though_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o humble_v thyself_o for_o sin_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v thy_o iniquity_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o duty_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v fit_v by_o this_o joy_n thou_o can_v nor_o bless_v god_n with_o that_o hearty_a affection_n as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v psal_n 103._o david_n say_v bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o within_o thou_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n all_o within_o thou_o you_o see_v to_o praise_n god_n be_v heart-work_n as_o well_o as_o lip-work_n all_o within_o we_o must_v move_v and_o be_v affect_v thy_o heart_n can_v boil_v over_o as_o the_o psalmist_n sometime_o express_v it_o unless_o this_o fire_n of_o joy_n do_v inflame_v it_o oh_o then_o know_v that_o a_o grieve_v disquiet_v soul_n can_v bless_v god_n it_o hinder_v you_o from_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o apostle_n press_v col._n 3._o 16._o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n what_o a_o heaven_n be_v such_o a_o heart_n where_o there_o be_v these_o spiritual_a hymn_n and_o psalm_n but_o alas_o how_o often_o be_v thy_o heart_n like_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n where_o the_o cry_n and_o doleful_a sound_n of_o unbelieving_a and_o distrustful_a fear_n do_v torment_v thou_o six_o to_o bless_v god_n there_o be_v require_v faith_n and_o a_o rest_v of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o reconcile_a father_n alas_o can_v the_o damn_a in_o hell_n bless_v god_n can_v cain_n or_o judas_n bless_v god_n by_o no_o mean_n because_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o rest_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o father_n hence_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n add_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o father_n of_o all_o mercy_n to_o curse_a and_o condemn_v sinner_n god_n be_v not_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fury_n a_o god_n of_o dreadful_a judgement_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o day_n long_o hence_o david_n do_v so_o often_o in_o the_o psalm_n exercise_v those_o appropriate_a and_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n my_o god_n and_o my_o tower_n my_o strong_a help_n and_o defence_n it_o be_v his_o faith_n that_o make_v he_o so_o thankful_a for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o all_o spiritual_a mercy_n by_o he_o if_o faith_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o my_o own_o and_o then_o we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o insomuch_o that_o faith_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n into_o our_o thankfulness_n seven_o faith_n of_o adherence_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n so_o thorough_o and_o affectionate_o thankful_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v unless_o also_o there_o be_v as_o some_o call_v it_o faith_n of_o evidence_n or_o a_o good_a and_o true_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v our_o god_n it_o be_v the_o reflect_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o have_v forgive_v my_o iniquity_n that_o be_v like_o oil_n to_o the_o lamp_n of_o this_o duty_n david_n in_o some_o psalm_n depend_v upon_o god_n and_o so_o many_o time_n the_o choice_a of_o god_n servant_n they_o be_v support_v to_o rest_n on_o he_o to_o build_v their_o hope_n on_o christ_n but_o then_o want_v this_o assurance_n not_o feel_v this_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a in_o these_o duty_n of_o blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v you_o not_o see_v many_o of_o god_n people_n more_o forward_o to_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o mourning_n more_o attend_v to_o self-debasement_n and_o self-abhorrency_a than_o they_o be_v to_o faith_n joy_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o one_o they_o be_v constant_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o provoke_v and_o force_v as_o it_o be_v they_o seldom_o accomplish_v now_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v as_o well_o as_o tremble_v we_o be_v to_o put_v both_o together_o we_o be_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o confess_v sin_n we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o give_v of_o thanks_o as_o well_o as_o to_o humble_v our_o soul_n in_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o sinfulness_n thou_o often_o say_v lord_n pity_v i_o lord_n show_v mercy_n to_o i_o but_o how_o seldom_o do_v thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o bless_v thou_o for_o thy_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o now_o it_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o i_o have_v pray_v that_o my_o corruption_n may_v be_v subdue_v and_o i_o bless_v god_n that_o prayer_n be_v gracious_o answer_v if_o you_o win_v a_o mercy_n by_o prayer_n and_o do_v not_o wear_v it_o by_o praise_n you_o great_o offend_v god_n serm._n xxx_o of_o praise_v god_n and_o that_o for_o all_o but_o especial_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o method_n that_o paul_n use_v here_o and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o most_o of_o his_o other_o epistle_n we_o have_v observe_v the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o this_o duty_n of_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o the_o legal_a ointment_n for_o the_o highpriest_n compound_v of_o choice_n and_o sweet_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o angelical_a work_n to_o bless_v god_n there_o remain_v further_a particular_n that_o be_v constituent_a of_o this_o comfortable_a and_o profitable_a duty_n as_o first_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v due_o fit_v to_o praise_n god_n though_o it_o be_v thankful_a for_o every_o mercy_n even_o the_o least_o mercy_n yet_o it_o keep_v a_o order_n in_o its_o thanksgiving_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o object_n so_o that_o it_o praise_v god_n chief_o and_o principal_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o then_o secondary_o for_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o this_o argue_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o also_o only_a the_o regenerate_a and_o spiritual_a man_n can_v in_o a_o scripture-way_n bless_v god_n for_o he_o only_o do_v prefer_v heavenly_a thing_n above_o earthly_a when_o the_o psalmist_n have_v speak_v of_o outward_a mercy_n to_o a_o people_n psal_n 144._o 12_o 13_o 15._o great_a mercy_n in_o son_n and_o daughter_n rich_a abundance_n and_o plenty_n he_o correct_v all_o at_o last_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o you_o see_v all_o the_o outward_a desirable_a mercy_n that_o be_v be_v but_o in_o a_o subordination_n to_o god_n favour_n when_o thou_o be_v break_v forth_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o bless_v god_n for_o my_o child_n for_o my_o health_n for_o my_o outward_a content_n oh_o but_o above_o all_o lord_n that_o i_o have_v any_o spiritual_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v love_v my_o soul_n convert_v i_o to_o thyself_o save_v i_o from_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o my_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v so_o then_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o petition_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o thanksgiving_n whatsoever_o heavenly_a mercy_n god_n have_v bestow_v on_o thou_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v praise_n god_n in_o a_o most_o divine_a manner_n eph._n 1._o 3._o bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a touchstone_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o thou_o whether_o thy_o soul_n be_v most_o affect_v and_o enlarge_v towards_o god_n for_o soul-mercy_n that_o thou_o can_v true_o say_v o_o lord_n in_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o in_o a_o save_a manner_n to_o know_v thou_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v reveal_v thy_o son_n to_o i_o i_o do_v more_o rejoice_v in_o this_o and_o bless_v thou_o for_o it_o then_o if_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n do_v thou_o see_v a_o natural_a worldly_a man_n boast_v in_o his_o riches_n in_o his_o birth_n in_o his_o greatness_n above_o other_o and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o spiritual_a mercy_n to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v crown_v with_o garland_n but_o yet_o prepare_v for_o the_o slaughter_n can_v thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o judge_v all_o the_o outward_a mercy_n i_o have_v to_o be_v but_o husk_n and_o empty_a
