The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.
         Guthrie, William, 1620-1665.
      
       
         
           1681
        
      
       Approx. 295 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 78 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
       
         Text Creation Partnership,
         Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :
         2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).
         A42363
         Wing G2273
         ESTC R218716
         99830287
         99830287
         34737
         
           
            This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
             Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
            . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
          
        
      
       
         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42363)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 34737)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2072:03)
      
       
         
           
             The Christians great interest: or A short treatise, divided into two parts the first whereof containeth, the tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth plainly, the way how to attain it: wherein somewhat is likewise spoken to the manner of express covenanting with God. By W. Guthrie, minister of the gospel in Scotland.
             Guthrie, William, 1620-1665.
          
           
             The seventh impression: wherein the errata's of the former impressions are amended, and several words, which sounded hard in the English, rendred more clear and intelligible.
          
           [8], 134, [2] p.
           
             printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in Poultry,
             London :
             1681.
          
           
             In the title, "how" is in brackets.
             Epistle signed: G.B.
             Includes advertisement at end of text.
             Copy tightly bound, slightly affecting text.
             Reproduction of the original in the Dr. Williams's Library, London.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.
         Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors.
      
       
         EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.
         EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).
         The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.
         Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.
         Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.
         Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.
         The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.
         Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).
         
          Keying and markup guidelines are available at the
           Text Creation Partnership web site
          .
        
      
       
         
         
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Conversion -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
        2005-11 TCP
        Assigned for keying and markup
      
        2005-11 Aptara
        Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
      
        2006-09 Ali Jakobson
        Sampled and proofread
      
        2006-09 Ali Jakobson
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2007-02 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
         
         
         
           THE
           CHRISTIANS
           Great
           Interest
           :
           Or
           a
           short
           TREATISE
           ,
           Divided
           into
           two
           Parts
           :
           The
           First
           whereof
           containeth
           ,
           
             The
             Tryal
             of
             a
             Saving
             Interest
             in
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Second
           ,
           pointeth
           forth
           plainly
           ,
           
             The
             Way
             [
             How
             ]
             to
             Attain
             it
             :
          
           Wherein
           somewhat
           is
           likewise
           spoken
           to
           the
           manner
           of
           Express
           Covenanting
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           By
           
             W.
             GVTHRIE
          
           ,
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           in
           SCOTLAND
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Pet.
           1.
           10.
           
        
         
           Wherefore
           the
           rather
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           give
           diligence
           to
           make
           your
           Calling
           and
           Election
           sure
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Cor.
           13.
           5.
           
        
         
           Examine
           your selves
           ,
           whether
           ye
           be
           in
           the
           Faith
           ,
           prove
           your
           own
           selves
           ,
           know
           ye
           not
           your
           own
           selves
           ,
           how
           that
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           in
           you
           ,
           except
           ye
           be
           Reprobates
           ?
        
         
           The
           Seventh
           Impression
           :
           Wherein
           the
           Errata's
           of
           the
           former
           Impressions
           are
           amended
           ,
           and
           several
           words
           ,
           which
           sounded
           hard
           in
           the
           English
           ,
           rendred
           more
           clear
           and
           intelligible
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           ,
           for
           
             Dorman
             Newman
          
           ,
           at
           the
           
             King's
             Arms
          
           in
           Poultry
           .
           1681.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           Stationer
           TO
           THE
           READER
           .
        
         
           The
           Epistle
           Commendatory
           from
           a
           Christian
           Friend
           ,
           giving
           an
           account
           of
           his
           thoughts
           upon
           perusal
           of
           This
           Book
           .
        
         
           
             Christian
             Friend
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Have
           sent
           you
           by
           the
           Bearer
           ,
           this
           Book
           ,
           which
           by
           Providence
           came
           to
           
             my
             hand
          
           ,
           and
           a
           
             Blessed
             Providence
          
           indeed
           it
           was
           to
           me
           ,
           for
           I
           hope
           the
           same
           
             mercy
             that
             brought
             it
             to
             my
             hand
             ,
          
           hath
           
             brought
             the
             savour
             of
             it
             to
             my
             heart
             .
          
        
         
           Upon
           peru●al
           of
           it
           ,
           I
           find
           such
           a
           
             blessed
             and
             happy
             conjunction
          
           ,
           betwixt
           the
           Gifts
           and
           the
           
             Graces
             of
             the
             Spirit
          
           ,
           such
           a
           
             holy
             and
             humble
             Condescention
          
           ,
           to
           my
           plain
           capacity
           ,
           such
           a
           serious
           handling
           of
           
             serious
             truths
          
           ,
           that
           the
           language
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           upon
           perusal
           of
           it
           ,
           was
           somewhat
           like
           that
           of
           the
           woman
           
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           Joh.
           4.
           29.
           
           
             Come
             see
             one
             that
             hath
             told
             me
             all
             that
             ever
             I
             did
             ,
          
           or
           rather
           ,
           
             all
             that
             God
             hath
             done
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             for
             me
             .
          
           He
           that
           hath
           waded
           much
           in
           the
           
             waters
             of
             soul-trouble
          
           ,
           may
           here
           behold
           a
           lively
           description
           of
           the
           
             spirit
             of
             bondage
          
           in
           all
           its
           Terrours
           and
           Troubles
           :
           And
           he
           who
           is
           got
           out
           of
           these
           ,
           and
           is
           
             sunning
             his
             soul
          
           in
           the
           
             light
             of
             Gods
             Countenance
          
           ,
           may
           here
           behold
           the
           
             light
             side
             of
             the
             Cloud
          
           ;
           I
           mean
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             Adoption
          
           ,
           in
           all
           its
           beautiful
           colours
           .
        
         
           The
           former
           part
           of
           this
           Book
           sets
           forth
           the
           soul
           in
           a
           storm
           ,
           when
           the
           Law
           comes
           thundering
           to
           the
           Conscience
           ;
           the
           latter
           leads
           it
           into
           a
           
             Calm
             of
             sweet
             peace
             and
             serenity
             .
          
           When
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           comes
           to
           a
           troubled
           soul
           ,
           as
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           once
           came
           to
           the
           troubled
           Sea
           ,
           with
           
             A
             peace
             ,
             be
             still
          
           ,
           Mat.
           4.
           29.
           
           But
           if
           it
           should
           not
           be
           thus
           ,
           the
           Believer
           is
           here
           directed
           to
           be
           
             willing
             to
             want
             what
             God
             is
             not
             willing
             to
             give
             ,
          
           and
           to
           know
           ,
           
             he
             is
             wise
             to
             give
             when
             he
             will
             ,
             what
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             how
             he
             will
             ,
          
           I
           find
           now
           that
           
             peace
             is
             sown
             for
             the
             Righteous
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           97.
           11.
           but
           all
           do
           not
           reap
           the
           crop
           till
           they
           come
           into
           Emmanuel's
           land
           ,
           Isa
           .
           8.
           8.
           there
           our
           joy
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           our
           light
           ,
           shall
           be
           clear
           ,
           and
           our
           love
           perfect
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           there
           be
           any
           more
           concerned
           in
           this
           Piece
           than
           others
           ,
           (
           though
           it
           deals
           forth
           its
           bread
           to
           all
           )
           it
           's
           
             young
             Men
          
           and
           
             young
             Converts
          
           ;
           the
           latter
           may
           here
           behold
           ,
           as
           in
           a
           Map
           or
           Mirrour
           ,
           the
           several
           Providences
           ,
           and
           various
           workings
           
           of
           the
           blessed
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           have
           all
           concurred
           in
           the
           bringing
           them
           home
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           may
           take
           notice
           of
           all
           the
           inducements
           and
           remora's
           they
           met
           with
           in
           the
           way
           ;
           That
           as
           Moses
           was
           to
           write
           a
           History
           of
           the
           
             Children
             of
          
           Israel
           
             passing
             through
             the
             Wilderness
          
           ,
           Numb
           .
           33.
           2.
           so
           doth
           this
           Book
           ,
           with
           a
           holy
           kind
           of
           Elegancy
           ,
           
             describe
             the
             Spirits
          
           leading
           the
           soul
           out
           of
           its
           bewildered
           estate
           ,
           into
           the
           Spiritual
           
             Canaan
             ,
             never
             leaving
             it
             ,
             till
             it
             comes
             to
             the
             Mountain
             of
             Spices
             ,
          
           Cant.
           8.
           14.
           out
           of
           Satans
           gun-shot
           ,
           where
           his
           
             habitation
             shall
             be
             a
             Munition
             of
             Rocks
             ,
             Isa
             .
          
           33.
           16.
           neither
           is
           there
           one
           path
           omitted
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           I
           could
           ever
           read
           or
           gather
           from
           my
           own
           or
           others
           experience
           ;
           So
           that
           it
           may
           not
           be
           unfitly
           termed
           ,
           
             A
             Spiritual
             day-Book
             of
             all
             the
             passages
             between
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             soul
             in
             its
             regeneration
             work
          
           ;
           Which
           is
           no
           loss
           profitable
           than
           delightful
           for
           the
           believer
           to
           be
           reading
           over
           the
           Records
           
             of
             Gods
             love
             manifested
             in
             the
             Gospel
          
           ;
           What
           care
           and
           cost
           he
           took
           with
           him
           ,
           to
           
             recover
             him
             out
             of
             the
             Gall
             of
             bitterness
             ,
             and
             bond
             of
             iniquity
             :
          
           For
           tryal
           bring●●ruth
           to
           light
           ,
           and
           those
           things
           which
           through
           many
           Cloud●
           intercepting
           ,
           may
           have
           lost
           their
           remembrance
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           are
           here
           
             clearly
             discovered
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             been
             ,
          
           although
           for
           the
           present
           the
           beli●●
           〈…〉
           ,
           
             How
             is
             the
             Gold
             become
             dim
             ?
             How
             is
             the
             fine
             gold
             hanged
             ?
          
           And
           the
           looking
           over
           pa●
           experien●●
           brings
           a
           renewed
           favour
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           relli●●
           of
           those
           
           things
           upon
           the
           heart
           to
           them
           ,
           
             who
             have
             thus
             tasted
             that
             the
             Lord
             is
             good
             ,
          
           at
           least
           supports
           the
           Soul
           under
           the
           want
           of
           sensible
           feeling
           :
           whilst
           it
           calls
           to
           
             remembrance
             the
             days
             of
             old
             ,
             the
             years
             of
             Gods
             right
             hand
             :
          
           But
           I
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           yet
           methinks
           I
           can
           never
           write
           enough
           of
           the
           excellency
           and
           utility
           of
           this
           piece
           ;
           The
           Lord
           make
           it
           so
           profitable
           to
           others
           ,
           as
           it
           hath
           been
           to
           me
           .
           To
           his
           blessing
           ,
           I
           leave
           both
           you
           and
           it
           ,
           and
           remain
           ,
        
         
           
             Your
             true
             Christian
             Friend
             ,
             G.
             B.
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           TO
           THE
           READER
        
         
           
             Christian
             Reader
             .
          
        
         
           WHile
           the
           generality
           of
           Men
           ,
           especially
           in
           these
           days
           ,
           by
           their
           eager
           pursuit
           after
           low
           and
           base
           interests
           ,
           have
           proclaimed
           as
           upon
           the
           house
           tops
           ,
           how
           much
           they
           have
           forgotten
           to
           make
           choice
           of
           that
           better
           part
           ,
           which
           (
           if
           chosen
           )
           should
           never
           be
           taken
           from
           them
           ;
           I
           have
           made
           an
           Essay
           ,
           such
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           in
           the
           following
           Treatise
           ,
           to
           take
           thee
           off
           from
           this
           unprofitable
           ,
           though
           painful
           pursuit
           ,
           by
           proposing
           the
           chiefest
           of
           interests
           ,
           even
           the
           
             Christians
             Great
             Interest
          
           ,
           to
           be
           seriously
           pondered
           ,
           and
           constantly
           pursued
           by
           thee
           :
           Thou
           mayest
           think
           it
           strange
           ,
           to
           see
           any
           in
           Print
           from
           my
           Pen
           ;
           (
           as
           indeed
           it
           is
           a
           surprize
           to
           my self
           )
           But
           necessity
           hath
           made
           me
           for
           this
           once
           to
           offer
           so
           much
           violence
           to
           my
           own
           inclination
           ,
           in
           regard
           that
           some
           ,
           without
           my
           knowledge
           ,
           have
           lately
           published
           some
           imperfect
           Notes
           of
           a
           few
           of
           my
           Sermons
           ,
           most
           confusedly
           together
           ,
           prefixing
           withal
           this
           vain
           Title
           (
           as
           dispealsing
           to
           my self
           ,
           as
           the
           publishing
           of
           the
           thing
           )
           
             A
             Clear
             Attractive
             Warming-Beam
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
           Vpon
           this
           occasion
           I
           was
           prevailed
           with
           to
           publish
           this
           late
           Piece
           ,
           wherein
           I
           have
           purposely
           used
           a
           most
           homely
           and
           plain
           stile
           ,
           lest
           other
           wayes
           ,
           (
           though
           when
           I
           have
           stretched
           my self
           to
           the
           utmost
           I
           am
           below
           the
           Judicious
           and
           more
           Vnderstanding
           )
           I
           should
           be
           above
           the
           reach
           of
           the
           Rude
           and
           Ignorant
           ,
           whose
           advantage
           I
           have
           mainly
           ,
           if
           not
           only
           consulted
           :
           I
           have
           likewise
           studied
           brevity
           in
           every
           thing
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           I
           conceived
           it
           to
           be
           consistent
           with
           plainness
           and
           perspic●ity
           ;
           knowing
           that
           the
           persons
           to
           whom
           I
           address
           my self
           herein
           ,
           have
           neither
           much
           mony
           to
           spend
           upon
           Books
           ,
           nor
           much
           time
           to
           spare
           upon
           Reading
           .
           If
           thou
           be
           a
           Rigid
           Critick
           ,
           I
           know
           thou
           mayest
           meet
           with
           several
           things
           to
           carp
           at
           ,
           yet
           assure
           thy self
           ,
           that
           I
           had
           no
           design
           to
           offend
           thee
           ,
           neither
           will
           thy
           simple
           approbation
           satisfie
           me
           ;
           It
           's
           thy
           edification
           I
           intend
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           incitement
           of
           some
           others
           ,
           more
           expert
           ,
           and
           experienced
           in
           this
           Excellent
           Subject
           ,
           to
           handle
           the
           same
           at
           greater
           length
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           more
           briefly
           hinted
           at
           ,
           who
           am
           ,
        
         
           
             Thy
             Servant
             in
             the
             Word
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             W.
             Guthery
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           The
           Tryal
           of
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           CHRIST
           .
        
         
           SInce
           there
           be
           so
           many
           people
           living
           under
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           pretending
           without
           ground
           to
           a
           special
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           his
           favour
           and
           salvation
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           ,
           
             Mat.
             7.
             22
             ,
             23.
             
             &
          
           25.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           Luke
           .
           13.
           24.
           
           And
           since
           many
           who
           have
           good
           ground
           of
           claim
           to
           Christ
           ,
           are
           not
           established
           in
           the
           confidence
           of
           his
           favour
           ,
           but
           remain
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           without
           comfort
           ,
           hesitating
           concerning
           the
           reality
           of
           godliness
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           speaking
           a
           little
           to
           the
           commendation
           of
           Religion
           to
           others
           ,
           especially
           in
           the
           time
           of
           their
           straits
           ,
           I
           shall
           speak
           a
           little
           to
           two
           things
           of
           greatest
           concernment
           .
           The
           one
           is
           ,
           
             How
             a
             person
             shall
             know
             if
             he
             hath
             a
             true
             and
             special
             interest
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             whether
             he
             doth
             lay
             just
             claim
             to
             Gods
             favour
             and
             salvation
             ?
          
           The
           other
           is
           ,
           
             In
             case
             a
             person
             fall
             short
             in
             the
             foresaid
             tryal
             ,
             what
             course
             he
             shall
             take
             for
             making
             sure
             Gods
             friendship
             and
             salvation
             to
             himself
             ?
          
        
         
           Quest
           .
           1.
           
           How
           shall
           a
           man
           know
           if
           he
           hath
           a
           true
           and
           special
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           whether
           he
           hath
           or
           may
           lay
           ●laim
           justly
           to
           Gods
           favour
           and
           salvation
           ?
        
         
           Answer
           .
           Before
           we
           speak
           directly
           to
           the
           Question
           ,
           〈◊〉
           shall
           premise
           some
           things
           to
           make
           way
           for
           the
           An●wer
           .
        
         
           
             As
             First
          
           ,
           That
           a
           mans
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           or
           gracius
           state
           ,
           may
           be
           known
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           more
           certainty
           than
           
           
             people
             do
             conjecture
             ;
             yea
             ,
             and
             the
             knowledg
             of
             it
             may
             be
             more
             easily
             attained
             unto
             than
             many
             do
             imagine
             :
          
           For
           not
           only
           hath
           the
           Lord
           commanded
           men
           to
           know
           their
           interest
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           a
           thing
           attainable
           ,
           2.
           
           
             Cor.
             13.
             5.
             2
             
             Pet.
          
           1.
           10.
           
           But
           many
           of
           the
           Saints
           have
           attained
           unto
           the
           clear
           perswasion
           of
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           in
           God
           ,
           as
           their
           own
           God
           ;
           How
           often
           do
           they
           call
           him
           their
           God
           and
           their
           portion
           ;
           and
           how
           perswaded
           is
           Paul
           ,
           that
           nothing
           can
           seperate
           him
           from
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ?
           Rom.
           8.
           38
           ,
           39.
           
           Therefore
           the
           knowledg
           of
           a
           mans
           gracious
           state
           is
           attainable
           :
           and
           this
           knowledge
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           attained
           ,
           is
           no
           fancy
           and
           bare
           conceit
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           most
           sure
           :
           
             Doubtless
             thou
             art
             our
             Father
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           in
           name
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           Isa
           .
           23.
           16.
           
           It
           is
           clear
           thus
           ;
           1.
           
           That
           can
           be
           no
           fancy
           ,
           but
           a
           very
           sure
           knowledg
           ,
           which
           doth
           yeild
           to
           a
           rational
           man
           comfort
           in
           most
           real
           straits
           :
           But
           so
           doth
           this
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           30.
           6.
           when
           the
           people
           spake
           of
           stoning
           David
           ,
           he
           encouraged
           himself
           in
           the
           Lord
           his
           God
           ,
           Psal
           .
           3.
           6.
           he
           saith
           there
           ,
           
             he
             will
             not
             be
             afraid
             of
             ten
             thousand
             that
             rise
             against
             him
             .
          
           Compare
           these
           words
           with
           ver
           .
           3.
           of
           that
           Psalm
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             27.
             1
             ,
             3.
             
             Although
             an
             host
             encamp
             against
             him
             ,
             he
             is
             confident
             in
             this
             .
          
           2.
           
           That
           is
           a
           sure
           knowledg
           of
           a
           thing
           ,
           which
           maketh
           a
           wise
           Merchant
           sell
           all
           he
           hath
           that
           he
           may
           keep
           it
           sure
           ,
           that
           maketh
           a
           man
           forgo
           children
           ,
           lands
           ,
           life
           ,
           and
           suffer
           the
           spoyling
           of
           all
           joyfully
           :
           But
           so
           doth
           this
           
             Mat.
             13.
             44.
             
             Mar.
          
           1●
           .
           28
           ,
           29
           
             Heb.
             10.
             34.
             
             Rom.
             5.
             
             Act.
          
           5.
           41.
           
           (
           13
           )
           That
           must
           be
           a
           sure
           and
           certain
           knowledg
           ,
           and
           no
           fancy
           ,
           whereupon
           a
           man
           voluntarily
           and
           freely
           doth
           adventure
           his
           soul
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           stepping
           into
           eternity
           with
           this
           word
           in
           his
           mouth
           ,
           
             This
             is
             all
             my
             desire
          
           .
           But
           such
           a
           knowledge
           is
           2
           Sam.
           25.
           5.
           
           And
           again
           ,
           Not
           only
           may
           a
           godly
           man
           come
           to
           the
           sure
           knowledge
           of
           his
           gracious
           state
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           more
           easily
           attainable
           than
           many
           do
           apprehend
           :
           for
           (
           supposing
           what
           shall
           be
           afterwards
           proved
           ,
           
           that
           a
           man
           may
           know
           the
           gracious
           work
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           in
           himself
           )
           if
           he
           will
           but
           argue
           rationally
           from
           thence
           he
           shall
           be
           forced
           to
           conclude
           his
           interest
           in
           Christ
           unless
           he
           deny
           clear
           Scripture
           truths
           .
           I
           shall
           only
           make
           use
           of
           one
           here
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           to
           speak
           more
           directly
           to
           this
           afterwards
           .
           A
           godly
           man
           may
           argue
           thus
           :
           whosoever
           receive
           Christ
           ,
           are
           justly
           reputed
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           John
           1.
           12.
           
