_o evil_n these_o two_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o good_a and_o bad_a light_a and_o darkness_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o nature_n but_o in_o their_o effect_n also_o weakness_n work_v in_o we_o run_v unto_o god_n for_o strength_n and_o doubt_v drive_v we_o for_o the_o time_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o he_o to_o other_o that_o indeed_o can_v not_o steed_n we_o though_o it_o may_v be_v we_o may_v deem_v otherwise_o i_o say_v they_o neither_o deal_v plain_o with_o the_o cause_n itself_o nor_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o word_n for_o faith_n or_o confidence_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v firm_a or_o unfirme_v strong_a or_o weak_a may_v be_v assure_v and_o certain_o determine_v concern_v god_n grace_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o not_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o strength_n or_o certainty_n of_o itself_o yet_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o strength_n power_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o object_n whereabout_o it_o be_v occupy_v to_o wit_n god_n mercy_n manifest_v in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o declare_v by_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o the_o word_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o faith_n though_o weak_a do_v lay_v hold_n of_o as_o much_o and_o appropriate_a or_o apply_v as_o much_o as_o a_o firm_a or_o strong_a faith_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n whole_o with_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o merit_n though_o it_o do_v not_o so_o strong_o or_o as_o we_o may_v say_v somewhat_o more_o weak_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v he_o so_o that_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a therein_o may_v for_o 〈◊〉_d measure_n be_v as_o well_o and_o certain_o assure_v as_o he_o that_o be_v strong_a but_o for_o the_o manner_n or_o measure_n of_o apprehend_v or_o apply_v jesus_n christ_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a or_o feeble_a be_v yet_o for_o himself_o as_o well_o assure_v
therefore_o or_o fruit_n of_o my_o faith_n will_v i_o gather_v this_o truth_n against_o thou_o to_o the_o stay_n &_o uphold_v of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o first_o because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n that_o it_o yield_v unto_o my_o heart_n be_v a_o principal_o prop_n and_o stay_n unto_o i_o i_o tell_v thou_o satan_n that_o even_o that_o shall_v testify_v unto_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o god_n child_n and_o dare_v thereupon_o without_o fear_n or_o tremble_a call_v upon_o he_o and_o say_v abba_n o_o father_n by_o which_o i_o perceive_v i_o do_v believe_v for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v i_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o who_o i_o believe_v not_o and_o assure_o know_v that_o i_o have_v faith_n because_o i_o stay_v myself_o whole_o and_o only_o upon_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o in_o some_o sort_n and_o sense_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v lord_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o in_o earth_n i_o desire_v none_o with_o thou_o and_o lest_o satan_n shall_v think_v i_o do_v this_o without_o warrant_n or_o reason_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o set_v down_o my_o ground_n out_o of_o the_o word_n how_o comfortable_a be_v this_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n roman_n 8._o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_v again_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v as_o with_o boldness_n so_o with_o earnestness_n father_n father_n the_o same_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o child_n than_o heir_n also_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o same_o end_n tend_v that_o of_o 1._o cor._n 2._o where_o he_o say_v we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n and_o though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o indeed_o great_a than_o all_o exception_n yet_o have_v we_o beside_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n frame_v we_o and_o fashion_v we_o to_o sound_v conversion_n before_o god_n and_o to_o the_o yield_a orbr_v out_o of_o the_o sincere_a fruit_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v good_a work_n which_o can_v but_o assure_v i_o of_o my_o salvation_n and_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o saint_n peter_n provoke_v unto_o when_o he_o say_v brethren_n g_o we_o diligence_n by_o good_a work_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o entry_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o have_v further_o this_o double_a reason_n if_o that_o which_o be_v from_o ourselves_o as_o for_o example_n our_o sin_n may_v just_o move_v and_o make_v doubt_v why_o shall_v not_o that_o which_o be_v from_o god_n as_o for_o example_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o obedience_n ministet_fw-la hope_n and_o assurance_n god_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v great_a than_o man_n and_o his_o grace_n much_o more_o excellent_a then_o man_n infirmity_n be_v base_a and_o vile_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a how_o shall_v we_o that_o carry_v god_n heavenly_a treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n