right_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n within_o they_o they_o have_v sear_v stupid_a conscience_n or_o they_o have_v delude_a one_o that_o make_v they_o trust_v in_o other_o thing_n than_o christ_n blood_n do_v not_o most_v man_n rest_v in_o this_o that_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o witness_n they_o have_v but_o the_o apostle_n peter_n lay_v a_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o baptism_n save_v but_o then_o by_o a_o rhetorical_a correction_n add_v not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o body_n but_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n for_o so_o baptism_n be_v wherein_o the_o person_n be_v ask_v do_v you_o take_v god_n for_o your_o god_n renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v unseigned_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n answer_v that_o he_o keep_v to_o baptismal_a engagement_n this_o will_v save_v serm._n lxxxvii_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n what_o be_v require_v to_o such_o a_o assurance_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o text_n as_o it_o stand_v divide_v come_v under_o our_o consideration_n and_o that_o be_v the_o declaration_n in_o particular_a of_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o general_n the_o general_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n now_o he_o show_v the_o special_n wherein_o this_o be_v manifest_v and_o that_o be_v set_v down_o positive_o and_o negative_o and_o opposite_o 1._o positive_o in_o simplicity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o negative_o not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n 3._o opposite_o but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n and_o open_v the_o greek_a word_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o sure_a knowledge_n paul_n have_v of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o how_o can_v paul_n glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o sincerity_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o yea_o so_o know_v it_o that_o his_o conscience_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v witness_v it_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o controversy_n between_o papist_n and_o we_o about_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o bellarmine_n indeed_o will_v enervate_v but_o his_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a for_o what_o can_v be_v clear_a then_o that_o paul_n have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o upright_a heart_n see_v he_o do_v make_v this_o public_a testimony_n of_o it_o and_o take_v so_o much_o joy_n therein_o neither_o do_v paul_n in_o this_o pretend_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_n in_o this_o above_o other_o as_o when_o he_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o he_o avouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o must_v be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n from_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o a_o believer_n may_v have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n not_o only_o that_o he_o perform_v heart_n those_o gracious_a duty_n god_n require_v but_o that_o he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o upright_a and_o sincere_a heart_n paul_n do_v not_o only_o know_v that_o he_o be_v diligent_a in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v with_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a respect_n we_o do_v not_o only_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o repent_v but_o that_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o our_o soul_n bellarmine_n urge_v this_o much_o though_o we_o do_v discharge_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v yet_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o we_o do_v they_o with_o a_o whole_a heart_n with_o a_o sincere_a spirit_n many_o hypocrite_n say_v they_o be_v sure_a yea_o say_v he_o among_o the_o protestant_n one_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o way_n and_o another_o of_o another_o sect_n but_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v all_o delude_v so_o that_o he_o conclude_v see_v all_o the_o heretic_n of_o this_o age_n boast_v of_o this_o certainty_n yet_o say_v he_o even_o in_o their_o opinion_n many_o be_v deceive_v and_o in_o we_o all_o be_v but_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o scripture-light_n in_o this_o case_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v obtain_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n the_o savoury_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o sense_n of_o christ_n spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o do_v more_o to_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n then_o voluminous_a controversy_n this_o question_n be_v best_a answer_v by_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o therefore_o practical_a experimental_a christian_n can_v speak_v more_o to_o this_o point_n than_o the_o most_o learned_a speculative_a doctor_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o gracious_a break_a heart_n as_o well_o as_o a_o learned_a profound_a head_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n appear_v by_o several_a example_n and_o general_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n example_n as_o hezekiah_n remember_v o_o lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o king_n 20._o 3._o in_o job_n who_o though_o under_o sad_a temptation_n both_o from_o god_n and_o his_o dear_a friend_n who_o charge_v upon_o he_o hypocrisy_n yet_o he_o will_v never_o let_v go_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o integrity_n david_n how_o often_o do_v he_o profess_v his_o love_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n peter_n when_o christ_n ask_v he_o again_o and_o again_o he_o answer_v thou_o know_v lord_n i_o love_v thou_o john_n 21._o 17._o as_o for_o those_o place_n which_o affirm_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v name_v one_o or_o two_o john_n 14._o 17._o you_o know_v the_o spirit_n for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o and_o vers_fw-la 20._o at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o what_o be_v clear_a then_o as_o where_o the_o sun_n be_v there_o be_v light_a to_o see_v it_o so_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o a_o man_n there_o be_v a_o evident_a discovery_n of_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 11_o 12._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o as_o the_o soul_n by_o its_o rational_a power_n do_v discover_v and_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n within_o itself_o so_o also_o by_o those_o supernatural_a principle_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o it_o it_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o feel_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a motion_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n within_o he_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n do_v in_o many_o place_n speak_v of_o this_o knowledge_n whereby_o we_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o but_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o