           But
           I
           have
           received
           Christ
           all
           the
           wayes
           which
           the
           Word
           there
           can
           import
           :
           for
           ,
           I
           am
           well
           pleased
           with
           the
           device
           ,
           or
           way
           of
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           ,
           I
           agree
           to
           the
           terms
           ;
           I
           welcom
           the
           offer
           of
           Christ
           in
           all
           his
           offices
           ,
           as
           a
           King
           to
           rule
           over
           me
           ,
           as
           a
           Priest
           to
           offer
           and
           intercede
           for
           me
           ,
           as
           a
           Prophet
           to
           teach
           me
           ;
           I
           lay
           out
           my
           heart
           for
           Him
           and
           towards
           Him
           ,
           resting
           on
           Him
           ,
           as
           I
           am
           able
           ;
           what
           else
           can
           be
           meant
           by
           the
           word
           receiving
           ?
           Therefore
           may
           I
           say
           and
           conclude
           plainly
           and
           warrantably
           ,
           I
           am
           justly
           to
           reckon
           my self
           Gods
           child
           according
           to
           the
           aforesaid
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           cannot
           fail
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           thing
           to
           be
           premised
           is
           ,
           
             That
             a
             man
             be
             savingly
             in
             Covenant
             with
             God
             ,
             is
             a
             matter
             of
             highest
             importance
          
           ;
           it
           is
           his
           life
           ,
           Deut.
           32.
           47.
           and
           yet
           very
           few
           have
           or
           seek
           after
           a
           saving
           interest
           in
           the
           Covenant
           :
           and
           many
           foolishly
           think
           they
           have
           such
           a
           thing
           without
           any
           solid
           ground
           ,
           Mat.
           7.
           14.
           few
           find
           or
           walk
           in
           the
           narrow
           way
           .
           This
           should
           alarm
           people
           to
           be
           serious
           about
           the
           matter
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           of
           so
           great
           consequence
           to
           be
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           since
           there
           be
           but
           few
           that
           may
           lay
           just
           claim
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           yet
           many
           do
           foolishly
           fancy
           an
           interest
           in
           him
           ,
           who
           are
           deceived
           by
           a
           false
           confidence
           ,
           as
           the
           foolish
           Virgins
           do
           ,
           Mat.
           25.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           thing
           to
           be
           premised
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             Men
             must
             resolve
             to
             be
             determined
             by
             Scripture
             ,
             in
             this
             matter
             of
             their
             interest
             in
             Christ
             .
          
           The
           Spirit
           speaking
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           is
           judge
           of
           all
           Controversies
           (
           
             Isa
             .
             8.
             20.
             
             To
             the
             law
             and
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             it
             speak
             not
             according
             to
             these
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             truth
             in
             
             it
          
           )
           and
           of
           this
           also
           ,
           whether
           a
           man
           be
           savingly
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           or
           not
           .
           Therefore
           do
           not
           mock
           God
           whilst
           you
           seem
           to
           search
           after
           such
           a
           thing
           .
           If
           we
           prove
           from
           Scripture
           (
           which
           is
           the
           uncontroverted
           rule
           )
           that
           you
           are
           gracious
           ,
           and
           have
           stricken
           Covenant
           savingly
           with
           God
           ,
           then
           resolve
           to
           grant
           so
           much
           as
           to
           acquiesce
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           contrary
           appear
           ,
           let
           there
           be
           a
           determination
           of
           the
           controversie
           ;
           else
           you
           do
           but
           mock
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           so
           
             your
             bonds
             shall
             be
             made
             strong
             ,
          
           Isa
           .
           28.
           22.
           for
           ,
           
             a
             jot
             of
             his
             Word
             cannot
             fail
             ,
          
           Mat.
           5.
           18.
           
           Therefore
           seek
           eye
           salve
           from
           Christ
           to
           judge
           of
           things
           ,
           according
           as
           the
           word
           of
           God
           shall
           discover
           them
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           thing
           to
           be
           premised
           ,
           
             is
             ,
             although
             the
             matter
             of
             a
             mans
             interest
             in
             Christ
             be
             of
             so
             great
             importance
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             to
             attain
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             it
             ,
             so
             plainly
             held
             forth
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             yet
             there
             be
             but
             few
             who
             reach
             the
             distinct
             knowledge
             of
             it
          
           ;
           And
           that
           this
           may
           not
           discourage
           any
           person
           from
           attempting
           it
           ,
           I
           shall
           hint
           some
           few
           reasons
           ,
           why
           so
           few
           come
           to
           the
           clear
           knowledge
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           will
           also
           prepare
           the
           way
           for
           what
           is
           to
           be
           spoken
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           thing
           which
           doth
           hinder
           many
           from
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             their
             ignorance
             of
             some
             special
             principles
             of
             Religion
             :
          
           as
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           it
           was
           free
           love
           in
           Gods
           bosome
           ,
           and
           nothing
           in
           man
           ,
           that
           moved
           him
           to
           send
           a
           Saviour
           to
           perfect
           the
           work
           of
           Redemption
           .
           Joh.
           3.
           16.
           
           
             God
             so
             loved
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             he
             sent
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           Men
           are
           still
           seeking
           some
           ground
           for
           that
           business
           in
           themselves
           ,
           which
           leads
           away
           from
           suitable
           and
           high
           apprehensions
           of
           the
           first
           spring
           and
           rise
           of
           Gods
           Covenant-favour
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           which
           hath
           no
           reason
           ,
           cause
           ,
           or
           motive
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           cannot
           come
           to
           the
           knowledg
           of
           their
           interest
           .
           2.
           
           They
           are
           ignorant
           how
           that
           love
           doth
           effectually
           discover
           it self
           to
           a
           mans
           heart
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           hath
           ground
           to
           lay
           claim
           to
           it
           ,
           viz.
           That
           ordinarily
           it
           doth
           first
           discover
           his
           broken
           state
           in
           himself
           because
           of
           sin
           and
           corruption
           defiling
           
           the
           whole
           man
           ,
           and
           any
           thing
           in
           him
           that
           might
           be
           called
           a
           righteousness
           ;
           
             all
             these
             things
             are
             loss
             and
             dung
             ,
          
           Phil.
           3.
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           discovereth
           Christ
           as
           the
           full
           and
           satisfying
           treasure
           above
           all
           things
           .
           The
           man
           finds
           a
           treasure
           ,
           for
           which
           ,
           with
           joy
           ,
           he
           selleth
           all
           ,
           
             &c.
             
             Mat.
          
           13.
           44
           ,
           46.
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           it
           determineth
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           causeth
           it
           to
           approach
           unto
           a
           living
           God
           in
           the
           ordinances
           ,
           Psal
           .
           65.
           4.
           and
           causeth
           the
           heart
           to
           wait
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           him
           alone
           ,
           62.
           5.
           
           
             My
             soul
             ,
             wait
             thou
             only
             upon
             God.
          
           Thus
           ,
           having
           dropped
           in
           the
           seed
           of
           God
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           formed
           Christ
           there
           ,
           Gal.
           4.
           19.
           
           The
           heart
           is
           changed
           and
           made
           new
           in
           the
           aforesaid
           work
           ,
           Ezek.
           36.
           26.
           and
           Gods
           Law
           is
           so
           stamped
           upon
           the
           heart
           in
           that
           change
           ,
           Jer.
           31.
           33.
           that
           the
           whole
           yoak
           of
           Christ
           is
           commended
           to
           the
           man
           without
           exception
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           12.
           16.
           
           The
           Law
           is
           acknowledged
           good
           ,
           holy
           ,
           just
           and
           spiritual
           :
           upon
           all
           which
           ,
           from
           that
           new
           principle
           of
           life
           ,
           there
           flow
           out
           acts
           of
           a
           new
           life
           ,
           (
           Gal.
           5.
           6.
           
           
             Faith
             worketh
             by
             love
          
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           18
           ,
           22.
           and
           the
           man
           becometh
           a
           servant
           of
           righteousness
           and
           unto
           God
           )
           which
           doth
           especially
           appear
           in
           the
           spirituality
           of
           worship
           ,
           (
           Joh.
           4.
           24.
           
           Rom.
           7.
           6.
           men
           then
           serve
           God
           in
           spirit
           ,
           and
           truth
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           newness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           not
           in
           the
           oldness
           of
           the
           letter
           )
           and
           tenderness
           in
           all
           manner
           of
           conversation
           ;
           The
           man
           then
           exerciseth
           himself
           how
           to
           keep
           a
           conscience
           void
           of
           offence
           ,
           
             &c.
             Acts
          
           24.
           16.
           
           Now
           ,
           this
           way
           doth
           the
           love
           ,
           God
           discover
           it self
           unto
           man
           ,
           and
           acteth
           on
           him
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           hath
           ground
           of
           laying
           some
           good
           claim
           to
           it
           ;
           so
           as
           he
           may
           justly
           think
           ,
           that
           the
           love
           which
           sent
           a
           Saviour
           ,
           had
           respect
           to
           such
           a
           man
           as
           hath
           found
           these
           things
           made
           out
           unto
           him
           .
           Surely
           ,
           Ignorance
           of
           this
           doth
           hinder
           many
           from
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           for
           if
           a
           man
           know
           not
           how
           God
           worketh
           with
           a
           person
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           may
           justly
           lay
           claim
           to
           his
           love
           ,
           which
           was
           from
           eternity
           ,
           he
           will
           wander
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           and
           not
           come
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           him
           .
           3.
           
           Many
           are
           also
           ignorant
           of
           this
           ,
           
           
           
           
           
           That
           God
           alone
           is
           the
           hope
           of
           his
           people
           ;
           he
           is
           called
           
             the
             hope
             of
             Israel
          
           ,
           Jer.
           14.
           8.
           
           Although
           inherent
           quallifications
           are
           evidences
           of
           it
           ;
           yet
           the
           staying
           of
           the
           heart
           upon
           him
           as
           a
           full
           blessing
           and
           satisfying
           portion
           ,
           is
           faith
           (
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           21.
           the
           faith
           and
           hope
           must
           be
           in
           God
           )
           and
           the
           only
           proper
           condition
           which
           giveth
           right
           to
           the
           saving
           blessings
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           Rom.
           4.
           5.
           
           
             To
             him
             that
             worketh
             not
             ,
             but
             believeth
             ,
             faith
             is
             imputed
             for
             righteousness
             .
          
           Indeed
           if
           any
           person
           take
           liberty
           here
           ,
           and
           turn
           grace
           into
           wantonness
           ,
           there
           is
           ,
           without
           doubt
           ,
           in
           so
           far
           a
           delusion
           ;
           since
           there
           is
           mercy
           with
           him
           ,
           upon
           condition
           ,
           that
           it
           conciliate
           fear
           to
           him
           ,
           Psal
           .
           130.
           14.
           
           Yea
           ,
           hardly
           can
           any
           man
           ,
           who
           hath
           found
           the
           foresaid
           expressions
           of
           Gods
           love
           made
           out
           upon
           him
           ,
           make
           a
           cloak
           of
           the
           Covenant
           for
           sinful
           liberty
           without
           some
           measure
           of
           a
           spiritual
           conflict
           :
           In
           this
           respect
           he
           that
           is
           born
           of
           God
           ,
           doth
           not
           sin
           ;
           and
           he
           who
           doth
           so
           sin
           ,
           hath
           not
           seen
           God
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           3.
           6
           ,
           9.
           
           I
           say
           ,
           God
           is
           the
           hope
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           not
           their
           own
           holiness
           .
           If
           they
           intend
           honestly
           ,
           and
           long
           seriously
           to
           be
           like
           unto
           him
           ,
           many
           failings
           should
           not
           weaken
           their
           hope
           and
           confidence
           :
           for
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           him
           who
           changeth
           not
           ,
           
             Mal.
             3.
             6.
             
             And
             if
             any
             man
             sinneth
             ,
             he
             hath
             an
             Advocate
             ,
          
           1
           Joh.
           2.
           1.
           
           Now
           ,
           when
           men
           place
           their
           hope
           in
           any
           other
           thing
           beside
           the
           Lord
           ,
           it
           is
           no
           wonder
           they
           be
           kept
           in
           a
           staggering
           condition
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           changes
           of
           the
           thing
           which
           they
           make
           the
           ground
           of
           their
           hope
           ,
           since
           they
           give
           not
           to
           God
           the
           Glory
           due
           to
           his
           Name
           ,
           and
           which
           he
           will
           not
           give
           unto
           another
           :
           compare
           ,
           Psal
           .
           9.
           10.
           
           (
           
             They
             who
             know
             thy
             Name
             ,
             will
             put
             their
             trust
             in
             thee
          
           )
           with
           
             Isa
             .
             42.
             9.
             
             My
             glory
             will
             I
             not
             give
             to
             another
             :
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             is
             my
             Name
             .
          
           4.
           
           Many
           are
           ignorant
           of
           the
           different
           wayes
           and
           degrees
           of
           Gods
           working
           with
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           it
           doth
           much
           darken
           their
           knowledge
           and
           reflex
           acts
           of
           their
           interest
           in
           him
           .
           This
           ignorance
           doth
           run
           mainly
           on
           three
           heads
           (
           1.
           )
           They
           
           are
           ignorant
           of
           the
           different
           degrees
           and
           ways
           of
           that
           Law-work
           which
           ordinarily
           dealeth
           with
           men
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           different
           way
           how
           the
           Lord
           bringeth
           home
           people
           at
           first
           to
           Christ
           .
           They
           consider
           not
           that
           the
           Jaylor
           is
           not
           kept
           an
           hour
           in
           bondage
           ,
           
             Acts
             16.
             
             Paul
          
           is
           kept
           in
           suspence
           three
           days
           ,
           
             Acts
             9.
             
             Zacheus
          
           not
           one
           moment
           ,
           Luke
           19.
           
           (
           2.
           )
           They
           are
           ignorant
           of
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           do
           not
           consider
           ,
           how
           different
           the
           degrees
           of
           Sanctification
           are
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           the
           honourable
           appearings
           thereof
           before
           men
           in
           some
           ,
           and
           the
           sad
           blemishing
           thereof
           in
           others
           :
           Some
           ,
           are
           very
           blameless
           ,
           and
           more
           free
           of
           gross
           outbreakings
           ,
           adorning
           their
           profession
           much
           ,
           as
           
             Job
             ,
             Job
             1.
             and
             Zachariah
             ,
             Luke
          
           1.
           
           Those
           are
           said
           to
           be
           perfect
           ,
           walking
           in
           all
           the
           Commandements
           of
           God.
           Others
           were
           subject
           to
           very
           gross
           and
           sad
           evils
           ,
           as
           
             Solomon
             ,
             Asa
             ,
             &c.
          
           
           (
           3.
           )
           They
           are
           ignorant
           of
           the
           different
           communications
           of
           Gods
           face
           ,
           and
           expression
           of
           his
           presence
           .
           Some
           do
           walk
           much
           in
           the
           Light
           of
           Gods
           countenance
           ,
           and
           are
           much
           in
           sensible
           fellowship
           with
           Him
           ,
           as
           David
           was
           ;
           others
           are
           all
           their
           days
           kept
           in
           bondage
           through
           ●ear
           of
           death
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           25.
           
           Surely
           the
           ignorance
           of
           the
           different
           ways
           of
           God's
           working
           and
           dealing
           with
           his
           people
           ,
           doth
           very
           much
           darken
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           Interest
           in
           him
           ,
           whilst
           they
           usually
           stint
           the
           Lord
           to
           one
           way
           of
           working
           ,
           which
           he
           doth
           not
           keep
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           shewed
           in
           the
           former
           examples
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           thing
           which
           doth
           darken
           men
           about
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             There
             is
             one
             thing
             or
             other
             ,
             wherein
             their
             heart
             in
             some
             respect
             ,
             doth
             condemn
             them
             ,
             as
             dealing
             deceitfully
             and
             guilefully
             with
             God.
          
           It
           is
           not
           to
           be
           expected
           ,
           that
           these
           can
           come
           to
           clearness
           about
           their
           interest
           ,
           whose
           heart
           doth
           condemn
           them
           for
           keeping
           up
           some
           known
           transgression
           against
           the
           Lord
           ;
           which
           they
           will
           not
           let
           go
           ,
           neither
           are
           using
           the
           means
           which
           they
           know
           to
           be
           appointed
           by
           God
           for
           delivering
           them
           from
           
           it
           ;
           neither
           can
           these
           come
           to
           clearness
           ,
           who
           know
           some
           positive
           duty
           commanded
           them
           in
           their
           stations
           ,
           which
           they
           deceitfully
           shift
           and
           shun
           ,
           not
           closing
           cheerfully
           with
           it
           ,
           or
           not
           willing
           to
           be
           led
           into
           it
           .
           These
           are
           also
           ,
           in
           some
           respect
           ,
           condemned
           of
           their
           own
           heart
           ,
           as
           the
           former
           sort
           ;
           and
           in
           that
           case
           it
           is
           difficult
           to
           come
           to
           a
           distinct
           knowledge
           of
           their
           state
           .
           1
           Joh.
           3.
           21.
           it
           is
           supposed
           there
           ,
           that
           a
           self-condemning
           heart
           maketh
           void
           a
           mans
           confidence
           proportionally
           before
           God.
           I
           do
           not
           deny
           but
           that
           men
           may
           ,
           on
           good
           grounds
           ,
           plead
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           case
           of
           prevailing
           iniquity
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             65.
             3.
             
             Rom.
          
           7.
           23
           ,
           25.
           but
           it
           is
           hard
           to
           be
           attained
           ,
           if
           at
           all
           attainable
           ,
           when
           the
           heart
           is
           dealing
           deceitfully
           ,
           and
           entertaining
           known
           guile
           in
           particular
           :
           Therefore
           let
           people
           clear
           themselves
           of
           the
           particular
           which
           they
           know
           too
           well
           .
           It
           is
           the
           thing
           which
           doth
           meet
           them
           ,
           marring
           their
           confidence
           and
           access
           in
           all
           their
           approaches
           unto
           God.
           See
           Judg.
           10.
           10
           ,
           13.
           
           The
           Idolatries
           of
           the
           people
           are
           cast
           up
           to
           them
           by
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           their
           suit
           rejected
           thereupon
           .
           That
           which
           draweth
           away
           the
           heart
           first
           in
           the
           morning
           ,
           and
           last
           at
           night
           ;
           like
           an
           Oven
           heated
           at
           night
           ,
           and
           it
           burneth
           as
           a
           flaming
           fire
           in
           the
           Morning
           ,
           spoken
           of
           the
           wicked
           ,
           Hos
           .
           7.
           6.
           
           And
           taketh
           up
           their
           thoughts
           often
           on
           their
           bed
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           said
           of
           some
           ,
           Psal
           .
           36.
           4.
           
           That
           which
           doth
           lead
           away
           the
           heart
           in
           time
           of
           religious
           duty
           ordinarily
           ,
           and
           the
           remembrance
           of
           which
           hath
           power
           to
           enliven
           and
           quicken
           the
           Spirits
           ,
           more
           than
           the
           remembrance
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           as
           their
           heart
           is
           after
           the
           heart
           of
           some
           detestable
           thing
           .
           Ezek.
           11.
           21.
           
           That
           which
           withstandeth
           men
           when
           they
           would
           lay
           hold
           on
           the
           Promise
           ,
           as
           God
           casteth
           up
           mens
           sins
           to
           them
           who
           were
           medling
           with
           his
           Covenant
           ,
           Psal
           .
           50.
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           That
           is
           the
           thing
           which
           doth
           marr
           the
           knowledge
           of
           a
           gracious
           state
           ,
           let
           it
           go
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           more
           easie
           
           to
           reach
           the
           knowledge
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           .
        
         
           The
           third
           thing
           which
           hindreth
           the
           knowledge
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           
             is
             a
             spirit
             of
             sloth
             and
             careless
             negligence
             in
             many
             .
          
           They
           complain
           that
           they
           know
           not
           whether
           they
           be
           in
           Christ
           or
           not
           ;
           but
           ,
           as
           few
           take
           pains
           to
           be
           in
           him
           ,
           so
           few
           take
           pains
           to
           try
           if
           they
           be
           in
           him
           .
           It
           is
           a
           work
           and
           business
           which
           cannot
           be
           done
           sleeping
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           13.
           5.
           
           The
           several
           words
           used
           there
           ,
           
             viz.
             examine
             ,
             prove
             ,
             know
             ,
          
           say
           that
           there
           is
           a
           labour
           in
           it
           ;
           diligence
           must
           be
           used
           to
           make
           our
           calling
           and
           election
           sure
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           1.
           10.
           it
           is
           a
           business
           above
           flesh
           and
           blood
           ;
           The
           holy
           anointing
           ,
           which
           teacheth
           all
           things
           ,
           must
           make
           us
           know
           the
           things
           Freely
           given
           us
           of
           God
           ,
           1.
           
           Cor.
           2.
           12.
           
           Shall
           the
           Lord
           impart
           a
           business
           of
           so
           great
           concernment
           and
           not
           so
           much
           as
           be
           enquired
           after
           to
           do
           it
           for
           men
           ?
           Ezek.
           36.
           37.
           
