to_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o must_v be_v prove_v also_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n a_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n a_o man_n justify_v and_o a_o adopt_a child_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o know_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o true_o regenerate_v circumcise_v in_o heart_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o sinless_a but_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n as_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o himself_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a of_o accusation_n or_o tentation_n and_o doubt_n but_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n but_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 1._o he_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n 2._o he_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n 3._o he_o put_v on_o christ_n yoke_n math._n 11._o 28_o 29._o if_o a_o man_n have_v these_o three_o property_n joint_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o regenerae_fw-la man_n and_o may_v defend_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o divine_a operation_n and_o save_a grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n repentance_n unto_o life_n hope_v christian_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n go_v together_o in_o time_n by_o god_n gift_n but_o one_o of_o they_o go_v before_o another_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o effectual_a calling_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o faith_n go_v before_o hope_n and_o before_o charity_n or_o love_n again_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_a child_n of_o god_n joint_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o evidence_n alike_o soon_o in_o time_n nor_o do_v they_o equal_o manifest_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v in_o time_n and_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v discern_v in_o not_o a_o few_o convert_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v show_v itself_o in_o they_o clear_o so_o also_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ofttimes_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o himself_o dare_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ._n 4._o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o regenerate_a person_n who_o for_o the_o present_a time_n can_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o to_o their_o own_o unspeakable_a comfort_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o be_v point_v out_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o all_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n clear_a and_o certain_a to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o whether_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o or_o not_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o for_o otherwise_o except_o a_o convert_n know_v certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v make_v a_o reconcile_a subject_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n or_o set_v cheerful_o himself_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o comfortable_o call_v on_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n wherefore_o all_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n shall_v deal_v by_o prayer_n earnest_o with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o they_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n in_o they_o they_o may_v know_v the_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o which_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n own_o regeneration_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o assurance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n wherein_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v may_v be_v for_o many_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o may_v darken_v his_o sight_n and_o hinder_v the_o assurance_n of_o save_a grace_n grant_v unto_o he_o whereof_o sundry_a cause_n may_v be_v find_v and_o in_o special_a these_o four_o among_o other_o 1._o in_o a_o man_n illuminat_fw-la and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o remain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n much_o doubt_v mix_v with_o faith_n by_o reason_n of_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o the_o convert_n to_o examine_v and_o discern_v this_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o he_o where_o through_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o young_a convert_n which_o will_v be_v see_v in_o infant_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o know_v or_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v a_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n of_o discretion_n yea_o many_o sound_a christian_n be_v ofttimes_o at_o a_o stand_n about_o their_o regeneration_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o their_o faith_n or_o repentance_n especial_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o strength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o great_a indisposition_n for_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v force_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o cry_v miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o rom._n 7._o 24._o mean_a time_n for_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o to_o wrestle_v against_o discouragement_n and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o apostle_n thank_v god_n through_o christ._n 2._o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n ofttimes_o the_o persuasion_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v darken_v so_o as_o they_o can_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o regeneration_n clear_o for_o satan_n set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o bond_n who_o albeit_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v they_o that_o at_o least_o he_o may_v make_v they_o some_o way_n unfit_a for_o god_n service_n and_o mar_v their_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o service_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v harm_n from_o they_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n by_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o unconvert_v to_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o find_v they_o work_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o put_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o forbear_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n till_o they_o be_v settle_v themselves_o 3._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n be_v offend_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o special_o by_o their_o gross_a transgression_n for_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v do_v for_o a_o time_n cease_v from_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v 4._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n by_o suffer_a doubt_n to_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n use_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n and_o thereby_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o pursue_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n more_o vigorous_o and_o sincere_o that_o after_o victory_n obtain_v over_o these_o tentation_n they_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o his_o obedience_n 6._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o while_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v most_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o he_o and_o clear_o see_v by_o other_o more_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o howsoever_o the_o weak_a convert_n and_o child_n of_o light_n walk_v
and_o bring_v the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o on_o upon_o his_o way_n till_o he_o put_v he_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o yet_o this_o felicity_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o piece_n and_o piece_n and_o not_o without_o conflict_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o without_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o he_o as_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o hope_n and_o patience_n be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v sure_o perform_v in_o that_o manner_n measure_n order_n and_o time_n and_o by_o his_o own_o appoint_a mean_n as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n 6._o the_o three_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n nor_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n he_o judge_v no_o otherways_o than_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o man_n whileas_o there_o be_v a_o diverse_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o faith_n then_o of_o another_o man_n faith_n for_o because_o i_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o man_n therefore_o i_o must_v judge_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o james_n give_v chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 10._o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n yet_o of_o my_o own_o faith_n i_o may_v judge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o external_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o in_o the_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o observable_a possible_o but_o also_o by_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n do_v reveal_v unto_o i_o by_o make_v i_o not_o only_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_v he_o but_o also_o can_v make_v i_o reflect_v and_o turn_v back_o my_o eye_n upon_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o i_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v 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 again_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n do_v judge_n he_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o work_n may_v be_v do_v upright_o and_o yet_o be_v imperfect_a he_o shall_v distinguish_v what_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o work_n from_o that_o which_o be_v wrong_a and_o corrupt_a flow_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v confound_v and_o do_v so_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wrong_a when_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v wrong_a that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n and_o to_o observe_v also_o what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n in_o his_o work_n proceed_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o so_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isa._n 42._o 3._o 7._o for_o remedy_v therefore_o of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n both_o internal_a and_o external_a both_o on_o the_o elicit_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o imperat_fw-la act_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n and_o let_v he_o judge_v of_o both_o according_a to_o what_o be_v right_a and_o equitable_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o may_v be_v difference_v from_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n defect_n or_o corruption_n and_o let_v he_o not_o judge_v of_o his_o work_n according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n who_o always_o condemn_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v what_o be_v good_a in_o god_n child_n or_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v it_o do_v labour_n to_o have_v it_o abuse_v second_o let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o due_a order_n both_o in_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o judge_v thereof_o for_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v first_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o christ_n before_o he_o can_v pass_v judgement_n on_o it_o and_o let_v he_o first_o do_v the_o work_v command_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o then_o pass_v sentence_n that_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o do_v more_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o present_v they_o to_o god_n to_o be_v washen_n accept_v and_o amend_v in_o his_o follow_a service_n three_o let_v he_o careful_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o judge_v of_o his_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o end_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o conceive_v all_o be_v wrong_a after_o we_o have_v examine_v matter_n 6._o the_o four_o practical_a error_n be_v that_o the_o afflict_v first_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v wound_v and_o weaken_v by_o satan_n tentation_n and_o then_o to_o be_v draw_v forth_o to_o the_o field_n to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o some_o difficile_a duty_n before_o the_o wound_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v up_o or_o heal_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n about_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o not_o when_o faith_n be_v wound_v yea_o faint_v and_o be_v bring_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v a_o special_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o satan_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_v he_o can_v to_o hurt_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mar_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o if_o he_o can_v the_o conduit_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o believer_n for_o make_v he_o give_v acceptable_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficile_a when_o faith_n be_v wrest_v and_o for_o a_o time_n out_o of_o joint_n to_o set_v about_o acceptable_a service_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o set_v upon_o his_o work_n when_o his_o arm_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v his_o â—aith_n wound_v incontinent_a set_v himself_o down_o before_o god_n humble_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o foolishness_n want_v of_o watch_v unworthiness_n and_o inability_n either_o to_o know_v how_o he_o have_v grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o make_v open_v a_o door_n for_o the_o tempter_n to_o fall_v in_o upon_o he_o or_o to_o repent_v the_o sin_n which_o he_o know_v may_v have_v provoke_v god_n so_o to_o exercise_v he_o and_o next_o let_v he_o look_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcil_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v find_v help_n for_o the_o present_a need_n and_o thereafter_o also_o to_o walk_v more_o wise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n do_v give_v to_o the_o corrupt_a church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3._o 2._o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a recover_v strength_n of_o faith_n and_o ability_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o furniture_n for_o bring_v forth_o unquestionable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o unquietness_n of_o spirit_n be_v answer_v this_o case_n be_v incident_a to_o many_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v befall_v champion_n in_o time_n of_o sad_a affliction_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o but_o even_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o when_o no_o great_a affliction_n bodily_a lie_v on_o many_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n have_v flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v take_v
sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o evangel_n be_v make_v to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o only_o can_v satisfy_v a_o hungry_a soul_n mat._n 5._o 3_o 6._o yea_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n be_v in_o effect_n that_o self-loathing_a whereof_o ezek._n speak_v chap._n 36._o 31._o which_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n may_v be_v see_v in_o job_n as_o a_o special_a act_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n job._n 42._o 6._o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o because_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n no_o worthiness_n can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o therefore_o god_n have_v free_o love_v the_o world_n and_o provide_v grace_n in_o christ_n that_o all_o that_o fly_v to_o he_o may_v out_o of_o his_o fullness_n receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1._o 16._o three_o the_o three_o sell_v office_n of_o a_o mediator_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v clothe_v himself_o do_v obviate_v and_o meet_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o humble_a soul_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o albeit_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o slow_a to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n about_o man_n salvation_n and_o his_o prescribe_a service_n yet_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d fly_v to_o christ_n he_o have_v christ_n offer_v and_o give_v to_o he_o for_o his_o wisdom_n a_o prophet_n able_a to_o inform_v he_o to_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o embrace_v by_o lively_a faith_n all_o save_a doctrine_n albeit_o he_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a and_o worthy_a of_o condemnation_n yet_o he_o have_v christ_n aâ—_n priest_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o he_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n upon_o his_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refute_v from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n undertake_v also_o powerful_o to_o sanctify_v he_o by_o mortify_v his_o corruption_n and_o perfect_v at_o last_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o albeit_o he_o have_v the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n with_o many_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o he_o have_v christ_n jesus_n as_o king_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o he_o redemption_n upon_o his_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v by_o price-paying_a and_o for_o who_o he_o have_v undertake_v powerful_o to_o sustain_v they_o in_o all_o this_o warfare_n whatsoever_o misery_n they_o may_v be_v in_o and_o at_o last_o to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o a_o perfect_a rest_n in_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o to_o what_o end_n have_v our_o lord_n take_v on_o the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n if_o not_o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a that_o fly_n to_o he_o for_o eyesalve_n to_o cover_v the_o naked_a fly_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o precious_a garment_n of_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o to_o enrich_v the_o poor_a needy_a and_o unworthy_a out_o of_o the_o store_n house_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o grace_n rev._n 3._o 18._o four_o let_v he_o consider_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o grace_n and_o practical_a dispensation_n thereof_o in_o all_o age_n towards_o all_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o all_o they_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o god_n come_v to_o convert_v they_o for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o person_n call_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o be_v find_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o lose_a sinner_n by_o nature_n none_o but_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o enemy_n by_o nature_n be_v reconcile_v none_o but_o they_o who_o by_o the_o law_n be_v condemn_v be_v justify_v none_o but_o they_o that_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n be_v lose_v do_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o christ_n do_v plain_o tell_v we_o i_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v do_v he_o ever_o reject_v any_o that_o flee_v unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v unworthy_a no_o for_o it_o be_v say_v ps._n 9_o 10._o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v trust_v in_o thou_o for_o thou_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6_o 37._o he_o say_v these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o 〈◊〉_d have_v he_o call_v we_o five_o let_v he_o consider_v the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o merit_n who_o because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n have_v pay_v a_o price_n of_o infinite_a value_n for_o redemption_n of_o sinner_n who_o fly_v unto_o he_o be_v worthy_a for_o who_o cause_n the_o unworthy_a sinner_n fly_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v receive_v in_o favour_n and_o make_v fit_a for_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o spirit_n six_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o stand_v a-back_a from_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o fly_v unto_o he_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o he_o think_v himself_o he_o remain_v under_o wrath_n and_o the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n of_o the_o law_n joh._n 1._o 8._o but_o let_v he_o rather_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v warrant_v by_o a_o command_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v command_v we_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o say_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n with_o thâ—_n centurion_n speak_v of_o his_o servant_n to_o christ_n luke_o 7._o 6_o 7._o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n but_o say_v the_o word_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v the_o word_n be_v say_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n let_v the_o afflict_a rest_n himself_o on_o it_o chap._n iii_o wherein_o the_o regener_v at_o man_n doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o multitude_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o the_o cospel_n and_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v answer_v as_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n this_o doubt_n have_v much_o weight_n to_o keep_v a_o soul_n a-back_a from_o imbâ—â—â—eing_v christ_n and_o receive_v pardon_n through_o he_o so_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v quiet_a in_o his_o conscience_n when_o through_o sad_a affliction_n and_o sore_a temptation_n these_o wound_n of_o his_o conscience_n begin_v to_o bleed_v again_o his_o pardon_n and_o peace_n be_v call_v in_o question_n of_o this_o exercise_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n be_v muster_v and_o lead_v in_o a_o host_n against_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o afflict_a psalmist_n for_o a_o time_n till_o by_o faith_n he_o over-came_a the_o doubt_n ps._n 40._o 12._o innumerable_a evil_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o my_o iniquity_n have_v take_v hold_v on_o i_o so_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o look_v up_o they_o be_v more_o than_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n therefore_o my_o heart_n fail_v i_o the_o second_o degree_n be_v when_o beside_o the_o man_n sin_n against_o the_o law_n his_o sin_n also_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n do_v arise_v in_o battle_n against_o he_o and_o do_v drive_v he_o to_o cry_v out_o with_o these_o not_o yet_o convert_v sinner_n act._n 2._o 37._o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v the_o three_o degree_n be_v when_o the_o regenerate_a man_n for_o some_o gross_a sin_n against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v give_v up_o for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v scourge_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o accusation_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o more_o mercy_n be_v reserve_v for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n when_o be_v guilty_a and_o conscious_a to_o his_o late_a rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o be_v pursue_v and_o apprehend_v by_o god_n and_o casten_z in_o the_o sea_n he_o fall_v in_o a_o â—it_n of_o desperation_n till_o god_n give_v he_o victory_n by_o faith_n jon._n 2._o 4._o then_o i_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v again_o to_o thy_o holy_a temple_n which_o be_v the_o try_a place_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n in_o a_o mediator_n this_o be_v also_o the_o case_n of_o david_n for_o a_o time_n after_o that_o his_o conscience_n be_v waken_v by_o the_o message_n of_o god_n send_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o
seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n ephes._n 1._o 11._o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o wholesome_a water_n give_v to_o a_o feaver-sick_a person_n be_v not_o a_o wholesome_a drink_n because_o the_o cool_a refreshment_n by_o it_o endure_v but_o a_o short_a while_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o consolation_n and_o joy_n give_v to_o a_o sorrowful_a sinner_n seek_v favour_n through_o christ_n be_v not_o solid_a and_o true_a joy_n because_o it_o stay_v but_o a_o short_a while_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o have_v stay_v so_o long_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o after_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n be_v believe_v the_o joy_n be_v send_v to_o ease_v the_o afflict_a soul_n present_a grief_n and_o to_o give_v he_o earnest_n that_o full_a and_o last_a joy_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o due_a time_n unto_o he_o when_o the_o messenger_n have_v do_v his_o commission_n let_v he_o return_v to_o his_o master_n as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o in_o the_o vision_n from_o heaven_n to_o peter_n after_o it_o have_v serve_v for_o peter_n instruction_n it_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n again_o act._n 10._o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o her_o spiritual_a joy_n will_v not_o last_v long_o and_o therefore_o charge_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o waken_v not_o she_o belove_v till_o he_o please_v 5._o another_o objection_n be_v this_o if_o my_o joy_n have_v be_v solid_a say_v the_o afflict_a it_o shall_v have_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o it_o have_v do_v but_o joy_n spiritual_a as_o i_o then_o call_v it_o do_v degenerate_a into_o a_o carnal_a security_n and_o i_o be_v not_o the_o more_o holy_a by_o it_o to_o which_o objection_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v this_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o spiritual_a joy_n but_o upon_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o mercy_n by_o ingratitude_n for_o this_o gracious_a blink_n of_o feel_a favour_n negligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o entertain_v this_o sense_n by_o sleepiness_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o sin_n and_o namely_o the_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o this_o sense_n and_o not_o fix_v the_o heart_n by_o so_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n when_o feel_v consolation_n may_v be_v withdraw_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o to_o build_v upon_o its_o continuance_n but_o to_o make_v the_o convert_n hold_v the_o confirm_a word_n of_o promise_n so_o much_o the_o fast_o when_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n comfortable_a feeling_n be_v withdraw_v the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n after_o a_o feast_n of_o this_o kind_n fall_v a_o sleep_n and_o give_v slight_a entertain_v to_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o call_v upon_o by_o his_o word_n for_o which_o she_o be_v chastise_v by_o his_o withdraw_n of_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n cant._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n but_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o feel_v joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o abuse_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o unusual_a for_o god_n to_o withdraw_v consolation_n and_o to_o send_v trouble_n and_o anguish_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o dear_a child_n to_o try_v his_o faith_n and_o train_n he_o on_o to_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o hard_a condition_n he_o can_v be_v into_o as_o he_o do_v exercise_n job_n and_o jeremie_n the_o prophet_n jer._n 20._o and_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o in_o which_o condition_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o word_n be_v not_o his_o gracious_a operation_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n can_v but_o exceed_o grieve_v the_o lord_n and_o give_v he_o cause_n to_o chastise_v this_o suspicion_n with_o desertion_n 6._o but_o how_o may_v i_o know_v say_v the_o afflict_a that_o my_o joy_n be_v solid_a and_o be_v indeed_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o joy_n be_v give_v to_o he_o when_o or_o after_o he_o be_v lament_v his_o sin_n and_o fear_v wrath_n deserve_v and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reckon_v that_o joy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_n and_o approve_v 2._o if_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sweet_a feel_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n through_o christ_n he_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o more_o estimation_n with_o he_o if_o his_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o bless_v praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n reconcile_v if_o the_o purpose_n of_o follow_v after_o holiness_n be_v renew_v in_o he_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n 3._o if_o after_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o sweet_a feeling_n he_o be_v go_v on_o in_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n believe_v in_o christ_n how_o heavy_a in_o heart_n soever_o he_o may_v be_v by_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v his_o sometime_o feel_a joy_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o present_a suspicion_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o of_o a_o tentation_n from_o satan_n this_o be_v the_o way_n how_o the_o psalmist_n wrestle_v out_o of_o his_o sad_a condition_n ps._n 77._o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o convert_n suspect_v that_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o against_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v be_v fleshly_a severity_n and_o imprudent_a temerity_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o can_v endure_v the_o out-breaking_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v sometime_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o moderate_a zeal_n and_o be_v overtake_v in_o some_o miscarriage_n for_o which_o be_v rebuke_v by_o their_o friend_n or_o by_o they_o in_o power_n censure_v or_o civil_o chastise_v do_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_v their_o zeal_n in_o time_n come_v grow_v more_o slack_a and_o remiss_a in_o their_o zeal_n suspect_v themselves_o incline_v to_o unreasonable_a severity_n and_o rashness_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v esteem_v hater_n of_o man_n person_n by_o those_o among_o who_o they_o live_v as_o in_o some_o bygone_a experience_n they_o have_v already_o feel_v and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n fall_v on_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o fervency_n of_o true_a zeal_n require_v in_o all_o true_a convert_n and_o here_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o true_a zeal_n grow_v cold_a and_o the_o convert_v become_v lukewarm_a both_o in_o curb_v sin_n in_o other_o under_o his_o charge_n and_o in_o pursue_v duty_n in_o his_o own_o person_n in_o which_o sickness_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o please_v with_o himself_o by_o so_o much_o as_o his_o friend_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v he_o for_o his_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n as_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o may_v befall_v true_a zeal_n which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o virtue_n of_o which_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a but_o some_o in-lake_n or_o excess_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n to_o go_v back_o from_o pursue_v duty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o virtue_n because_o imperfection_n therein_o be_v remarkable_a from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o be_v it_o without_o reason_n to_o grow_v lukewarm_a in_o zeal_n which_o may_v render_v a_o man_n loathsome_a unto_o christ_n rev._n 2._o 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_v take_v heed_n what_o the_o lord_n word_n do_v require_v of_o he_o in_o his_o call_n and_o labour_n to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n towards_o other_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v find_v both_o zealous_a and_o prudent_a that_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o zeal_n against_o sin_n meekness_n and_o love_n to_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v manifest_v 2._o to_o this_o intent_n let_v the_o convert_v careful_o take_v heed_n to_o entertain_v these_o three_o property_n of_o commendable_a zeal_n which_o be_v 1._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o humility_n of_o heart_n 3._o the_o love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o convert_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o commandment_n humility_n of_o heart_n will_v make_v the_o man_n modest_a in_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n will_v make_v he_o mix_v meekness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o sinner_n with_o his_o zeal_n against_o offence_n this_o be_v the_o right_a season_n of_o zeal_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n chap._n xv._n of_o the_o convert_n suspect_v his_o aim_v at_o circumspect_a
prison_n and_o stock_n pinch_v and_o press_v the_o bind_v sinner_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o burrio_fw-la scourge_v and_o torment_v he_o but_o the_o conscience_n after_o examination_n find_v the_o man_n either_o innocent_a and_o free_a of_o the_o crime_n or_o forgive_v and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n after_o repentance_n and_o faith_n embrace_v the_o redeemer_n it_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o honest_a friend_n careful_o comfort_v the_o innocent_a or_o penitent_a and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o advocate_n excuse_v and_o defend_v the_o man_n against_o all_o challenge_n and_o the_o part_n of_o witness_n compurgatour_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o judge_n absolve_v and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o rewarder_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n chap._n ii_o of_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_n a_o case_n of_o conscience_n take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n comprehend_v every_o accident_n which_o any_o way_n affect_v or_o qualifi_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o persuasion_n and_o certainty_n which_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v the_o soundness_n health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v call_v case_n and_o good_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n so_o also_o any_o effect_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v call_v case_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o but_o the_o case_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v be_v the_o ill_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o soundness_n and_o straightness_n it_o shall_v have_v which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wound_n disease_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereunto_o that_o we_o may_v descend_v to_o speak_v more_o orderly_o a_o twofold_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 2._o first_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o healthy_a and_o a_o sick_a conscience_n a_o healthy_a conscience_n be_v that_o which_o after_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v just_o absolve_v we_o and_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o towards_o god_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n it_o be_v say_v by_o solomon_n a_o sound_a heart_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n prov._n 14._o 30._o by_o the_o heart_n he_o mean_v the_o conscience_n which_o ordinary_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o say_v the_o sound_a conscience_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o the_o body_n be_v so_o much_o in_o better_a case_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v at_o peace_n towards_o god_n and_o this_o blessing_n be_v allow_v upon_o every_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o his_o orderly_a walk_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n a_o conscience_n in_o this_o disposition_n need_v not_o medicine_n but_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o exercise_n in_o all_o christian-duty_n a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o call_v that_o which_o either_o be_v senseless_a of_o its_o own_o evil_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v in_o and_o sit_v down_o secure_o and_o rest_v without_o a_o warrant_n or_o which_o be_v just_o wound_v and_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o pain_n or_o which_o be_v unquiet_a upon_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o such_o a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v if_o possible_a by_o god_n blessing_n a_o word_n in_o season_n may_v be_v speak_v to_o waken_v a_o secure_a conscience_n or_o to_o refresh_v the_o weary_a soul_n that_o be_v recover_v from_o its_o malady_n it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ._n 3._o second_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o trouble_a soul_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o large_o take_v then_o the_o conscience_n the_o soul_n comprehend_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o man_n but_o the_o conscience_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v only_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n judge_v of_o the_o man_n moral_n ill_a or_o well-being_n and_o so_o all_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v case_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o all_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v trouble_v while_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o trouble_v at_o all_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o commendable_a trouble_n in_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o see_v god_n dishonour_v or_o his_o church_n in_o hazard_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v that_o such_o a_o holy_a trouble_n strengthen_v his_o conscience_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n as_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o psalm_n to_o be_v see_v again_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v trouble_v by_o sundry_a natural_a or_o civil_a motive_n while_o the_o conscience_n be_v allowable_o quiet_a as_o in_o loss_n of_o thing_n temporal_a fear_n pain_n or_o unexpected_a inconvenience_n occur_v yea_o there_o may_v be_v passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o person_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o young_a infant_n and_o in_o the_o elder_a sort_n in_o fit_n of_o fever_n melancholy_a and_o frenzy_n and_o yet_o further_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o passion_n perturbation_n and_o trouble_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v find_v without_o any_o disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n be_v a_o man_n acquaint_v with_o sorrow_n but_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o sin_n or_o any_o self-challenging_a for_o he_o know_v no_o sin_n in_o himself_o he_o have_v trouble_v in_o his_o soul_n but_o can_v not_o have_v trouble_n of_o conscience_n job_n 12._o 27._o now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v â—ather_o save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o speak_v not_o here_o but_o of_o the_o sinful_a disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o a_o three_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o common_a case_n of_o conscience_n and_o these_o that_o special_o concern_v regeneration_n common_a case_n comprehend_v all_o these_o question_n and_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v seek_v light_n and_o resolution_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v better_o inform_v itself_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o about_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o the_o point_n of_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n these_o common_a case_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o bulk_n of_o divinity_n as_o large_a as_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v as_o a_o point_n of_o piety_n or_o righteousness_n about_o which_o question_n may_v not_o be_v move_v and_o case_n propound_v wherein_o the_o conscience_n may_v seek_v satisfaction_n of_o this_o huge_a great_a tree_n we_o take_v but_o only_o one_o branch_n to_o speak_v of_o so_o far_o as_o make_v for_o our_o purpose_n concern_v regeneration_n chap._n iii_o of_o regeneration_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o regenerate_a man_n who_o he_o be_v we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o elect_a infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n god_n have_v his_o own_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o but_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v outward_o call_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o may_v thus_o describe_v regeneration_n be_v one_o in_o effect_n with_o effectual_a cal_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n invincible_a power_n and_o mere_a grace_n wherein_o by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v his_o word_n he_o quicken_v a_o redeem_a person_n lie_v dead_a in_o his_o sin_n and_o renew_v he_o in_o his_o mind_n will_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n convince_v he_o saving_o of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o make_v he_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o consecrat_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o the_o main_a thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o in_o this_o work_n be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n entire_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n regeneration_n be_v neither_o give_v to_o man_n nor_o man_n make_v sharer_n of_o the_o glory_n with_o god_n but_o god_n may_v have_v
the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n because_o out_o of_o his_o own_o goodwill_n not_o for_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o foresee_v in_o man_n he_o let_v forth_o his_o special_a love_n on_o the_o redeem_v in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n because_o by_o his_o omnipotent_a and_o invincible_a work_n he_o make_v the_o man_n dead_a in_o sin_n to_o live_v open_v his_o eye_n to_o take_v up_o saving_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o wisdom_n who_o deal_v so_o with_o his_o creature_n as_o he_o do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o man_n will_n make_v the_o man_n regenerate_v most_o free_o deliberate_o and_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o to_o consecrat_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o urge_v this_o be_v because_o satan_n by_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n and_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o by_o the_o common_a and_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o their_o own_o freewill_n without_o the_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n of_o god_n both_o to_o convert_v themselves_o and_o other_o also_o do_v foster_v the_o native_a pride_n of_o man_n hinder_v they_o from_o empty_v and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n keep_v they_o from_o self-denial_n do_v mar_v the_o regeneration_n of_o they_o that_o be_v delude_v with_o this_o error_n and_o obscure_v what_o he_o can_v the_o shine_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n for_o whatsoever_o praise_n proud_a man_n let_v go_v towards_o god_n for_o make_v man_n conversion_n possible_a yet_o they_o give_v the_o whole_a glory_n of_o actual_a conversion_n to_o the_o man_n himself_o which_o christ_n ascribe_v to_o god_n only_o and_o leave_v no_o more_o for_o man_n to_o glory_n in_o his_o spiritual_a regeneration_n than_o he_o have_v to_o glory_n in_o his_o own_o natural_a generation_n joh._n 3._o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o and_o the_o same_o do_v the_o apostle_n teach_v ephes._n 2._o 8._o 9_o 10._o and_o philip._n â—_o 13._o it_o be_v god_n say_v he_o which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n but_o chief_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v consecrat_v to_o god_n to_o preach_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n omnipotent_a power_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n to_o live_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o emptiness_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o furnitour_n of_o grace_n for_o grace_n out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n and_o zealous_o to_o oppose_v the_o proud_a error_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n for_o convert_v himself_o as_o they_o love_v to_o see_v and_o find_v the_o effectual_a blessing_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o themselves_o accept_v for_o true_a disciple_n at_o the_o day_n of_o their_o meeting_n with_o christ_n the_o judge_n at_o his_o second_o come_v 3._o for_o open_v up_o of_o regeneration_n these_o five_o proposition_n must_v be_v holâ—en_o the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o second_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o convince_v man_n of_o sin_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n joh._n 16._o 9_o 10._o 11._o the_o three_o be_v this_o in_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o quicken_n of_o a_o sinner_n god_n by_o his_o invincible_a power_n creat_v and_o infuse_v a_o new_a life_n and_o principle_n thereof_o psal._n 110._o 3._o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n and_o joh._n 5._o 21._o and_o 6._o 63._o the_o four_o be_v this_o the_o invincible_a grace_n of_o god_n work_v regeneration_n and_o a_o man_n conversion_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n but_o make_v it_o true_o free_a and_o perfect_v it_o jer._n 31._o 31._o i_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n and_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n the_o five_o be_v this_o albeit_o a_o man_n in_o the_o act_n of_o god_n quicken_a and_o convert_v of_o he_o be_v passive_a and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a senâ—e_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n yet_o for_o exercise_v external_a mean_n whereof_o god_n make_v use_v unto_o his_o conversion_n for_o fit_v he_o and_o prepare_v of_o he_o for_o a_o gracious_a change_n such_o as_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n read_v of_o it_o meditate_v on_o it_o inquire_v after_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n the_o natural_a man_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n thereunto_o as_o to_o other_o external_a action_n which_o suffice_v to_o take_v away_o excuse_v from_o they_o who_o have_v occasion_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o will_v not_o use_v they_o matth._n 23._o 37._o for_o clear_v of_o the_o first_o proposition_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o object_n of_o actual_a regeneration_n conversion_n and_o effectual_a call_n be_v the_o man_n elect_v or_o redeem_v by_o christ_n lie_v in_o the_o state_n of_o defection_n from_o god_n destitute_a of_o original_a righteousness_n at_o enimity_n with_o god_n bent_o incline_v to_o all_o evil_a altogether_o unfit_a and_o impotent_a yea_o even_o spiritual_o dead_a to_o every_o spiritual_a good_a and_o special_o to_o convert_v regenerate_v or_o quicken_v himself_o for_o albeit_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n there_o be_v some_o spark_n of_o common_a reason_n remain_v whereby_o he_o may_v confuse_o know_v that_o which_o be_v call_v spiritual_a good_a acceptable_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o god_n and_o fit_a to_o save_v his_o soul_n yet_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n judge_v of_o that_o good_a and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangell_n wherein_o that_o good_a be_v propon_v to_o be_v mere_a foolishness_n and_o do_v represent_v the_o spiritual_a object_n and_o set_v it_o before_o the_o will_n as_o a_o thing_n uncertain_a or_o vain_a and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n after_o deliberation_n &_o comparison_n make_v of_o object_n some_o honest_a some_o pleasant_a and_o some_o profitable_a in_o appearance_n natural_o be_v incline_v to_o prefer_v and_o choose_v any_o seem_a pleasant_a or_o profitable_a thing_n whether_o the_o object_n be_v natural_a or_o civil_a rather_o than_o that_o which_o be_v true_o honest_a and_o moral_o good_a but_o if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o spiritual_a good_a be_v well_o and_o in_o fair_a colour_n describe_v unto_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n yet_o he_o see_v it_o not_o but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o natural_a good_a and_o as_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o image_n of_o some_o natural_a good_a and_o profitable_a for_o preserve_v its_o stand_n in_o a_o natural_a be_v and_o welfare_n therein_o so_o do_v the_o false_a prophet_n balaam_n look_v upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o their_o death_n when_o he_o do_v separat_fw-la eternal_a life_n from_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n and_o do_v rend_v asunder_o the_o mean_n from_o the_o end_n appoint_v of_o god_n say_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o last_o end_n be_v like_o he_o numb_a 23._o 10._o after_o this_o manner_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n apprehend_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o save_a grace_n offer_v to_o she_o by_o christ_n lord_n say_v she_o give_v i_o of_o that_o water_n that_o i_o may_v not_o thirst_v again_o and_o may_v not_o come_v again_o to_o draw_v water_n joh._n 4._o 15._o so_o also_o do_v the_o misbelieve_v jew_n judge_v of_o the_o application_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o suffering_n for_o their_o spiritual_a feed_n joh._n 6._o 33._o 34._o 35._o for_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enimity_n to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o can_v be_v subject_a unto_o it_o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o power_n therefore_o of_o the_o natural_a or_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o discern_a and_o love_v of_o a_o spiritual_a good_a because_o he_o be_v altogether_o natural_a and_o not_o spiritual_a for_o a_o supernatural_a