conceive_v hope_n of_o profit_v by_o they_o in_o ourselves_o or_o of_o do_v good_a with_o they_o unto_o other_o but_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o our_o weakness_n and_o want_n therefore_o we_o must_v also_o conceive_v hope_n of_o the_o former_a &_o indeed_o assure_v our_o heart_n therein_o again_o why_o do_v christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v idle_a in_o we_o no_o very_o satan_n when_o he_o possess_v man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v idle_a much_o less_o jesus_n christ_n but_o provoke_v they_o still_o to_o honest_a labour_n and_o good_a work_n for_o by_o his_o spiritual_a power_n he_o manife_v his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o manifold_a weakness_n now_o if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o ensue_v thereupon_o that_o i_o be_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v i_o as_o the_o church_n &_o faithful_a soul_n sing_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canticle_n yea_o he_o himself_o with_o all_o his_o grace_n and_o merit_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o he_o which_o feel_v and_o find_v these_o effect_n in_o himself_o can_v not_o but_o must_v of_o necessity_n infer_v thereupon_o that_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o have_v christ_n in_o he_o in_o this_o life_n make_v he_o fruitful_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o seal_v up_o unto_o he_o &_o in_o he_o salvation_n &_o everlasting_a life_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v unless_o that_o he_o will_v imagine_v that_o christ_n can_v be_v idlye_o or_o without_o fruit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v hereof_o because_o true_a faith_n indeed_o can_v no_o more_o be_v sunder_v from_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o sound_a fruit_n thereof_o then_o light_a from_o the_o sun_n or_o heat_n from_o the_o fire_n or_o if_o you_o will_v the_o shadow_n from_o a_o natural_a body_n but_o yet_o satan_n will_v except_v against_o this_o this_o faith_n of_o thou_o which_o thou_o speak_v of_o and_o these_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o thou_o mention_v they_o be_v imperfect_a they_o be_v faint_a and_o few_o yea_o they_o seldom_o or_o very_o rare_o appear_v or_o be_v see_v what_o then_o satan_n grant_v that_o my_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v faint_a and_o few_o in_o i_o will_v thou_o infer_v that_o therefore_o i_o have_v none_o that_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o religion_n in_o reason_n he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o sick_a pine_a or_o languish_v life_n live_v still_o and_o in_o hope_n of_o the_o better_n of_o his_o estate_n either_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o world_n if_o god_n will_v or_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v especial_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o in_o measure_n and_o manner_n be_v true_a as_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n here_o in_o religion_n we_o know_v that_o god_n accept_v both_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o they_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o they_o have_v not_o provide_v always_o that_o that_o which_o they_o have_v they_o have_v it_o from_o he_o or_o else_o how_o can_v the_o church_n &_o member_n of_o it_o rejoice_v or_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v and_o from_o hence_o be_v it_o indeed_o that_o we_o learn_v notwithstanding_o weakness_n &_o want_n either_o in_o whole_a congregation_n or_o several_a member_n not_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o band_n of_o peace_n nor_o to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o n_o holy_a wisdom_n and_o power_n from_o above_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o our_o persuasion_n but_o in_o our_o practice_n not_o forsake_v the_o good_a of_o our_o god_n for_o some_o evil_n or_o corruption_n of_o man_n adjoin_v therewithal_o nor_o yet_o for_o the_o good_n sake_n justify_v or_o approve_v the_o evil_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a yet_o we_o have_v further_a prop_n to_o our_o faith_n here_o namely_o first_o that_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o faint_a yet_o be_v it_o true_a and_o sound_a for_o even_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v infirm_a and_o weak_a may_v yet_o notwitstanding_n be_v true_a &_o right_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o not_o weak_a faith_n and_o true_a faith_n be_v opposite_a but_o weak_a faith_n and_o no_o faith_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v also_o by_o the_o worthy_a speech_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sick_a child_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o believe_v but_o help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n this_o weakness_n &_o imperfection_n our_o faith_n not_o come_v from_o itself_o nor_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o of_o itself_o for_o so_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o a_o absolute_a work_n of_o god_n but_o as_o it_o be_v intermingle_v with_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o unbelieve_a heart_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o faintness_n and_o weakness_n of_o it_o may_v no_o less_o effectual_o