           Be
           ashamed
           you
           who
           spend
           so
           much
           time
           in
           reading
           Romances
           ,
           in
           adorning
           your
           persons
           ,
           in
           hawking
           ,
           and
           hunting
           ,
           in
           consulting
           the
           Law
           ,
           concerning
           your
           outward
           state
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           in
           worse
           things
           than
           those
           :
           Be
           ashamed
           that
           you
           spend
           so
           little
           time
           in
           the
           search
           of
           this
           ,
           whether
           you
           be
           an
           heir
           of
           Glory
           or
           not
           ;
           whether
           you
           be
           in
           the
           way
           that
           leadeth
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           or
           that
           which
           will
           land
           you
           in
           darkness
           for
           ever
           .
           You
           who
           judge
           this
           below
           you
           ,
           and
           unworthy
           of
           your
           pains
           ,
           any
           part
           or
           minute
           of
           your
           time
           ,
           it
           is
           like
           in
           Gods
           account
           ,
           you
           have
           judged
           your selves
           unworthy
           of
           everlasting
           life
           ,
           so
           as
           you
           have
           no
           lot
           with
           Gods
           people
           in
           this
           matter
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           thing
           that
           doth
           darken
           the
           knowledge
           of
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             men
             do
             not
             condescend
             upon
             what
             would
             satisfie
             them
          
           ;
           but
           complain
           that
           God
           will
           not
           shew
           unto
           them
           what
           he
           is
           about
           to
           do
           with
           them
           ;
           but
           cannot
           yet
           say
           they
           know
           what
           would
           satisfie
           concerning
           his
           purpose
           :
           this
           is
           a
           sad
           thing
           .
           Shall
           we
           think
           those
           are
           serious
           ,
           who
           have
           never
           as
           yet
           ,
           pitched
           on
           what
           
           would
           satisfie
           them
           ,
           nor
           are
           making
           earnest
           enquiry
           after
           what
           should
           satisfie
           ?
           If
           the
           Lord
           had
           left
           us
           in
           the
           dark
           in
           that
           matter
           ,
           we
           were
           less
           inexcusable
           :
           but
           since
           the
           grounds
           of
           satisfaction
           and
           the
           true
           marks
           of
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           are
           so
           clear
           and
           frequent
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           so
           many
           things
           written
           that
           our
           joy
           may
           be
           full
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           1.
           4.
           and
           that
           those
           who
           believe
           may
           know
           that
           they
           have
           eternal
           life
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           5.
           13.
           and
           since
           he
           that
           believeth
           hath
           a
           Witness
           of
           it
           in
           himself
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           5.
           10.
           none
           can
           pretend
           excuse
           here
           .
           We
           may
           not
           here
           insist
           to
           shew
           what
           may
           and
           should
           satisfie
           concerning
           our
           interest
           ,
           since
           we
           are
           to
           speak
           directly
           to
           it
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           The
           fifth
           thing
           that
           helpeth
           much
           to
           keep
           men
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           concerning
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             they
             pitch
             upon
             some
             mutable
             grounds
             ,
          
           which
           are
           not
           so
           apposite
           proofs
           of
           the
           truths
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           of
           the
           comfortable
           state
           of
           a
           triumphing
           soul
           sailing
           before
           the
           wind
           ,
           and
           marks
           ,
           which
           I
           grant
           are
           precious
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           do
           make
           out
           an
           interest
           clearly
           where
           they
           are
           ;
           Yet
           they
           are
           such
           ,
           as
           without
           them
           ,
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           may
           be
           ,
           and
           be
           known
           also
           in
           a
           good
           measure
           .
           We
           shall
           touch
           a
           few
           of
           them
           .
           1.
           
           Some
           think
           that
           all
           who
           have
           a
           true
           interest
           in
           him
           are
           above
           the
           prevailing
           power
           of
           every
           sin
           .
           But
           this
           is
           contrary
           to
           that
           of
           Psal
           .
           65.
           3.
           where
           we
           find
           that
           holy
           man
           laying
           just
           claim
           to
           pardon
           ,
           in
           the
           case
           of
           prevailing
           iniquity
           ;
           and
           that
           of
           Rom.
           7.
           23
           ,
           24
           ,
           25.
           where
           Paul
           thanketh
           God
           through
           Christ
           ,
           as
           freed
           from
           the
           condemnation
           of
           the.
           Law
           ,
           even
           whilst
           a
           law
           in
           his
           members
           leads
           him
           captive
           unto
           sin
           .
           2.
           
           Some
           think
           that
           all
           true
           Saints
           have
           constantly
           access
           unto
           God
           in
           prayer
           ,
           and
           sensible
           returns
           of
           Prayer
           at
           all
           times
           .
           But
           this
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           many
           sad
           exercises
           of
           God's
           people
           ,
           complaining
           often
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           heard
           nor
           regarded
           of
           God.
           
             Psal
             .
             13.
             1.
             and
          
           22.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           
           Some
           think
           ,
           that
           all
           who
           have
           any
           true
           interest
           in
           him
           have
           God
           witnessing
           the
           same
           unto
           them
           by
           a
           high
           operation
           of
           that
           witnessing
           spirit
           of
           his
           ,
           spoken
           of
           Romans
           8.
           16.
           
           (
           whereof
           afterwards
           )
           and
           so
           they
           still
           suspect
           their
           own
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           want
           of
           this
           .
           But
           they
           do
           not
           remember
           that
           they
           must
           first
           believe
           ,
           and
           give
           credit
           to
           that
           record
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           given
           to
           his
           Son
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           life
           enough
           in
           him
           for
           men
           ,
           1
           John
           5.
           10
           ,
           11.
           and
           then
           look
           for
           the
           seal
           and
           witness
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           
             Eph.
             1.
             13.
             
             In
             whom
             after
             ye
             believed
             ye
             were
             sealed
             with
             the
             holy
             spirit
             of
             promise
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           As
           long
           as
           people
           hold
           fast
           these
           principles
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           they
           can
           hardly
           come
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           gracious
           state
           ,
           (
           which
           God
           hath
           warranted
           people
           to
           prove
           and
           clear
           up
           to
           themselves
           )
           otherways
           than
           by
           the
           aforesaid
           things
           .
        
         
           The
           fifth
           thing
           to
           be
           premised
           ,
           is
           ,
           The
           removal
           of
           some
           mistakes
           ,
           whereunto
           people
           may
           readily
           run
           themselves
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           about
           to
           prove
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           .
           As
           ,
           1.
           
           It
           is
           a
           mistake
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           who
           is
           in
           Christ
           ,
           doth
           know
           that
           he
           is
           in
           Him.
           For
           many
           are
           truly
           gracious
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           good
           title
           to
           eternal
           life
           ,
           who
           do
           not
           know
           so
           much
           ,
           until
           it
           be
           made
           out
           afterwards
           ,
           1
           John
           5.
           13
           ,
           These
           things
           are
           written
           to
           believers
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           know
           they
           have
           a
           true
           title
           to
           eternal
           life
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           know
           they
           are
           believers
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           is
           supposed
           they
           knew
           it
           not
           before
           .
           2.
           
           It
           is
           a
           mistake
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           all
           who
           come
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           do
           attain
           an
           equal
           certainty
           about
           the
           same
           :
           One
           may
           say
           ,
           he
           is
           perswaded
           ,
           nothing
           present
           or
           to
           come
           ,
           can
           seperate
           him
           from
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Rom
             ▪
          
           8.
           38.
           
           Another
           cometh
           but
           this
           length
           ,
           
             I
             believe
             ,
             help
             mine
             unbelief
             ,
          
           Mar.
           9.
           24.
           3.
           
           It
           is
           a
           mistake
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           who
           attaineth
           to
           a
           strong
           perswasion
           of
           his
           interest
           ,
           doth
           always
           hold
           there
           ;
           for
           he
           who
           to
           day
           may
           say
           of
           the
           
           Lord
           ,
           
             He
             is
             his
             refuge
          
           ,
           Psal
           .
           21.
           2.
           and
           
             kis
             portion
          
           ,
           Psal
           .
           119.
           57.
           will
           at
           another
           time
           say
           ,
           
             he
             is
             cut
             off
          
           ,
           Psal
           .
           31.
           22.
           and
           will
           ask
           ,
           if
           the
           truth
           of
           Gods
           promise
           
             doth
             fail
             for
             evermore
          
           ?
           Psal
           .
           77.
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           4.
           
           It
           is
           also
           a
           mistake
           to
           think
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           who
           doth
           attain
           a
           good
           knowledge
           of
           their
           gracious
           state
           ,
           can
           formally
           answer
           all
           objections
           made
           to
           the
           contrary
           ;
           But
           yet
           they
           may
           hold
           fast
           the
           conclusion
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             I
             know
             whom
             I
             have
             believed
             ,
          
           2
           Tim.
           1.
           12.
           
           There
           be
           few
           grounds
           of
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           whereof
           many
           people
           are
           so
           perswaded
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           are
           able
           to
           maintain
           them
           formally
           against
           all
           arguments
           brought
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           may
           and
           will
           hold
           the
           conclusion
           stedfastly
           and
           justly
           :
           So
           it
           is
           in
           this
           case
           in
           hand
           .
           It
           is
           no
           less
           a
           mistake
           to
           imagine
           ,
           that
           the
           vain
           ,
           groundless
           confidence
           which
           many
           prophane
           ,
           ignorant
           Atheists
           do
           maintain
           ,
           is
           this
           knowledge
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           which
           we
           plead
           for
           ;
           Many
           do
           falsly
           avouch
           him
           to
           be
           their
           Father
           ,
           Joh.
           8.
           41.
           and
           many
           look
           for
           Heaven
           ,
           who
           will
           be
           beguiled
           with
           those
           foolish
           
             Virgins
             ,
             Mat.
          
           25.
           12.
           
           Yet
           we
           must
           not
           think
           ,
           because
           of
           this
           ,
           that
           all
           knowledge
           of
           interest
           is
           a
           delusion
           and
           fancy
           ,
           although
           these
           fools
           be
           deceived
           :
           for
           whilst
           thousands
           are
           deluded
           ,
           some
           can
           say
           on
           good
           and
           solid
           grounds
           ;
           
             We
             know
             that
             we
             are
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             whole
             world
             lyeth
             in
             wickedness
             ,
          
           1
           Joh.
           5.
           19.
           
        
         
           Having
           premised
           these
           things
           ,
           it
           now
           followeth
           ,
           that
           we
           give
           some
           marks
           by
           which
           a
           man
           may
           know
           if
           he
           be
           savingly
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           hath
           a
           special
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           may
           warrantably
           lay
           claim
           to
           Gods
           favour
           and
           salvation
           .
           We
           shall
           only
           pitch
           upon
           two
           great
           and
           principal
           marks
           ,
           not
           willing
           to
           trouble
           people
           with
           many
           .
           And
           before
           we
           fall
           upon
           these
           ,
           we
           will
           speak
           of
           a
           preparatory
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           whereof
           the
           Lord
           doth
           ordinarily
           make
           use
           ,
           to
           prepare
           his
           own
           
           way
           in
           mens
           souls
           .
           This
           may
           have
           its
           own
           weight
           ,
           as
           a
           mark
           ,
           with
           some
           persons
           .
           It
           is
           called
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           or
           ,
           the
           work
           of
           humiliation
           .
           It
           hath
           some
           proportion
           to
           that
           spirit
           of
           bondage
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           15.
           and
           doth
           now
           under
           the
           New
           Testament
           answer
           unto
           it
           ,
           and
           usually
           leadeth
           on
           to
           the
           Spirit
           of
           adoption
           .
           Only
           here
           let
           it
           be
           remembred
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           we
           are
           not
           to
           speak
           of
           this
           preparatory
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           negative
           mark
           of
           true
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           if
           none
           might
           lay
           claim
           to
           Gods
           favour
           ,
           who
           hath
           not
           had
           this
           preparatory
           work
           in
           the
           several
           steps
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           to
           speak
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           hear
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           not
           always
           keep
           that
           path
           with
           men
           .
           2.
           
           The
           great
           reason
           why
           we
           speak
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           ,
           because
           the
           Lord
           dealeth
           with
           many
           (
           whom
           he
           doth
           effectually
           call
           )
           by
           some
           such
           preparatory
           work
           .
           And
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           so
           dealt
           with
           ,
           it
           may
           prove
           strengthning
           ,
           and
           will
           confirm
           them
           in
           laying
           the
           more
           weight
           on
           the
           marks
           which
           follow
           .
           3.
           
           It
           may
           help
           to
           encourage
           others
           ,
           who
           are
           under
           such
           bondage
           of
           spirit
           ,
           as
           a
           good
           prognostick
           of
           a
           gracious
           work
           to
           follow
           :
           for
           as
           we
           shall
           circumstantiate
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           rarely
           found
           to
           miscarry
           ,
           and
           fail
           of
           a
           gracious
           issue
           .
           4.
           
           Where
           God
           useth
           such
           a
           preparatory
           work
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           keep
           one
           way
           or
           measure
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           hear
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           more
           distinct
           handling
           of
           this
           preparatory
           work
           ,
           we
           shall
           shortly
           hint
           the
           most
           ordinary
           ways
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           Lord
           leadeth
           people
           into
           the
           Covenant
           savingly
           ,
           and
           draweth
           them
           unto
           Christ
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             There
             are
             some
             called
             from
             the
             Womb
             ,
             as
             John
          
           the
           Baptist
           was
           ,
           Luke
           1.
           41
           ,
           44
           ,
           or
           ,
           in
           their
           very
           young
           years
           ,
           before
           they
           can
           be
           deeply
           engaged
           actively
           in
           Satans
           ways
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           3.
           15.
           
           It
           cannot
           be
           supposed
           that
           those
           have
           such
           a
           preparatory
           work
           as
           we
           are
           to
           speak
           of
           .
           And
           because
           some
           persons
           may
           pretend
           to
           this
           way
           of
           e●●ectual
           calling
           ▪
           we
           offer
           these
           marks
           of
           
           it
           ,
           whereby
           those
           who
           have
           been
           so
           called
           may
           be
           confirmed
           ,
           (
           1.
           )
           Such
           use
           from
           their
           Childhood
           to
           be
           kept
           free
           of
           ordinary
           pollutions
           ,
           wherewith
           Children
           usually
           are
           defiled
           ;
           as
           swearing
           ,
           lying
           ,
           mocking
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           religious
           persons
           ,
           &c.
           
           Those
           whom
           God
           calleth
           effectually
           ,
           he
           sanctifieth
           them
           from
           the
           time
           of
           that
           effectual
           calling
           :
           Sin
           cannot
           have
           dominion
           over
           them
           as
           over
           others
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           under
           grace
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           14.
           
           (
           2.
           )
           Religion
           is
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           natural
           to
           them
           ;
           I
           mean
           ,
           they
           need
           not
           be
           much
           pressed
           to
           religious
           duties
           ,
           even
           when
           they
           are
           but
           children
           ;
           They
           willingly
           run
           that
           way
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           an
           inward
           principle
           ,
           of
           love
           constraining
           them
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           14.
           so
           as
           they
           yield
           themselves
           servants
           of
           righteousness
           ,
           without
           outward
           constraint
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           16.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           Although
           such
           know
           not
           when
           they
           were
           first
           acquainted
           with
           God
           ,
           yet
           afterwards
           they
           have
           such
           exercises
           of
           spirit
           befalling
           ,
           as
           the
           Saints
           in
           Scripture
           (
           of
           whose
           first
           conversion
           we
           hear
           not
           )
           do
           speak
           of
           .
           They
           are
           shut
           out
           from
           God
           upon
           some
           occasion
           now
           and
           then
           ,
           and
           are
           admitted
           to
           come
           nearer
           again
           ,
           (
           to
           their
           apprehension
           .
           )
           Their
           heart
           is
           also
           further
           broken
           up
           by
           the
           ordinances
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           of
           Lydia
           ,
           Act.
           16.
           14.
           and
           ordinarily
           they
           do
           remember
           ,
           when
           some
           special
           piece
           of
           Religion
           and
           Duty
           ,
           or
           when
           some
           sin
           ,
           of
           which
           they
           were
           not
           taking
           notice
           before
           ,
           was
           discovered
           to
           them
           .
           They
           who
           can
           apply
           these
           things
           to
           themselves
           ,
           have
           much
           to
           say
           for
           their
           effectual
           calling
           from
           their
           youth
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             Some
             are
             brought
             in
             to
             Christ
             in
             a
             soveraign
             Gospel
             way
             :
          
           when
           the
           Lord
           ,
           by
           some
           few
           words
           of
           love
           swallowing
           up
           any
           Law-work
           ,
           quickly
           taketh
           a
           person
           prisoner
           at
           the
           first
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           
             Zacheus
             ,
             Luke
          
           .
           19.
           and
           others
           ,
           who
           upon
           a
           word
           spoken
           by
           Christ
           ,
           did
           leave
           all
           and
           follow
           him
           ;
           and
           we
           hear
           no
           noise
           of
           a
           Law-work
           dealing
           with
           them
           before
           they
           close
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           And
           because
           some
           pretend
           to
           this
           way
           of
           calling
           ,
           we
           shall
           
           touch
           some
           things
           most
           remarkable
           in
           that
           transaction
           with
           Zacheus
           ,
           for
           clearing
           and
           confirmation
           .
           1.
           
           He
           had
           some
           desire
           to
           see
           Christ
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           desire
           ,
           as
           made
           him
           wave
           that
           which
           some
           would
           have
           judged
           prudence
           and
           discretion
           ,
           whilest
           he
           climbeth
           up
           upon
           a
           tree
           that
           he
           might
           see
           him
           .
           2.
           
           Christ
           spake
           to
           his
           heart
           ,
           and
           that
           word
           took
           such
           hold
           upon
           him
           ,
           that
           presently
           with
           joy
           he
           did
           accept
           of
           Christ's
           offer
           ,
           and
           closed
           with
           Christ
           as
           Lord
           ,
           whilest
           few
           of
           any
           note
           were
           following
           him
           .
           3.
           
           Upon
           this
           his
           heart
           did
           open
           to
           the
           poor
           ,
           although
           it
           seems
           ,
           he
           was
           a
           covetous
           man
           before
           .
           4.
           
           He
           had
           a
           due
           impression
           of
           his
           former
           wayes
           ,
           evidencing
           his
           respect
           to
           Moses
           his
           Law
           ;
           and
           this
           he
           did
           signifie
           before
           all
           the
           company
           then
           present
           ,
           not
           caring
           to
           shame
           himself
           in
           such
           things
           as
           (
           probably
           )
           were
           not
           known
           to
           the
           World.
           5.
           
           Upon
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           Christ
           confirmeth
           and
           ratifieth
           the
           bargain
           by
           his
           word
           ,
           recommending
           to
           him
           that
           oneness
           of
           interest
           ,
           which
           behoved
           to
           be
           between
           him
           and
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           the
           thoughts
           of
           his
           own
           lost
           condition
           ,
           if
           Christ
           had
           not
           come
           and
           sought
           him
           ,
           and
           found
           him
           :
           All
           which
           are
           clear
           ,
           Luke
           19.
           3
           ,
           —
           10.
           
           We
           grant
           ,
           the
           Lord
           calleth
           some
           so
           ;
           and
           if
           any
           can
           lay
           claim
           to
           the
           special
           things
           we
           have
           now
           hinted
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           good
           confirmation
           of
           Gods
           dealing
           with
           them
           from
           that
           Scripture
           ;
           Neither
           are
           they
           to
           vex
           themselves
           because
           of
           the
           want
           of
           a
           distinct
           preparatory
           Law-work
           if
           their
           heart
           have
           yielded
           unto
           Christ
           .
           For
           ,
           a
           Law
           work
           is
           not
           desirable
           except
           for
           this
           end
           .
           Therefore
           Christ
           doth
           offer
           himself
           directly
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           people
           are
           invited
           to
           come
           to
           him
           :
           and
           although
           many
           will
           not
           come
           to
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           surety
           ,
           until
           the
           spirit
           of
           bondage
           distress
           them
           for
           their
           debt
           ;
           yet
           if
           any
           upon
           the
           knowledge
           of
           their
           lost
           estate
           ,
           would
           flee
           and
           yield
           to
           Christ
           ,
           none
           might
           warrantably
           press
           a
           Law-work
           upon
           them
           .
           As
           for
           others
           ,
           whom
           Christ
           perswaded
           by
           a
           word
           to
           follow
           him
           ,
           whatsoever
           he
           
           did
           ,
           or
           howsoever
           he
           spake
           to
           them
           at
           his
           first
           meeting
           with
           them
           ,
           we
           must
           rationally
           suppose
           ,
           that
           then
           he
           discovered
           so
           much
           of
           their
           own
           necessity
           ,
           and
           his
           own
           fulness
           and
           excellency
           to
           them
           ,
           as
           made
           them
           quit
           all
           ,
           and
           run
           after
           him
           .
           And
           if
           he
           do
           so
           to
           any
           ,
           we
           crave
           no
           more
           ,
           since
           there
           is
           room
           enough
           there
           for
           the
           Physitian
           .
           So
           that
           from
           all
           this
           ,
           as
           some
           may
           be
           confirmed
           and
           strengthened
           ,
           with
           whom
           God
           hath
           so
           dealt
           ;
           So
           there
           is
           no
           ground
           nor
           occasion
           for
           deluded
           souls
           to
           flatter
           themselves
           in
           their
           condition
           ,
           who
           remain
           ignorant
           and
           senseless
           of
           their
           own
           miseries
           and
           Christs
           all-sufficiency
           ,
           and
           hold
           fast
           deceit
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             There
             are
             some
             brought
             in
             to
             Christ
             in
             a
             way
             yet
             more
             declarative
             of
             his
             free
             grace
             ,
          
           and
           this
           is
           ,
           when
           he
           effectually
           calleth
           men
           at
           the
           hour
           of
           death
           .
           We
           find
           somewhat
           recorded
           of
           this
           way
           in
           that
           pregnant
           example
           of
           the
           Thief
           on
           the
           Cross
           ;
           Luk.
           23.
           39
           ,
           41.
           
           Although
           this
           seems
           not
           very
           pertinent
           for
           the
           purpose
           in
           hand
           ;
           yet
           we
           shall
           speak
           a
           little
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           men
           may
           be
           sparing
           to
           judge
           and
           pass
           Sentence
           upon
           either
           themselves
           or
           others
           ,
           before
           the
           last
           breath
           .
           And
           we
           shall
           so
           circumstantiate
           it
           ,
           that
           ,
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           none
           may
           dare
           to
           delay
           so
           great
           a
           business
           to
           the
           last
           hour
           of
           their
           life
           .
           We
           find
           these
           things
           remarkable
           in
           that
           business
           between
           Christ
           and
           the
           Thief
           ;
           1.
           
           The
           man
           falleth
           at
           odds
           with
           his
           former
           Companion
           .
           2.
           
           He
           dareth
           not
           speak
           a
           wrong
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           whose
           hand
           is
           on
           him
           ,
           but
           justifieth
           him
           in
           all
           that
           is
           befallen
           him
           .
           3.
           