compare_v the_o word_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o the_o commentary_n thereupon_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o jeremiah_n say_v that_o they_o do_v transgress_v the_o covenant_n albeit_o god_n do_v show_v himself_o a_o husband_n unto_o these_o un-believing_a father_n that_o be_v they_o change_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n and_o transgress_v that_o covenant_n also_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v not_o continue_v in_o that_o covenant_n because_o they_o change_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n according_a to_o which_o covenant_n god_n do_v deal_v with_o they_o for_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o he_o exact_v of_o they_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o break_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o lord_v it_o over_o they_o and_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o heb._n 8._o 6._o for_o they_o seek_v after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o not_o to_o have_v righteousness_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v he_o despise_v they_o and_o deal_v with_o they_o after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o jeremiah_n do_v comprehend_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n for_o the_o word_n may_v bear_v both_o that_o god_n be_v a_o husband_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n in_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o they_o and_o that_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o a_o lord_n over_o they_o by_o exact_v of_o they_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o break_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o the_o reject_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o â—o_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o express_a term_n first_o by_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n second_o by_o his_o set_n better_a promise_n before_o they_o then_o these_o be_v which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n three_o by_o his_o giving_z no_o other_o cause_n of_o bestow_v so_o great_a blessing_n on_o they_o but_o his_o own_o goodwill_n and_o pleasure_n four_o by_o his_o require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o they_o but_o say_v that_o they_o who_o feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o want_n and_o need_v of_o the_o promise_a blessing_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v give_v credit_n unto_o god_n that_o make_v the_o promise_n and_o so_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o use_n as_o to_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o call_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o the_o elect_a father_n and_o reprobat_fw-la with_o the_o believer_n and_o un-believer_n with_o those_o that_o reject_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n and_o with_o those_o who_o look_v through_o the_o vail_n afar_o off_o to_o christ_n come_v and_o be_v save_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v more_o obscure_a and_o veil_v over_o by_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o levitical_a ceremony_n before_o christ_n come_v but_o after_o his_o come_n it_o be_v propound_v in_o clear_a and_o better_a promise_n 3._o a_o day_n be_v set_v to_o wit_n the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o these_o shadow_n and_o typical_a figure_n shall_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v set_v before_o his_o people_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o open_a face_n 4._o and_o yet_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o hide_v and_o obscure_o propound_v to_o the_o church_n before_o christ_n come_n as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o shadow_n and_o dark_a typ_n the_o starlight_n of_o gracious_a promise_n do_v shine_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v in_o substance_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o one_o instance_n thereof_o do_v appear_v in_o this_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n as_o to_o the_o internal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n first_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o that_o covenant_n do_v declare_v in_o what_o state_n god_n do_v find_v man_n who_o he_o do_v convert_v and_o draw_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o himself_o to_o know_v he_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n he_o presupposeth_a that_o lawless_a rebellion_n do_v reign_v in_o they_o with_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n by_o nature_n be_v without_o law_n without_o god_n without_o faith_n before_o he_o reform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o article_n or_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n 2._o albeit_o by_o nature_n the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a moral_a duty_n and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a for_o their_o contraveen_v these_o spark_n of_o light_n rom._n 1._o â—0_n and_o 2_o 14._o 15._o yet_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o law_n here_o promise_v be_v spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a enlighten_v their_o mind_n by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o renew_v their_o heart_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o thing_n promise_v be_v actual_a conversion_n of_o they_o 3._o and_o see_v conversion_n be_v here_o promise_v by_o christ_n the_o testator_n absolute_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n absolute_o to_o effectuate_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o they_o please_v to_o suffer_v i_o but_o determinate_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a who_o be_v averse_a and_o obedient_a to_o my_o law_n who_o be_v rebellious_a 4._o christ_n the_o testator_n do_v in_o all_o this_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o by_o promise_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o incline_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o a_o time_n but_o promise_v also_o to_o make_v a_o solid_a and_o permanent_a work_n of_o it_o by_o make_v they_o persevere_v which_o be_v import_v in_o the_o word_n i_o will_v put_v and_o i_o will_v write_v it_o for_o to_o write_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o fix_v and_o engrave_v it_o that_o it_o may_v remain_v 5._o the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o which_o in_o substance_n do_v contain_v all_o blessing_n be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n for_o by_o this_o promise_n right_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o true_a heartconvert_v and_o confederate_a first_o unto_o god_n himself_o then_o unto_o all_o his_o benefit_n whereof_o he_o have_v need_n in_o order_n to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o they_o who_o god_n the_o lord_n be_v they_o do_v live_v and_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o as_o christ_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n matth._n 22._o 32._o and_o all_o particular_a promise_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o explication_n of_o this_o great_a and_o first_o promise_n and_o application_n thereof_o to_o his_o child_n case_n in_o particular_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v here_o and_o enduement_n whereof_o disciple_n have_v need_n whereof_o pilgrim_n go_v home_o to_o that_o heavenly_a city_n have_v need_v yea_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o who_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n as_o a_o direct_a and_o leader_n they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n do_v interpret_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n joh._n 6._o 45._o 7._o the_o lord_n show_v here_o that_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o man_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o with_o reasonable_a creature_n by_o preserve_v and_o not_o destroy_v they_o in_o their_o simple_a natural_n by_o maintain_v and_o not_o overturning_a the_o liberty_n of_o their_o freewill_n i_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n say_v he_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n now_o a_o covenant_n be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntar_n contract_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o over-ruler_n of_o man_n will_n who_o can_v turn_v it_o about_o as_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o hinder_v nor_o impede_v to_o execute_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v purpose_v to_o do_v by_o the_o
faith_n and_o to_o follow_v hard_o after_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o so_o extol_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o believer_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o command_v thereof_o as_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v very_o profitable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n the_o poison_n and_o power_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o fly_v daily_o to_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o draw_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o precious_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 15._o when_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v christian_n virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o the_o order_n of_o god_n work_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v by_o we_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n of_o sin_n shall_v go_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o christ_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9_o 13._o and_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o fruit_n by_o scripture_n go_v before_o the_o sensible_a feeling_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o quiet_v of_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o approbation_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n approve_v for_o after_o we_o have_v believe_v we_o come_v to_o be_v seal_v ephes._n 1._o 13._o now_o for_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o order_n many_o real_a christian_n do_v make_v unto_o themselves_o a_o very_a un-comfortable_a life_n for_o albeit_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o inability_n to_o help_v themselves_o and_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o help_v and_o do_v lead_v a_o life_n blameless_a yet_o do_v they_o unhappy_o suspend_v the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v disquiet_v themselves_o so_o as_o they_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n but_o do_v quarrel_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n till_o they_o shall_v feel_v and_o perceive_v with_o approbation_n of_o their_o conscience_n such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o have_v fore-imagined_n to_o be_v the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o faith_n yea_o and_o they_o refuse_v to_o account_v themselves_o person_n justify_v because_o they_o can_v perceive_v such_o mature_a fruit_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o conceive_v must_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v also_o to_o be_v in_o the_o justify_v person_n before_o he_o can_v lay_v hold_n on_o justification_n such_o person_n do_v in_o effect_n invert_v the_o order_n which_o they_o shall_v observe_v for_o when_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o new_a obedience_n and_o because_o they_o be_v load_v with_o sin_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v god_n reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n pour_v in_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a they_o take_v another_o and_o contrary_a course_n by_o suspend_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o work_n and_o do_v exact_a of_o themselves_o work_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o hinder_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n as_o they_o do_v require_v it_o be_v reason_n indeed_o to_o prove_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o it_o be_v just_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v account_v dead_a which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o but_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o condemn_v weak_a faith_n accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n because_o it_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o so_o fair_a and_o full_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n when_o they_o perceive_v such_o impotency_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a and_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o they_o to_o fly_v unto_o the_o redeemer_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o in_o he_o to_o seek_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o to_o be_v suck_a juice_n and_o sap_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o true_a vine_n for_o if_o we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o abide_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n job._n 15._o 4_o 5._o for_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o good_a work_n for_o only_o they_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o do_v bring_v forth_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o not_o they_o who_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o want_n of_o fruit_n do_v loose_a or_o slacken_v their_o grip_n of_o faith_n and_o upon_o discouragement_n be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 16._o the_o like_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o preparatory_a disposition_n of_o such_o as_o may_v confident_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v for_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n aught_o to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o death_n deserve_v for_o their_o sin_n aught_o to_o come_v with_o contrition_n of_o heart_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o humble_a renunciation_n of_o all_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o yet_o must_v not_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o measure_n or_o sincerity_n of_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o themselves_o be_v keep_v back_o or_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o they_o not_o only_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v both_o the_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n require_v in_o such_o as_o have_v access_n unto_o christ_n but_o also_o do_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o such_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o such_o stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o stubborness_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o christ_n or_o fit_a to_o be_v comfort_v by_o he_o such_o person_n i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v forthwith_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o ofttimes_o sincerity_n of_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o as_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o own_o short-coming_a in_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n more_o than_o in_o many_o other_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o must_v be_v wary_a also_o while_o we_o require_v sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o like_a preparatory_a disposition_n in_o they_o who_o may_v come_v unto_o christ_n lest_o we_o secret_o import_v and_o insinuat_fw-la a_o sort_n of_o merit_n to_o be_v in_o such_o disposition_n so_o as_o if_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v himself_o thus_o qualify_v can_v expect_v no_o good_a at_o christ_n hand_n except_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n such_o preparatory_a disposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o price_n of_o purchase_v address_n to_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o hold_v this_o fast_n that_o the_o more_o poor_a and_o empty_a a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o ought_v to_o draw_v the_o more_o near_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n because_o in_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a disposition_n for_o receive_v thereof_o he_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n who_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n act._n 5._o 31._o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n unto_o who_o all_o they_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n do_v sigh_n in_o themselves_o ought_v and_o safe_o may_v come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o he_o a_o more_o ample_a
aim_v to_o walk_v as_o reconcile_v child_n and_o servant_n unto_o god_n upright_o lay_v forth_o their_o burden_n and_o desire_n before_o he_o daily_o all_o these_o i_o say_v be_v believer_n in_o christ_n and_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o reconciliation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n commission_n require_v for_o enter_v of_o the_o humble_a sinner_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o friendship_n save_o this_o we_o request_v you_o in_o god_n name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n incarnate_a jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n we_o beseech_v you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n v_o 20._o now_o we_o judge_v that_o humble_v sinner_n flee_v to_o christ_n and_o purpose_v to_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v find_v unwilling_a to_o accept_v this_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o will_v declare_v their_o hearty_a consent_n to_o this_o offer_n and_o so_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o a_o covenant_n be_v close_v between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o they_o save_v faith_n how_o weak_a soever_o it_o seem_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o consent_n unto_o and_o accept_v of_o this_o offer_n be_v the_o condition_n require_v for_o enter_v in_o covenant_n and_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n five_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o ground-right_a of_o this_o covenant_n and_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o sinner_n flee_v to_o christ_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o justification_n because_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n in_o three_o person_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o mediator_n and_o perfect_a redeemer_n by_o price-paying_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v agree_v final_o end_v and_o decree_v that_o christ_n satisfaction_n make_v for_o the_o imbracer_n of_o this_o offer_a reconciliation_n shall_v as_o certain_o make_v the_o believer_n judicial_o righteous_a and_o justify_v he_o as_o christ_n be_v judicial_o make_v sin_n or_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o redeem_v for_o god_n say_v he_o v_o 21._o have_v make_v christ_n to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o therefore_o as_o christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n by_o accept_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n have_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o redeem_v impute_v unto_o he_o albeit_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o nor_o can_v be_v in_o he_o and_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n so_o the_o humble_a sinner_n by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o accept_v the_o offer_a covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n have_v christ_n satisfaction_n impute_v unto_o he_o albeit_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o a_o mass_n of_o inherent_a sin_n and_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o condemnation_n but_o be_v bring_v to_o life-eternal_a through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n both_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n make_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o redeemer_n name_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v with_o we_o through_o christ_n be_v of_o god_n make_v and_o so_o must_v stand_v and_o can_v be_v dis-annulled_n for_o ever_o the_o other_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o hold_v forth_o the_o right_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o believer_n unto_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o the_o weak_a believer_n flee_v from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n unto_o christ_n as_o the_o refuge_n and_o perfect_a remedy_n from_o both_o may_v claim_v namely_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n by_o he_o and_o that_o by_o covenant_n and_o decree_v registrat_n in_o this_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o judicial_o declare_v and_o adjudge_v unto_o all_o and_o every_o believer_n in_o he_o so_o that_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o christ_n as_o make_v unto_o they_o wisdom_n to_o direct_v they_o justification_n to_o justify_v they_o sanctification_n to_o perfect_v they_o piece_n and_o piece_n in_o holiness_n and_o redemption_n to_o support_v they_o under_o and_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o bond_n of_o misery_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o rich_a passage_n we_o shall_v take_v it_o up_o in_o four_o sentence_n pronounce_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o