enlarge_v on_o this_o subject_n let_v we_o explain_v this_o truth_n and_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v this_o word_n certain_a knowledge_n in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o by_o consequent_a that_o we_o be_v justify_v elect_v and_o shall_v assure_o be_v save_v and_o first_o there_o be_v require_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v in_o the_o general_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o such_o as_o these_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n by_o faith_n we_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o promise_n also_o to_o such_o as_o do_v confess_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n we_o be_v strong_o to_o assure_v our_o soul_n of_o yea_o not_o only_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o whole_a truth_n reveal_v in_o god_n word_n we_o be_v firm_o to_o assent_v to_o by_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n for_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o its_o general_a object_n do_v wonderful_o conduce_v to_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o particular_a and_o special_a object_n as_o man_n of_o quick_a animal_n action_n be_v thereby_o more_o enable_v to_o rational_a for_o see_v what_o be_v in_o
our_o work_n and_o give_v all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o will_n oh_o what_o coal_n of_o fire_n will_v this_o be_v in_o thy_o bosom_n to_o think_v why_o do_v god_n do_v this_o to_o i_o what_o move_v he_o be_v god_n necessitate_v to_o it_o can_v he_o not_o do_v otherwise_o will_v he_o be_v unjust_a if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o and_o this_o further_a will_v be_v aggravate_v when_o we_o consider_v the_o mercy_n comparative_o with_o other_o that_o want_v such_o if_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n we_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o damn_a angel_n that_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o least_o crumb_n of_o any_o spiritual_a mercy_n though_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a creature_n may_v not_o this_o astonish_v thou_o and_o if_o thou_o say_v these_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o thou_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o same_o vicinity_n where_o thou_o live_v of_o the_o fame_n call_v and_o profession_n yea_o of_o the_o same_o parentage_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v forsake_v by_o god_n and_o leave_v to_o their_o natural_a desert_n whereas_o he_o have_v pitch_v his_o favour_n upon_o thou_o to_o justify_v sanctify_v and_o at_o last_o to_o glorify_v thou_o certain_o thou_o be_v a_o stock_n and_o a_o stone_n if_o such_o discriminate_a mercy_n as_o this_o do_v not_o affectionate_o possess_v thou_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o universality_n of_o the_o mercy_n thou_o enjoy_v will_v much_o heighten_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o all_o that_o thou_o see_v thou_o hear_v thou_o eat_v thou_o feel_v yea_o thou_o think_v and_o apprehend_v be_v a_o mercy_n there_o be_v nothing_o within_o thou_o without_o thou_o or_o about_o thou_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o hear_v be_v a_o mercy_n to_o see_v be_v a_o mercy_n to_o think_v without_o madness_n and_o distraction_n be_v a_o mercy_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o hell_n be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o all_o the_o creature_n as_o psal_n 8._o the_o sun_n the_o stir_v the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v whole_o mercy_n if_o then_o a_o man_n set_v himself_o to_o meditation_n after_o this_o manner_n will_v he_o not_o find_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n like_o ezekiel_n water_n to_o ascend_v high_a and_o high_o till_o they_o come_v over_o his_o head_n but_o to_o finish_v at_o last_o this_o subject_a take_v notice_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o a_o thankful_a blessing_n and_o praise_v soul_n that_o so_o if_o thy_o heart_n at_o last_o be_v thorough_o raise_v up_o to_o this_o duty_n thou_o may_v praise_v god_n for_o this_o truth_n that_o provoke_v thou_o to_o praise_v he_o and_o first_o the_o more_o thou_o bless_v god_n the_o more_o will_v thou_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v he_o mercy_n for_o to_o the_o thankful_a heart_n god_n multiply_v his_o mercy_n as_o many_o time_n because_o thou_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o thou_o or_o look_v upon_o his_o mercy_n as_o a_o debt_n to_o thou_o or_o thou_o take_v the_o mercy_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o and_o use_v they_o as_o weapon_n against_o he_o therefore_o he_o take_v away_o thy_o mercy_n from_o thou_o to_o make_v thou_o prize_v they_o the_o more_o whereas_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o take_v every_o mercy_n as_o the_o hen_n every_o drop_n of_o water_n and_o immediate_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n that_o will_v take_v up_o every_o fragment_n that_o nothing_o be_v lose_v as_o thou_o bless_v god_n declarative_o god_n will_v bless_v thou_o real_o christ_n will_v bless_v thou_o as_o he_o do_v those_o few_o loaf_n by_o multiply_v of_o they_o second_o consider_v this_o be_v all_o thou_o can_v do_v to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o several_a mercy_n what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o thou_o after_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o thy_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v it_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o to_o magnify_v his_o name_n to_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o add_v unto_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o make_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o bless_a in_o himself_o by_o all_o the_o glory_n thou_o give_v to_o he_o so_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n that_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o blessing_n from_o thou_o that_o he_o will_v own_o praise_n out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rebuke_v thou_o as_o christ_n do_v the_o devil_n when_o they_o confess_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n three_o this_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n will_v keep_v thou_o in_o a_o joyful_a active_a and_o fruitful_a way_n those_o that_o sing_v at_o their_o work_n dispatch_v it_o with_o great_a facility_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n fill_v with_o cordial_a thankfulness_n to_o god_n do_v more_o for_o god_n than_o many_o other_o who_o be_v clog_v with_o deject_v and_o discourage_v thought_n see_v whether_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o heaviness_n yea_o the_o prevail_a of_o lust_n and_o passion_n upon_o thou_o be_v not_o want_v of_o cheerful_a blessing_n of_o god_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o strength_n last_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o david_n how_o unwearied_a he_o be_v in_o this_o work_n never_o think_v that_o his_o soul_n do_v enough_o herein_o and_o therefore_o because_o he_o can_v discharge_v this_o duty_n to_o his_o desire_n he_o call_v upon_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o the_o world_n almost_o to_o help_v he_o therein_o yea_o the_o very_a ice_n and_o snow_n and_o such_o inanimate_a creature_n how_o much_o more_o angel_n and_o man_n must_v join_v with_o he_o to_o praise_v god_n in_o augustine_n time_n some_o be_v name_v deo_fw-la gratias_fw-la certain_o we_o shall_v so_o abound_v in_o this_o duty_n that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v unto_o god_n as_o psal_n 22._o thou_o inhabite_v the_o praise_n of_o israel_n serm._n xxxi_o how_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o how_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o a_o christian_n comfort_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o duty_n of_o blessing_n