           He
           now
           seeth
           Jesus
           Christ
           persecuted
           by
           the
           World
           ,
           without
           a
           cause
           ,
           and
           most
           injuriously
           .
           4.
           
           He
           discovereth
           Christ
           to
           be
           a
           Lord
           and
           a
           King
           ,
           whilst
           enemies
           seem
           to
           have
           him
           under
           .
           5.
           
           He
           believeth
           a
           being
           of
           glory
           after
           death
           so
           really
           ,
           that
           he
           preferreth
           a
           portion
           of
           it
           to
           the
           present
           safety
           of
           his
           bodily
           life
           ,
           which
           he
           knew
           Christ
           was
           able
           to
           grant
           to
           him
           at
           that
           time
           ,
           and
           he
           might
           have
           chosen
           that
           with
           the
           other
           
           Thief
           .
           6.
           
           Although
           he
           was
           much
           abased
           in
           himself
           ,
           and
           humbled
           ,
           that
           he
           pleaded
           but
           that
           Christ
           would
           remember
           him
           ,
           yet
           he
           was
           nobly
           daring
           to
           throw
           himself
           upon
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           on
           life
           and
           death
           ;
           and
           he
           had
           so
           much
           faith
           of
           Christs
           all-sufficiency
           ,
           that
           he
           judged
           a
           simple
           remembrance
           from
           Christ
           would
           satisfyingly
           do
           his
           business
           .
           7.
           
           He
           acquiesced
           sweetly
           in
           the
           word
           which
           Christ
           spake
           to
           him
           ,
           for
           the
           ground
           of
           his
           comfort
           .
           All
           which
           are
           very
           clear
           in
           the
           case
           of
           that
           poor
           dying
           man
           ,
           and
           do
           prove
           a
           very
           real
           work
           of
           God
           upon
           his
           heart
           .
           As
           this
           example
           may
           encourage
           some
           to
           wait
           for
           good
           from
           God
           ,
           who
           cannot
           as
           yet
           lay
           clear
           claim
           to
           any
           gracious
           work
           of
           his
           Spirit
           :
           So
           we
           beseech
           all
           ,
           as
           they
           love
           their
           souls
           ,
           not
           to
           delay
           their
           soul-businesses
           ,
           hoping
           for
           such
           a
           cast
           of
           Christs
           hand
           in
           the
           end
           ,
           as
           too
           many
           do
           :
           This
           being
           a
           rare
           miracle
           of
           mercy
           with
           the
           glory
           whereof
           Christ
           did
           honourably
           triumph
           over
           the
           ignominy
           of
           his
           cross
           (
           a
           parallel
           of
           which
           we
           shall
           hardly
           find
           in
           all
           the
           Scripture
           beside
           :
           )
           yea
           ,
           as
           there
           be
           but
           few
           at
           all
           saved
           ,
           Mat.
           20.
           16.
           and
           most
           few
           saved
           this
           way
           :
           So
           the
           Lord
           hath
           peremptorily
           threatned
           to
           laugh
           at
           the
           calamity
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           hear
           the
           cry
           of
           such
           as
           mocked
           formerly
           at
           his
           reproof
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           hear
           when
           he
           called
           to
           them
           ,
           Prov.
           1.
           24
           ,
           26.
           which
           Scripture
           ,
           although
           it
           doth
           not
           shut
           mercies
           door
           upon
           any
           ,
           who
           at
           the
           hour
           of
           death
           ,
           do
           sincerely
           judge
           themselves
           and
           flee
           unto
           Christ
           as
           this
           penitent
           Thief
           did
           :
           Yet
           it
           is
           certain
           ,
           it
           implyeth
           that
           very
           few
           who
           fit
           the
           offer
           until
           then
           ,
           are
           honoured
           with
           repentance
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           ,
           and
           so
           their
           cry
           ,
           as
           not
           being
           sincere
           and
           of
           the
           right
           stamp
           ,
           shall
           not
           be
           heard
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           ,
           and
           most
           ordinary
           way
           ,
           by
           which
           many
           are
           brought
           in
           to
           Christ
           ,
           is
           ,
           by
           a
           clear
           and
           discernable
           work
           of
           the
           law
           and
           humiliation
           ,
           which
           we
           ordinarily
           call
           the
           
             spirit
             of
             bondage
          
           ,
           as
           was
           hinted
           before
           .
           We
           do
           not
           mean
           that
           every
           one
           whose
           conscience
           is
           awakened
           with
           
           sin
           and
           fear
           of
           wrath
           ,
           doth
           really
           close
           with
           Christ
           ;
           the
           contrary
           doth
           appear
           in
           
             Gain
             ,
             Saul
             ,
             Judas
             &c.
             
          
           But
           that
           wherein
           there
           is
           a
           conviction
           of
           sin
           ,
           awakening
           of
           conscience
           ,
           and
           work
           of
           humiliation
           ,
           which
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           circumstantiate
           it
           ,
           doth
           rarely
           miscarry
           or
           fail
           of
           a
           gracious
           issue
           ,
           but
           ordinarily
           doth
           resolve
           into
           the
           spirit
           of
           adoption
           ,
           and
           a
           gracious
           work
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           :
           and
           because
           the
           Lord
           dealeth
           with
           many
           sinners
           this
           way
           ,
           and
           we
           find
           that
           many
           are
           much
           puzled
           about
           the
           giving
           judgment
           of
           this
           Law-work
           .
        
         
           This
           work
           is
           either
           more
           violent
           and
           sudden
           ,
           or
           it
           is
           more
           sober
           and
           longer
           ,
           protracted
           through
           a
           great
           length
           of
           time
           ,
           and
           so
           as
           the
           steps
           of
           it
           are
           very
           discernable
           .
           It
           is
           more
           violent
           in
           some
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           
             Jaylor
             ,
             Paul
          
           ,
           and
           some
           other
           converts
           in
           the
           book
           of
           the
           
             Acts
             of
             the
             Apostles
          
           ,
           on
           whom
           Christ
           did
           break
           in
           at
           an
           instant
           ,
           and
           fell
           on
           them
           as
           with
           Fire
           and
           Sword
           ,
           and
           led
           them
           captive
           terribly
           ;
           And
           because
           some
           great
           legal
           shakings
           are
           deceitful
           ,
           and
           turn
           to
           nothing
           ,
           if
           not
           worse
           ,
           we
           shall
           point
           at
           some
           things
           remarkable
           in
           these
           converts
           ,
           spoken
           of
           before
           ,
           which
           did
           prove
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           on
           them
           ,
           to
           have
           had
           a
           gracious
           issue
           and
           result
           .
           1.
           
           Some
           word
           of
           truth
           or
           dispensation
           ,
           putteth
           the
           person
           to
           a
           dreadful
           stand
           ,
           with
           a
           great
           stir
           in
           the
           Soul
           :
           Some
           are
           pricked
           in
           heart
           ,
           Acts
           2.
           27.
           
           Some
           fell
           on
           trembling
           ,
           Acts
           16.
           29.
           and
           this
           is
           such
           a
           stir
           ,
           that
           the
           person
           is
           brought
           to
           his
           wits
           end
           .
           
             What
             wilt
             thou
             have
             me
             to
             do
             ?
          
           saith
           Paul
           ,
           Acts
           9.
           
           
             What
             shall
             I
             do
          
           ?
           saith
           the
           Jaylor
           ,
           Acts
           16.
           30.
           2.
           
           The
           person
           is
           content
           to
           have
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           Gods
           friendship
           on
           any
           terms
           ,
           as
           the
           questions
           do
           import
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             I
             do
          
           ?
           as
           if
           he
           had
           said
           ,
           What
           would
           I
           not
           do
           ?
           What
           would
           I
           not
           forego
           ?
           What
           would
           I
           not
           undergo
           ?
           3.
           
           The
           person
           accepteth
           the
           condition
           offered
           by
           Christ
           and
           his
           Servants
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           in
           the
           fore-cited
           Scriptures
           ,
           4.
           
           The
           person
           presently
           becometh
           of
           one
           interest
           with
           the
           
           Saints
           ,
           joyning
           himself
           with
           that
           persecuted
           society
           ,
           putting
           respect
           on
           those
           whom
           he
           had
           formerly
           persecuted
           ,
           joyning
           and
           continuing
           with
           them
           in
           the
           profession
           of
           Christ
           on
           all
           hazards
           .
           Those
           with
           whom
           the
           Lord
           hath
           so
           dealt
           have
           much
           to
           say
           for
           a
           gracious
           work
           of
           Gods
           spirit
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           like
           many
           of
           them
           can
           date
           their
           work
           from
           such
           a
           particular
           time
           and
           word
           ,
           or
           dispensation
           ,
           and
           can
           give
           some
           account
           of
           what
           past
           between
           God
           and
           them
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           sensible
           change
           following
           in
           them
           from
           that
           time
           forward
           ,
           as
           Paul
           giveth
           a
           good
           account
           of
           the
           work
           and
           way
           of
           God
           with
           him
           afterwards
           ,
           Acts
           22.
           
        
         
           Again
           ,
           The
           Lord
           sometimes
           carrieth
           on
           this
           work
           more
           calmly
           ,
           foftly
           ,
           and
           gently
           ,
           protracting
           it
           so
           as
           the
           steps
           of
           mens
           exercise
           under
           it
           are
           very
           discernable
           .
           It
           would
           draw
           a
           great
           length
           to
           enlarge
           every
           step
           of
           it
           ;
           we
           shall
           touch
           the
           most
           observable
           things
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Lord
           Iayeth
           siege
           to
           men
           (
           who
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           have
           often
           refused
           to
           yield
           to
           him
           ,
           offering
           himself
           in
           the
           Ordinances
           )
           and
           by
           some
           word
           Preached
           ,
           Read
           ,
           or
           born
           in
           on
           the
           mind
           ,
           or
           by
           some
           providence
           leading
           in
           unto
           the
           Word
           ,
           he
           doth
           also
           assault
           the
           house
           kept
           peaceably
           by
           the
           strong
           man
           ,
           the
           Devil
           ;
           and
           thus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           stronger
           man
           ,
           cometh
           upon
           him
           ,
           Luke
           11.
           22.
           and
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           truth
           ,
           doth
           fasten
           the
           Word
           on
           the
           man
           ,
           in
           which
           Gods
           curse
           is
           denounced
           against
           such
           and
           such
           sinners
           ,
           whereof
           the
           man
           knoweth
           himself
           guilty
           .
           The
           spirit
           convinceth
           the
           man
           ,
           and
           bindeth
           it
           upon
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           the
           same
           person
           against
           whom
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           doth
           speak
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           guilty
           of
           such
           sins
           ,
           and
           from
           such
           sins
           the
           man
           is
           led
           on
           to
           see
           more
           until
           (
           ordinarily
           )
           he
           comes
           to
           see
           the
           sins
           of
           his
           youth
           ,
           sins
           of
           omission
           ,
           &c.
           yea
           ,
           he
           is
           led
           on
           until
           he
           sees
           himself
           guilty
           almost
           of
           the
           breach
           of
           the
           whole
           Law
           ;
           he
           seeth
           innumerable
           evils
           compassing
           him
           ,
           as
           David
           speaketh
           in
           a
           fit
           of
           exercise
           ,
           Isa
           .
           40.
           12.
           
           A
           man
           sometimes
           will
           see
           
           ugly
           sights
           of
           sin
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           and
           is
           sharp-sighted
           to
           reckon
           a
           filthiness
           to
           every
           sin
           almost
           .
           Thus
           the
           spirit
           convinceth
           of
           sin
           ,
           Jo.
           16.
           8.
           2.
           
           The
           Lord
           shaketh
           a
           special
           strong
           hold
           in
           the
           garrison
           ,
           a
           refuge
           of
           lies
           ,
           to
           which
           the
           man
           betaketh
           himself
           when
           his
           sins
           are
           thus
           discovered
           to
           him
           .
           The
           poor
           man
           pretendeth
           to
           faith
           in
           Christ
           ,
           whereby
           he
           thinks
           his
           burden
           is
           taken
           off
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           Pharisees
           said
           ,
           
             John
             8.
             41.
             
             We
             have
             on
             Father
             ,
             even
             God.
          
           They
           pretend
           to
           a
           special
           relation
           of
           God
           as
           a
           common
           Lord.
           The
           Spirit
           ,
           of
           God
           beats
           the
           man
           from
           this
           ,
           by
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           proving
           that
           he
           hath
           no
           true
           faith
           ,
           and
           so
           no
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           nor
           any
           true
           saving
           grace
           ;
           shewing
           clear
           differences
           between
           true
           grace
           and
           the
           counterfeit
           fancies
           which
           the
           man
           hath
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           between
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           truly
           Godly
           ,
           as
           Christ
           laboureth
           to
           do
           those
           ,
           Joh.
           8.
           42
           ,
           44.
           
           
             If
             God
             were
             your
             father
             ,
             ye
             would
             love
             me
             .
             Ye
             are
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             for
             ye
             do
             the
             lusts
             of
             such
             a
             father
             .
          
           So
           ,
           
             fear
             surpriseth
             the
             Hypocrite
             in
             heart
             ,
          
           Isa
           33.
           14.
           especially
           when
           the
           Lord
           discovereth
           to
           him
           conditions
           in
           many
           of
           these
           promises
           (
           wherein
           he
           trusted
           most
           )
           not
           easily
           attainable
           ,
           he
           now
           seeth
           grace
           and
           faith
           another
           thing
           than
           once
           he
           judged
           them
           to
           be
           .
           We
           may
           in
           some
           respect
           ,
           apply
           that
           word
           here
           ,
           
             The
             Spirit
             convinceth
             him
             of
             sin
             ,
             because
             he
             hath
             not
             believed
             on
             the
             Son
             :
          
           he
           is
           particularly
           convinced
           of
           unbelief
           ,
           John
           16.
           9.
           he
           seeth
           now
           a
           huge
           distance
           between
           himself
           and
           the
           godly
           ,
           whom
           he
           thought
           before
           out-stripped
           him
           in
           only
           some
           unnecessary
           ,
           proud
           ,
           hateful
           preciseness
           ;
           he
           now
           seeth
           himself
           deluded
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           broad
           way
           with
           the
           perishing
           multitude
           ;
           and
           so
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           his
           misery
           ,
           coucheth
           down
           under
           his
           own
           burthen
           ,
           which
           ,
           before
           this
           time
           ,
           he
           thought
           Christ
           did
           bear
           for
           him
           ;
           he
           now
           beginneth
           to
           be
           afraid
           of
           the
           Promises
           ,
           because
           of
           that
           and
           such
           other
           words
           ,
           
             What
             has●
             thou
             to
             do
             to
             take
             my
             Covenant
             in
             thy
             mouth
             ?
             &c.
          
           Psal
           .
           50
           ▪
           16
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           man
           becometh
           careful
           about
           his
           salvation
           ,
           and
           
           beginneth
           to
           take
           it
           to
           heart
           ,
           as
           the
           one
           thing
           necessary
           :
           he
           is
           brought
           to
           this
           with
           the
           Jaylor
           ,
           
             Act.
             16.
             
             What
             shall
             I
             do
             to
             be
             saved
             ?
          
           His
           salvation
           becometh
           the
           leading
           thing
           with
           him
           :
           It
           was
           least
           in
           his
           thoughts
           before
           ,
           but
           now
           it
           prevaileth
           ,
           and
           other
           things
           are
           much
           mis-regarded
           by
           him
           ,
           since
           his
           soul
           is
           ready
           to
           perish
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             it
             profit
             him
             to
             gain
             the
             whole
             world
             if
             he
             lose
             his
             soul
          
           ;
           Mat.
           16.
           26.
           
           Some
           here
           are
           much
           puzled
           with
           thoughts
           of
           an
           irrecoverable
           decree
           to
           their
           prejudice
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           fears
           of
           uncertain
           death
           ,
           which
           may
           attach
           them
           before
           they
           get
           matters
           put
           to
           a
           point
           ;
           and
           some
           are
           vexed
           with
           apprehensions
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           guilty
           of
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           which
           is
           unpardonable
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           driven
           a
           dangerous
           length
           ,
           Satan
           still
           casting
           up
           to
           them
           many
           sad
           examples
           of
           people
           ,
           who
           have
           dolefully
           put
           an
           end
           to
           their
           own
           exercise
           :
           but
           they
           are
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           one
           ,
           who
           knoweth
           how
           to
           succour
           them
           that
           are
           tempted
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           18.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           When
           a
           man
           is
           thus
           in
           hazzard
           of
           miscarrying
           ,
           the
           Lord
           useth
           a
           work
           of
           preventing
           mercy
           towards
           him
           ;
           quietly
           ,
           and
           under-hand
           supporting
           him
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           by
           bearing
           upon
           his
           mind
           the
           possibility
           of
           his
           Salvation
           ,
           leading
           the
           man
           to
           the
           remembrance
           of
           pregnant
           proofs
           of
           Gods
           free
           and
           rich
           grace
           ,
           pardoning
           gross
           transgressors
           ,
           such
           as
           Manasseth
           ;
           who
           was
           a
           bloody
           idolatrous
           man
           ,
           and
           had
           correspondence
           with
           the
           Devil
           ,
           and
           yet
           obtained
           mercy
           ,
           2
           Chron.
           33.
           12
           ,
           13.
           and
           other
           Scriptures
           bearing
           offers
           of
           grace
           and
           favour
           indifferently
           to
           all
           who
           will
           yield
           to
           Christ
           ,
           whatsoever
           they
           have
           been
           formerly
           :
           So
           as
           the
           man
           is
           brought
           again
           to
           this
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             I
             do
             to
             be
             saved
             ?
          
           which
           doth
           suppose
           ,
           that
           he
           apprehendeth
           a
           possibility
           of
           being
           saved
           ,
           else
           he
           would
           not
           propound
           the
           question
           .
           He
           applyeth
           that
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           word
           ,
           to
           himself
           ,
           
             It
             may
             be
             ye
             shall
             be
             hid
             ,
          
           Zeph.
           2.
           3.
           he
           findeth
           nothing
           excluding
           him
           from
           mercy
           now
           ,
           if
           he
           have
           a
           heart
           for
           the
           thing
           .
           Although
           here
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           the
           man
           doth
           
           doth
           not
           perceive
           that
           it
           is
           the
           Lord
           who
           upholdeth
           ,
           yet
           afterward
           he
           can
           tell
           ▪
           that
           when
           his
           foot
           was
           slipping
           ,
           Gods
           mercy
           held
           him
           up
           ,
           as
           Psal
           .
           94.
           17.
           18.
           the
           Psalmist
           speaketh
           in
           another
           case
           .
           And
           he
           will
           afterwards
           say
           ,
           
             When
             he
             was
             as
             a
             Beast
             ,
             and
             as
             fool
             in
             many
             respects
             ,
             God
             held
             him
             by
             the
             hand
             ,
          
           Psal
           .
           73.
           22
           ,
           23.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           After
           this
           discovery
           of
           a
           possibility
           to
           be
           saved
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           work
           of
           desire
           quickned
           in
           the
           Soul
           ;
           which
           is
           clear
           in
           that
           same
           expression
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             I
             do
             to
             be
             saved
             ?
          
           But
           sometimes
           this
           desire
           is
           not
           regular
           ,
           whilst
           it
           goeth
           out
           thus
           ,
           what
           shall
           I
           do
           that
           I
           may
           work
           the
           works
           of
           God
           Joh.
           6.
           28.
           
           In
           which
           case
           ,
           the
           man
           formerly
           perplexed
           with
           fear
           and
           care
           about
           his
           Salvation
           would
           be
           at
           some
           work
           of
           his
           own
           ,
           to
           extricate
           himself
           ;
           And
           here
           he
           suddenly
           resolveth
           to
           do
           all
           that
           is
           commanded
           ,
           and
           to
           forego
           every
           evil
           way
           (
           yet
           much
           slighting
           Christ
           Jesus
           )
           and
           so
           beginneth
           to
           take
           some
           courage
           to
           himself
           again
           establishing
           his
           own
           righteousness
           ,
           but
           not
           submitting
           to
           the
           Righteousness
           of
           God
           ,
           Rom.
           10.
           3.
           whereupon
           the
           Lord
           maketh
           a
           new
           assault
           on
           him
           ,
           intending
           the
           discovery
           of
           his
           absolutely
           broken
           state
           in
           himself
           ,
           that
           so
           room
           might
           be
           made
           for
           the
           Surety
           ;
           as
           Joshua
           did
           to
           the
           people
           ,
           when
           he
           found
           them
           so
           bold
           in
           their
           undertakings
           ,
           
             Josh
             .
             24.
             18.
             19.
             
             You
             cannot
             serve
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             fer
             he
             is
             a
             Holy
             God
             &c.
             
          
           In
           this
           new
           assault
           ,
           the
           Lord
           ,
           1.
           
           Bends
           up
           against
           the
           man
           the
           spirituality
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           the
           Commandment
           cometh
           with
           a
           new
           change
           in
           the
           spiritual
           meaning
           of
           it
           ,
           
             Rom.
             7.
             9.
             
             The
             Law
             came
          
           (
           saith
           
             Paul
             )
             viz.
          
           in
           the
           spiritual
           meaning
           of
           it
           .
           Paul
           had
           never
           seen
           such
           a
           sight
           of
           the
           Law
           before
           ▪
           2.
           
           God
           most
           holily
           doth
           loose
           the
           restraining
           bonds
           ,
           which
           he
           had
           laid
           upon
           the
           mans
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           suffereth
           it
           not
           only
           to
           boyl
           and
           swell
           within
           ,
           but
           to
           threaten
           ,
           to
           break
           out
           in
           all
           the
           outward
           members
           .
           Thus
           sin
           groweth
           bold
           ,
           and
           kicketh
           at
           the
           law
           ,
           becoming
           exceeding
           sinful
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           13.
           
           3.
           