one_o whereof_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v insinuat_fw-la and_o import_v first_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n 2._o his_n engage_v help_n and_o supply_v and_o 3._o our_o duty_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o make_v unto_o every_o believer_n the_o first_o sentence_n be_v this_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n which_o import_v first_o that_o not_o only_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n blind_a and_o ignorant_a of_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n blind_a and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o right_a manner_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o also_o after_o that_o we_o be_v illuminat_fw-la by_o grace_n and_o make_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o know_v our_o last_o condition_n and_o to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o delivery_n we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o much_o darkness_n and_o foggy_a mist_n of_o doubt_n error_n and_o mistake_n and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v in_o every_o step_n of_o our_o way_n direct_v and_o powerful_o teach_v by_o christ_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o know_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n second_o it_o import_v that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o treasure_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n who_o have_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n so_o he_o be_v judicial_o make_v over_o unto_o we_o as_o anoint_a prophet_n to_o his_o church_n to_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n of_o life_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n three_o it_o import_v our_o duty_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o teach_n to_o employ_v he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o prophet_n appoint_v to_o we_o for_o direction_n by_o his_o word_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o how_o to_o live_v before_o god_n whereupon_o the_o weak_a believer_n may_v trust_v in_o he_o for_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o unto_o salvation_n because_o he_o be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o intimation_n thereof_o be_v make_v by_o his_o apostle_n the_o second_o sentence_n be_v this_o christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o we_o righteousness_n which_o presupponeth_n first_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n destitute_a of_o righteousness_n condemn_v as_o unrighteous_a by_o the_o law_n and_o unable_a to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o condemnation_n and_o when_o we_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o deliver_v from_o condemnation_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o state_n but_o by_o our_o daily_a sin_n wherein_o we_o fall_v do_v deserve_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o unrighteous_a second_o it_o import_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o righteous_a in_o himself_o and_o able_a to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o our_o sin_n but_o also_o have_v undertake_v to_o pay_v and_o actual_o have_v pay_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o his_o obedience_n unto_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o dâ—ath_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o have_v take_v on_o he_o the_o office_n of_o high_a priest_n to_o apply_v unto_o we_o absolution_n from_o our_o sin_n make_v we_o accept_v and_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o righteous_a and_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o that_o bless_a estate_n by_o his_o intercession_n three_o it_o import_v our_o duty_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n our_o cautioner_n by_o virtue_n of_o our_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o grant_v and_o intimate_fw-la unto_o we_o and_o so_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o that_o whatsoever_o satan_n conscience_n or_o law_n violat_a by_o we_o shalâ—_n say_v we_o who_o be_v fâ—ed_v from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n to_o he_o may_v oppose_v this_o sentence_n of_o our_o absolution_n registrat_n here_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o righteousness_n judicial_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o decreet_a of_o god_n the_o three_o sentence_n be_v this_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n sanctification_n which_o presupponeth_n that_o in_o the_o justify_v believer_n there_o be_v remain_v still_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n inherent_a from_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o but_o have_v need_n of_o divine_a power_n to_o mortify_v sin_n in_o we_o and_o to_o repair_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o increase_a holiness_n in_o we_o second_o it_o import_v that_o christ_n the_o mediator_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n have_v not_o only_o pay_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n
do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o deserve_v death_n for_o their_o sin_n do_v confess_v they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n do_v thirst_n for_o his_o righteousness_n do_v desire_v earnest_o to_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n undefiled_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o only_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v renew_v but_o also_o do_v esteem_v it_o a_o presumptuous_a rashness_n in_o they_o to_o approach_v unto_o christ_n or_o to_o cast_v themselves_o over_o on_o he_o by_o faith_n before_o they_o be_v more_o serious_o humble_v before_o they_o feel_v a_o more_o hearty_a sorrow_n and_o grief_n before_o they_o feel_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n more_o sharp_a before_o they_o be_v more_o press_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o bondage_n in_o a_o high_a measure_n from_o who_o if_o you_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n they_o shall_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n because_o these_o be_v only_o call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v weary_a and_o load_v in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o be_v so_o bear_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o can_v be_v more_o and_o not_o despair_v for_o so_o do_v they_o interpret_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n matth._n 11._o 28._o christ_n be_v send_v only_o to_o the_o contrite_a and_o break_a in_o heart_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o dust_n under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o they_o take_v it_o to_o they_o who_o be_v under_o grief_n unspeakable_a as_o they_o expound_v isa._n 61._o 1_o 2_o 3._o so_o in_o their_o opinion_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v only_o those_o who_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n be_v lose_v that_o be_v who_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o desperation_n wherefore_o in_o respect_n they_o be_v not_o go_v down_o deep_a enough_o as_o they_o think_v into_o this_o gulf_n and_o hell_n of_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n they_o dare_v not_o approach_v or_o look_v towards_o christ._n mean_a time_n they_o lie_v daily_o mourn_v and_o weep_v and_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o their_o grief_n be_v worthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o grief_n which_o sorrow_n they_o can_v dissemble_v or_o hide_v but_o do_v bewray_v it_o in_o their_o countenance_n habit_n walk_v and_o frequent_a sigh_v and_o will_v profess_v that_o they_o can_v hardly_o think_v they_o have_v right_a to_o eat_v or_o drink_v of_o god_n creature_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o add_v yet_o more_o sin_n to_o the_o former_a they_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v at_o all_o ofttimes_o they_o chatter_v as_o swallow_n and_o sigh_n as_o the_o turtle_n dove_n and_o ofttimes_o their_o bowel_n sound_v out_o as_o if_o their_o parent_n or_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n be_v dead_a and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o sorrow_n but_o do_v complain_v that_o they_o be_v stupid_a and_o senseless_a of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n wherein_o they_o do_v lie_v bind_v and_o though_o they_o do_v confess_v that_o sometime_o they_o mourn_v yet_o they_o allege_v their_o mourning_n be_v but_o like_o the_o early_a dew_n or_o morning_n cloud_n that_o go_v soon_o away_o all_o the_o while_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o offer_v to_o the_o afflict_a consolation_n in_o christ_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o not_o one_o of_o the_o mourner_n in_o zion_n who_o he_o will_v comfort_v and_o in_o this_o their_o mistake_n they_o do_v confirm_v themselves_o by_o another_o error_n say_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v answer_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o sin_n my_o sin_n say_v he_o go_v far_o beyond_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o this_o and_o the_o like_a objection_n they_o cast_v in_o whereby_o they_o do_v obstruct_v their_o own_o way_n unto_o christ_n and_o keep_v themselves_o aback_o from_o he_o till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o prescribe_a measure_n of_o sorrow_n which_o case_n indeed_o deserve_v much_o compassion_n for_o who_o will_v not_o commiserat_fw-la their_o case_n who_o be_v in_o a_o very_a miserable_a condition_n dare_v not_o seek_v relief_n from_o their_o own_o misery_n which_o they_o do_v feel_v and_o all_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o more_o miserable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v ask_v can_v determine_v what_o measure_n of_o affect_a humiliation_n they_o will_v stand_v at_o as_o sufficient_a 2._o in_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o case_n as_o much_o must_v be_v yield_v to_o the_o afflict_a as_o reasonable_o can_v be_v and_o first_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o approach_n unto_o christ_n to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o miserable_a condition_n and_o that_o the_o due_a deserve_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v everlasting_a death_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v also_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o compunction_n contrition_n and_o lamentation_n for_o sin_n may_v possible_o be_v exceed_v great_a as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o heman_n the_o ezrait_n psal_n 88_o 11._o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v and_o david_n ps._n 38._o this_o also_o further_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o conviction_n by_o the_o law_n do_v ordinary_o and_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n go_v before_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o earnest_a embrace_n christ_n as_o a_o physician_n as_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o soul_n except_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o disease_n acknowledge_v his_o natural_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o lose_a condition_n be_v by_o nature_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n second_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v agree_v upon_o the_o afflict_a person_n may_v be_v pose_v concern_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o convert_n to_o wit_n in_o that_o extremity_n and_o superlative_a degree_n which_o he_o do_v miss_v and_o desiderat_fw-la in_o himself_o and_o how_o long_o that_o sorrow_n in_o this_o eminent_a measure_n must_v continue_v by_o this_o question_n he_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o unable_a to_o answer_v with_o scripture-warrand_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o require_v serious_a repentance_n but_o the_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n it_o do_v not_o prescribe_v for_o matth._n chap._n 3._o v._n 2._o 6._o many_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o john_n baptist_n preach_v be_v convict_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v confess_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o general_n and_o forthwith_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o and_o act._n 2._o 37._o 41._o three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o sermon_n of_o peter_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n repent_v and_o flee_v to_o christ_n for_o grace_n be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o enter_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o in_o one_o day_n again_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v pose_v with_o another_o question_n see_v he_o desiderat_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o sound_a hearty_a sorrow_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v make_v his_o address_n unto_o christ_n out_o of_o what_o fountain_n mind_v he_o to_o draw_v this_o sorrow_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v it_o not_o and_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o ground_n he_o can_v seek_v it_o for_o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o his_o imagine_a measure_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n he_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o christ_n because_o as_o he_o allege_v none_o be_v call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n except_o such_o only_a as_o be_v in_o a_o superlative_a degree_n weary_a and_o load_a and_o so_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n that_o he_o must_v be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o desperation_n near_o by_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n in_o what_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n he_o please_v and_o that_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o in_o any_o measure_n sorrowful_a for_o offend_v god_n shall_v run_v unto_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o a_o better_a measure_n of_o repentance_n three_o the_o evil_n and_o danger_n which_o accompany_v and_o follow_v upon_o this_o practical_a error_n may_v be_v represent_v unto_o the_o afflict_a for_o first_o by_o this_o his_o error_n he_o give_v way_n to_o satan_n tentation_n who_o when_o he_o perceive_v the_o
of_o eternal_a life_n other_o some_o doubt_v of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n because_o the_o â—error_n of_o god_n and_o fear_n of_o condemnation_n and_o hell_n prevail_v more_o with_o they_o for_o change_v their_o course_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a holiness_n do_v and_o both_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o the_o other_o do_v conceive_v the_o chief_a rise_n of_o their_o change_n to_o have_v be_v natural_a or_o carnal_a self-love_n fear_v harm_n and_o love_a life_n 2._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o after_o some_o notable_a delivery_n from_o death_n or_o some_o notable_a benefit_n receive_v or_o after_o some_o sharp_a rod_n of_o chastisement_n for_o their_o sin_n have_v change_v their_o outward_a way_n of_o live_v leave_v off_o gross_a vice_n and_o lead_v a_o more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a outward_a life_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o serious_o repent_v they_o of_o sin_n nor_o serious_o flee_v in_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o know_v what_o save_a faith_n be_v nor_o careful_a to_o know_v it_o but_o of_o such_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o for_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o renew_a man_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n be_v flee_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n make_v the_o grace_n offer_v his_o refuge_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o indigence_n look_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o seek_v supply_v of_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v strive_v against_o sin_n endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o conversion_n for_o the_o reason_n foresay_a to_o this_o soldier_n and_o wrestler_n we_o say_v as_o before_o we_o say_v to_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o his_o conversion_n because_o he_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n it_o be_v not_o material_a by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n or_o motive_n a_o man_n be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n provide_v he_o do_v come_v and_o indeed_o adhere_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o man_n turn_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v love_v allure_a or_o terror_n drive_v he_o whether_o a_o benefit_n or_o a_o sharp_a rod_n whether_o fear_n or_o hope_n do_v at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o his_o change_n move_v he_o to_o seek_v god_n provide_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n christ_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n be_v now_o his_o belove_a lord_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n for_o he_o that_o be_v most_o sweet_o allure_v to_o come_v to_o god_n and_o without_o much_o fear_n be_v convert_v who_o possible_o after_o serious_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a death_n be_v not_o keep_v long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n but_o forthwith_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o tender_o entertain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n may_v fall_v in_o hard_a exercise_n afterward_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o who_o his_o brethren_n live_v in_o the_o same_o family_n with_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v any_o sign_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a or_o heavy_a heart_n as_o his_o brother_n eliab_n word_n do_v show_v 1_o sam._n 17._o 28._o i_o know_v thy_o pride_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o thy_o heart_n thus_o do_v eliab_n judge_v of_o david_n cheerful_a carriage_n whereof_o also_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o david_n be_v of_o a_o ruddy_a and_o beautiful_a countenance_n and_o for_o some_o year_n of_o his_o youth_n do_v pass_v the_o time_n pleasant_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o song_n and_o harp_n while_o he_o be_v feed_v his_o sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o none_o can_v just_o question_v his_o conversion_n all_o this_o time_n or_o his_o sincerity_n in_o this_o service_n yet_o afterward_o he_o be_v otherways_o exercise_v for_o ofttimes_o he_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v toss_v with_o the_o terror_n thereof_o and_o make_v to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v heavy_o such_o do_v iob_n condition_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v job_n 29._o but_o afterward_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n what_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n he_o have_v the_o sacred_a history_n do_v testify_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o in_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a israelit_fw-la be_v find_v in_o any_o measure_n shall_v suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o have_v be_v gentle_o handle_v in_o his_o conversion_n for_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o same_o person_n may_v fall_v in_o fiery_a trial_n and_o so_o hard_a temptation_n as_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o doubt_n of_o his_o conversion_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o sad_a affliction_n inward_a and_o outward_a whereby_o he_o be_v exercise_v in_o which_o case_n he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v mistake_v no_o less_o than_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o both_o in_o their_o conversion_n and_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o retain_v fast_o hold_v by_o faith_n on_o christ_n grace_n in_o their_o deep_a affliction_n for_o instance_n we_o offer_v that_o precious_a soul_n heman_n the_o ezrait_n who_o come_v near_o unto_o solomon_n in_o the_o point_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o king_n 4_o 31._o and_o yet_o how_o bitter_a his_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o 88_o psalm_n bear_v witness_v special_o v_o 13._o 14_o 15._o but_o unto_o thou_o have_v i_o cry_v o_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n shall_v my_o prayer_n prevent_v thou_o and_o why_o cast_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o hide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n that_o any_o in_o who_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v shall_v call_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o conversion_n in_o question_n how_o hardly_o soever_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v handle_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o will_v neither_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v drive_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o will_v endure_v sin_n to_o remain_v in_o himself_o uncontrolled_a be_v certain_o a_o true_a convert_n as_o for_o these_o who_o for_o some_o temporal_a cause_n be_v come_v to_o christ_n as_o many_o do_v come_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o some_o temporal_a evil_n or_o obtain_v some_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n do_v doubt_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o sincerity_n thereof_o they_o need_v not_o dispute_n much_o about_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o seek_v after_o god_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v what_o christ_n grace_n be_v and_o do_v seek_v righteousness_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o evangel_n that_o sundry_a that_o they_o may_v be_v cure_v of_o leprosy_n palsy_n blindness_n etc._n etc._n come_v unto_o christ_n who_o afterward_o come_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o in_o such_o doubt_n let_v not_o the_o afflict_a trouble_n himself_o nor_o call_v his_o conversion_n in_o question_n but_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v in_o holiness_n make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n for_o if_o he_o do_v this_o he_o shall_v neither_o be_v find_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o apostle_n promise_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 8._o chap._n xi_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o heavy_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a tentation_n be_v solve_v some_o true_a convert_n sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a suspicion_n of_o their_o regeneration_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o sore_a outward_a affliction_n and_o be_v assault_v also_o possible_o with_o horrible_a inward_a tentation_n which_o do_v befall_v they_o unexpected_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v they_o up_o for_o whereas_o after_o divers_a conflict_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n follow_v after_o these_o sad_a exercise_n of_o mind_n they_o hope_v to_o have_v enjoy_v god_n peace_n still_o after_o