with_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v dispatch_v let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o that_o amplification_n and_o illustration_n which_o the_o apostle_n uf_v in_o describe_v of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o be_v from_o a_o personal_a and_o relative_a respect_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n even_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o particle_n be_v by_o way_n of_o interpretation_n and_o explication_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o god_n viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v often_o absolute_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o common_a to_o the_o three_o person_n but_o relative_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a personality_n of_o the_o first_o person_n and_o therefore_o say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o stephanus_n observe_v may_v be_v render_v by_o et_fw-la sed_fw-la tunc_fw-la etiam_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o the_o subject_a matter_n require_v the_o apostle_n do_v in_o other_o place_n delight_v to_o use_v this_o expression_n rom._n 15._o 6._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 31._o ephes_n 3._o 14._o in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n seem_v with_o much_o affection_n and_o cordial_a enlargement_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o this_o relative_a title_n in_o god_n the_o father_n for_o this_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o our_o comfort_n herein_o be_v all_o our_o mercy_n contain_v that_o we_o and_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o father_n he_o by_o nature_n and_o we_o by_o grace_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n paternal_a relation_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o speculative_a doctrinal_a truth_n but_o as_o practical_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o consolation_n to_o we_o hence_o john_n 20._o 17._o christ_n by_o way_n of_o comfort_n tell_v they_o he_o ascends_z to_o his_o father_n and_o their_o father_n and_o indeed_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v behold_v he_o as_o a_o father_n but_o as_o a_o severe_a and_o dreadful_a judge_n only_o when_o we_o say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n relation_n to_o christ_n a_o son_n be_v so_o full_a of_o comfort_n you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o absolute_o and_o naked_o as_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n but_o as_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n into_o a_o personal_a subsistency_n therefore_o he_o say_v the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o description_n of_o his_o person_n in_o both_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o son_n as_o the_o second_o person_n alone_o in_o
last_o here_o be_v consolation_n and_o although_o these_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n consolation_n in_o the_o particular_a to_o every_o believer_n because_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v his_o strength_n hereby_o also_o he_o walk_v thankful_o and_o fruitful_o yet_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v narrow_a and_o spare_v in_o use_v they_o for_o other_o comfort_n for_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o thy_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o convert_v but_o to_o comfort_v not_o only_o to_o bring_v out_o of_o sin_n but_o out_o of_o fear_n and_o dejection_n thus_o the_o apostle_n at_o the_o last_o verse_n in_o this_o chapter_n we_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n consider_v that_o not_o only_o what_o be_v acquire_v by_o study_n but_o what_o also_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n into_o thy_o soul_n may_v be_v of_o admirable_a efficacy_n to_o other_o though_o christ_n sermon_n and_o parable_n be_v like_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n mighty_o divide_v between_o true_a grace_n and_o hypocrisy_n yet_o isa_n 50._o 4._o he_o express_v his_o ministry_n by_o this_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a and_o this_o he_o call_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a we_o call_v it_o learning_n to_o allege_v the_o ancient_n to_o be_v full_a of_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n to_o empty_v out_o the_o bowel_n of_o school-learning_n yea_o some_o be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o account_v study_v word_n and_o compose_v language_n rare_a learning_n whereas_o speech_n be_v like_o the_o arrow_n that_o be_v not_o commend_v for_o stud_n of_o gold_n or_o jewel_n on_o it_o but_o if_o it_o hit_v the_o mark_n thus_o that_o be_v oratory_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o effect_v the_o end_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o make_v the_o sinner_n weep_v the_o hard_a heart_n to_o tremble_v and_o the_o sad_a to_o be_v comfort_v you_o see_v it_o be_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o do_v this_o do_v then_o god_n give_v thou_o comfort_v be_v not_o thou_o want_v then_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o spiritual_a dives_fw-la full_a of_o consolation_n and_o think_v thou_o have_v store_n enough_o lay_v up_o for_o thou_o both_o to_o live_v and_o die_v with_o take_v heed_n lest_o some_o poor_a lazarus_n will_v be_v glad_a of_o thy_o crumb_n and_o thou_o do_v not_o give_v to_o he_o serm._n xlii_o that_o those_o only_a can_v make_v fit_a application_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o other_o who_o have_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n there_o remain_v a_o second_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o final_a cause_n why_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n viz._n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v other_o from_o whence_o there_o be_v this_o observation_n obvious_a that_o those_o only_o be_v able_a to_o make_v fit_a application_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o have_v theoretical_a have_v the_o experimental_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a imply_v otherwise_o there_o will_v not_o be_v that_o sufficiency_n and_o fitness_n in_o we_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o discover_v this_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o one_o be_v speculative_a and_o mere_o theoretical_a when_o we_o know_v they_o yea_o and_o it_o may_v be_v give_v a_o sound_n and_o firm_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o such_o be_v all_o those_o learned_a man_n who_o be_v very_a orthodox_n and_o wonderful_o able_a to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o opposer_n whatsoever_o such_o as_o these_o be_v god_n raise_v up_o many_o time_n as_o eminent_a pillar_n in_o the_o church_n but_o because_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o salvavation_n therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v a_o save_v affectionate_a practical_a experimental_a and_o experimental_a know_v of_o truth_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v such_o thing_n but_o by_o believe_v we_o do_v love_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n we_o know_v we_o do_v credendo_fw-la amare_fw-la we_o have_v a_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n now_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v only_a orthodox_n and_o no_o more_o be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v and_o lament_v to_o write_v against_o arminian_n and_o other_o about_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o conversion_n and_o yet_o never_o experimental_o to_o have_v this_o upon_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o to_o treat_v of_o justification_n and_o christ_n yet_o not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v the_o save_n and_o sweet_a operation_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o their_o soul_n be_v great_o to_o