           The
           Lord
           doth
           discover
           to
           man
           ,
           more
           now
           than
           ever
           before
           ,
           the
           uncleanness
           of
           his
           righteousness
           ,
           and
           what
           spots
           are
           in
           his
           best
           things
           .
           These
           things
           kill
           the
           mast
           ,
           and
           he
           dieth
           in
           his
           own
           conceit
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           9.
           and
           dispaireth
           of
           releif
           in
           himself
           ,
           if
           it
           come
           not
           from
           some
           other
           way
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           After
           many
           ups
           and
           downs
           here
           ,
           ordinarily
           the
           man
           resolveth
           some
           retirement
           ,
           he
           desireth
           to
           be
           alone
           ,
           he
           cannot
           keep
           company
           as
           before
           ;
           like
           those
           who
           in
           a
           besieging
           City
           ,
           when
           they
           see
           they
           cannot
           hold
           out
           ,
           and
           would
           be
           glad
           of
           any
           good
           condition
           from
           the
           besieging
           enemy
           ,
           they
           go
           to
           a
           council
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           resolve
           somewhat
           .
           So
           the
           man
           here
           retireth
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           speak
           with
           himself
           .
           This
           is
           like
           that
           communing
           with
           our
           own
           heart
           Psal
           .
           4.
           4.
           
           Thus
           God
           leadeth
           to
           the
           wilderness
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           speak
           to
           the
           heart
           ,
           Hos
           .
           2.
           14.
           
           When
           the
           person
           is
           retired
           ,
           the
           thoughts
           of
           the
           heart
           which
           were
           scattered
           in
           former
           steps
           of
           exercise
           ,
           do
           more
           observable
           throng
           in
           here
           .
           We
           shall
           reduce
           them
           into
           this
           method
           .
           (
           1.
           )
           The
           man
           thinks
           of
           his
           unhappy
           folly
           ,
           in
           bearing
           arms
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           here
           there
           be
           large
           thoughts
           of
           former
           wayes
           ,
           with
           a
           blushing
           countenance
           and
           self-loathing
           ,
           Ezek.
           36.
           31.
           like
           that
           of
           Psal
           .
           51.
           3.
           his
           sin
           is
           before
           him
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           Then
           he
           remembreth
           how
           fair
           opportunities
           of
           yeilding
           to
           God
           he
           hath
           basely
           lost
           ;
           his
           spirit
           is
           like
           to
           faint
           when
           he
           remembreth
           that
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           in
           another
           case
           ,
           Psal
           .
           42.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           (
           3
           )
           He
           now
           thinks
           of
           many
           Christians
           ,
           whom
           he
           mocked
           and
           despised
           in
           his
           heart
           ,
           perswading
           himself
           now
           that
           they
           are
           happy
           ,
           as
           having
           chosen
           the
           better
           part
           ;
           he
           thinks
           of
           the
           condition
           of
           those
           who
           wait
           on
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           Queen
           of
           Sheba
           did
           of
           Solomons
           servants
           :
           
             Happy
             are
             thy
             servants
          
           (
           saith
           she
           )
           
             who
             stand
             continually
             before
             thee
             ,
             and
             that
             hear
             thy
             wisdom
             ,
          
           1
           Kings
           10.
           8.
           
           
             Blessed
             are
             they
             that
             dwell
             in
             thy
             house
             ,
             &c.
          
           Psal
           .
           8.
           4.
           4.
           
           He
           wisheth
           to
           be
           one
           of
           the
           meanest
           who
           have
           any
           near
           relation
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           〈◊〉
           Son
           doth
           speak
           ▪
           
           he
           would
           be
           as
           one
           of
           the
           Fathers
           hired
           servants
           ,
           Luke
           15.
           17.
           19.
           
           (
           5.
           )
           Then
           he
           calleth
           to
           mind
           the
           good
           report
           that
           is
           gone
           abroad
           of
           God
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           testimony
           ,
           Jonah
           4.
           2.
           
           The
           Prophet
           knew
           that
           God
           was
           a
           gracious
           God
           and
           merciful
           ,
           slow
           to
           anger
           ,
           and
           of
           great
           kindness
           ,
           &c.
           
           The
           free
           and
           large
           promises
           and
           offers
           of
           grace
           come
           in
           here
           ;
           and
           the
           glorious
           practices
           which
           have
           past
           upon
           sinners
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           same
           of
           God
           in
           Scripture
           .
           (
           5.
           )
           He
           thinks
           with
           himself
           ,
           why
           hath
           God
           spared
           me
           so
           long
           ,
           and
           why
           have
           I
           got
           such
           a
           sight
           of
           my
           sin
           ?
           why
           hath
           he
           kept
           me
           from
           breaking
           prison
           at
           my
           own
           hand
           ,
           in
           choosing
           some
           unhappy
           way
           of
           escape
           ?
           Why
           hath
           he
           made
           this
           strange
           change
           on
           me
           ?
           It
           may
           be
           it
           is
           in
           his
           heart
           to
           do
           me
           good
           ,
           O
           that
           it
           may
           be
           so
           !
           —
           Although
           all
           these
           thoughts
           be
           not
           in
           the
           preparatory
           work
           of
           every
           one
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           with
           many
           ,
           and
           very
           promising
           where
           they
           are
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Upon
           all
           these
           Thoughts
           and
           Meditations
           ,
           the
           man
           more
           seriously
           than
           ever
           before
           ,
           resolveth
           to
           pray
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           some
           essay
           with
           God
           ,
           upon
           Life
           and
           Death
           ;
           he
           concludeth
           ,
           it
           can
           be
           no
           worse
           with
           him
           :
           for
           ,
           if
           he
           sit
           still
           ,
           he
           perisheth
           ,
           as
           the
           Lepers
           speak
           ,
           2
           Kings
           7.
           3
           ,
           4.
           
           He
           considereth
           with
           the
           pinched
           Prodigal
           Son
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           bread
           enough
           in
           the
           Fathers
           House
           ,
           and
           to
           spare
           ▪
           while
           he
           perisheth
           for
           want
           :
           so
           he
           goeth
           to
           God
           ,
           for
           he
           knoweth
           not
           what
           else
           to
           make
           of
           his
           condition
           ,
           as
           the
           Prodigal
           Son
           doth
           ,
           Luk.
           15.
           17
           ,
           18.
           and
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           here
           he
           resolveth
           that
           to
           speak
           ;
           but
           readily
           things
           do
           vary
           when
           he
           is
           arraigned
           before
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           Prodigal
           Son
           forgot
           some
           of
           his
           premediated
           prayers
           ,
           Luk.
           15.
           18
           ,
           19
           ,
           21.
           
           And
           now
           when
           he
           cometh
           before
           God
           more
           observably
           than
           ever
           before
           ,
           (
           1.
           )
           He
           beginneth
           with
           the
           Publican
           ,
           
             a
             far
             off
             ,
             Luk.
          
           18.
           13.
           with
           many
           through
           confessions
           and
           self-condemnings
           ,
           whereof
           he
           is
           very
           Prodigal
           ,
           as
           
             Luk.
             15.
             21.
             
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             Heaven
             ,
             
             and
             before
             thee
             ,
             and
             am
             no
             more
             worthy
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           (
           2.
           )
           Now
           begin
           his
           thoughts
           about
           the
           hearing
           of
           his
           prayer
           ,
           which
           he
           was
           not
           wont
           to
           question
           much
           ▪
           he
           now
           knows
           what
           those
           expressions
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           about
           the
           hearing
           of
           their
           prayers
           ,
           do
           import
           .
           (
           3.
           )
           It
           is
           observable
           in
           this
           address
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           many
           broken
           Sentences
           ,
           like
           that
           of
           Psal
           .
           6.
           3.
           
           (
           
             But
             thou
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             how
             long
             ?
             )
          
           supplyed
           with
           sighs
           and
           groans
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           26.
           and
           greedy
           looking
           upward
           ,
           thereby
           speaking
           more
           than
           can
           be
           exprest
           by
           words
           .
           (
           4.
           )
           There
           be
           ordinarily
           some
           interruptions
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           diversions
           ,
           the
           man
           speaking
           sometimes
           to
           the
           enemy
           ,
           sometimes
           to
           his
           own
           heart
           ,
           sometimes
           to
           the
           multitude
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           as
           David
           did
           in
           other
           cases
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             9.
             6.
             
             Psal
             .
             42.
             5.
             
             Psal
             .
          
           4.
           2.
           
           (
           5.
           )
           It
           is
           observable
           here
           ,
           that
           sometimes
           the
           man
           will
           halt
           and
           be
           silent
           to
           hear
           some
           indistinct
           whispering
           of
           a
           joyful
           sound
           glancing
           on
           the
           mind
           ,
           or
           some
           news
           in
           some
           broken
           word
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           the
           man
           scarcely
           knoweth
           to
           be
           Scripture
           ,
           or
           whether
           it
           is
           come
           from
           God
           or
           Satan
           to
           delude
           him
           :
           yet
           this
           he
           hath
           resolved
           ,
           only
           to
           hear
           what
           God
           the
           Lord
           will
           speak
           ,
           as
           upon
           another
           occasion
           ,
           Psal
           .
           85.
           8.
           
           (
           6.
           )
           More
           distinct
           promises
           comes
           into
           the
           mans
           mind
           ,
           whereupon
           he
           assayeth
           to
           lay
           hold
           ,
           but
           is
           beaten
           off
           with
           objections
           ,
           as
           in
           another
           case
           the
           Psalmist
           is
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             20.
             3.
             6.
             
             But
             thou
             art
             holy
             ,
             But
             I
             am
             a
             Worm
             .
          
           Now
           it
           is
           about
           the
           dawning
           of
           the
           day
           with
           the
           man
           ,
           and
           Faith
           will
           stir
           as
           soon
           as
           the
           Lord
           imparteth
           the
           joyful
           sound
           ,
           Psal
           .
           89.
           15.
           
           This
           is
           the
           substance
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           shortly
           summed
           up
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             Christ
             Jesns
             is
             my
             beloved
             Son
             ,
             in
             whom
             I
             am
             well
             pleased
             ;
             hear
             ye
             him
             .
          
           We
           can
           speak
           no
           further
           of
           the
           mans
           exercise
           as
           a
           preparatory
           work
           ;
           for
           ,
           what
           followeth
           ,
           is
           more
           than
           preparatory
           .
           Yet
           ,
           that
           the
           exercise
           may
           appear
           compleat
           and
           full
           ,
           we
           shall
           add
           here
           ,
           That
           after
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           the
           Lord
           (
           it
           may
           be
           
           after
           many
           answers
           of
           divers
           sorts
           )
           mightily
           conveyeth
           the
           sound
           of
           his
           Covenant
           to
           the
           heart
           and
           determineth
           the
           heart
           to
           close
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           God
           now
           draweth
           him
           so
           to
           Christ
           ,
           Joh.
           6.
           44.
           and
           so
           shapeth
           out
           the
           heart
           for
           him
           ,
           that
           the
           conception
           cannot
           miscarry
           ;
           for
           now
           the
           heart
           is
           so
           in
           breadth
           and
           length
           for
           him
           ,
           as
           that
           less
           cannot
           satisfie
           ,
           and
           more
           is
           not
           desired
           ,
           like
           that
           of
           Psal
           .
           73.
           25.
           
           
             Whom
             have
             I
             in
             Heaven
             but
             thee
             ?
          
           or
           
             whom
             have
             I
             desired
             on
             earth
             besides
             thee
             ?
          
           The
           soul
           now
           resolveth
           to
           die
           ,
           (
           if
           he
           command
           so
           )
           yet
           at
           his
           door
           ,
           and
           facing
           to
           him-wards
           .
        
         
           We
           have
           drawn
           this
           preparatory
           work
           to
           some
           length
           ,
           not
           tying
           any
           man
           to
           such
           a
           work
           so
           circumstantiate
           ;
           only
           ,
           we
           say
           ,
           the
           Lord
           dealeth
           so
           with
           some
           ;
           and
           where
           he
           so
           convinceth
           of
           sin
           ,
           corruption
           ,
           and
           self
           emptiness
           ,
           and
           maketh
           a
           man
           take
           salvation
           to
           heart
           ,
           as
           the
           one
           thing
           necessary
           ,
           and
           sets
           him
           on
           work
           in
           the
           use
           of
           the
           means
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           appointed
           for
           relief
           ;
           I
           say
           such
           a
           work
           rarely
           shall
           be
           found
           to
           fail
           of
           a
           good
           issue
           and
           gracious
           result
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           Hypocrites
           and
           reprobates
           have
           great
           stirrings
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           deep
           convictions
           about
           sin
           ,
           setting
           them
           on
           work
           sometimes
           ,
           and
           I
           do
           suspect
           any
           preparatory
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           I
           ever
           had
           ,
           to
           be
           but
           such
           as
           they
           have
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           will
           be
           heard
           to
           give
           sure
           essential
           differences
           between
           the
           preparatory
           work
           in
           those
           in
           whom
           afterwards
           Christ
           is
           formed
           ,
           and
           those
           legal
           stirrings
           which
           are
           sometimes
           in
           Reprobates
           :
           If
           there
           were
           not
           some
           gracious
           result
           of
           these
           convictions
           ,
           and
           wakenings
           of
           conscience
           in
           the
           Lords
           people
           ,
           and
           other
           marks
           ,
           (
           of
           which
           we
           shall
           speak
           afterwards
           )
           it
           were
           hard
           to
           adventure
           upon
           any
           difference
           that
           is
           clear
           in
           these
           legal
           stirrings
           .
           Yet
           ,
           for
           answer
           to
           the
           Objection
           ,
           I
           shall
           offer
           some
           things
           ,
           which
           rarely
           will
           be
           found
           in
           the
           stirring
           of
           reprobates
           ,
           and
           which
           are
           ordinarily
           found
           in
           that
           Law-work
           which
           
           hath
           a
           gracious
           issue
           .
           1.
           
           The
           convictions
           of
           hypocrites
           and
           reprobates
           ,
           are
           usually
           confined
           to
           some
           few
           very
           gross
           transgressions
           .
           
             Saul
             grants
             no
             more
             but
             the
          
           persecuting
           of
           
             David
             ,
             1
             Sam.
             26.
             21.
             
             Judas
             grants
             only
             the
          
           betraying
           of
           innocent
           blood
           ,
           Mat.
           27.
           4.
           
           But
           usually
           these
           convictions
           by
           which
           the
           Lord
           prepareth
           his
           own
           way
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           although
           they
           may
           begin
           at
           one
           or
           more
           gross
           particular
           transgressions
           ;
           yet
           they
           rest
           not
           there
           ,
           but
           the
           man
           is
           led
           on
           to
           see
           many
           breaches
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           and
           innumerable
           evils
           compassing
           him
           ,
           as
           David
           speaketh
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           his
           sin
           .
           Psal
           .
           40.
           12.
           and
           withal
           ,
           that
           universal
           conviction
           (
           if
           I
           may
           call
           it
           so
           )
           is
           not
           general
           ,
           as
           usually
           we
           hear
           senseless
           men
           saying
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           things
           they
           sin
           :
           But
           it
           is
           particular
           and
           condescending
           ,
           as
           Paul
           afterwards
           spake
           of
           himself
           ,
           he
           not
           only
           is
           the
           chief
           of
           sinners
           ,
           but
           particularly
           ,
           he
           was
           a
           blasphemer
           ,
           a
           persecuter
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           13.
           2.
           
           The
           convictions
           which
           Hypocrites
           have
           ,
           do
           seldom
           reach
           thier
           Corruption
           ,
           and
           that
           body
           of
           death
           which
           breeds
           an
           averseness
           from
           what
           is
           good
           ,
           and
           strongly
           inclineth
           to
           what
           is
           evil
           .
           Ordinarily
           where
           we
           find
           Hypocrites
           speaking
           of
           themselves
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           they
           speak
           loftily
           ,
           and
           with
           some
           self
           conceit
           ,
           both
           as
           to
           their
           freedom
           from
           corruption
           ,
           Joh.
           9.
           34.
           
           The
           Pharisees
           say
           to
           the
           poor
           man
           ,
           
             Thou
             wast
             altogether
             born
             in
             sins
             ,
             and
             dost
             thou
             teach
             us
             ?
          
           (
           as
           if
           they
           themselves
           were
           not
           as
           corrupt
           by
           nature
           as
           he
           )
           They
           speak
           of
           great
           sins
           as
           Hazael
           did
           ,
           2
           
             Kings
             8.
             13.
             
             Am
             I
             a
             Dog
             that
             I
             should
             do
             this
             great
             thing
             ?
          
           And
           also
           in
           their
           undertakings
           of
           duty
           ,
           as
           that
           man
           spake
           ,
           
             Mat.
             8.
             19.
             
             I
             will
             follow
             thee
             whithersoever
             thou
             goest
             .
          
           See
           how
           the
           people
           do
           speak
           ,
           Jer.
           42.
           2.
           to
           7.
           
           They
           undertake
           to
           do
           all
           that
           God
           will
           command
           them
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           still
           go
           about
           in
           any
           case
           to
           establish
           their
           own
           righteousness
           ,
           not
           submitting
           unto
           the
           righteousness
           of
           God.
           But
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           that
           convictions
           and
           exercise
           about
           corruption
           ,
           and
           that
           body
           of
           death
           ,
           inclining
           
           to
           evil
           ,
           and
           disenabling
           for
           good
           ,
           is
           not
           the
           leas●
           part
           of
           the
           work
           ,
           where
           the
           Lord
           is
           preparing
           his
           own
           way
           .
           They
           use
           to
           judge
           themselves
           very
           wretched
           ,
           because
           of
           a
           body
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           are
           at
           their
           wits
           end
           how
           to
           be
           delivered
           ,
           as
           Paul
           speaketh
           when
           he
           is
           under
           the
           exercise
           of
           it
           afterwards
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           19.
           3.
           
           It
           will
           ordinarily
           be
           found
           ,
           that
           the
           convictions
           which
           are
           in
           hypocrites
           ,
           either
           are
           not
           so
           serious
           ,
           as
           that
           some
           other
           business
           will
           not
           put●
           them
           out
           of
           head
           before
           any
           satisfaction
           be
           gotten
           ,
           as
           in
           Cain
           ,
           who
           went
           and
           built
           a
           City
           ,
           and
           we
           hear
           no
           more
           o●
           his
           Convictions
           ,
           Gen.
           4.
           
           Felix
           
             went
             away
             until
             a
             mor●
          
           convenient
           
             time
             ,
             and
             we
             hear
             no
             more
             of
             his
             trembling
             ,
          
           Act●
           24.
           25.
           
           Or
           ,
           if
           that
           work
           become
           very
           serious
           ,
           then
           i●
           runneth
           to
           the
           other
           extremity
           and
           despair
           of
           relief
           ,
           leaving
           no
           room
           for
           any
           escape
           .
           So
           we
           find
           Judas
           very
           serious
           in
           his
           Convictions
           ,
           yet
           he
           grew
           desperate
           ,
           and
           hanged
           himself
           ,
           Mat.
           27.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           But
           where
           the
           Lord
           prepareth
           his
           own
           way
           ,
           the
           work
           is
           both
           so
           serious
           ,
           as
           the
           person
           cannot
           be
           put
           off
           it
           ,
           (
           until
           he
           find
           some
           satisfaction
           )
           and
           yet
           under
           that
           very
           seriousness
           he
           lyeth
           open
           for
           relief
           :
           both
           which
           are
           clear
           in
           the
           Gaolers
           words
           ,
           
             What
             shall
             I
             do
             to
             be
             saved
             ?
          
           Acts
           16.
           30.
           
           This
           serious
           enquiry
           after
           Relief
           ,
           is
           a
           very
           observable
           thing
           in
           the
           preparatory
           work
           which
           leadeth
           on
           to
           Christ
           ;
           yet
           we
           desire
           none
           to
           lay
           too
           much
           weight
           on
           these
           things
           ,
           since
           God
           hath
           allowed
           clearer
           differences
           between
           the
           precious
           and
           the
           vile
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           still
           fear
           ,
           I
           have
           not
           had
           so
           through
           a
           sight
           of
           my
           sin
           and
           misery
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           giveth
           to
           many
           whom
           he
           effectually
           calleth
           ,
           especially
           to
           great
           Transgressors
           ,
           such
           as
           I
           am
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ▪
           the
           Lord
           discovereth
           to
           some
           ,
           great
           sight
           of
           their
           sin
           and
           misery
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           thereby
           put
           under
           great
           legal
           terrours
           .
           But
           as
           all
           are
           not
           brought
           in
           by
           that
           sensible
           preparatory
           Law-work
           ,
           (
           as
           
           we
           shewed
           before
           )
           So
           even
           those
           who
           are
           dealt
           with
           after
           that
           way
           ,
           are
           very
           differently
           and
           variously
           exercised
           in
           regard
           of
           degrees
           of
           terrour
           ,
           and
           of
           continuance
           of
           that
           work
           :
           The
           Jaylor
           hath
           a
           violent
           work
           of
           very
           short
           continuance
           ;
           Paul
           hath
           a
           work
           continuing
           three
           days
           :
           Some
           persons
           are
           in
           bondage
           through
           fear
           of
           death
           all
           their
           days
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           so
           that
           we
           must
           not
           limit
           the
           Lord
           to
           one
           way
           of
           working
           here
           .
           The
           main
           thing
           we
           are
           to
           look
           unto
           in
           these
           legal
           wakenings
           and
           convictions
           of
           sin
           and
           misery
           ,
           is
           ,
           If
           the
           Lord
           reach
           these
           ends
           in
           us
           ,
           for
           which
           usually
           these
           stirrings
           and
           convictions
           are
           sent
           into
           the
           soul
           ;
           and
           if
           these
           ends
           be
           reached
           ,
           it
           is
           well
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           vex
           our selves
           about
           any
           preparatory
           work
           further
           .
           Now
           ,
           these
           ends
           which
           God
           driveth
           ordinarily
           with
           sinners
           ,
           by
           these
           legal
           terrours
           and
           wakenings
           of
           conscience
           ,
           are
           four
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           Lord
           discovers
           sights
           of
           mens
           sin
           and
           misery
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           chase
           them
           out
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           them
           out
           of
           conceit
           of
           their
           own
           righteousness
           .
           Men
           naturally
           have
           great
           thoughts
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           do
           incline
           much
           to
           the
           covenant
           of
           works
           .
           The
           Lord
           therefore
           doth
           discover
           to
           them
           so
           much
           of
           their
           sin
           and
           corruption
           ,
           even
           in
           their
           best
           things
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           made
           to
           loath
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           despair
           of
           relief
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           are
           forced
           to
           flee
           out
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           Covenant
           of
           works
           ,
           to
           seek
           refuge
           elsewhere
           ,
           Heb
           ,
           6.
           18.
           