they_o do_v meet_v possible_o with_o sad_a calamity_n which_o they_o do_v not_o foresee_v nor_o fear_v and_o be_v yoke_v in_o conflict_n with_o more_o fearful_a tentation_n then_o ever_o before_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o overcome_v they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o call_v in_o question_n all_o the_o former_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o of_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n of_o this_o sort_n some_o who_o live_v in_o great_a wealth_n and_o outward_a prosperity_n do_v fall_n in_o so_o deep_a poverty_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o sustain_v themselves_o nor_o their_o family_n but_o be_v force_v to_o live_v on_o the_o private_a charity_n of_o other_o or_o open_o to_o beg_v other_o some_o do_v fall_v in_o heavy_a sickness_n yea_o in_o uncouth_a disease_n which_o but_o rare_o do_v befall_v any_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v evidence_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n other_o some_o do_v fall_v in_o horrible_a tentation_n and_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a suggestion_n against_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o as_o fiery_a dart_n do_v stick_v fast_o unto_o they_o and_o disquiet_v they_o continual_o other_o some_o be_v tempt_v unto_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o such_o wickedness_n against_o themselves_o or_o other_o as_o nature_n do_v abhor_v to_o which_o act_n of_o wickedness_n they_o find_v themselves_o so_o powerful_o soli_v as_o they_o fear_v god_n have_v decree_v to_o give_v they_o over_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v overcome_v with_o the_o tentation_n some_o after_o one_o way_n some_o after_o another_o way_n by_o one_o sort_n or_o other_o of_o vexation_n be_v toss_v so_o as_o they_o suspect_v god_n be_v pursue_v they_o in_o wrath_n and_o deal_n with_o they_o otherways_o then_o with_o any_o of_o his_o child_n whereupon_o ofttimes_o they_o break_v forth_o in_o sad_a complaint_n and_o misbelieve_a suspicion_n say_v if_o god_n love_v i_o he_o will_v not_o deal_v thus_o and_o thus_o with_o i_o if_o i_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n he_o will_v not_o thus_o pursue_v i_o my_o case_n be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v and_o other_o such_o like_a regrate_v and_o lamentation_n be_v utter_v by_o they_o 2._o for_o solve_v this_o doubt_n we_o neither_o esteem_v such_o exercise_n and_o tentation_n proper_a to_o the_o regenerate_a man_n or_o a_o token_n of_o regeneration_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o such_o exercise_n may_v befall_v true_a convert_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n be_v common_a to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a so_o that_o by_o those_o trouble_n and_o misery_n neither_o the_o love_n or_o hatred_n of_o god_n can_v be_v certain_o conclude_v but_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v say_v in_o reason_n if_o these_o calamity_n do_v befall_v a_o man_n while_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o his_o own_o sinful_a way_n then_o be_v they_o undoubted_o to_o be_v interpret_v as_o evidence_n of_o god_n wrath_n at_o least_o fatherly_a anger_n against_o the_o afflict_a and_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o forewarning_n of_o more_o and_o more_o heavy_a calamity_n to_o come_v upon_o he_o yea_o and_o final_a perdition_n also_o if_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v 3._o in_o which_o case_n the_o afflict_a shall_v do_v well_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o give_v a_o good_a construction_n of_o god_n purpose_n in_o send_v on_o he_o such_o calamity_n in_o regard_n when_o he_o may_v forthwith_o have_v destroy_v the_o sinner_n he_o have_v send_v forth_o these_o sad_a affliction_n to_o waken_v his_o conscience_n and_o to_o warn_v he_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v lest_o he_o perish_v utter_o 4._o he_o shall_v do_v well_o also_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o a_o bitter_a potion_n be_v necessary_a in_o so_o deadly_a and_o desperat-like_a disease_n as_o his_o soul_n be_v lie_v into_o for_o what_o shall_v the_o lord_n do_v unto_o those_o who_o despise_v the_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o do_v seek_v their_o felicity_n in_o vain_a and_o perish_a pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n what_o shall_v he_o do_v with_o those_o who_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v to_o perish_v with_o this_o evil_a world_n but_o break_v their_o idol_n in_o piece_n and_o put_v themselves_o to_o grief_n who_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a read_v his_o sin_n in_o the_o rod_n wherewith_o he_o be_v beat_v if_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o temporal_a good_n or_o earthly_a comfort_n which_o he_o have_v abuse_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n let_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n also_o in_o that_o he_o by_o cut_v off_o earthly_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v send_v he_o to_o seek_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a in_o heaven_n where_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 3._o 2._o if_o he_o be_v vex_v with_o tentation_n unto_o blasphemy_n and_o such_o horrid_a fearful_a sin_n which_o even_a nature_n do_v abhor_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o misbelief_n of_o threaten_n and_o promise_n be_v no_o less_o in_o effect_n than_o real_a assert_v of_o blasphemy_n and_o that_o entertain_v of_o sinful_a lust_n which_o fight_v against_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o defile_n and_o destroy_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n by_o which_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n if_o the_o afflict_a take_v not_o warn_v and_o repent_v he_o may_v just_o fear_v these_o calamity_n and_o torment_a tentation_n be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n but_o if_o these_o calamity_n and_o fearful_a tentation_n befall_v a_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n who_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o study_v in_o any_o measure_n of_o uprightness_n to_o please_v god_n let_v not_o such_o a_o man_n be_v afraid_a for_o god_n be_v not_o pursue_v he_o in_o wrath_n as_o satan_n his_o adversary_n suggest_v but_o as_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o love_a father_n be_v try_v and_o train_v his_o faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o own_o name_n shame_v of_o satan_n and_o edify_v all_o beholder_n of_o this_o manâ—_n exercise_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a comfort_n himself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n for_o uphold_v of_o believer_n in_o patience_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n for_o even_o job_n the_o holy_a man_n on_o earth_n in_o his_o generation_n be_v both_o sudden_o surprise_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o concur_v calamity_n and_o also_o deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n from_o god_n and_o man_n for_o a_o season_n for_o at_o once_o he_o be_v spoil_v of_o all_o his_o good_n deprive_v of_o all_o his_o child_n tempt_v by_o his_o wife_n to_o despair_v despise_v by_o his_o servant_n judge_v to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n by_o his_o most_o entire_a godly_a friend_n strike_v by_o satan_n with_o a_o unusual_a plague_n of_o botch-biles_a and_o how_o far_o the_o lord_n do_v hide_v all_o comfort_n for_o a_o time_n the_o history_n of_o his_o complaint_n make_v evident_a yea_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v sanctify_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o hard_a exercise_n of_o this_o sort_n which_o his_o child_n can_v fall_v into_o for_o albeit_o he_o can_v not_o be_v defile_v with_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o satan_n unto_o most_o abominable_a sin_n in_o special_a he_o be_v tempt_v to_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v to_o kill_v himself_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o devil_n which_o o_o how_o horrible_a blasphemy_n be_v it_o yea_o for_o a_o time_n power_n be_v give_v to_o satan_n albeit_o not_o to_o hurt_v christ_n yet_o to_o carry_v his_o body_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o as_o we_o read_v in_o matth._n 4._o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v for_o consolation_n to_o such_o of_o god_n child_n as_o be_v vex_v with_o vile_a and_o blasphemous_a tentation_n and_o solistation_n to_o abominable_a sin_n heb._n 2._o 18._o for_o in_o that_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v 4._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_a insist_v and_o say_v he_o be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o by_o satan_n tentation_n to_o commit_v sin_n against_o his_o light_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o succumb_v because_o he_o neither_o have_v strength_n in_o himself_o to_o
thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v be_v grant_v unto_o the_o unregenerat_a for_o the_o use_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o observe_v of_o this_o difference_n shall_v teach_v the_o afflict_a to_o esteem_v well_o of_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o humane_a society_n or_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v study_v to_o humility_n and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o measure_n let_v he_o esteem_v more_o of_o they_o then_o of_o all_o these_o common_a gift_n how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v as_o also_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n estate_n which_o content_v itself_o with_o probability_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o real_a verity_n concern_v his_o own_o estate_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bearing_z witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o reveal_v unto_o we_o what_o thing_n be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o wit_n among_o other_o gift_n give_v unto_o we_o eyesalve_n to_o make_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v blind_a poor_a naked_a and_o miserable_a with_o grace_n lead_v we_o to_o buy_v without_o money_n or_o price_n from_o christ_n gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o garment_n to_o hide_v our_o nakedness_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n estate_n we_o see_v nothing_o save_o what_o be_v outward_a and_o can_v pierce_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o god_n only_o can_v and_o do_v search_v but_o concern_v our_o own_o estate_n we_o may_v know_v certain_o if_o we_o search_v well_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o wherefore_o that_o the_o afflict_a may_v overcome_v this_o doubt_n let_v he_o leave_v unto_o god_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o apostat_n which_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n of_o sin_n nor_o serious_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v his_o own_o estate_n let_v he_o study_v to_o discern_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o more_o and_o more_o and_o daily_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o he_o discern_v the_o loathsomnesse_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o the_o more_o hearty_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o consecrat_v himself_o whole_o unto_o he_o that_o in_o his_o furniture_n draw_v by_o faith_n out_o of_o christ_n he_o may_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v pass_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o unregenerat_a and_o be_v a_o true_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n effectual_o call_v and_o elect_v of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n because_o some_o godly_a person_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o hypocrite_n some_o true_a convert_n do_v suspect_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n because_o some_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o their_o acquaintance_n who_o judgement_n otherways_o be_v not_o to_o be_v light_o reject_v not_o only_o do_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o by_o word_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o behaviour_n towards_o they_o declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o 2._o this_o tentation_n do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o of_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o own_o conversion_n and_o when_o they_o perceive_v their_o own_o suspicion_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o suspicion_n and_o testimony_n of_o some_o saint_n howsoever_o rash_o judge_v other_o man_n heart_n no_o wonder_n the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n question_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n grow_v strong_a against_o they_o by_o this_o stratagem_n satan_n use_v to_o assault_v the_o strong_a in_o faith_n and_o to_o vex_v they_o at_o least_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o job_n who_o faith_n be_v mighty_o assault_v when_o his_o godly_a friend_n mistake_v his_o affliction_n and_o condemn_v he_o as_o a_o wicked_a hypocrite_n the_o like_a we_o see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 38._o 11._o when_o his_o friend_n stand_v aloof_o from_o his_o plague_n 3._o for_o strengthen_v the_o afflict_a under_o this_o tentation_n first_o let_v he_o examine_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o acurat_o because_o of_o the_o suspicion_n that_o the_o godly_a have_v of_o he_o after_o which_o examination_n if_o he_o find_v any_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o himself_o and_o of_o faith_n fly_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n and_o of_o endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o much_o infirmity_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n let_v he_o not_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n but_o rather_o strengthen_v what_o he_o find_v of_o the_o lord_n gracious_a work_n in_o he_o although_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o ready_a to_o die_v second_o let_v he_o consider_v whether_o this_o exercise_n and_o affliction_n be_v a_o correction_n from_o god_n chastise_v he_o for_o his_o rash_a judgement_n of_o other_o who_o possible_o he_o have_v wound_v with_o such_o rash_a suspicion_n of_o they_o but_o whether_o he_o find_v this_o or_o not_o let_v he_o not_o despise_v this_o exercise_n but_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n in_o who_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n that_o he_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n head_n and_o foot_n and_o let_v he_o study_v unto_o more_o and_o more_o sincerity_n that_o he_o may_v approve_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o discreet_a judge_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o let_v he_o not_o alienat_fw-la himself_n altogether_o so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v from_o they_o by_o who_o suspicion_n his_o faith_n and_o good_a name_n have_v be_v wound_v but_o in_o humility_n and_o charity_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a follow_v of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n labour_v to_o commend_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n conscience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o need_v not_o stand_v for_o the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o any_o man_n for_o by_o so_o do_v job_n be_v victorious_a over_o this_o tentation_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n estate_n for_o first_o the_o ignorance_n of_o another_o man_n heart_n make_v the_o judge_n to_o judge_v what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v grant_v unto_o his_o child_n liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o from_o their_o action_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o condition_n and_o temper_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o action_n but_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n who_o outward_o do_v what_o be_v right_a do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n who_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o search_n of_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o only_o know_v who_o be_v the_o upright_a and_o who_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o who_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n the_o outward_a conversation_n of_o both_o be_v like_o one_o to_o another_o again_o to_o know_v another_o man_n manner_n engine_n inclination_n and_o way_n of_o his_o life_n do_v require_v long_o converse_v with_o he_o comparison_n of_o his_o action_n one_o with_o another_o and_o a_o prudent_a conjunction_n of_o all_o sign_n of_o his_o inward_a disposition_n before_o a_o discreet_a charitable_a judgement_n can_v be_v have_v of_o he_o and_o whosoever_o do_v judge_v rash_o of_o other_o man_n heart_n do_v not_o well_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v in_o judge_v for_o many_o presume_v too_o much_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o condition_n and_o state_n and_o make_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o rule_n and_o pattern_n unto_o other_o and_o so_o become_v too_o too_o rigid_a censurer_n and_o severe_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n condition_n and_o state_n except_o they_o find_v it_o like_v to_o their_o own_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o
the_o present_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n for_o the_o present_a in_o comparison_n with_o other_o unrenewed_a man_n or_o with_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n in_o which_o sense_n mark_v 12._o 34._o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o scribe_n who_o answer_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n discreet_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o far_o front_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o condition_n for_o the_o present_a of_o this_o scribe_n be_v better_a than_o his_o fellow_n and_o better_a than_o his_o own_o at_o another_o time_n and_o yet_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o wrath_n because_o he_o be_v not_o enter_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o in_o this_o more_o strict_a sense_n the_o judicial_a state_n of_o the_o man_n person_n be_v fix_v so_o long_o as_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n bind_v the_o unconvert_v to_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n louse_v the_o convert_v from_o the_o curse_n do_v stand_v but_o the_o moral_a disposition_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o nature_n be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a to_o the_o better_a or_o worse_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o or_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n his_o state_n remain_v the_o same_o to_o wit_n good_a if_o he_o be_v renew_v and_o evil_a if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o nature_n unrenewed_a 2._o but_o here_o we_o be_v about_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n only_o which_o may_v be_v better_o at_o one_o time_n and_o worse_o at_o another_o time_n as_o his_o disposition_n and_o caâ—â—age_n in_o order_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v better_a or_o worse_o according_a as_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n be_v more_o or_o less_o conform_v to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n do_v its_o duty_n more_o or_o less_o commendable_o sometime_o his_o conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n speak_v good_a to_o he_o while_o he_o study_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a and_o then_o he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 26._o 12._o my_o foot_n stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n in_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o bless_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o good_a condition_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o because_o there_o be_v no_o present_a disease_n which_o call_v for_o cure_v of_o this_o case_n only_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n necessary_a to_o observe_v diet_n and_o exercise_n to_o maintain_v his_o good_a condition_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o go_v on_o therein_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v the_o ill_a condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n when_o his_o conscience_n do_v deceive_v he_o or_o do_v not_o discharge_v its_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o case_n only_a remedy_n and_o cure_n be_v call_v for_o 3._o as_o that_o condition_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v best_a please_v with_o himself_o be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a so_o neither_o be_v that_o condition_n wherewith_o he_o be_v worst_a please_v always_o the_o worst_a but_o that_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v most_o bear_v down_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o condition_n be_v the_o worst_a wherein_o sin_n most_o prevail_v and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n so_o the_o illnesse_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n as_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v ground_n of_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n for_o otherways_o by_o the_o default_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n the_o best_a condition_n may_v degenerate_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n as_o when_o a_o man_n do_v abuse_v divine_a consolation_n and_o after_o receive_v of_o the_o renew_a earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n grow_v carnal_o secure_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o when_o after_o some_o gross_a pollution_n of_o himself_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n have_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o as_o become_v he_o but_o by_o satan_n suggestion_n of_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o his_o former_a work_n in_o he_o do_v fall_v in_o suspicion_n of_o all_o former_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o miscalleth_a all_o these_o former_a experience_n and_o in_o his_o tentation_n esteem_v and_o name_v they_o among_o satan_n delusion_n or_o else_o at_o least_o suspect_v and_o fear_v they_o shall_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o such_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o worst_a condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n by_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o advantage_n in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o renew_a man_n salvation_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o psalmist_n do_v show_v we_o psal._n 116_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o evil_a condition_n be_v so_o call_v either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o convert_v not_o only_o feel_v real_o but_o lament_v it_o serious_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v estimation_n only_o who_o lament_v his_o good_a condition_n without_o cause_n or_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o real_a evil_n which_o the_o convert_n lament_v not_o at_o all_o but_o lie_v under_o it_o secure_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n when_o he_o see_v his_o own_o blindness_n nakedness_n and_o misery_n the_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o do_v fly_v for_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o christ_n the_o true_a physician_n to_o cover_v and_o cure_v all_o his_o disease_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a only_a in_o respect_n of_o feel_v evil_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n therefrom_o it_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n because_o the_o disease_a convert_n carry_v himself_o well_o and_o wise_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o convert_v condition_n when_o his_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o trial_n by_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n wherein_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o afflict_v himself_o but_o to_o judge_v this_o condition_n to_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v in_o divers_a tentation_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n who_o when_o for_o example_n he_o feel_v himself_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o pray_v or_o praise_n or_o discharge_v any_o duty_n hearty_o do_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o this_o his_o ill_a case_n but_o either_o layeth-by_a the_o do_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o do_v the_o work_n negligent_o and_o perfunctorious_o and_o please_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v for_o a_o time_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a indeed_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o of_o his_o sinful_a slight_v the_o duty_n of_o seek_v relief_n thereof_o 5._o for_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o any_o or_o all_o of_o those_o condition_n first_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o sinful_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v evil_a indeed_o and_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o gift_n of_o eyesalve_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o discovery_n by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a blessing_n even_o the_o work_n of_o god_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o saviour_n of_o soul_n the_o remedy_n of_o every_o evil_a second_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o tentation_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n and_o yield_v to_o tentation_n under_o affliction_n the_o observation_n of_o tentation_n offer_v to_o make_v we_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o trial_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o joy_n but_o yield_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o mater_fw-la of_o