be_v bewail_v to_o be_v like_o the_o builder_n of_o noah_n ark_n that_o prove_v a_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o refuge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o deluge_n for_o other_o when_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o such_o excellent_a knowledge_n and_o of_o such_o admirable_a lovely_a use_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o save_v while_o it_o go_v no_o further_o because_o practice_n and_o do_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o theological_a knowledge_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o joh._n 13._o 17._o so_o that_o this_o experimental_a and_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v that_o which_o compleat_v the_o former_a to_o know_v christ_n so_o as_o to_o have_v he_o to_o know_v regeneration_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o knowledge_n hence_o be_v that_o commandment_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o to_o examine_v ourselves_o to_o try_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o christ_n or_o no._n the_o latter_a word_n signify_v to_o make_v a_o experience_n or_o a_o experimental_a trial_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o so_o that_o if_o you_o have_v a_o man_n who_o can_v speak_v like_o a_o oracle_n in_o all_o the_o point_n of_o divinity_n who_o be_v a_o very_a miracle_n in_o respect_n of_o learning_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n like_o a_o parrot_n not_o right_o or_o full_o apprehend_v of_o they_o till_o he_o have_v inward_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o they_o second_o this_o save_a experimental_a knowledge_n do_v differ_v in_o its_o whole_a kind_n kind_n and_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n in_o a_o moral_a consideration_n from_o a_o mere_a orthodox_n or_o bare_a speculative_a knowledge_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o large_a dispute_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o illumination_n in_o a_o temporary_a believer_n although_o now_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o speak_v of_o the_o habitus_fw-la fidei_fw-la as_o theologiae_n which_o may_v be_v in_o learned_a know_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o a_o true_a convert_n we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n from_o heb._n 6._o that_o those_o who_o be_v enlighten_v yea_o and_o have_v some_o experimental_a work_n of_o which_o a_o non_fw-la yet_o they_o have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o hold_v fast_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n hope_v for_o better_a thing_n they_o therefore_o so_o differ_v that_o take_v a_o man_n who_o do_v only_o know_v divine_a thing_n by_o book_n by_o sermon_n by_o read_v of_o author_n and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o acquaint_v wih_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a teach_n by_o the_o word_n and_o let_v he_o at_o last_o come_v to_o have_v these_o thing_n set_v home_o upon_o he_o by_o a_o effectual_a demonstration_n of_o god_n spirit_n let_v he_o know_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_v eph._n 4._o and_o he_o will_v then_o cry_v out_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o never_o know_v any_o thing_n till_o then_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a that_o he_o have_v but_o a_o learned_a kind_n of_o folly_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n as_o man_n do_v of_o country_n which_o they_o see_v in_o map_n only_o by_o a_o general_a knowledge_n have_v never_o travel_v to_o see_v the_o country_n themselves_o there_o be_v such_o a_o full_a power_n accompany_v this_o practical_a knowledge_n that_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o shadow_n to_o this_o substance_n observe_v many_o man_n do_v they_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o they_o go_v from_o chapter_n to_o chapter_n but_o till_o it_o be_v the_o engraft_a word_n in_o they_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o thing_n not_o the_o thing_n themselves_o knowledge_n in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v
that_o the_o most_o genuine_a answer_n be_v that_o paul_n do_v here_o speak_v of_o his_o trouble_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o flesh_n even_o as_o afterward_o he_o say_v it_o be_v above_o his_o strength_n that_o be_v his_o humane_a natural_a strength_n as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o if_o therefore_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v consult_v with_o then_o paul_n say_v it_o be_v a_o affliction_n above_o measure_n but_o then_o at_o vers_n 17._o of_o the_o 2_o cor._n 4._o as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n he_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n within_o he_o so_o that_o a_o godly_a man_n speak_v one_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o another_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bitter_a and_o heavy_a to_o the_o flesh_n which_o may_v be_v sweet_a reason_n and_o welcome_a to_o the_o spirit_n from_o whence_o observe_v that_o godly_a man_n judge_v otherwise_o of_o their_o affliction_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o flesh_n in_o they_o than_o they_o do_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o reason_n in_o they_o paul_n call_v it_o a_o affliction_n above_o measure_n in_o the_o low_a sphere_n of_o nature_n but_o again_o he_o call_v it_o a_o light_a one_o in_o the_o high_a sphere_n of_o grace_n even_o as_o a_o astronomer_n behold_v the_o sun_n with_o his_o bodily_a eye_n judge_v it_o less_o than_o the_o earth_n but_o then_o again_o behold_v it_o with_o the_o instrument_n of_o art_n do_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v many_o degree_n big_a than_o the_o earth_n thus_o the_o godly_a man_n while_o he_o think_v and_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o flesh_n within_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o burden_n he_o be_v discontent_v at_o they_o he_o look-at_a they_o as_o destructive_a but_o then_o again_o when_o the_o same_o man_n consider_v they_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o scripture-ground_n than_o he_o see_v that_o those_o stone_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o bread_n and_o from_o these_o thorn_n he_o may_v gather_v grape_n even_o as_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v two_o distinct_a nature_n in_o a_o personal_a union_n therefore_o we_o say_v christ_n die_v christ_n be_v in_o agony_n and_o that_o because_o of_o his_o humane_a nature_n yea_o it_o be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n to_o create_v the_o world_n to_o raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o because_o of_o his_o divine_a nature_n as_o he_o be_v son_n of_o god_n so_o he_o be_v full_a of_o power_n and_o might_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n now_o here_o be_v no_o impossibility_n or_o repugnancy_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o different_a with_o christ_n under_o several_a respect_n thus_o also_o it_o be_v with_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n so_o he_o put_v forth_o divine_a and_o gracious_a operation_n but_o as_o he_o do_v still_o retain_v some_o relic_n of_o his_o old_a birth_n so_o there_o be_v sinful_a and_o infirm_a action_n come_v from_o he_o therefore_o when_o a_o godly_a man_n do_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v consider_v from_o what_o fountain_n it_o be_v either_o the_o sweet_a fountain_n or_o the_o bitter_a fountain_n that_o it_o slow_v from_o to_o discover_v this_o truth_n man_n first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o every_o regenerate_a man_n there_o be_v two_o have_v as_o it_o be_v the_o carnal_a self_n and_o the_o spiritual_a self_n from_o which_o issue_n all_o the_o work_v we_o do_v galat._n 5._o 17._o and_o also_o rom._n 7._o for_o although_o amyraldus_n expos_fw-la