           They
           become
           dead
           to
           themselves
           and
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           point
           of
           justification
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           4.
           
           
             Then
             have
             they
             no
             more
             considence
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
          
           Phil.
           3
           ,
           3.
           
           This
           is
           supposed
           in
           the
           offers
           of
           
             Christ
             ,
             coming
             to
             seek
             and
             save
             that
             which
             was
             lost
             ,
          
           Luk.
           19.
           10.
           and
           to
           be
           
             Physician
             to
             those
             who
             are
             sick
             ,
          
           Mat.
           9.
           12.
           
        
         
           The
           second
           great
           end
           ,
           is
           ,
           to
           commend
           Christ
           Jesus
           to
           mens
           hearts
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           might
           fall
           
           in
           love
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           betake
           themselves
           to
           that
           treasure
           and
           jewel
           which
           only
           enricheth
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           44.
           and
           by
           so
           doing
           may
           serve
           the
           Lords
           design
           in
           the
           contrivement
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           frec
           grace
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           in
           the
           salvation
           of
           men
           .
           The
           sight
           of
           a
           mans
           own
           misery
           and
           damnable
           estate
           by
           nature
           ,
           is
           a
           ready
           way
           to
           make
           him
           prize
           Christ
           highly
           ,
           who
           alone
           can
           set
           such
           a
           wretch
           at
           liberty
           .
           Yea
           ,
           it
           not
           only
           leadeth
           a
           man
           to
           an
           high
           esteem
           of
           Christ
           ,
           but
           also
           of
           all
           things
           that
           relate
           to
           that
           way
           of
           Salvation
           ,
           as
           Grace
           ,
           New-Covenant
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           &c.
           and
           maketh
           him
           carefully
           to
           gather
           and
           treasure
           up
           his
           Michtams
           or
           golden
           Scriptures
           for
           the
           confirmation
           of
           his
           interest
           in
           these
           things
           .
        
         
           The
           third
           great
           end
           ,
           is
           ,
           To
           deter
           and
           scar
           people
           from
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           them
           fall
           out
           with
           it
           ,
           aud
           consent
           to
           put
           their
           neck
           under
           all
           his
           yoke
           .
           God
           kindleth
           some
           sparkles
           of
           Hell
           in
           mens
           bosoms
           by
           the
           discovery
           of
           their
           sin
           ,
           as
           a
           ready
           mean
           to
           make
           them
           henceforth
           stand
           in
           awe
           ,
           
             knowing
             how
             bitter
             a
             thing
             it
             is
             to
             depart
             from
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           Jer.
           2.
           19.
           
           So
           we
           find
           rest
           offered
           to
           the
           weary
           ,
           upon
           condition
           they
           will
           take
           on
           Christs
           yoke
           ,
           Mat.
           11.
           29.
           
           And
           God
           offereth
           to
           own
           men
           as
           their
           God
           and
           Father
           ,
           upon
           condition
           they
           will
           allow
           no
           peaceable
           abode
           to
           
             Belial
             ,
             2.
             
             Cor.
          
           6.
           14
           ,
           17.
           18.
           
        
         
           The
           fourth
           great
           end
           ,
           is
           ,
           to
           work
           up
           men
           to
           a
           patient
           and
           thankful
           submission
           to
           all
           the
           Masters
           pleasure
           .
           This
           is
           a
           singular
           piece
           of
           work
           ,
           Ezek.
           16.
           63.
           
           Then
           shalt
           thou
           not
           
             open
             thy
             mouth
             any
             more
          
           ,
           The
           sight
           of
           a
           mans
           own
           vileness
           and
           deservings
           ,
           maketh
           him
           silent
           ,
           and
           to
           lay
           his
           hand
           on
           his
           mouth
           ,
           whatsoever
           God
           doth
           unto
           him
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             39.
             9.
             
             I
             was
             dumb
             ,
             and
             opened
             not
             my
             mouth
             ,
             because
             thou
             didst
             it
             .
          
           Ezra
           9.
           13.
           
           
             God
             hath
             punished
             us
             less
             than
             o●r
             iniquities
             .
          
           Micah
           .
           7
           ,
           9.
           
           
             I
             will
             bear
             the
             indignation
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             because
             I
             have
             
             sinned
             .
          
           The
           man
           careth
           not
           what
           God
           doth
           to
           him
           ,
           or
           how
           he
           deal
           with
           him
           ,
           if
           he
           save
           him
           from
           the
           deserved
           wrath
           to
           come
           .
           Also
           ,
           any
           mercy
           is
           a
           large
           mercy
           to
           him
           who
           hath
           seen
           such
           a
           sight
           of
           himself
           ,
           Gen.
           32.
           10.
           
             he
             is
             less
             than
             the
             least
             of
             mercies
             ,
          
           any
           
             crumb
             falling
             from
             his
             Masters
             Table
             is
             welcome
             ,
          
           Mat.
           15.
           27.
           he
           thinks
           it
           rich
           mercy
           that
           he
           is
           not
           consumed
           ,
           Lam.
           3.
           22.
           
           This
           is
           the
           thing
           that
           marvelously
           maketh
           his
           poor
           afflicted
           people
           so
           silent
           under
           ,
           and
           satisfied
           with
           their
           lot
           ;
           Nay
           ,
           they
           think
           he
           deserveth
           Hell
           ,
           who
           openeth
           his
           mouth
           at
           any
           thing
           God
           doth
           to
           him
           ,
           since
           he
           hath
           pardoned
           his
           transgressions
           .
           So
           then
           ,
           for
           satisfying
           the
           Objection
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           hath
           driven
           thee
           out
           of
           thy self
           ,
           and
           commended
           Christ
           to
           thy
           heart
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           made
           thee
           resolve
           on
           his
           strength
           to
           wage
           War
           with
           every
           known
           transgression
           and
           thou
           art
           ,
           in
           some
           measure
           ,
           as
           a
           weaned
           Child
           ,
           acquiescing
           in
           what
           he
           doth
           unto
           thee
           ,
           
             desiring
             to
             lay
             thy
             hand
             on
             thy
             mouth
             thankfully
          
           ;
           Then
           thy
           convictions
           of
           sin
           and
           misery
           ,
           and
           whatsoever
           thou
           do'st
           ,
           plead
           as
           a
           preparatory
           work
           ,
           is
           sufficient
           ,
           and
           thou
           art
           to
           debate
           no
           more
           about
           it
           ;
           only
           be
           advised
           to
           study
           new
           discoveries
           of
           the
           sense
           of
           thy
           lost
           condition
           every
           day
           ,
           because
           of
           thy
           old
           and
           new
           sins
           ,
           and
           also
           to
           see
           fresh
           help
           in
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           Priest
           for
           ever
           to
           make
           intercession
           and
           to
           have
           the
           work
           of
           sanctification
           and
           patience
           with
           thankfulness
           renewed
           and
           quickned
           often
           :
           for
           somewhat
           of
           that
           work
           ,
           which
           abaseth
           thee
           ,
           exalteth
           Christ
           ,
           and
           conformeth
           to
           his
           will
           ,
           must
           conveigh
           thee
           throughout
           all
           thy
           life-time
           in
           this
           World.
           
        
         
           We
           come
           now
           to
           speak
           of
           some
           more
           clear
           and
           sure
           marks
           ,
           by
           which
           men
           may
           take
           up
           their
           gratious
           state
           and
           interest
           in
           Christ
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           thing
           whereby
           men
           know
           it
           ,
           is
           ,
           their
           closing
           with
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           wherein
           he
           is
           held
           forth
           .
           
           This
           is
           believing
           ,
           or
           Faith
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           Covenant
           .
           Rom.
           4.
           16.
           
           It
           is
           faith
           ,
           &c.
           Act
           16
           31.
           
           
             Believe
             —
             and
             thou
             shalt
             be
             Saved
             .
          
           Now
           ,
           although●
           in
           propriety
           of
           speech
           ,
           it
           is
           hard
           to
           prove
           an
           interest
           〈◊〉
           faith
           ,
           it
           being
           our
           very
           interest
           in
           him
           ;
           yet
           the
           heart
           closing
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           is
           so
           discernable
           in
           it self
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           well
           be
           placed
           amongst
           the
           marks
           ,
           of
           a
           gracious
           state
           :
           And
           if
           a
           man
           can
           make
           out
           this
           ,
           that
           he
           believeth
           on
           ,
           and
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           he
           thereby
           doth
           prove
           a
           very
           true
           interest
           in
           him
           .
           Many
           are
           prejudiced
           at
           this
           as
           a
           mark
           ,
           upon
           one
           of
           these
           three
           grounds
           ordinarily
           .
           (
           1.
           )
           Some
           conceive
           faith
           to
           be
           a
           difficult
           mysterious
           thing
           ,
           hardly
           attainable
           .
           To
           these
           I
           say
           ,
           do
           not
           mistake
           ;
           Faith
           is
           not
           so
           difficult
           as
           many
           do
           apprehend
           it
           to
           be
           .
           I
           grant
           true
           faith
           in
           the
           meanest
           degree
           is
           the
           gift
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           above
           the
           power
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           :
           for
           God
           must
           draw
           men
           to
           Christ
           ,
           
             Phil.
             1.
             29.
             
             Joh.
          
           6.
           44.
           
           Yet
           ,
           it
           were
           a
           reflection
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           and
           all
           he
           hath
           done
           ,
           to
           say
           it
           were
           a
           matter
           of
           insuperable
           difficulty
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           ,
           Rom.
           10.
           6
           ,
           —
           11.
           it
           were
           according
           to
           that
           Scripture
           ,
           as
           much
           upon
           the
           matter
           ,
           as
           to
           say
           ,
           Christ
           came
           not
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           is
           not
           risen
           from
           the
           dead
           ,
           or
           ascended
           victorious
           to
           Heaven
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           he
           hath
           made
           the
           way
           to
           Heaven
           most
           easie
           ;
           and
           faith
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           condition
           required
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           more
           easie
           than
           men
           do
           imagine
           .
           For
           the
           better
           understanding
           of
           this
           ,
           consider
           ,
           that
           justifying
           faith
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           believe
           that
           I
           am
           elected
           ,
           or
           ,
           to
           believe
           that
           God
           loveth
           me
           ,
           or
           that
           Christ
           died
           for
           me
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           .
           These
           things
           are
           indeed
           very
           difficult
           and
           almost
           impossible
           at
           the
           first
           hand
           to
           be
           obtained
           by
           those
           who
           are
           serious
           ,
           whilst
           natural
           Athiests
           ,
           and
           deluded
           Hypocrites
           find
           no
           difficulty
           in
           asserting
           all
           those
           things
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           true
           justifying
           faith
           is
           not
           any
           of
           the
           foresaid
           things
           :
           neither
           is
           it
           simply
           the
           believing
           of
           any
           sentence
           that
           is
           written
           or
           that
           
           can
           be
           thought
           upon
           .
           I
           grant
           ,
           he
           that
           believeth
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           believeth
           what
           God
           hath
           said
           about
           mans
           sinful
           miserable
           condition
           by
           nature
           ,
           and
           he
           believeth
           that
           to
           be
           true
           ,
           That
           there
           is
           life
           in
           the
           Son
           ,
           who
           was
           slain
           ,
           
             and
             is
             risen
             again
             from
             the
             dead
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           But
           none
           of
           these
           ,
           nor
           the
           believing
           of
           many
           such
           truths
           ,
           do
           speak
           out
           justifying
           faith
           ,
           or
           that
           believing
           on
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           spoken
           of
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           for
           then
           it
           were
           simply
           an
           act
           of
           the
           understanding
           :
           But
           true
           justifying
           Faith
           ,
           which
           we
           now
           seek
           after
           ,
           as
           a
           good
           mark
           of
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           chiefly
           and
           principally
           an
           act
           or
           work
           of
           the
           heart
           and
           will
           ,
           having
           presupposed
           sundry
           things
           about
           truth
           in
           the
           understanding
           ,
           with
           the
           heart
           it
           is
           believed
           unto
           Salvation
           ,
           Rom.
           10.
           10.
           and
           although
           it
           seem
           (
           vers
           .
           9
           of
           that
           Chapter
           )
           that
           a
           man
           is
           saved
           upon
           condition
           that
           he
           believe
           this
           truth
           ,
           
             God
             raised
             Christ
             from
             the
             dead
          
           ;
           yet
           we
           must
           understand
           another
           thing
           there
           ,
           and
           vers
           .
           10.
           than
           the
           believing
           the
           truth
           of
           that
           proposition
           :
           For
           ,
           beside
           that
           all
           Devils
           have
           that
           Faith
           whereby
           they
           believe
           that
           God
           
             raised
             Christ
             from
             the
             dead
          
           .
           So
           the
           Scripture
           hath
           clearly
           resolved
           justifying
           Faith
           into
           a
           receiving
           of
           Christ
           ,
           Joh.
           1.
           12.
           
           The
           receiving
           of
           Christ
           is
           there
           explained
           to
           be
           the
           believing
           on
           his
           Name
           ,
           it
           is
           still
           called
           a
           staying
           on
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Isa
           .
           26.
           3.
           
           a
           trusting
           in
           God
           ,
           often
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Psalms
           ,
           and
           the
           word
           is
           a
           leaning
           on
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           believing
           on
           Christ
           ,
           Joh
           6.
           29.
           and
           often
           so
           exprest
           in
           the
           New
           Testament
           .
           When
           God
           maketh
           men
           believe
           savingly
           ,
           
             He
             is
             said
             to
          
           draw
           
             them
             unto
             Christ
             ;
             and
             when
             the
             Lord
             inviteth
             them
             to
             believe
             ,
             he
             calleth
             them
             to
             come
             to
             him
             ,
          
           Joh.
           6.
           37
           ,
           44.
           
           
             The
             ●ingdom
             of
             Heaven
             is
             like
             a
             man
             ●●nding
             a
             Jewel
             ,
             wherewith
             he
             falleth
             in
             love
             ,
          
           Mat.
           13.
           14
           ,
           to
           46.
           
           Now
           I
           say
           ,
           this
           action
           of
           the
           heart
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           difficult
           a
           thing
           as
           is
           conceived
           :
           Shall
           that
           be
           judged
           a
           mysterious
           difficult
           thing
           ,
           which
           doth
           consist
           much
           in
           desire
           ?
           If
           man
           have
           but
           an
           appetite
           ,
           ●ey
           
           
           
           
           
           have
           it
           ;
           for
           ,
           they
           are
           blessed
           that
           hunger
           after
           righteousness
           ,
           Mat.
           5.
           6.
           
           
             If
             you
             will
             ,
             you
             are
             welcome
             ,
          
           Rev.
           22.
           17.
           
           It
           is
           a
           matter
           of
           such
           intricacy
           ,
           and
           insuperable
           difficulty
           ,
           greedily
           to
           look
           to
           that
           exalted
           Saviour
           ,
           Isa
           .
           45.
           22.
           and
           to
           receive
           a
           thing
           that
           is
           offered
           ,
           held
           forth
           ,
           and
           declared
           to
           be
           mine
           ,
           if
           I
           will
           but
           accept
           and
           take
           i●
           ;
           and
           in
           a
           manner
           open
           my
           mouth
           and
           give
           way
           to
           it
           ?
           Such
           a
           thing
           is
           faith
           ,
           Psal
           81
           10.
           if
           not
           less
           .
           Oh
           if
           I
           could
           perswade
           people
           what
           is
           justifying
           Faith
           ,
           which
           impropriateth
           Christ
           to
           me
           !
           We
           often
           fright
           people
           from
           their
           just
           rest
           and
           quiet
           ,
           by
           making
           them
           apprehend
           faith
           to
           be
           some
           deep
           mysterious
           thing
           ,
           and
           by
           moving
           unnecessary
           doubts
           about
           it
           ,
           whereby
           it
           is
           needlesly
           darkened
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           Some
           make
           no
           use
           of
           this
           mark
           ,
           as
           judging
           it
           a
           high
           presumptuous
           crime
           to
           pretend
           to
           so
           excellent
           a
           thing
           as
           is
           the
           very
           condition
           of
           the
           New
           Covenant
           .
           To
           those
           I
           say
           ,
           you
           need
           not
           startle
           so
           much
           as
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           high
           pride
           to
           pretend
           to
           it
           ;
           for
           whatsoever
           true
           Faith
           be
           ,
           men
           must
           resolve
           to
           have
           it
           ,
           or
           nothing
           at
           all
           ;
           all
           other
           marks
           are
           in
           vain
           without
           it
           ;
           a
           thousand
           things
           besides
           will
           not
           do
           the
           business
           :
           Unless
           a
           man
           believe
           ,
           he
           abideth
           in
           the
           state
           of
           Condemnation
           .
           Joh.
           3.
           18
           ,
           36.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           Others
           do
           not
           meddle
           with
           this
           noble
           mark
           of
           faith
           ,
           because
           they
           judge
           it
           a
           work
           of
           greatest
           difficulty
           to
           find
           out
           Faith
           where
           it
           is
           .
           To
           those
           I
           say
           ,
           It
           is
           not
           so
           difficult
           to
           find
           it
           out
           since
           he
           that
           believeth
           ,
           hath
           the
           witness
           in
           himself
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           5.
           10.
           
           It
           is
           a
           thing
           which
           by
           some
           serious
           search
           may
           be
           known
           ,
           not
           only
           may
           we
           do
           much
           to
           find
           it
           out
           by
           the
           preparatory
           work
           going
           before
           it
           in
           many
           ,
           as
           the
           apprehending
           and
           believing
           of
           a
           mans
           lost
           estate
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           cannot
           do
           his
           own
           business
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           is
           satisfying
           fulness
           in
           Christ
           ,
           very
           desirable
           ,
           if
           he
           could
           overtake
           it
           .
           A
           serious
           minding
           of
           this
           ,
           with
           a
           heart
           laid
           open
           for
           relief
           ;
           as
           also
           by
           the
           ordinary
           companions
           and
           concomitans
           of
           it
           ,
           viz.
           the
           liking
           of
           Christs
           Dominion
           ,
           his
           Kingh
           
           and
           prophetical
           Office
           ,
           a
           desire
           to
           resign
           my self
           wholly
           up
           to
           him
           to
           be
           at
           his
           disposing
           :
           As
           also
           by
           the
           native
           consequences
           of
           it
           ,
           viz.
           the
           managings
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           managings
           of
           my
           own
           conscience
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           ,
           a
           heart
           purifying
           work
           ,
           a
           working
           love
           ,
           &c.
           
           I
           say
           ,
           not
           only
           may
           we
           know
           faith
           by
           these
           things
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           discernable
           by
           it self
           and
           of
           its
           own
           nature
           :
           although
           I
           deny
           not
           but
           that
           there
           must
           be
           some
           help
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           which
           we
           know
           what
           is
           freely
           given
           unto
           us
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           2.
           12
           ,
           As
           also
           that
           God
           hath
           allowed
           many
           evidences
           and
           marks
           ,
           as
           precious
           helps
           ,
           whereby
           men
           may
           clear
           up
           faith
           more
           fully
           to
           themselves
           ,
           1
           John
           5.
           13.
           
           Yet
           I
           still
           say
           ,
           that
           faith
           ,
           or
           believing
           which
           is
           some
           acting
           of
           the
           heart
           upon
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           transacting
           with
           him
           there
           ,
           is
           discernable
           of
           it self
           ,
           and
           by
           it self
           ,
           to
           a
           judicious
           understanding
           person
           ,
           with
           an
           ordinary
           influence
           of
           the
           spirit
           ;
           unless
           the
           Lord
           ,
           for
           reasons
           known
           to
           himself
           ,
           do
           overcloud
           a
           mans
           reflex
           light
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           should
           take
           up
           and
           perceive
           what
           is
           in
           him
           .
        
         
           This
           justifying
           faith
           which
           we
           assert
           to
           be
           so
           discernable
           ,
           is
           ,
           in
           the
           Lords
           deep
           wisdom
           and
           gracious
           condescendence
           ,
           variously
           exprest
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           different
           actings
           of
           it
           upon
           God
           ,
           and
           outgoings
           after
           him
           ,
           so
           as
           every
           one
           ,
           who
           hath
           it
           ,
           may
           find
           and
           take
           it
           up
           in
           his
           own
           mould
           .
           It
           sometimes
           acted
           by
           a
           desire
           of
           union
           with
           him
           in
           Christ
           .
           This
           is
           that
           
             looking
             to
             him
          
           ,
           Isa
           .
           45.
           22.
           