let_v the_o convert_v thus_o mistake_v after_o his_o experience_n feel_v that_o he_o have_v be_v carnal_o confident_a not_o be_v discourage_v as_o if_o his_o confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v on_o god_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o in_o no_o degree_n spiritual_a but_o let_v he_o first_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n rod_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v remove_v this_o prop_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o go_v astray_o to_o depend_v more_o on_o god_n than_o he_o have_v do_v 2._o let_v he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o renor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v his_o own_o unrighteousness_n in_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o creature-comfort_n to_o have_v be_v great_a 3._o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 3._o 1._o 23._o and_o to_o loose_v his_o estimation_n and_o affection_n from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n 4._o because_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o well_o observe_v except_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n let_v the_o afflict_a person_n approve_v himself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o sincerity_n of_o adherence_n unto_o god_n by_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n now_o when_o he_o want_v mean_n and_o creature-comfort_n as_o job_n do_v who_o in_o this_o condition_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o give_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o bless_a god_n at_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o from_o he_o job._n 1._o 21._o for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v learn_v both_o to_o have_v and_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v teach_v phil_n 4._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v that_o which_o too_o much_o lean_v to_o some_o apparent_a measure_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n observe_v by_o the_o convert_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v chief_o by_o comparison_n of_o the_o convert_v strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v find_v evidencâ—_n sign_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o with_o â—is_n weak_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o under_o the_o cloud_n of_o descrtion_n or_o under_o some_o powerful_a temptation_n when_o these_o evident_a sign_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v darken_v or_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o clear_o unto_o himself_o as_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o case_n his_o confidence_n be_v great_o weaken_v and_o his_o faith_n not_o a_o little_a shake_v with_o doubt_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v fix_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o convert_v still_o adher_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o claim_v interest_n in_o christ_n more_o or_o less_o confident_a whence_o come_v then_o this_o difference_n between_o his_o former_a confidence_n which_o be_v strong_a and_o his_o weak_a confidence_n now_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o case_n be_v bring_v low_a certain_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o pillar_n whereupon_o his_o former_a confidence_n be_v too_o much_o fix_v for_o whensoever_o the_o mist_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o find_v the_o livelynesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o his_o confidence_n convalesce_v and_o return_n to_o it_o be_v former_a strength_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o and_o when_o his_o grace_n be_v darken_v he_o fall_v in_o a_o languish_a weakness_n of_o faith_n this_o sickness_n be_v so_o frequent_o incident_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o few_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o overtake_v in_o it_o for_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o be_v not_o much_o more_o confident_a when_o they_o find_v a_o heart_n free_o pour_v forth_o in_o prayer_n when_o they_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o â—ruits_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o themselves_o when_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o token_n of_o god_n savour_n towards_o they_o be_v manifest_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o find_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n change_v when_o darkness_n fall_v on_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o worship_n and_o unable_a to_o do_v service_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o perceive_v token_n of_o fatherly_a wrath_n against_o they_o superadd_v unto_o the_o foresay_a evil_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v he_o that_o beside_o the_o inevitable_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n incident_a to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n do_v not_o find_v a_o diminution_n of_o his_o former_a confidence_n and_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n fear_n doubt_n and_o difficulty_n which_o diminution_n and_o abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o trial_n and_o inward_a exercise_n do_v evident_o prove_v that_o in_o his_o best_a condition_n he_o have_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o on_o the_o mutable_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o so_o stucken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o jesus_n as_o become_v he_o 2._o that_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o clear_v and_o cure_v it_o be_v expedient_a to_o answer_v some_o question_n which_o be_v discuss_v may_v inform_v and_o edify_v the_o afflict_a question_v 1_o the_o first_o question_n which_o the_o afflict_a may_v propound_v be_v this_o see_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n manifest_v in_o the_o bestow_n and_o continue_v of_o common_a benefit_n and_o gift_n outward_a and_o inward_a do_v certain_o serve_v to_o confirm_v a_o man_n faith_n in_o god_n be_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n manifest_v in_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o benefit_n do_v certain_o serve_v to_o debilitat_fw-la and_o weaken_v a_o man_n faith_n ans._n 1._o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a because_o god_n can_v carry_v love_n and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o be_v angry_a at_o he_o also_o for_o the_o present_a ill_a disposition_n wherein_o he_o be_v for_o love_n and_o fatherly_a wrath_n be_v not_o opposite_a and_o inconsistent_a but_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v inconsistent_a 2._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o of_o god_n favour_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o convert_n for_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o take_v away_o of_o those_o sign_n of_o favour_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o weaken_v of_o a_o man_n faith_n for_o many_o thing_n may_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v remove_v must_v not_o discourage_v he_o or_o just_o hinder_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n who_o never_o find_v any_o other_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n beside_o prosperity_n in_o common_a benefit_n and_o the_o man_n who_o beside_o common_a benefit_n have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o his_o spirit_n bring_v he_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o chase_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o to_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v neither_o from_o the_o have_v nor_o want_v or_o removal_n of_o common_a benefit_n conclude_v eh_n be_v love_v or_o hate_v for_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v eccles._n 9_o 1_o 2_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o etc._n etc._n but_o a_o man_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v reason_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o send_n on_o he_o adversity_n and_o waken_n of_o he_o out_o of_o a_o flâ—shly_a and_o deadly_a security_n do_v speak_v more_o of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o than_o his_o prosperity_n do_v and_o this_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o special_a grace_n on_o their_o heart_n may_v make_v use_n both_o of_o their_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o put_v case_n that_o a_o convert_n chase_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o bear_v christ_n yoke_n upon_o he_o shall_v find_v common_a benefit_n take_v back_o
conscience_n and_o feel_v wrath_n pursue_v i_o for_o sin_n may_v be_v clear_a to_o i_o by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o scriptural_a evidence_n albeit_o it_o be_v possible_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o my_o conversion_n i_o can_v produce_v any_o fruit_n or_o evidence_n of_o my_o conversion_n past_a or_o else_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o malefactor_n on_o the_o scaffold_n present_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o possible_o not_o waken_v in_o conscience_n before_o not_o flee_v to_o christ_n before_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o sick_a person_n near_o unto_o death_n who_o be_v self-condemned_n do_v betake_v themselves_o in_o their_o last_o agony_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n offer_v to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o a_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v and_o must_v now_o believe_v the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v believe_v be_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o prove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o wit_n faith_n to_o be_v in_o i_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v now_o and_o must_v believe_v be_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o infer_v the_o effect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o i_o the_o cause_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v god_n command_n to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n which_o command_n i_o must_v now_o obey_v leave_v i_o perish_v and_o so_o if_o i_o find_v fruit_n i_o prove_v i_o have_v believe_v because_o i_o feel_v the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o my_o heart_n and_o that_o i_o love_v god_n who_o have_v free_o love_v i_o and_o here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o fruit_n to_o wit_n saâ—ing_v faith_n have_v precede_v and_o be_v go_v before_o again_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o shall_v believe_v because_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o free_a grace_n in_o christ_n make_v to_o all_o self-condemned_n person_n renounce_v confidence_n in_o their_o own_o worth_n or_o work_n be_v make_v to_o i_o with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o grace_n who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a fly_v to_o he_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o my_o have_a fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o my_o observe_n and_o find_v these_o fruit_n in_o i_o for_o a_o true_a convert_n may_v have_v both_o faith_n and_o fruit_n and_o for_o the_o time_n be_v under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n may_v be_v so_o darken_v that_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o sin_n and_o apparent_a wrath_n pursue_v he_o for_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o jonah_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o and_o david_n ps._n 51_o 9_o 10._o 4._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a convert_n and_o a_o sincere_a believer_n and_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v right_a reason_n and_o good_a warrant_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o my_o low_a condition_n howsoever_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o empty_v of_o all_o sign_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o i_o for_o the_o time_n yet_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o sad_a condition_n fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o do_v serve_v to_o make_v i_o consent_v hearty_o unto_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n do_v serve_v to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o justification_n and_o lose_v all_o doubt_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n tempt_v i_o to_o mis-believe_a and_o to_o run_v away_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o offer_a mercy_n in_o he_o 5._o and_o last_o of_o all_o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o make_v use_n of_o good_a fruit_n bring_v forth_o by_o i_o for_o confirmation_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o my_o put_a confidence_n in_o or_o lay_v weight_n on_o these_o good_a fruit_n for_o many_o true_a convert_n do_v here_o fail_v and_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o mistake_n for_o when_o they_o find_v love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n with_o fear_n and_o holy_a reverence_n and_o such_o other_o like_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o outward_a fruit_n thereof_o in_o their_o life_n than_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o but_o when_o at_o another_o time_n they_o find_v hardness_n of_o heart_n profanity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o a_o wicked_a nature_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v like_a to_o quit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o stand_v aloof_o from_o christ_n like_o stranger_n when_o they_o shall_v most_o be_v humble_v and_o creep_v in_o to_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n aâ—d_v hide_v of_o their_o nakedness_n by_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o what_o be_v this_o in_o effect_n else_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o lean_v on_o their_o work_n and_o holy_a disposition_n as_o if_o there_o be_v merit_n in_o they_o and_o then_o after_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o have_v furnish_v they_o those_o fruit_n whereas_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n first_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n that_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n they_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n according_a as_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o l_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n in_o some_o point_n of_o doctrine_n delude_v and_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n to_o speak_v of_o delusion_n and_o bewitch_a in_o the_o general_n require_v a_o large_a treatise_n it_o shall_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v place_n in_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n erroneous_a which_o we_o describe_v thus_o delusion_n be_v a_o powerful_a operation_n of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o obtrude_v to_o man_n some_o noisome_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o true_a doctrine_n faird_v over_o with_o sophistical_a deceit_n and_o do_v persuade_v inconsiderate_a soul_n effectual_o to_o receive_v the_o error_n for_o truth_n and_o to_o defend_v and_o spread_v it_o in_o their_o rash_a zeal_n for_o explication_n of_o which_o description_n we_o say_v 1._o delusion_n be_v a_o powerful_a operation_n of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n wherein_o satan_n in_o god_n judgement_n be_v permit_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o lie_v effectual_o therefore_o in_o all_o his_o effectual_a delusion_n there_o be_v a_o concur_v righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o lose_v reins_o to_o the_o rempter_n that_o by_o delusion_n one_o sin_n in_o one_o degree_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o a_o follow_a sin_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o lie_a spirit_n do_v work_v more_o effectual_o when_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o god_n 2._o we_o say_v that_o delusion_n be_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hazard_v of_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o say_v not_o as_o if_o we_o do_v think_v that_o any_o sin_n do_v not_o draw_v with_o it_o the_o merit_n of_o death_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o because_o satan_n be_v not_o so_o busy_a to_o spread_v and_o foment_n such_o error_n as_o be_v less_o perilous_a as_o he_o be_v active_a in_o such_o error_n which_o do_v most_o tend_v to_o pester_v the_o church_n and_o divert_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o path_n way_n of_o save_a doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o essay_n all_o mean_n that_o he_o may_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n and_o devise_v and_o spread_v abroad_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n mean_a time_n he_o be_v not_o idle_a in_o sow_v and_o spread_v lesser_a error_n that_o he_o may_v stir_v up_o contention_n and_o jangle_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o precious_a time_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v for_o mutual_a edification_n may_v be_v idle_o waste_v in_o needless_a dispute_n and_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v grosser_n error_n three_o we_o put_v some_o difference_n between_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o error_n in_o practice_n albeit_o there_o can_v be_v one_o error_n in_o practice_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o external_a worship_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o outward_a conversation_n which_o be_v stiff_o maintain_v have_v not_o some_o error_n of_o judgement_n and_o doctrine_n join_v with_o it_o or_o else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n
yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n the_o error_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o man_n of_o contrary_a judgement_n may_v consent_v and_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o practice_n four_o we_o presuppose_v the_o error_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v colour_v and_o cover_v with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o to_o be_v find_v deceitful_a sophistry_n for_o otherways_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v not_o be_v easy_o ensnare_v if_o the_o error_n be_v see_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n if_o it_o be_v demonstrat_fw-la unto_o he_o with_o sound_a reason_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o pernicious_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o man_n soul_n for_o in_o this_o case_n every_o ingenuous_a and_o honest_a mind_n will_v keep_v off_o from_o the_o error_n as_o from_o a_o deep_a pit_n but_o satan_n set_v forth_o the_o error_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o error_n but_o most_o consonant_a to_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o profitable_a for_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o church_n good_a and_o by_o plansible_a pretence_n set_v out_o the_o error_n so_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v lovely_a and_o worthy_a to_o befend_v and_o spread_v abroad_o by_o all_o mean_n five_o in_o this_o delusion_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o presuppose_v that_o in_o the_o person_n delude_v there_o be_v a_o persuasion_n strong_a than_o any_o probation_n which_o he_o have_v can_v support_v for_o there_o the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n do_v special_o appear_v when_o the_o lie_a spirit_n by_o probable_a conjecture_n appearance_n of_o advantage_n and_o sophistical_a disputation_n do_v persuade_v the_o delude_a soul_n that_o the_o error_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o by_o divine_a oracle_n it_o be_v reveal_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n how_o this_o can_v be_v and_o how_o satan_n work_v this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v not_o to_o our_o purpose_n to_o make_v inquiry_n for_o lie_v spirit_n have_v their_o own_o way_n unknown_a to_o we_o whereby_o they_o insinuat_fw-la and_o suggest_v their_o error_n unto_o man_n it_o may_v suffice_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o satan_n can_v form_v objection_n against_o our_o faith_n ephes._n 6._o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o throw_v they_o at_o we_o as_o fiery_a dart_n and_o work_v strong_a persuasion_n in_o unstable_a or_o ignorant_a soul_n such_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o galatian_n which_o the_o apostle_n avouch_v to_o have_v be_v procure_v not_o by_o god_n who_o have_v call_v they_o gal_n 5._o 8._o six_o we_o presuppose_v in_o a_o powerful_a delusion_n a_o bastard_n and_o mislead_v zeal_n make_v the_o delude_a man_n ardent_o to_o defend_v and_o promove_v the_o error_n which_o he_o have_v embrace_v for_o this_o be_v satan_n main_a endeavour_n when_o he_o have_v leaven_v with_o error_n one_o or_o more_o in_o a_o church_n to_o make_v all_o the_o use_n of_o they_o he_o can_v to_o leaven_n the_o church_n with_o the_o same_o error_n and_o to_o the_o intent_n this_o mater_fw-la may_v be_v the_o more_o useful_o speak_v of_o three_o question_n must_v be_v answer_v so_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o powerful_a delusion_n may_v befall_v a_o true_a convert_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v possible_a and_o experience_n prove_v it_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n fear_v 2_o cor._n 11._o 3._o i_o fear_v least_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v fear_v also_o for_o the_o colossian_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v delude_v col._n 2._o 4._o this_o i_o say_v lest_o any_o man_n beguile_v you_o with_o entice_a word_n and_o ver_fw-la 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n wherein_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o sort_n of_o delusion_n may_v befall_v the_o saint_n now_o that_o it_o have_v indeed_o and_o in_o experience_n befall_v some_o true_a convert_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2._o 20._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o to_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o mater_fw-la evident_o to_o have_v befall_v the_o galatian_n gal._n 3._o 1._o o_o foolish_a or_o mad_a galatian_n who_o have_v be_v witch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n second_o that_o this_o delusion_n draw_v deep_a and_o be_v very_o dangerous_a appear_v gal._n 1._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o turn_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n and_o gal._n 5._o 2._o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v all_o benefit_n by_o christ_n and_o ver_fw-la 4._o in_o danger_n and_o on_o the_o way_n to_o fall_v from_o grace_n three_o the_o galatian_n do_v err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o doctrine_n because_o they_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n gal_n 5._o 4._o in_o practice_n they_o err_v gal._n 4._o 10_o 11._o you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o time_n and_o year_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o lest_o i_o have_v bestow_v upon_o you_o labour_n in_o vain_a four_o their_o error_n be_v faird_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o make_v they_o greedy_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o gal._n 4._o 9_o they_o turn_v themselves_o back_o to_o moysaicall_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o abolish_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o sometime_o command_v duty_n and_o ver_fw-la 21._o they_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o so_o run_v themselves_o under_o the_o curse_n five_o their_o error_n be_v not_o by_o a_o light_a opinion_n hold_v by_o they_o but_o by_o a_o full_a persuasion_n wrought_v in_o they_o not_o by_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n gal._n 5._o 8._o six_o this_o bastard_n and_o unhallowed_a zeal_n be_v evidence_v both_o in_o the_o seduce_a teacher_n and_o in_o the_o mislead_a galatian_n gal._n 4._o 17._o they_o zealous_o affect_v you_o but_o not_o well_o yea_o they_o will_v exclude_v you_o that_o you_o may_v affect_v they_o that_o be_v draw_v you_o away_o from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a apostle_n that_o you_o may_v be_v their_o affectionate_a disciple_n and_o as_o for_o the_o galatian_n delude_v by_o satan_n by_o their_o mean_n they_o turn_v their_o ardent_a affection_n towards_o the_o apostle_n almost_o in_o hatred_n against_o he_o gal._n 4._o 15_o 16._o be_o i_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n hence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o true_a convert_n be_v subject_a to_o this_o evil_a and_o ready_a to_o fall_v in_o it_o except_o they_o watch_v careful_o and_o earnest_o deal_v with_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o deceiver_n for_o many_o young_a convert_n be_v like_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n very_o simple_a and_o be_v late_o turn_v unto_o the_o course_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v easy_o take_v with_o every_o appearance_n of_o piety_n whereof_o if_o they_o do_v apprehend_v any_o seem_a sign_n in_o seducer_n they_o suspect_v no_o guile_n in_o wolf_n clad_v with_o sheep_n skin_n wherethrough_a they_o be_v overtake_v unaware_o and_o move_v to_o separat_fw-la from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o fleshly_a author_n of_o division_n who_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a rom._n 16._o 17_o 18._o quest._n 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o question_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o delusion_n we_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o delusion_n active_a wherein_o satan_n and_o his_o seduce_a instrument_n do_v set_v themselves_o on_o work_n to_o delude_v and_o there_o be_v a_o passive_a delusion_n in_o the_o party_n delude_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o delude_a or_o lie_v spirit_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o delusion_n in_o the_o party_n delude_v do_v concur_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o satan_n powerful_a delusion_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o party_n delude_v as_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o effectual_a delusion_n these_o effect_n and_o sign_n albeit_o they_o be_v many_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o specify_v some_o of_o they_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o delusion_n be_v the_o reject_v of_o a_o point_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o avouch_v of_o a_o false_a error_n