in_o cap._n 7._o ad_fw-la rom._n yet_o profess_v both_o against_o socinian_o and_o arminian_n do_v industrious_o labour_v to_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o man_n only_o legal_o wrought_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o paul_n and_o injurious_a to_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n to_o affirm_v that_o paul_n speak_v those_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o person_n while_o regenerate_v yet_o by_o that_o text_n in_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 5._o 17._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a like_o rebeccah_n have_v these_o two_o twin_n struggle_v in_o their_o womb_n and_o that_o as_o a_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n we_o may_v say_v he_o be_v mortal_a and_o immortal_a visible_a and_o invisible_a in_o different_a respect_n mortal_a and_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n but_o immortal_a and_o invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o soul_n thus_o also_o it_o be_v with_o a_o godly_a man_n in_o a_o theological_a consideration_n he_o have_v both_o corruption_n and_o grace_n he_o have_v both_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n now_o although_o this_o be_v so_o yet_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o well_o as_o a_o regenerate_a a_o sinner_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n as_o well_o as_o holy_a because_o denomination_n be_v always_o from_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o this_o corruption_n though_o remain_v yet_o be_v to_o be_v subdue_v and_o conquer_v even_o as_o canaan_n may_v be_v call_v the_o possession_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o israelite_n although_o many_o jebusite_n do_v still_o continue_v therein_o and_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o let_v not_o then_o any_o godly_a man_n look_v for_o such_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n as_o to_o have_v only_o one_o principle_n within_o he_o and_o that_o of_o grace_n do_v not_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v altogether_o as_o the_o spirit_n will_v have_v it_o in_o thou_o not_o find_v the_o least_o opposition_n or_o renitency_n from_o the_o flesh_n no_o this_o estate_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v only_o in_o heaven_n second_o as_o these_o two_o self_n or_o principle_n be_v in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v regenerate_v another_o so_o they_o do_v actual_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o hence_o come_v that_o christian_a combat_n and_o conflict_n which_o the_o godly_a find_v within_o themselves_o not_o like_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n aristotle_n incontinent_a person_n or_o the_o poet_n medea_n a_o conflict_n between_o reason_n and_o their_o lust_n only_o but_o this_o opposition_n be_v universal_a and_o diffusive_a in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o carnal_a part_n in_o the_o mind_n oppose_v the_o spiritual_a the_o carnal_a part_n of_o the_o will_n contradict_v the_o spiritual_a so_o that_o they_o have_v heart_n against_o heart_n affection_n against_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o conceive_v of_o these_o two_o principle_n as_o dormant_a and_o latitant_fw-la in_o the_o soul_n but_o they_o be_v as_o fire_n and_o water_n in_o the_o same_o subject_n labour_v to_o expel_v each_o other_o and_o according_a to_o the_o threefold_a estate_n or_o degree_n that_o we_o may_v conceive_v in_o person_n regenerate_v so_o be_v this_o fight_n and_o congress_n more_o or_o less_o vehement_a the_o first_o degree_n be_v of_o such_o who_o be_v new_o convert_v these_o although_o in_o regeneration_n they_o have_v the_o seed_n and_o root_n of_o all_o grace_n yet_o because_o of_o their_o former_a custom_n in_o evil_a way_n can_v so_o immediate_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v their_o lust_n and_o therefore_o like_o child_n that_o begin_v to_o walk_v because_o of_o their_o feebleness_n they_o get_v many_o fall_n a_o second_o degree_n be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n proficient_o and_o have_v obtain_v much_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o although_o in_o such_o there_o be_v many_o combat_n yet_o grace_n have_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o assault_n make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o last_o there_o be_v such_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v perfect_a not_o absolute_o but_o comparative_o to_o other_o because_o they_o be_v as_o giant_n when_o other_o be_v but_o dwarf_n these_o be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n now_o such_o although_o they_o do_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n by_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o this_o combat_n within_o it_o be_v true_a some_o think_v that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o paul_n rom._n 7._o speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o one_o in_o the_o low_a form_n that_o be_v but_o new_o come_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n and_o amyraldus_n do_v therefore_o think_v paul_n can_v mean_v those_o thing_n of_o himself_o because_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n insomuch_o that_o he_o invit_v other_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o example_n hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o know_v nothing_o
you_o have_v what_o gift_n and_o enlargement_n you_o have_v what_o not_o what_o remarkable_a external_a duty_n you_o have_v do_v for_o god_n but_o with_o what_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n all_o this_o have_v be_v perform_v therefore_o meditate_v on_o this_o lesson_n as_o it_o be_v every_o day_n be_v study_v of_o it_o to_o know_v all_o the_o practical_a mystery_n about_o it_o and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n before_o he_o can_v sow_v his_o ground_n with_o corn_n must_v cut_v up_o the_o root_n and_o bush_n which_o be_v in_o the_o security_n way_n so_o do_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v the_o better_o set_v thyself_o upon_o this_o duty_n of_o press_v after_o sure_a knowledge_n in_o this_o great_a matter_n remove_v first_o all_z those_o impediment_n and_o hindrance_n that_o keep_v thou_o from_o exercise_v thyself_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o a_o self-fulnesse_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n that_o thou_o be_v already_o in_o a_o good_a estate_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n and_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o many_o a_o man_n soul_n he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n or_o no_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o entertain_v one_o doubt_n about_o it_o no_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o in_o despair_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v have_v trouble_n and_o disquietness_n of_o conscience_n he_o can_v live_v so_o jolly_o and_o secure_o as_o he_o do_v therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n word_n or_o the_o ministry_n speak_v though_o never_o so_o terrible_o about_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o we_o delude_v ourselves_o take_v that_o which_o be_v like_o grace_n for_o true_a grace_n they_o matter_n it_o not_o they_o will_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o none_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v they_o question_v it_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n such_o secure_a confident_a spirit_n have_v the_o most_o cause_n to_o doubt_n and_o fear_n never_o to_o doubt_v or_o search_v into_o thy_o heart_n and_o to_o compare_v thyself_o with_o the_o rule_n be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n to_o take_v all_o for_o grant_v thus_o concern_v thy_o soul_n and_o never_o to_o commune_v with_o thy_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o