           This
           seems
           to
           be
           a
           weak
           act
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           far
           below
           other
           actings
           of
           it
           at
           other
           times
           perhaps
           in
           that
           same
           person
           .
           Men
           will
           look
           to
           what
           they
           dare
           not
           approach
           (
           to
           their
           apprehension
           )
           which
           they
           dare
           not
           touch
           or
           embrace
           .
           They
           may
           look
           to
           one
           ,
           to
           whome
           they
           dare
           not
           speak
           .
           Yet
           God
           hath
           made
           the
           promise
           to
           faith
           in
           that
           acting
           ,
           as
           the
           forecited
           Scripture
           doth
           shew
           ,
           and
           this
           he
           hath
           done
           mercifully
           and
           
           wisely
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           the
           only
           discernable
           way
           of
           the
           acting
           of
           faith
           of
           some
           persons
           sometimes
           :
           such
           are
           the
           actings
           our
           outgoings
           of
           faith
           exprest
           in
           Scripture
           by
           
             hungring
             and
             thirsting
             after
             righteousness
          
           ,
           Mat.
           5.
           6.
           and
           that
           exprest
           by
           w●lling
           ,
           Rev.
           22.
           17.
           
           Again
           ,
           this
           faith
           goeth
           out
           sometimes
           in
           the
           act
           of
           ,
           recumbency
           ,
           or
           leaning
           on
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           soul
           taking
           up
           Christ
           then
           as
           a
           resting
           stone
           ;
           and
           God
           hath
           so
           held
           him
           out
           ,
           although
           he
           be
           a
           stumbling
           stone
           to
           others
           ,
           Rom.
           9.
           33.
           
           This
           acting
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           hinted
           in
           the
           expressions
           of
           
             trusting
             and
             staying
             on
             God
          
           ,
           so
           often
           mentioned
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           and
           precious
           promises
           are
           made
           to
           this
           acting
           of
           faith
           ,
           Isa
           .
           26.
           34.
           
           
             God
             will
             keep
             them
             in
             prerfect
             peace
             whose
             minds
             are
             staid
             on
             him
             ,
          
           because
           such
           do
           trust
           in
           him
           .
           
             Trust
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             with
             him
             is
             everlasting
             strength
             ,
          
           So
           Psal
           .
           125.
           1.
           
           
             They
             that
             trust
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             be
             as
             Mount
          
           Zion
           
             which
             abideth
             for
             ever
          
           .
           I
           say
           the
           Lord
           hath
           made
           promises
           to
           this
           way
           of
           Faiths
           acting
           ,
           as
           knowing
           it
           will
           go
           often
           out
           after
           him
           in
           this
           way
           with
           many
           persons
           ,
           and
           this
           way
           of
           its
           acting
           will
           be
           most
           discernable
           to
           them
           .
           It
           goeth
           out
           after
           God
           sometimes
           by
           an
           act
           of
           waiting
           ,
           when
           the
           Soul
           hath
           somewhat
           depending
           before
           God
           ,
           and
           hath
           not
           got
           out
           his
           mind
           satisfyingly
           about
           that
           thing
           ;
           then
           Faith
           doth
           wait
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           hath
           the
           Promise
           ,
           Isa
           .
           49.
           23.
           
           Sometimes
           it
           acteth
           in
           a
           wilful
           way
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           when
           the
           Soul
           apprehendeth
           God
           thrusting
           it
           away
           ,
           and
           threatning
           its
           ruine
           ;
           So
           Job
           13.
           15.
           
           
             Though
             he
             slay
             me
             ,
             yet
             I
             will
             trust
             in
             him
             .
          
           The
           faith
           of
           that
           poor
           woman
           ,
           Mat.
           15.
           22
           ,
           28.
           so
           highly
           commended
           by
           Christ
           ,
           did
           go
           out
           in
           this
           way
           of
           wilful
           acting
           over
           the
           difficulties
           ;
           and
           the
           Lord
           speaketh
           much
           good
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           it
           ,
           because
           some
           will
           be
           put
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           exercise
           faith
           that
           way
           sometimes
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           have
           that
           for
           their
           encouragement
           .
           It
           were
           tedious
           to
           instance
           all
           the
           several
           ways
           of
           the
           acting
           of
           faith
           upon
           ,
           and
           its
           
           exercise
           about
           ,
           and
           outgoing
           after
           Christ
           .
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           various
           conditions
           and
           pressures
           of
           the
           soul
           of
           man
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           variously
           held
           out
           himself
           and
           his
           fulness
           in
           Christ
           under
           divers
           notions
           ,
           as
           might
           most
           fitly
           meet
           the
           distress
           or
           condition
           of
           man
           ;
           and
           accordinly
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           appointed
           to
           traffick
           and
           travel
           between
           Christ
           and
           Man
           ,
           as
           the
           instrument
           of
           conveyance
           of
           his
           fulness
           unto
           man
           ,
           and
           of
           maintaining
           union
           and
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           acteth
           variously
           and
           differently
           upon
           God
           in
           Christ
           ;
           for
           ,
           Faith
           is
           the
           very
           shaping
           out
           of
           a
           mans
           heart
           ,
           according
           to
           Gods
           contrivement
           of
           Salvation
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           in
           whom
           
             it
             pleased
             the
             Father
             that
             fulness
             should
             dwell
          
           ;
           So
           that
           let
           Christ
           turn
           what
           way
           he
           will
           ,
           Faith
           turneth
           and
           pointeth
           that
           way
           .
           Now
           ,
           he
           turneth
           all
           ways
           ,
           in
           which
           he
           can
           be
           useful
           to
           poor
           man
           ,
           and
           therefore
           faith
           acteth
           accordingly
           on
           him
           ,
           for
           drawing
           out
           of
           that
           fulness
           ,
           according
           to
           a
           mans
           case
           and
           condition
           .
           As
           for
           example
           ,
           The
           soul
           is
           naked
           ,
           destitute
           of
           a
           covering
           to
           keep
           it
           from
           the
           storms
           of
           Gods
           wrath
           ;
           Christ
           is
           fine
           raiment
           ,
           Rev.
           3.
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           Then
           accordingly
           Faiths
           work
           here
           is
           to
           put
           on
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           Gal.
           3.
           27.
           
           The
           Soul
           is
           hungry
           and
           thirsty
           after
           somewhat
           that
           may
           everlastingly
           satisfy
           :
           Christ
           Jesus
           is
           
             Milk
             ,
             Wine
             ,
             Water
             ,
             Bread
             of
             Life
             ,
          
           and
           the
           true
           Manna
           ,
           Isa
           .
           55.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           Joh.
           6.
           4
           ,
           51.
           
           He
           is
           the
           feast
           of
           Fat
           things
           ,
           and
           of
           Wine
           refined
           ,
           Isa
           .
           25.
           6.
           
           Then
           the
           work
           and
           exercise
           of
           faith
           ,
           is
           ,
           to
           go
           buy
           ,
           eat
           and
           drink
           abundantly
           ,
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             1.
             
             Joh.
          
           6.
           53.
           57.
           
           The
           soul
           is
           pursued
           for
           guilt
           more
           or
           less
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           Law-biding
           ;
           Christ
           Jesus
           is
           the
           City
           of
           refuge
           ,
           and
           the
           High-Priest
           there
           ,
           during
           whose
           life-time
           (
           that
           is
           for
           ever
           )
           the
           poor
           man
           who
           wins
           this
           ,
           is
           safe
           .
           Then
           the
           work
           and
           exercise
           of
           faith
           is
           to
           flee
           thither
           for
           refuge
           ,
           to
           lay
           hold
           on
           the
           hope
           set
           before
           us
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           1.
           
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           whatsoever
           way
           he
           may
           benefit
           poor
           man
           ,
           so
           he
           speaketh
           
           of
           himself
           ;
           and
           as
           he
           holdeth
           out
           himself
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           so
           faith
           doth
           point
           toward
           him
           .
           If
           he
           be
           a
           Bridegroom
           ,
           faith
           will
           go
           out
           in
           a
           marriage
           relation
           ;
           If
           he
           be
           a
           Father
           ,
           Faith
           pleads
           the
           man
           to
           be
           a
           child
           ;
           If
           he
           be
           a
           shepherd
           ,
           faith
           pleads
           the
           man
           may
           be
           one
           of
           his
           sheep
           ;
           if
           he
           be
           a
           Lord
           ,
           faith
           calls
           him
           so
           ,
           which
           none
           can
           do
           but
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Jesus
           ;
           If
           he
           be
           dead
           and
           risen
           again
           for
           our
           Justification
           ,
           faith
           believeth
           God
           hath
           raised
           him
           on
           that
           account
           .
           Rom.
           10.
           9.
           wheresoever
           he
           be
           ,
           there
           would
           faith
           be
           ;
           and
           whatsoever
           he
           is
           ,
           faith
           would
           be
           somewhat
           proportionally
           .
           For
           ,
           by
           faith
           the
           heart
           is
           shapen
           out
           in
           breadth
           and
           length
           for
           him
           :
           yea
           ,
           when
           the
           fame
           and
           report
           of
           him
           goeth
           abroad
           in
           his
           truth
           ,
           although
           faith
           see
           not
           much
           ,
           yet
           it
           believeth
           on
           his
           Name
           ,
           upon
           the
           very
           fame
           he
           hath
           sent
           abroad
           of
           himself
           ,
           Joh.
           1.
           12.
           
        
         
           But
           here
           for
           avoiding
           of
           mistakes
           ,
           consider
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           although
           justifying
           Faith
           acteth
           so
           variously
           ;
           yet
           every
           Believer
           ,
           who
           hath
           a
           good
           title
           to
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           hath
           not
           all
           these
           various
           actings
           and
           exercises
           of
           Faith
           ;
           for
           his
           condition
           craveth
           them
           not
           :
           and
           also
           the
           Master
           is
           pleased
           not
           to
           lead
           out
           the
           faith
           of
           some
           persons
           at
           some
           times
           in
           some
           of
           these
           ways
           (
           for
           reasons
           known
           to
           himself
           )
           even
           when
           their
           necessity
           (
           to
           their
           apprehension
           )
           calleth
           for
           such
           acting
           of
           faith
           .
           Surely
           every
           one
           dare
           not
           say
           ,
           
             Though
             he
             kill
             me
             ,
             yet
             will
             I
             trust
             in
             him
             .
          
           Many
           would
           not
           have
           gon
           up
           with
           that
           woman
           I
           spake
           of
           ,
           Mat.
           15.
           but
           would
           have
           been
           discouraged
           and
           quit
           the
           pursuit
           .
           It
           is
           on
           this
           account
           that
           Christ
           doth
           highly
           commend
           the
           faith
           of
           some
           ,
           beyond
           the
           faith
           of
           others
           ,
           
             Mat.
             8.
             10.
             and
          
           15.
           28.
           
           Many
           good
           people
           are
           much
           disquieted
           about
           their
           faith
           ,
           because
           it
           goeth
           not
           out
           in
           all
           those
           ways
           we
           find
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           But
           there
           is
           hardly
           and
           man
           will
           be
           found
           ,
           whose
           faith
           hath
           acted
           all
           these
           ways
           .
           2.
           
           Many
           of
           these
           actings
           of
           faith
           are
           
           much
           intended
           and
           remitted
           .
           They
           are
           sometimes
           strong
           and
           vigorous
           ,
           and
           discernable
           ;
           and
           sometimes
           they
           fail
           ,
           and
           misbelief
           doth
           prevail
           ,
           so
           as
           it
           were
           an
           uncertain
           thing
           to
           judge
           of
           a
           mans
           estate
           by
           these
           .
           We
           find
           the
           Saints
           very
           different
           from
           themselves
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           actings
           of
           faith
           sometimes
           ,
           as
           we
           shewed
           before
           .
           3.
           
           Each
           one
           of
           these
           actings
           of
           faith
           ,
           speaketh
           good
           to
           the
           person
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           hath
           promises
           annexed
           unto
           it
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           said
           .
           Yet
           4.
           
           Although
           these
           Actings
           of
           faith
           have
           promises
           annexed
           unto
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           not
           ,
           for
           that
           ,
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           New
           Conenant
           ;
           for
           then
           every
           one
           behoved
           to
           have
           each
           one
           of
           them
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           true
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           said
           before
           .
           A
           promise
           is
           made
           to
           him
           who
           overcometh
           ,
           but
           perseverance
           is
           not
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           New
           Covenant
           ,
           but
           doth
           suppose
           it
           .
           There
           are
           promises
           made
           to
           the
           exercises
           of
           all
           Graces
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           but
           only
           faith
           is
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           Covenant
           .
           I
           say
           then
           these
           promises
           are
           made
           to
           these
           actings
           of
           Faith
           ,
           not
           as
           such
           ,
           but
           as
           they
           do
           suppose
           Justifying
           faith
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           Covenant
           :
           All
           these
           are
           actings
           of
           faith
           ,
           but
           not
           as
           it
           is
           justifying
           .
           Therefore
           5.
           
           There
           is
           somewhat
           common
           to
           all
           gracious
           persons
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           supposed
           by
           all
           the
           foresaid
           actings
           of
           faith
           ,
           wherein
           the
           nature
           and
           essence
           of
           justifying
           faith
           standeth
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           hearts
           satisfaction
           about
           Gods
           contrivance
           of
           Salvation
           by
           Christ
           ;
           when
           man
           pleadeth
           Gods
           invention
           of
           satisfaction
           to
           justice
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           in
           whom
           all
           fulness
           doth
           dwell
           now
           by
           the
           Fathers
           pleasure
           ;
           when
           the
           soul
           and
           heart
           of
           man
           acquiesceth
           in
           that
           ,
           then
           it
           believeth
           unto
           Salvation
           .
           As
           at
           first
           ,
           the
           Lord
           made
           man
           suitable
           to
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Works
           ,
           by
           creating
           him
           perfect
           ,
           and
           so
           putting
           him
           in
           a
           capacity
           to
           perform
           his
           Will
           in
           that
           Covenant
           :
           So
           under
           the
           New
           Covenant
           ,
           when
           God
           giveth
           the
           new
           heart
           to
           man
           ,
           he
           sets
           the
           Idea
           and
           stamp
           of
           all
           his
           device
           in
           the
           New
           Covenant
           upon
           
           the
           man
           ,
           so
           as
           there
           is
           a
           consonancy
           to
           Gods
           will
           there
           :
           Thus
           he
           beareth
           the
           image
           of
           the
           second
           〈◊〉
           ,
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           on
           him
           .
           This
           is
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           new
           heart
           ,
           and
           is
           most
           opposed
           to
           works
           ;
           since
           now
           the
           man
           absolutely
           falleth
           off
           from
           works
           ,
           becoming
           〈…〉
           (
           as
           to
           the
           point
           of
           justificatim
           )
           〈…〉
           a
           Rom.
           7.
           4.
           
           Man
           perceiving
           ,
           〈…〉
           way
           of
           satisfying
           Divine
           〈…〉
           by
           the
           incarnation
           of
           〈…〉
           sure
           a
           way
           ,
           that
           he
           absolute
           〈…〉
           I
           said
           before
           ,
           and
           closeth
           with
           this
           contrivement●
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           believing
           or
           faith
           ,
           very
           opposite
           to
           works
           ,
           and
           all
           resting
           thereupon
           :
           this
           cannot
           fail
           to
           be
           in
           all
           gracious
           persons
           ,
           in
           whom
           many
           of
           the
           actions
           of
           faith
           are
           not
           to
           be
           found
           .
           This
           doth
           clearly
           suppose
           known
           distress
           in
           a
           man
           ,
           without
           all
           relief
           in
           himself
           ;
           this
           supposeth
           known
           fulness
           in
           Christ
           as
           the
           alone
           sufficient
           relief
           ,
           this
           imports
           a
           sort
           of
           impropriation
           :
           for
           the
           heart
           pleasing
           that
           contrivement
           ,
           it
           so
           far
           swayeth
           towards
           it
           .
           This
           is
           a
           thing
           clearly
           supposed
           in
           all
           the
           actings
           of
           faith
           ,
           spoken
           of
           before
           .
           He
           that
           greedily
           hungereth
           ,
           hath
           this
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           leaneth
           hath
           this
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           
             putteth
             on
             Christ
          
           hath
           this
           ,
           &c.
           
           This
           is
           to
           esteem
           Christ
           the
           
             wisdom
             and
             power
             of
             God
             to
             Salvation
             .
          
           So
           is
           he
           said
           to
           be
           all
           that
           believe
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           1.
           24.
           
           They
           esteem
           that
           contrivance
           wise
           and
           sure
           ,
           beseeming
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           to
           believe
           .
           On
           this
           account
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           rejected
           stone
           to
           many
           ,
           
             is
             precious
             to
             them
             who
             believe
          
           ;
           a
           fit
           stone
           to
           recover
           ,
           fortify
           ,
           and
           beautify
           the
           
             tottering
             building
             ,
             and
             fabrick
             of
             l●st
             man.
          
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           
           
             The
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             is
             like
             a
             man
             finding
             a
             treasure
             ,
             for
             which
             with
             joy
             he
             selleth
             all
             ,
          
           Mat.
           13.
           44.
           
           These
           words
           hold
           out
           the
           very
           way
           of
           believing
           ,
           viz.
           Salvation
           is
           discovered
           in
           the
           Gospel
           to
           be
           by
           Christ
           ;
           the
           heart
           vallueth
           that
           invention
           as
           satisfying
           .
           This
           is
           to
           believe
           on
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           
             lifted
             up
          
           ,
           which
           is
           
           compared
           to
           the
           
             looking
             up
             to
             the
             brazen
             Serpent
             ,
             John
          
           3.
           14.
           
           It
           was
           mans
           approbation
           of
           that
           device
           ,
           which
           made
           it
           effectual
           for
           his
           healing
           .
           So
           is
           it
           here
           ,
           
             He
             that
             believeth
             ,
             setteth
             to
             his
             seal
             that
             God
             is
             true
             .
             True
             !
          
           wherein
           ?
           In
           that
           record
           he
           hath
           born
           ,
           
             That
             God
             hath
             provided
             life
             for
             men
             ;
             and
             placed
             it
             all
             in
             Christ
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Joh.
           5.
           10.
           11.
           
           
             He
             that
             believeth
             not
             ,
             maketh
             God
             a
             lyer
             .
          
           Where
           ?
           In
           his
           saying
           that
           Christ
           is
           a
           safe
           and
           sure
           way
           to
           Heaven
           .
           This
           is
           well
           pleased
           with
           and
           acquiescing
           in
           that
           devise
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           consonant
           to
           all
           ,
           I
           know
           ,
           spoken
           of
           
             Justifying
             Faith
             in
             Scripture
          
           .
           This
           is
           in
           the
           believing
           on
           Christ
           and
           on
           his
           Name
           ,
           the
           receiving
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           resting
           on
           him
           for
           Salvation
           in
           our
           Catechism
           .
           The
           
             believing
             that
             Jesus
             is
             the
             Christ
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           
             the
             Anointed
             one
          
           whom
           the
           father
           hath
           sealed
           ,
           and
           set
           apart
           and
           qualified
           for
           the
           work
           of
           reconciling
           man
           unto
           God
           ;
           and
           
             he
             that
             believeth
             that
             Jesus
             is
             the
             Christ
             ,
             is
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             1.
             
             Joh.
          
           5.
           1.
           
           This
           is
           to
           believe
           
             with
             the
             heart
             that
             God
             hath
             raised
             Christ
             from
             the
             dead
             .
          
           The
           man
           believeth
           Christ
           died
           ,
           and
           is
           raised
           on
           the
           account
           of
           satisfaction
           for
           mans
           transgression
           :
           Devils
           may
           believe
           that
           .
           Nay
           ,
           but
           the
           man
           I
           speak
           of
           ,
           
             believeth
             it
             with
             his
             heart
          
           ,
           (
           which
           no
           natural
           man
           doth
           ,
           untill
           a
           new
           heart
           be
           given
           unto
           him
           )
           that
           is
           ,
           he
           cordially
           pleadeth
           ,
           is
           satisfied
           with
           ,
           and
           acquiesceth
           in
           this
           noble
           invention
           .
           And
           thus
           faith
           layeth
           out
           it self
           now
           and
           then
           in
           its
           actings
           ,
           out-goings
           ,
           and
           excrcise
           .
           according
           to
           all
           the
           Covenant
           relations
           ,
           under
           which
           Christ
           is
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           Now
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           This
           faith
           is
           discernable
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           these
           actings
           many
           times
           ;
           a
           man
           may
           know
           if
           his
           heart
           doth
           hunger
           after
           Christ
           and
           flee
           for
           refuge
           to
           him
           ,
           when
           pursued
           ,
           and
           if
           he
           doth
           commit
           himself
           unto
           God
           ,
           &c.
           but
           also
           in
           its
           very
           nature
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           justifying
           ,
           it
           is
           discernable
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           known
           .
           A
           man
           may
           clearly
           know
           ,
           if
           from
           known
           dis●●ess
           in
           himself
           upon
           the
           report
           and
           
           
           
           
           
           fame
           of
           Christs
           fulness
           ,
           his
           heart
           is
           well
           pleased
           with
           Gods
           contrivement
           in
           the
           new
           Covenant
           ,
           if
           it
           goeth
           out
           after
           Christ
           in
           that
           invention
           ,
           and
           pleadeth
           him
           a
           Lord
           of
           the
           life
           of
           men
           ,
           terminating
           and
           resting
           there
           ,
           and
           no
           where
           else
           ,
           acquiescing
           in
           that
           contrivement
           with
           desire
           and
           complacency
           .
           This
           is
           a
           discernable
           thing
           .
           Therefore
           I
           beseech
           men
           impartially
           to
           examine
           themselves
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           find
           that
           their
           heart
           hath
           closed
           so
           with
           that
           invention
           of
           salvation
           ,
           and
           is
           gone
           out
           after
           him
           as
           precious
           ,
           that
           thereupon
           they
           would
           conclude
           a
           sure
           and
           true
           interest
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           a
           good
           claim
           and
           title
           to
           the
           crown
           ,
           since
           
             he
             that
             helieveth
             shall
             never
             perish
             ,
             but
             have
             everlasting
             life
             .
          