of_o the_o heart_n perfect_o rom._n 16._o 18._o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v 〈◊〉_d our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a â—ords_n and_o fair_a speech_n they_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a of_o such_o man_n jude_n speak_v ver_fw-la 20._o these_o be_v murmuâ—rs_n complainer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o passive_a delusion_n in_o seduce_a people_n the_o apostle_n propehsy_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 3_o 4._o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n â—all_n they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d turn_v unto_o fable_n in_o which_o word_n he_o hold_v forth_o the_o meritorious_a and_o adjuvant_fw-la cause_n of_o passive_a delusion_n their_o lust_n their_o turn_n away_o from_o sound_a doctrine_n their_o itch_a ear_n and_o desire_v to_o hear_v flatterer_n who_o by_o false_a doctrine_n may_v foster_v they_o in_o their_o lust_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o man_n to_o be_v their_o pastor_n from_o this_o sort_n of_o teacher_n christ_n fore-warneth_a his_o disciple_n to_o keep_v off_o mat._n 17._o 15._o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o 〈◊〉_d in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o they_o be_v raven_v wolf_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n their_o outward_a behaviour_n and_o conversation_n will_v not_o decipher_v they_o for_o they_o will_v seem_v innocent_a and_o harmless_a lamb_n but_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o teach_n and_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v find_v they_o out_o but_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o this_o give_a man_n over_o to_o be_v delude_v be_v plain_o set_v down_o 2_o thess._n 2_o 10_o 11._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n this_o judgement_n albeit_o it_o pursue_v unto_o the_o death_n only_o the_o reprobat_fw-la yet_o while_o in_o some_o degree_n for_o a_o time_n it_o may_v overtake_v the_o elect_a and_o renew_a person_n because_o some_o of_o they_o sometime_o be_v find_v to_o give_v way_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o not_o to_o take_v head_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v kill_v these_o lust_n therefore_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v infect_v with_o a_o contrary_a error_n and_o to_o eat_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o their_o folly_n that_o be_v correct_v they_o may_v repent_v and_o for_o ever_o fall_v out_o with_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o reject_v the_o error_n whereby_o they_o be_v infect_v for_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n most_o holy_o and_o powerful_o do_v so_o rule_v the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o his_o elect_a that_o truth_n shall_v have_v no_o loss_n but_o be_v the_o more_o clear_v and_o no_o elect_a soul_n perish_v as_o christ_n give_v assurance_n speak_v of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o delusion_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o false_a christ_n mat._n 24._o 24_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a this_o be_v also_o manifest_a by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o 19_o where_o he_o declare_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o permit_v heresy_n to_o arise_v that_o both_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v by_o the_o heresy_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n may_v be_v make_v the_o more_o manifest_a for_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o lust_n and_o wickedness_n of_o some_o be_v bring_v to_o light_n some_o be_v chastise_v some_o perish_v just_o some_o have_v their_o weakness_n and_o folly_n discover_v by_o be_v taint_v with_o error_n for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o their_o recovery_n out_o of_o the_o heresy_n the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v make_v more_o evident_a and_o in_o these_o who_o shall_v suffer_v for_o refuse_v or_o resist_v heresy_n god_n shall_v make_v manifest_a for_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o calumniator_n that_o truth_n be_v more_o precious_a to_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n than_o good_n or_o land_n or_o liberty_n or_o life_n or_o whatsoever_o can_v befall_v they_o in_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o adhere_v to_o truth_n and_o of_o this_o many_o martyr_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n in_o all_o age_n the_o remedy_n of_o this_o fearful_a condition_n albeit_o this_o delusion_n draw_v the_o reprobat_fw-la when_o they_o be_v over-taken_a with_o it_o unto_o certain_a perdiâ—on_n as_o the_o apostle_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 10_o 11._o express_o do_v â—â—ach_v and_o albeit_o this_o fearful_a plague_n be_v hardly_o curable_a when_o it_o fall_v on_o the_o elect_a partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o deep_a root_n of_o carnal_a lust_n in_o they_o which_o open_v the_o way_n unto_o error_n partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o subtle_a sophistry_n of_o seducer_n whereby_o honest_a soul_n be_v inâ—ngled_v partly_o by_o reason_n of_o new_a tentation_n suggest_v against_o return_v to_o the_o truth_n wherefrom_o they_o be_v â—lidden_v and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o come_v forth_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o temporal_a judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n whereby_o god_n have_v chastify_v his_o child_n for_o harbour_v such_o lust_n in_o himself_o as_o make_v way_n for_o the_o error_n yet_o the_o cure_n of_o delusion_n be_v not_o desperate_a for_o the_o apostle_n give_v good_a hope_n of_o possible_a and_o certain_a recovery_n out_o of_o it_o for_o gal._n 5._o 10._o i_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o say_v he_o to_o the_o ensnare_v galatian_n through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v no_o other_o way_n mind_v but_o he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o judgement_n whosoever_o he_o be_v 1._o for_o prevening_a and_o cure_v of_o this_o evil_n the_o apostle_n command_v pastor_n to_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o be_v instant_a upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 6._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o 2._o let_v the_o delude_a person_n be_v dispute_v with_o that_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n he_o may_v be_v convince_v as_o the_o apostle_n deal_v with_o these_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15._o and_o with_o these_o who_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n among_o the_o galatian_n 3._o let_v the_o delude_v be_v exhort_v to_o examine_v accurat_o his_o own_o conscience_n how_o he_o stand_v affect_v to_o his_o own_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o earthly_a lust_n for_o if_o he_o be_v proud_a in_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n power_n or_o holiness_n or_o any_o gift_n he_o have_v receive_v or_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o come_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o solve_v his_o doubt_n or_o to_o teach_v he_o the_o right_a way_n he_o shall_v receive_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o balaam_n receive_v and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o give_v ezek._n 14._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &c_n &c_n for_o he_o have_v by_o his_o lust_n deceive_v his_o own_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o a_o flatterer_n of_o himself_o when_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o grave_a counsellor_n be_v well_o inform_v 4._o let_v the_o delude_a person_n be_v exhort_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n pity_n and_o help_v against_o his_o own_o know_a corruption_n make_v use_n of_o all_o christ_n office_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o daily_o for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v know_v sin_n but_o go_v on_o in_o they_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o conscience_n how_o shall_v he_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v he_o light_v in_o his_o doubt_n or_o error_n who_o make_v no_o use_n or_o a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o light_n he_o have_v and_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v offer_v in_o christ_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v christ_n shall_v eshew_v to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n 5._o and_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o party_n delude_v consider_v how_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o most_o evident_o in_o this_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v god_n have_v punish_v the_o lust_n and_o sinful_a practice_n of_o profess_a
convert_n be_v chase_v by_o the_o law_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n unto_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v shall_v stand_v aback_o from_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o justify_v soul_n because_o of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n do_v he_o not_o say_v in_o effect_n if_o i_o be_v more_o worthy_a and_o like_a in_o holiness_n unto_o such_o and_o such_o saint_n i_o can_v be_v more_o confident_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o these_o high_a promise_n which_o ground_n if_o it_o be_v once_o hold_v it_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o man_n confidence_n to_o be_v his_o own_o well-deserving_a and_o not_o the_o mere_a and_o only_a grace_n of_o god_n the_o free_a promiser_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o grace_n shall_v be_v undermine_v and_o over-turned_n which_o be_v absurd_a because_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 2._o 8._o say_v that_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o let_v not_o the_o humble_a convert_n think_v it_o presumption_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o promise_a grace_n in_o he_o how_o large_a soever_o it_o be_v chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n fear_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o have_v feel_v be_v find_v only_o to_o be_v either_o the_o joy_n of_o speculation_n common_a to_o temporal_a believer_n or_o a_o mere_a delusion_n of_o this_o sort_n also_o be_v this_o case_n wherein_o the_o convert_n do_v suspect_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v feel_v at_o some_o time_n be_v either_o a_o joy_n of_o speculation_n or_o contemplation_n only_o such_o as_o philosopher_n may_v find_v in_o their_o study_n of_o humane_a learning_n or_o else_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n also_o this_o case_n may_v fall_v upon_o the_o true_a convert_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o feel_v desertion_n when_o not_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v but_o also_o sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n have_v seize_v on_o his_o spirit_n when_o the_o sharpness_n of_o affliction_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o sorrow_n do_v fill_v the_o heart_n at_o such_o a_o time_n the_o memory_n of_o bypass_a joy_n be_v great_o darken_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o present_a grief_n inflame_v the_o whole_a man_n for_o as_o it_o fall_v forth_o in_o a_o man_n body_n that_o both_o sweet_a and_o sour_a liquor_n do_v affect_v the_o sense_n of_o taste_v most_o when_o they_o be_v present_o feel_v but_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o do_v affect_v the_o imagination_n only_o and_o that_o but_o light_o in_o comparison_n with_o present_a sense_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o fiery_a coal_n do_v otherways_o affect_v we_o when_o it_o touch_v our_o flesh_n than_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o pain_n we_o have_v feel_v do_v move_v we_o when_o the_o pain_n be_v past_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o joy_n spiritual_a shine_n for_o a_o while_n when_o they_o be_v late_o raise_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o after_o a_o time_n they_o be_v darken_v and_o in_o some_o sort_n wear_v out_o especial_o when_o grief_n do_v arise_v than_o they_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o sorrow_n or_o be_v well_o near_o forget_v or_o light_o esteem_v and_o reject_v my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n say_v the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 2._o such_o be_v david_n condition_n ps._n 116._o 11._o when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n at_o which_o time_n whatsoever_o joy_n he_o have_v feel_v in_o believe_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o by_o samuel_n or_o other_o prophet_n he_o count_v all_o to_o be_v but_o deceive_v of_o he_o and_o delusion_n this_o mistake_n be_v strengthen_v ordinary_o by_o satan_n tentation_n and_o wicked_a suggestion_n watch_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o traduce_v and_o slander_v all_o god_n word_n and_o operation_n the_o complaint_n of_o jeremie_n savour_v of_o this_o malicious_a suggestion_n which_o the_o prophet_n lay_v out_o before_o god_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o jer._n 20._o 7._o thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v yea_o ofttimes_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o old_a man_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n take_v part_n with_o satan_n and_o when_o occasion_n do_v offer_v scorn_v all_o the_o spiritual_a affection_n of_o the_o new_a man_n as_o ishmael_n mock_v isaac_n devotion_n 2._o this_o evil_a except_o it_o be_v speedy_o and_o solid_o cure_v not_o only_o cast_v the_o convert_n in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n but_o also_o call_v in_o question_n his_o state_n whether_o at_o all_o he_o be_v regenerate_v reconcile_a and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o if_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n grant_v to_o the_o supplicant_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n grant_v to_o the_o mourner_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v be_v comfort_v shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o the_o effect_n of_o speculation_n only_o than_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o earnest-penny_n and_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v lose_v the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n by_o that_o consolation_n be_v enervat_fw-la and_o weaken_v thanksgiving_n former_o offer_v for_o the_o comfort_n sometime_o feel_v be_v recall_v and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o word_n in_o oft-repeated_n experience_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o so_o the_o afflict_a soul_n shall_v seem_v to_o himself_o in_o worse_a condition_n than_o when_o he_o be_v lie_v in_o his_o sin_n because_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v lose_v his_o labour_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o renounce_v his_o sin_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o sickness_n be_v speedy_o cure_v lest_o it_o prevail_v 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o afflict_a lie_v aside_o the_o dispute_n for_o a_o time_n whether_o his_o joy_n and_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v in_o he_o have_v be_v real_a as_o they_o sometime_o seem_v and_o let_v he_o turn_v his_o eye_n upon_o his_o present_a miserable_a confuse_a condition_n let_v he_o take_v a_o new_a view_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n let_v he_o observe_v satan_n malice_n power_n and_o wile_n to_o weaken_v faith_n and_o what_o need_v now_o he_o stand_v in_o of_o christ_n mediator_n redeemer_n surety_n and_o physician_n by_o office_n after_o a_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a â—oul_n fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o let_v he_o say_v to_o god_n lord_n there_o be_v never_o a_o time_n wherein_o i_o have_v more_o need_n of_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n behold_v i_o fly_v unto_o thou_o i_o welcome_a and_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o hearty_o do_v consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n through_o he_o and_o do_v accept_v embrace_v and_o rely_v upon_o remission_n of_o sin_n through_o he_o and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o satisfactory_a righteousness_n make_v over_o to_o such_o as_o fly_v unto_o he_o or_o else_o i_o shall_v perish_v utter_o and_o do_v give_v up_o myself_o to_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v write_v thy_o law_n more_o powerful_o on_o my_o heart_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o afflicted_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o make_v sure_a to_o he_o and_o satan_n disappoint_v of_o his_o design_n to_o cast_v the_o afflict_a by_o his_o tentation_n in_o mis-belief_n and_o separation_n from_o christ._n 4._o thus_o when_o he_o have_v renew_v the_o grip_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n let_v he_o now_o enter_v the_o list_n and_o dispute_v the_o solidity_n of_o his_o former_a feel_a experience_n by_o discuss_v the_o objection_n which_o do_v weaken_v his_o estimation_n of_o the_o former_a feel_v joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n one_o objection_n against_o they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v of_o short_a endurance_n and_o therefore_o seem_v not_o solid_a the_o answer_n may_v be_v this_o the_o short_a stay_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o proof_n against_o it_o as_o not_o true_a joy_n for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a earnest_n of_o the_o promise_a salvation_n if_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n speak_v peace_n to_o the_o man_n flee_v to_o christ_n he_o find_v the_o word_n believe_v to_o be_v confirm_v to_o the_o believer_n by_o peace_n and_o joy_n albeit_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o remain_v but_o a_o short_a while_n after_o you_o believe_v say_v the_o apostle_n you_o be_v