thou_o be_v rot_v in_o the_o foundation_n do_v not_o the_o wiseman_n observe_v it_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n prov._n 16._o 2._o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n be_v clean_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n though_o thou_o say_v with_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n thou_o be_v rich_a clothe_v and_o want_v nothing_o yet_o god_n know_v thou_o be_v poor_a curse_a and_o miserable_a god_n know_v otherwise_o by_o thou_o than_o thou_o do_v we_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o she_o be_v incurable_a because_o of_o this_o principle_n she_o hold_v that_o she_o can_v err_v for_o if_o she_o will_v yield_v that_o if_o she_o will_v grant_v happy_o for_o so_o many_o year_n they_o have_v be_v gross_o deceive_v then_o there_o will_v be_v some_o principle_n to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o reform_v they_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o man_n that_o confess_v his_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a his_o condition_n may_v be_v very_o miserable_a though_o he_o have_v applaud_v himself_o thus_o many_o year_n if_o i_o may_v be_v find_v out_o not_o to_o have_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n about_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v deceive_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n in_o i_o there_o be_v fearful_a and_o sad_a instance_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o temporary_a believer_n therefore_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v whether_o i_o come_v not_o too_o short_a as_o yet_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n than_o i_o have_v attain_v unto_o this_o man_n be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o man_n be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o be_v secure_v but_o the_o self-righteous_a man_n that_o suppose_v himself_o good_a it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n with_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v to_o be_v question_v this_o man_n be_v remediless_a as_o to_o humane_a appearance_n such_o a_o presumptuous_a man_n in_o practical_o be_v like_o a_o heretic_n in_o doctrinal_n and_o so_o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n we_o may_v even_o reject_v know_v that_o he_o do_v willing_o damn_v himself_o be_v sure_a then_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o rock_n at_o which_o so_o many_o have_v split_v themselves_o a_o second_o cause_n that_o must_v be_v remove_v be_v a_o profane_a careless_a spirit_n whereby_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o matter_n their_o soul_n nor_o in_o what_o relation_n they_o do_v stand_v in_o towards_o spirit_n god_n if_o their_o body_n be_v well_o if_o their_o worldly_a affair_n prosper_v than_o they_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n but_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n whether_o god_n be_v reconcile_v or_o a_o enemy_n whether_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o take_v off_o that_o natural_a and_o curse_a estate_n they_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o never_o look_v after_o it_o oh_o foolish_a and_o brutish_a man_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v once_o convince_v thou_o of_o thy_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n which_o may_v fall_v upon_o thou_o every_o moment_n than_o thou_o may_v have_v no_o rest_n day_n or_o night_n till_o thou_o obtain_v some_o assurance_n herein_o the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o over-greedinesse_n and_o importunate_a mind_v of_o our_o earthly_a carefulness_n business_n we_o rise_v with_o the_o world_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o go_v to_o bed_n with_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o never_o set_v time_n apart_o serious_o to_o think_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o hence_o come_v those_o constant_a delay_n and_o procrastination_n promise_v ourselves_o we_o will_v after_o such_o and_o such_o business_n be_v over_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n but_o still_o the_o work_n be_v not_o do_v our_o day_n pass_v away_o our_o heart_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o indispose_v every_o day_n till_o at_o last_o death_n unexpected_o seize_v upon_o we_o and_o then_o we_o will_v glad_o have_v oil_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o then_o with_o esai_n we_o cry_v out_o for_o a_o blessing_n with_o tear_n and_o bitterness_n but_o we_o come_v too_o late_o how_o comfortable_a on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o for_o a_o godly_a man_n die_v to_o say_v his_o soul_n have_v be_v set_v in_o order_n long_o before_o he_o have_v not_o his_o evidence_n now_o to_o seek_v the_o know_v of_o his_o heart_n have_v be_v all_o his_o study_n in_o his_o life_n time_n satan_n can_v object_v no_o new_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o already_o think_v upon_o last_o there_o be_v another_o cause_n in_o the_o other_o extreme_a which_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v thought_n if_o we_o will_v arrive_v to_o this_o certainty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o despair_a and_o discourage_v thought_n as_o so_o many_o viper_n fasten_v upon_o thou_o this_o valley_n must_v be_v exalt_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o mountain_n level_v paper_n too_o much_o wet_v as_o well_o as_o foul_a receive_v no_o character_n so_o the_o heart_n sinful_o deject_v and_o disquiet_v be_v indispose_v for_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presumptuous_a one_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o need_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o seal_v we_o and_o to_o confirm_v we_o yea_o we_o need_v god_n spirit_n more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o confirmation_n then_o of_o illumination_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v soon_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n than_o unbelief_n and_o diffidence_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o see_v it_o thus_o often_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o respect_n of_o illumination_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o eagle-eyed_a in_o respect_n of_o conviction_n be_v wonderful_o ingenuous_a to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o secret_a pollution_n and_o guile_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o then_o for_o assurance_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o they_o be_v exceed_o fearful_a and_o very_o weak_a therefore_o the_o believer_n must_v look_v upon_o slavish_a and_o disquiet_v fear_n as_o adversary_n to_o his_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o presumptuous_a and_o secure_a thought_n these_o impediment_n be_v thus_o roll_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o next_o thing_n he_o have_v assurance_n to_o do_v be_v to_o awe_v his_o foul_a with_o those_o command_n of_o god_n that_o require_v we_o to_o get_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o