strengthen_v and_o set_v forward_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o necessary_a duty_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a prudence_n must_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n who_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o christian_a duty_n chap._n xvi_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o his_o softness_n of_o heart_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a disposition_n to_o weep_v upon_o any_o occasion_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o from_o the_o sinner_n a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n so_o that_o he_o there_fw-mi not_o any_o more_o harden_v himself_o against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n but_o do_v tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n thereof_o as_o speak_v isaiah_n 66._o 2._o and_o in_o his_o prayer_n do_v pour_v forth_o his_o heart_n ordinary_o with_o tear_n he_o may_v as_o experience_n have_v teach_v fall_v in_o a_o suspicion_n of_o this_o ordinar_n or_o frequent_a melt_a of_o heart_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o childish_a or_o woman-like_a temper_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o no_o evidence_n of_o contrition_n for_o spiritual_a cause_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o commend_v in_o the_o penitent_a 2._o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o either_o hand_n if_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a in_o this_o condition_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o make_v light_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v from_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o tear_n if_o once_o he_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o tear_n and_o make_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n on_o either_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v for_o some_o sincere_a convert_n have_v entertain_v the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tear_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o soft_a temper_n of_o their_o natural_a complexion_n &_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n have_v resist_v their_o inclination_n to_o mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o let_v forth_o of_o tear_n so_o far_o that_o they_o have_v become_v so_o dry_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v pray_v more_o perfunctorious_o than_o before_o that_o when_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n and_o tear_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o one_o tear_n for_o ease_v of_o their_o grieve_a heart_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v that_o some_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n concern_v their_o tear_n have_v lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o their_o tear_n as_o they_o have_v number_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o drop_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o from_o the_o less_o or_o more_o quantity_n of_o they_o make_v reckon_v of_o their_o own_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n and_o of_o god_n acceptation_n of_o their_o prayer_n less_o or_o more_o 3._o this_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n and_o easiness_n to_o be_v move_v unto_o tear_n for_o spiritual_a motive_n be_v a_o rare_a gift_n few_o they_o be_v who_o with_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n bear_v they_o down_o do_v lament_v their_o natural_a sinfulness_n in_o their_o best_a condition_n with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24._o few_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o affectionate_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o people_n soul_n as_o to_o pour_v out_o tear_n both_o in_o secret_a and_o open_o for_o promove_v thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20._o 19_o 21._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 4._o few_o like_a timothy_n who_o heart_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v his_o tear_n and_o remember_v they_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 4._o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o that_o from_o age_n to_o age_n sundry_a be_v who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v this_o constant_o melt_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n free_a donation_n some_o with_o tear_n some_o without_o tear_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v find_v in_o such_o mourner_n a_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o let_v not_o the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tenderness_n be_v but_o natural_a weakness_n of_o spirit_n or_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v entertain_v only_o let_v the_o giver_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o tender_a heart_n be_v rely_v upon_o and_o not_o their_o tear_n as_o if_o they_o be_v any_o more_o than_o witness_n of_o their_o honest_a affection_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o such_o prayer_n may_v prove_v sincere_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n both_o when_o they_o can_v mourn_v and_o also_o when_o their_o heart_n seem_v wither_v hard_a and_o dry_a chap._n xvii_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o all_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n which_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o tender_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o with_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n as_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o of_o their_o ordinar_n tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n so_o other_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o they_o find_v not_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o soft_a in_o their_o devotion_n all_o convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a worship_n to_o god_n if_o a_o man_n draw_v near_o he_o with_o his_o lip_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o whereupon_o every_o convert_n when_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o his_o duty_n go_v about_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o understanding_n and_o inward_a affection_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v sin_n deprecat_fw-la wrath_n ask_v of_o god_n thing_n necessary_a intercede_v for_o other_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o work_n and_o work_a so_o as_o his_o affection_n may_v be_v conform_a to_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o conscience_n may_v approve_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o hearty_a affection_n and_o god_n may_v with_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n approve_v the_o worshipper_n but_o some_o convert_n be_v who_o albeit_o in_o sincerity_n they_o worship_v god_n yet_o they_o count_v all_o their_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n except_o they_o find_v their_o affection_n waken_v up_o and_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o some_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o give_v sense_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n to_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n hence_o ofttimes_o do_v suspicion_n arise_v without_o just_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v desert_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o and_o this_o suspicion_n be_v entertain_v do_v send_v forth_o complaint_n and_o bring_v on_o coldrifenesse_n in_o prayer_n and_o discouragement_n 2._o this_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n do_v ofttimes_o chastise_v by_o withdraw_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o order_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o word_n also_o that_o he_o who_o complain_v that_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n because_o he_o sound_v not_o such_o measure_n of_o affection_n as_o he_o will_v have_v have_v nor_o that_o consolation_n which_o he_o wish_v to_o have_v shall_v find_v himself_o in_o worse_a take_n after_o his_o complain_n than_o he_o be_v in_o at_o first_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o condition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o want_v of_o word_n to_o express_v the_o case_n wherein_o he_o be_v may_v fall_v on_o a_o convert_n by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o this_o suspicion_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v we_o rom._n 8._o 26._o likeways_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v but_o when_o this_o cut_a short_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o any_o measure_n do_v follow_v after_o suspicion_n of_o god_n respect_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o the_o complain_n and_o discourage_v convert_n it_o be_v a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n from_o god_n threaten_v the_o convert_n with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o desertion_n and_o heavy_a temptation_n except_o he_o repent_v his_o folly_n and_o return_n to_o god_n who_o by_o his_o suspicion_n and_o misbelief_n he_o have_v offend_v 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o
this_o evil_a these_o five_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o afflict_a convert_n 1._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n 2._o prayer_n in_o faith_n 3._o prayer_n with_o felt_n and_o observe_v affection_n in_o prayer_n 4._o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n 5._o prayer_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v be_v when_o a_o man_n pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n for_o thing_n necessary_a or_o lawful_a and_o be_v about_o the_o external_a work_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o he_o please_v himself_o and_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o work_n wrought_v without_o affection_n of_o heart_n or_o faith_n as_o we_o see_v is._n 58._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o because_o he_o esteem_v his_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o a_o formality_n he_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o be_v unquiet_a as_o to_o the_o second_o prayer_n in_o faith_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n miss_v freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o speech_n in_o his_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n yet_o because_o the_o duty_n be_v command_v he_o do_v offer_v it_o up_o to_o god_n with_o hope_n of_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o coldrife_n affection_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v but_o the_o not_o esteem_v this_o his_o devotion_n through_o christ_n acceptable_a be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o three_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o feel_a affection_n in_o discharge_v it_o be_v when_o the_o convert_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v quiet_a because_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v any_o sign_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o he_o and_o hear_n of_o his_o supplication_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o sundry_a psalm_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o want_n of_o affection_n and_o do_v weaken_v his_o own_o faith_n which_o be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o four_o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n do_v offer_v his_o devotion_n to_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v promise_v in_o hope_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v in_o due_a time_n and_o this_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n be_v approven_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n whether_o the_o convert_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o word_n or_o not_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o this_o shall_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n and_o quiet_v of_o he_o albeit_o he_o neither_o find_v his_o affection_n move_v as_o he_o will_v nor_o find_v consolation_n from_o god_n as_o he_o will_v as_o to_o the_o five_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n be_v when_o god_n not_o only_o approve_v the_o convert_n prayer_n and_o devotion_n by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o his_o spirit_n do_v sensible_o comfort_v the_o supplicant_n and_o send_v he_o to_o his_o call_n with_o joy_n so_o do_v he_o deal_v ofttimes_o with_o the_o psalmist_n david_n and_o so_o do_v he_o comfort_n samuel_n mother_n in_o and_o after_o her_o prayer_n 1_o sam._n 1._o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o convert_v we_o speak_v of_o will_v be_v at_o and_o which_o will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o he_o can_v come_v to_o it_o 4._o this_o condition_n be_v the_o sweet_a to_o the_o supplicant_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n dispensation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a condition_n acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14._o 15._o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o and_o that_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o may_v be_v perceive_v in_o david_n condition_n at_o sundry_a time_n for_o ps._n 119_o seven_o or_o eight_o time_n he_o pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o much_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n yet_o he_o continue_v meek_o pray_v to_o be_v quicken_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 5._o wherefore_o so_o oft_o as_o the_o convert_n be_v displease_v for_o any_o defect_n he_o find_v in_o his_o devotion_n let_v he_o 1._o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o imperfection_n and_o betake_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o firm_o upon_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o the_o mediator_n and_o draw_v by_o faith_n grace_n for_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n and_o let_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n worship_n god_n and_o live_v holy_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a that_o his_o devotion_n shall_v be_v esteem_v of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n let_v he_o right_o construe_v god_n dispensation_n and_o consider_v that_o his_o gift_n be_v wise_o give_v forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o he_o give_v to_o will_n that_o which_o be_v good_a without_o ability_n for_o the_o time_n to_o effectuate_v what_o the_o convert_n will_v he_o may_v give_v a_o willing_a heart_n to_o pray_v affectionate_o and_o not_o for_o the_o time_n grant_v ability_n to_o pray_v as_o his_o child_n will_v rom._n 7._o 18._o sometime_o he_o may_v give_v no_o more_o but_o to_o sigh_v and_o groan_n without_o ability_n to_o express_v the_o confuse_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o sometime_o he_o will_v suggest_v word_n and_o make_v the_o supplicant_n in_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n present_a the_o word_n put_v in_o his_o mouth_n hos_n 14._o 1._o 2._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o supplicant_n to_o bear_v out_o much_o disputation_n in_o his_o prayer_n without_o sensible_a consolation_n ps._n 77._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v the_o supplicant_n a_o lose_a heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o abundance_n of_o tear_n and_o yet_o seem_v for_o a_o time_n not_o to_o regard_v they_o ps._n 6._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v confidence_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o supplicant_n as_o ps._n 6._o and_o many_o other_o psalm_n and_o certain_o the_o variety_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n to_o his_o child_n can_v be_v tell_v in_o all_o which_o he_o require_v of_o his_o supplicant_n meek_a submission_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n with_o confidence_n to_o find_v a_o good_a answer_n at_o last_o for_o if_o his_o child_n do_v not_o accept_v well_o of_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o he_o may_v ready_o find_v the_o measure_n he_o complain_v of_o more_o scant_o and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n without_o word_n to_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o wise_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n exercise_v of_o he_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o hard_a trouble_n and_o question_v of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v tempt_v to_o restrain_v prayer_n till_o he_o cease_v complain_v and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o come_v to_o a_o better_a estimation_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o presence_n with_o he_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o complain_v chap._n xviii_o concern_v the_o convert_n look_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n sincere_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o which_o grace_n the_o more_o we_o do_v exercise_v it_o the_o more_o we_o please_v god_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o this_o save_a grace_n the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n to_o put_v it_o unto_o trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v train_v it_o on_o and_o foster_v and_o increase_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o light_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o child_n as_o be_v tell_v we_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 7._o in_o which_o exercise_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v ofttimes_o much_o mistake_v and_o do_v misconstrue_v his_o condition_n the_o reason_n be_v 1_o the_o faith_n of_o young_a convert_n be_v very_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v many_o
doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ._n of_o which_o question_n there_o be_v enough_o write_v by_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o and_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o fall_v in_o convenient_o to_o be_v dispute_v 2._o concern_v the_o other_o pretence_n of_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v by_o sundry_a such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o respect_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v blame_v in_o that_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o charity_n of_o many_o wax_n cold_a when_o so_o many_o speak_v vanity_n every_o man_n to_o his_o neighbour_n ps._n 12._o 2._o for_o this_o our_o lord_n foretell_v mat._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a to_o cut_v charity_n short_a because_o of_o man_n illdeserving_a river_n of_o tear_n say_v david_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o command_n here_o be_v love_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o pity_n towards_o perish_a â—ouls_n such_o mourner_n be_v spare_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n wrath_n ezek._n 9_o 9_o 1._o ob._n but_o some_o may_v say_v the_o same_o psalmist_n do_v hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a ans._n 1._o but_o he_o do_v so_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n not_o with_o a_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a hatred_n against_o their_o person_n but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a and_o sincere_a hatred_n tend_v to_o the_o abolish_n of_o their_o vice_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o person_n for_o which_o end_n the_o psalmist_n present_v his_o affection_n to_o be_v examine_v of_o god_n and_o teach_v man_n by_o his_o example_n to_o purify_v their_o heart_n in_o hate_v sinner_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d caâ—e_o that_o god_n do_v reveal_v unto_o the_o prophet_n the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o enemy_n of_o god_n for_o who_o perdition_n he_o pray_v in_o sundry_a psalm_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v minister_v and_o the_o church_n preserve_v from_o their_o malice_n this_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imiâ—aâ—_n by_o they_o who_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n â—hey_n be_v and_o can_v justify_v before_o god_n the_o integrity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—_z in_o the_o particular_a 2._o ob._n but_o put_v case_n say_v one_o that_o i_o be_o a_o civil_a judge_n shall_v my_o charity_n hinder_v justice_n and_o cut_v off_o malefactor_n man-slayer_n or_o other_o suchlike_a ans._n not_o for_o charity_n to_o the_o malefactor_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o malefactor_n be_v adjudge_v to_o death_n for_o when_o joshua_n be_v to_o destroy_v achan_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v jos._n 7._o 19_o likeways_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o denounce_v the_o destruction_n of_o city_n and_o nation_n have_v melt_a heart_n in_o compassion_n towards_o they_o who_o be_v condemn_v by_o god_n is._n 16._o 11._o jer_z 48._o 36._o and_o christ_n our_o lord_n charity_n itself_o weep_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o jerusalem_n destinat_fw-la just_o to_o destruction_n mat._n 23._o 37._o 3._o obj._n but_o say_v he_o a_o special_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v towards_o believer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n gal._n 6._o 10._o ans._n it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n which_o household_n consist_v of_o all_o they_o who_o by_o profession_n have_v subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 4._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n rom._n 9_o 6._o so_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ans._n who_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o judge_n either_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v elect_v who_o not_o or_o to_o discern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o man_n whereby_o thou_o may_v abandon_v charity_n towards_o he_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o his_o spirit_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o save_v grace_n he_o have_v give_v to_o ourselves_o but_o not_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o other_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o god_n who_o only_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n have_v reserve_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o alone_o can_v discern_v who_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o in_o who_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n 5._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n iâ—_n not_o blind_a but_o shall_v be_v according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v otherways_o i_o shall_v esteem_v a_o man_n a_o true_a convert_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o so_o deceive_v myself_o ans._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n inward_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o one_o always_o with_o the_o judgement_n according_a to_o verity_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v equity_n and_o command_v duty_n reserve_v the_o judgement_n according_a to_o verity_n to_o god_n for_o this_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n give_v ground_n phil._n 1._o 6_o 7._o in_o charity_n judge_v all_o the_o philippian_n to_o be_v sincere_a convert_n he_o say_v his_o speech_n and_o estimation_n of_o they_o be_v according_a as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o think_v now_o equity_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o they_o all_o as_o he_o say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 7._o charity_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n estate_n and_o condition_n in_o grace_n according_a to_o verity_n he_o do_v forbid_v man_n to_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3._o 5._o rom._n 14._o 4._o jam._n 4._o 12._o and_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o charity_n of_o sylvanus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o faithful_a brother_n as_o i_o suppose_v 2._o if_o we_o see_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v our_o charity_n be_v not_o blind_a but_o clear-sighted_a 6._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o mens_fw-la profanity_n wickedness_n and_o atheism_n may_v clear_o be_v see_v for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n ps._n 36._o 1._o and_o christ_n speak_v of_o false_a prophet_n mat._n 7._o 16._o say_v you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n ans._n what_o the_o prophet_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o christ_n say_v be_v true_a and_o we_o grant_v that_o man_n ill_a deed_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n do_v be_v wray_v their_o naughty_a inward_a disposition_n but_o what_o serve_v this_o to_o justify_v thy_o rash_a judgement_n of_o thy_o brother_n that_o there_o be_v no_o save_v work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o because_o they_o can_v perceive_v the_o evident_a sign_n thereof_o in_o he_o in_o who_o possible_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o reign_a vice_n or_o open_a out-breaking_a scandal_n what_o do_v this_o serve_v to_o hinder_v expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o charity_n towards_o open_a sinner_n so_o long_o as_o god_n wait_v patient_o on_o their_o repentance_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v wary_a lest_o we_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o man_n ill_a manner_n or_o corrupt_a doctrine_n another_o thing_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n 7._o ob._n but_o we_o be_v forbid_v say_v he_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o sinner_n who_o may_v entice_v we_o to_o sin_n pro._n 1._o 11._o and_o to_o make_v friendship_n with_o a_o angry_a man_n pro._n 22._o 24._o ans._n this_o wariness_n may_v consist_v with_o charity_n for_o albeit_o we_o can_v be_v partaker_n with_o evil_a worker_n or_o enter_v in_o needless_a familiarity_n with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v converse_v and_o be_v free_a of_o damnage_n from_o they_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n or_o carry_v ourselves_o so_o towards_o they_o as_o they_o can_v take_v no_o good_a from_o our_o hand_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n heb._n 12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 10_o 8._o obj._n albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v in_o common_a duty_n of_o civility_n and_o humanity_n prudent_o behave_v ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v carry_v otherways_o to_o profess_a christian_n if_o their_o conversation_n