necessity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n for_o while_o a_o godly_a man_n look_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o come_v he_o see_v such_o a_o terrible_a wilderness_n he_o be_v to_o go_v through_o such_o a_o red_a sea_n to_o pass_v over_o such_o anakim_v in_o the_o way_n to_o be_v destroy_v that_o have_v he_o not_o this_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o he_o shall_v overcome_v all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o that_o god_n will_v daily_o hold_v he_o in_o his_o arm_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v his_o doubt_n and_o fear_n will_v whole_o dishearten_v he_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o earnest_n it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n at_o this_o time_n to_o launch_v into_o that_o ocean_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n as_o also_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o amplify_v this_o doctrine_n with_o some_o few_o proposition_n and_o so_o conclude_v it_o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o comfortablenesse_n of_o it_o will_v not_o let_v we_o whole_o pass_v it_o by_o this_o precious_a flower_n can_v be_v find_v only_o in_o the_o paradise_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o austin_n be_v weary_a of_o platonical_a book_n because_o they_o have_v not_o these_o excellent_a thing_n in_o they_o the_o scripture_n have_v whereof_o this_o arra_fw-la spiritus_fw-la the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v one_o he_o instance_v in_o lib._n confess_v cap._n 7._o as_o first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o comfort_n of_o perseverance_n be_v only_o improve_v by_o they_o those_o that_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o present_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n he_o that_o find_v grace_n for_o the_o present_a in_o his_o soul_n may_v undoubted_o conclude_v of_o his_o salvation_n hereafter_o but_o if_o a_o christian_a do_v lie_v in_o doubt_n whether_o he_o have_v grace_n or_o no_o this_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v as_o the_o honeycomb_n to_o he_o for_o he_o have_v not_o lay_v the_o foundation_n that_o this_o must_v be_v build_v upon_o but_o if_o his_o thought_n about_o the_o present_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v hopeful_a only_o in_o he_o than_o also_o be_v his_o thought_n about_o perseverance_n hopeful_a only_o he_o may_v have_v some_o comfort_n but_o not_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o the_o scripture_n propound_v neither_o can_v he_o use_v those_o triumph_a expression_n of_o holy_a confidence_n which_o paul_n rom._n 8._o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o by_o any_o peculiar_a revelation_n but_o of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n second_o there_o be_v some_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n who_o make_v the_o certainty_n nearness_n of_o our_o present_a grace_n and_o of_o perseverance_n therein_o two_o distinct_a yea_o and_o separable_a thing_n they_o will_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o present_a grace_n he_o have_v but_o then_o they_o deny_v he_o be_v to_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o shall_v continue_v and_o persevere_v in_o this_o for_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v true_a grace_n and_o yet_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v from_o it_o other_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v grace_n and_o not_o be_v elect_v and_o such_o may_v lose_v it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o elect_a that_o man_n shall_v never_o lose_v his_o interest_n in_o heaven_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o teacher_n do_v not_o only_o deny_v any_o such_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n in_o our_o present_a grace_n either_o ordinary_o possible_a or_o necessary_a but_o say_v such_o a_o certainty_n will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o all_o vigilancy_n and_o carefulness_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o what_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o he_o can_v fear_v he_o shall_v lose_v let_v he_o live_v how_o he_o will_v but_o this_o upon_o another_o account_n be_v in_o time_n to_o be_v more_o large_o debate_v therefore_o for_o the_o present_a i_o only_o add_v this_o three_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o certainty_n which_o the_o godly_a have_v be_v not_o such_o a_o absolute_a abstract_a one_o mean_n as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o include_v the_o mean_n lead_v to_o salvation_n but_o rather_o do_v necessary_o connote_v they_o insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o godly_a man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o such_o a_o desperate_a frame_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a of_o heaven_n let_v i_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o abominable_a impiety_n that_o be_v these_o shall_v not_o hinder_v salvation_n such_o a_o one_o will_v certain_o be_v damn_v but_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o who_o have_v the_o true_a seed_n of_o grace_n will_v ever_o be_v give_v up_o to_o such_o a_o profane_a spirit_n the_o certainty_n then_o that_o a_o believer_n have_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o attain_v their_o desire_a end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v like_a the_o assurance_n that_o paul_n have_v concern_v the_o preservation_n god_n will_v vouch_v safe_a to_o all_o his_o fellow-passenger_n in_o the_o ship_n with_o he_o which_o yet_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o mean_n as_o paul_n exhort_v they_o or_o like_o that_o of_o hezckiah_n to_o who_o god_n promise_v the_o addition_n of_o fifteen_o year_n long_o to_o his_o life_n now_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o god_n can_v not_o lie_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v he_o know_v god_n promise_v employ_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n so_o that_o the_o adversary_n to_o this_o truth_n do_v full_o mistake_v when_o they_o say_v we_o preach_v such_o a_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n that_o though_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o any_o enormous_a crime_n yet_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v this_o still_o this_o be_v oppositum_fw-la in_o apposito_fw-la to_o suppose_v that_o if_o fire_n be_v water_n it_o will_v refrigerate_v four_o we_o be_v further_a to_o distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a certainty_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o or_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o way_n 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a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v this_o position_n as_o a_o truth_n that_o he_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n can_v fall_v from_o it_o but_o also_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o have_v true_a grace_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o rock_n that_o no_o storm_n or_o tempest_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o every_o godly_a man_n be_v to_o press_v after_o this_o text_n be_v a_o special_a furtherance_n in_o this_o work_n for_o the_o spirit_n feeling_n persuade_v of_o the_o grace_n already_o wrought_v in_o we_o and_o the_o earnest_n do_v assure_v we_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v why_o 1._o he_o who_o find_v grace_n in_o himself_o may_v thus_o conclude_v infallible_o for_o heaven_n hereafter_o i_o shall_v among_o many_o give_v three_o only_a which_o be_v such_o a_o threefold_a cord_n that_o can_v never_o be_v break_v as_o first_o that_o all_o true_a grace_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o predestination_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v effectual_o call_v in_o time_n be_v thereby_o declare_v to_o be_v predestinate_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v thus_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8_o 30._o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a he_o call_v and_o those_o he_o justify_v and_o those_o he_o glorifi_v you_o see_v it_o be_v a_o chain_n of_o god_n make_v and_o so_o can_v be_v dissolve_v therefore_o tit._n 1._o 1._o it_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v so_o eph._n 1._o 4._o he_o have_v choose_v we_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a we_o see_v then_o that_o holiness_n and_o true_a faith_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o therefore_o to_o distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a sonship_n of_o god_n some_o by_o present_a grace_n only_o and_o