           John
           3.
           16.
           36.
           
        
         
           Object
           .
           
             Hypocrites
             and
             Reprobates
             have
             a
             sort
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             are
             said
             to
             believe
             ,
          
           Joh.
           2.
           23.
           
           Acts
           3.
           13.
           
             and
             cannot
             choose
             but
             go
             out
             after
             Christ
             ,
             and
             that
             invention
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             when
             they
             hear
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             they
             profess
             they
             do
             so
             ,
             yet
             are
             deluded
             ,
             and
             so
             may
             I
             be
             .
          
        
         
           Answ
           .
           To
           say
           nothing
           of
           that
           thought
           of
           your
           heart
           ,
           [
           whereby
           you
           wonder
           that
           any
           man
           should
           not
           please
           the
           contrivement
           of
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           ,
           and
           lead
           out
           towards
           him
           ]
           as
           a
           very
           promising
           thing
           ,
           and
           speaking
           out
           justifying
           faith
           to
           be
           in
           your
           bosom
           ;
           and
           to
           say
           nothing
           in
           contradiction
           to
           that
           which
           you
           think
           ,
           That
           a
           natural
           man
           whilst
           such
           ,
           and
           before
           he
           get
           a
           new
           heart
           ,
           can
           please
           that
           contrivement
           ,
           and
           believe
           with
           his
           heart
           and
           affectionately
           ,
           that
           which
           perfectly
           overthroweth
           the
           Covenant
           of
           works
           ,
           and
           abaseth
           man
           in
           the
           point
           of
           self-righteousness
           already
           attained
           ,
           or
           that
           can
           be
           won
           at
           by
           him
           ,
           which
           is
           inconsistent
           with
           many
           Scriptural
           truths
           ;
           I
           offer
           these
           differences
           between
           the
           faith
           of
           all
           Hypocrites
           or
           reprobates
           ,
           and
           that
           true
           saving
           justifying
           faith
           whereof
           we
           have
           spoken
           .
           1.
           
           They
           never
           close
           with
           Jesus
           Christ
           (
           in
           that
           contrivement
           )
           and
           him
           alone
           as
           a
           sufficient
           covering
           of
           the
           eyes
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           of
           Abraham
           
           to
           
             Sarah
             ,
             Gen.
          
           20.
           16.
           
           They
           still
           hold
           fast
           somewhat
           of
           their
           own
           ,
           at
           least
           to
           help
           to
           procure
           Gods
           favour
           and
           salvation
           :
           Their
           heart
           doth
           still
           speak
           ,
           as
           that
           young
           mans
           speech
           ,
           Luke
           .
           18
           18
           ,
           21.
           doth
           insinuate
           ,
           
             What
             want
             I
             that
             I
             may
             inherit
             life
             ?
          
           Beside
           that
           ,
           they
           do
           still
           retain
           their
           former
           lovers
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           break
           their
           Covenants
           with
           Hell
           and
           Death
           ,
           imagining
           they
           may
           have
           Christ
           with
           these
           things
           equally
           sharing
           in
           their
           heart
           ,
           contrary
           to
           that
           ,
           
             A
             man
             cannot
             serve
             two
             Masters
             ,
             Mat.
          
           6.
           24.
           
           Either
           Christ
           must
           be
           judged
           absolute
           Lord
           ,
           and
           worthy
           to
           be
           so
           ,
           or
           nothing
           at
           all
           .
           And
           so
           it
           is
           clear
           ,
           their
           heart
           is
           not
           shapen
           out
           for
           that
           way
           of
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           ,
           whom
           God
           hath
           alone
           made
           Lord
           here
           ,
           in
           whom
           all
           fulness
           shall
           dwell
           .
           But
           where
           justifying
           faith
           is
           ,
           the
           soul
           of
           a
           man
           and
           his
           heart
           doth
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           him
           alone
           ,
           having
           no
           confidence
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           
             Phil.
             3.
             3.
             
             Psal
          
           .
           62.
           5.
           he
           trusteth
           only
           in
           God.
           As
           also
           the
           man
           here
           giveth
           up
           with
           other
           lovers
           ,
           as
           they
           stand
           in
           competition
           with
           Christ
           ;
           they
           resolve
           not
           to
           be
           for
           another
           ,
           Hos
           ,
           3.
           3.
           
           They
           call
           him
           Lord
           ,
           which
           a
           man
           can
           only
           do
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Christ
           ,
           1.
           
           Cor.
           12.
           3.
           2.
           
           As
           Hypocrites
           and
           Reprobates
           do
           never
           close
           with
           Christ
           alone
           ;
           so
           they
           do
           never
           close
           with
           full
           Christ
           as
           he
           is
           annointed
           to
           be
           a
           King
           to
           rule
           over
           a
           man
           in
           all
           things
           ;
           a
           Priest
           ,
           to
           procure
           pardon
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           peace
           for
           man
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ;
           a
           Prophet
           ,
           to
           be
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           a
           Teacher
           and
           Counsellor
           in
           all
           cases
           to
           man.
           So
           they
           do
           not
           receive
           Christ
           ,
           especially
           in
           the
           first
           and
           third
           offices
           .
           But
           where
           true
           justifying
           faith
           is
           ,
           a
           man
           closeth
           with
           whole
           Christ
           in
           all
           his
           offices
           ,
           judging
           all
           his
           will
           good
           ,
           holy
           ,
           just
           and
           spiritual
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           12.
           and
           right
           concerning
           all
           things
           ,
           Psalm
           119.
           128.
           making
           mention
           of
           his
           righteousness
           only
           ,
           Psal
           .
           71
           ,
           16.
           
           The
           man
           also
           giveth
           up
           himself
           to
           be
           taught
           of
           him
           ,
           Mat.
           11.
           29.
           
           So
           that
           Christ
           is
           made
           to
           the
           true
           believer
           
           with
           his
           own
           consent
           ,
           wisdom
           ,
           righteousness
           ,
           sanctification
           ,
           and
           compleat
           redemption
           ,
           1.
           
           Cor.
           1.
           30.
           
           And
           although
           he
           hath
           not
           all
           these
           things
           formally
           in
           exercise
           when
           his
           heart
           goeth
           out
           after
           Christ
           ;
           yet
           ,
           upon
           search
           and
           tryal
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           found
           with
           him
           as
           I
           have
           said
           .
           3.
           
           Hypocrites
           and
           Reprobates
           do
           never
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           inconveniencies
           may
           follow
           him
           ;
           they
           stick
           at
           that
           ,
           with
           that
           man
           Mat.
           8.
           19.
           20.
           
           But
           where
           true
           justifying
           saith
           is
           ,
           a
           man
           doth
           close
           with
           him
           on
           all
           hazards
           ;
           he
           resolveth
           to
           forego
           all
           ,
           rather
           than
           to
           forego
           Christ
           ,
           Mar.
           10.
           28.
           he
           reckoneth
           all
           to
           be
           loss
           and
           dung
           for
           the
           excellency
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           his
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           found
           in
           him
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           8.
           
           We
           might
           give
           other
           differences
           also
           ,
           as
           that
           true
           faith
           is
           operative
           ,
           purifying
           the
           heart
           ,
           Acts
           15.
           9.
           working
           by
           love
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           44.
           
           Whilst
           Hypocrites
           do
           only
           cleanse
           the
           outside
           of
           the
           platter
           ,
           
             Mat.
             23.
             25.
             and
             do
             all
             to
             be
             seen
             of
             men
             ,
          
           Mat
           6.
           5.
           not
           seeking
           the
           honour
           that
           is
           of
           God
           only
           ,
           and
           so
           cannot
           believe
           ,
           John.
           5.
           6.
           
           We
           might
           also
           shew
           that
           true
           faith
           is
           never
           alone
           in
           a
           man
           ,
           but
           attended
           with
           other
           saving
           graces
           :
           But
           because
           these
           things
           will
           co-incide
           with
           what
           followeth
           ,
           and
           here
           we
           are
           shewing
           that
           a
           man
           may
           take
           up
           his
           gracious
           state
           by
           his
           faith
           ,
           and
           the
           actings
           thereof
           on
           Christ
           ,
           we
           pass
           these
           things
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           great
           mark
           of
           a
           gracious
           state
           and
           true
           saving
           interest
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           is
           ,
           the
           new
           creature
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           17.
           
           
             If
             any
             man
             be
             in
             Christ
             ,
             he
             is
             a
             new
             creature
             .
          
           That
           new
           creation
           or
           renovation
           of
           that
           man
           ,
           is
           a
           very
           sensible
           change
           ,
           although
           not
           in
           those
           who
           are
           effectually
           called
           from
           the
           womb
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           younger
           years
           ;
           because
           those
           have
           had
           this
           new
           creature
           from
           that
           time
           in
           them
           ,
           so
           as
           this
           charge
           in
           after
           period
           of
           time
           ,
           is
           not
           discernable
           :
           yet
           in
           those
           who
           have
           been
           regenerated
           and
           brought
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           after
           they
           were
           come
           to
           greater
           age
           ,
           and
           so
           have
           been
           more
           palpably
           unde
           the
           power
           
           of
           darkness
           ,
           before
           they
           were
           translated
           into
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           Christ
           ,
           Col.
           1.
           13.
           
           But
           in
           all
           who
           do
           warrantably
           pretend
           to
           Christ
           ,
           this
           new
           creature
           must
           be
           ,
           although
           some
           do
           not
           know
           experimentally
           the
           contraries
           of
           every
           part
           of
           it
           ,
           so
           as
           others
           do
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           not
           been
           equally
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           practice
           ,
           under
           the
           power
           of
           darkness
           .
           This
           new
           creature
           is
           called
           the
           
             new
             man
             ,
             Gal.
          
           3.
           10.
           which
           doth
           hold
           out
           the
           extent
           of
           it
           .
           It
           is
           not
           simply
           a
           new
           tongue
           ,
           or
           a
           new
           hand
           ,
           but
           
             a
             new
             man.
          
           There
           is
           a
           principle
           of
           new
           life
           and
           motion
           put
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           the
           new
           heart
           :
           which
           new
           principle
           of
           life
           sendeth
           forth
           acts
           of
           life
           ,
           or
           of
           conformity
           to
           the
           image
           of
           him
           who
           created
           it
           ,
           Col.
           3.
           10.
           
           So
           as
           the
           party
           is
           renewed
           in
           some
           measure
           every
           way
           .
           This
           renovation
           of
           the
           man
           who
           is
           in
           Christ
           ,
           may
           be
           reduced
           to
           these
           two
           great
           heads
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           renovation
           ,
           of
           the
           mans
           person
           ,
           soul
           and
           body
           ,
           in
           some
           measure
           .
           1.
           
           His
           understanding
           is
           renewed
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           judgeth
           Christ
           Preached
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           wisdom
           and
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           a
           wise
           ,
           strong
           contrivement
           beseeming
           God
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           1.
           23
           ,
           24.
           
           He
           knoweth
           the
           things
           of
           God
           really
           and
           solidly
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           yea
           and
           nay
           ,
           and
           uncertain
           fancies
           ,
           but
           all
           to
           be
           yea
           and
           amen
           ,
           solid
           ,
           certain
           ,
           substantial
           things
           ,
           having
           a
           desirable
           accomplishment
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           resolving
           much
           in
           him
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             2.
             15.
             2
             
             Cor.
          
           1.
           18.
           
           Natural
           men
           ,
           educated
           under
           Gospel
           ordinances
           ,
           although
           they
           have
           some
           notional
           knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           Christ
           ,
           Promises
           ,
           the
           motions
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           &c.
           so
           as
           they
           may
           Confer
           ,
           Preach
           ,
           and
           dispute
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           yet
           they
           look
           on
           them
           as
           common
           received
           Maxims
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           from
           which
           to
           recede
           were
           a
           singularity
           and
           disgrace
           ;
           but
           not
           as
           real
           ,
           solid
           ,
           substantial
           truths
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           adventure
           their
           Souls
           and
           Everlasting
           being
           on
           them
           .
           The
           understanding
           is
           renewed
           also
           to
           take
           up
           somewhat
           of
           God
           in
           
           the
           creatures
           ,
           as
           bearing
           sparks
           of
           his
           glorious
           attribute●
           Psal
           .
           10.
           1.
           
           They
           see
           the
           Heavens
           declaring
           his
           Glory
           and
           Power
           ,
           and
           somewhat
           of
           God
           in
           providence
           an●
           dispensations
           that
           fall
           out
           :
           
             His
             wondrous
             works
             declaring
             that
             his
             Name
             is
             near
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           75.
           1.
           
           The
           understanding
           also
           taketh
           up
           the
           conditions
           and
           cases
           of
           the
           soul
           otherwise
           than
           it
           was
           wont
           to
           do
           ;
           As
           we
           find
           the
           Saint●
           usually
           speaking
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           
             O
             my
             Soul
             thou
             hast
             sai●
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             &c.
          
           Psal
           16.
           2.
           
           
             My
             Soul
             said
             thy
             fac●
             will
             I
             seek
             ,
          
           Pral
           .
           26.
           8.
           
           
             Why
             art
             thou
             cast
             down
             ,
             O
             my
             Soul
             ?
          
           Psal
           .
           42.
           5.
           
           Psal
           .
           43.
           5.
           
           
             Return
             unto
             thy
             rest
             ,
             O
             my
             soul
             ,
          
           Psal
           .
           116.
           7.
           2.
           
           The
           heart
           and
           affections
           are
           renewed
           .
           The
           heart
           is
           made
           a
           new
           heart
           ,
           a
           hear●
           of
           flesh
           ,
           capable
           of
           impressions
           ,
           having
           a
           copy
           of
           his
           law
           stamped
           on
           it
           ,
           and
           fear
           of
           God
           put
           into
           it
           ,
           whereby
           the
           mans
           duty
           becometh
           in
           a
           manner
           native
           and
           kindly
           to
           the
           man
           ,
           
             Jer.
             32.
             39
             ,
             40.
             
             Ezek.
          
           36.
           26.
           
           It
           was
           before
           a
           heart
           of
           stone
           ,
           void
           of
           the
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           The
           affections
           are
           renewed
           now
           .
           The
           love
           is
           renewed
           in
           some
           good
           measure
           :
           it
           goeth
           out
           after
           God
           ;
           
             I
             will
             love
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           Psal
           .
           18.
           1.
           after
           his
           Law
           ,
           
             O
             how
             I
             love
             thy
             Law
          
           Psal
           .
           119.
           97.
           after
           those
           who
           have
           Gods
           Image
           in
           them
           ,
           
             John
             13.
             35.
             1
             
             Joh.
          
           3.
           14.
           
           This
           love
           to
           Gods
           people
           is
           upon
           a
           pure
           account
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           the
           children
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           do
           keep
           his
           Statutes
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           22.
           
           It
           is
           with
           a
           pure
           heart
           ,
           Psal
           .
           119.
           63.
           and
           therefore
           it
           goeth
           towards
           all
           such
           whom
           the
           man
           knoweth
           or
           apprehendeth
           to
           be
           such
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             119.
             63.
             
             I
             am
             a
             Companion
             to
             al●
             them
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           In
           all
           cases
           and
           conditions
           ,
           even
           where
           there
           is
           nothing
           to
           beautify
           or
           commend
           but
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           And
           this
           love
           is
           so
           fervent
           many
           times
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           22.
           tha●
           it
           putteth
           it self
           out
           in
           all
           relations
           ,
           so
           as
           a
           man
           seeketh
           a
           Godly
           Wife
           ,
           a
           Godly
           Master
           ,
           a
           Godly
           Servant
           ,
           a
           Godly
           Counsellor
           ,
           if
           he
           have
           to
           choose
           upon
           ,
           Psal
           .
           101.
           6.
           and
           it
           is
           not
           quenched
           by
           many
           waters
           ,
           Cant.
           8.
           7.
           many
           
           imperfections
           and
           
             infirmities
             ,
             difference
             in
             opinion
             ,
             wrong
             received
          
           will
           not
           altogether
           quench
           love
           .
           Also
           it
           is
           communicative
           of
           good
           according
           to
           its
           measure
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           case
           of
           the
           poor
           godly
           requireth
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             16.
             2.
             1
             
             John
          
           3.
           17
           ,
           18.
           19.
           
           The
           mans
           hatred
           is
           also
           renewed
           ,
           and
           is
           now
           bent
           
             against
             sin
             ,
             Psal
             .
             119.
             113.
             
             I
             hate
             vain
             thoughts
             :
          
           against
           Gods
           enemies
           ,
           as
           such
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             139.
             21
             ,
             22.
             
             Do
             not
             I
             hate
             them
             that
             hate
             thee
             ?
             &c.
          
           The
           joy
           or
           delight
           is
           renewed
           ,
           for
           it
           runneth
           towards
           God
           ,
           Psal
           .
           73.
           25.
           
           
             Whom
             have
             I
             in
             Heaven
             ?
             &c.
          
           towards
           
             his
             Law
          
           and
           
             Will
             ,
             Psal
             .
             1.
             2.
             
             His
             delight
             is
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           And
           towards
           the
           Godly
           and
           
             their
             followship
             ,
             Psal
          
           .
           16.
           3.
           
           —
           
             In
             whom
             is
             all
             my
             delight
             .
          
           The
           sorrow
           is
           turned
           against
           sin
           which
           hath
           wronged
           Christ
           ,
           
             Zech.
             12.
             10.
             
             Looking
             on
             him
             whom
             they
             have
             pierced
             ,
             they
             mourn
             ,
             2
             Cor.
          
           7.
           11.
           
           The
           sorrow
           is
           godly
           there
           ,
           and
           against
           what
           incroacheth
           upon
           Gods
           honour
           ;
           they
           are
           sorrowful
           for
           the
           —
           assemblies
           ,
           and
           the
           reproach
           of
           that
           is
           their
           burden
           ,
           Zeph.
           3.
           18.
           
           There
           is
           some
           renovation
           in
           all
           the
           affections
           ,
           as
           in
           every
           other
           part
           of
           the
           soul
           pointing
           now
           towards
           God.
           3.
           
           The
           
             very
             outward
             members
             of
             the
             man
             are
             renewed
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Scriptures
           speak
           ,
           the
           tongue
           ,
           the
           eye
           ,
           the
           ear
           ,
           the
           hand
           ,
           the
           foot
           ,
           &c.
           so
           that
           those
           members
           .
           which
           once
           were
           improved
           
             as
             weapons
             of
             unrighteousness
             unto
             sin
             ,
          
           are
           now
           improved
           
             as
             weapons
             of
             righteousness
             unto
             holiness
             ,
             Rom.
          
           6.
           19.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             A
             man
             who
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
             is
             renewed
             in
             some
             measure
             in
             all
             his
             ways
             .
             Behold
             all
             things
             are
             new
             ,
          
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           17.
           
           The
           man
           becomes
           new
           ,
           1.
           
           
             In
             the
             way
             of
             his
             interest
             .
          
           He
           was
           upon
           any
           good
           before
           ,
           though
           but
           apparent
           ,
           and
           at
           best
           but
           external
           ,
           Psal
           .
           4.
           6.
           
           But
           now
           his
           interest
           and
           business
           is
           ,
           how
           to
           be
           found
           in
           Christ
           ,
           in
           that
           day
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           9.
           or
           ,
           how
           to
           be
           forth-coming
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           
             walk
             before
             him
             in
             the
             land
             of
             the
             living
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           56.
           13.
           which
           he
           would
           choose
           among
           all
           the
           
             mercies
             that
             ●ill
             this
             
             earth
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           119.
           64.
           
           The
           interest
           of
           Christ
           also
           becom●
           eth
           the
           mans
           interest
           ,
           as
           appeareth
           in
           the
           song
           of
           Hannah
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           2.
           
           And
           in
           the
           song
           of
           
             Mary
             ,
             Luke
          
           1.
           ●
           is
           strange
           to
           see
           people
           newly
           converted
           ,
           and
           having
           reached
           unto
           the
           beginnings
           of
           knowledge
           ,
           concern
           an●
           interest
           themselves
           in
           the
           publick
           matters
           of
           Christ●
           Kingdom
           ,
           so
           desirous
           to
           have
           him
           riding
           prosperously●
           and
           subduing
           the
           people
           under
           him
           .
           2.
           
           The
           man
           that
           
             i●
             in
             Christ
             ,
             is
             renewed
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             worship
             .
          
           He
           wa●
           wont
           to
           serve
           God
           in
           the
           
             oldness
             of
             the
             letter
          
           ,
           for
           the
           fashion
           ,
           answering
           the
           letter
           of
           the
           command
           in
           the
           outside
           of
           duty
           ,
           which
           one
           in
           whom
           the
           
             Old
             man
          
           hath
           
             absolute
             dominion
          
           can
           do
           ?
           But
           now
           he
           
             worshippeth
             God
             in
             th●●
             newness
             of
             the
             Spirit
             Rom.
          
           7.
           6.
           
           In
           a
           new
           way
           ,
           wherein
           he
           is
           helped
           by
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             Rom
          
           ,
           8.
           26.
           beyond
           the
           reach
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           .
           He
           serveth
           now
           the
           
             true
             and
             living
             God
             ,
             1
             Thess
             .
             1.
             9.
             in
             Spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
             John
          
           4.
           24.
           having
           spiritual
           apprehensions
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           engaged
           in
           his
           very
           soul
           in
           that
           work
           ,
           doing
           and
           saying
           truly
           ,
           and
           not
           feignedly
           ,
           when
           he
           worshippeth
           ,
           still
           desiring
           to
           approach
           unto
           him
           as
           a
           
             living
             God
          
           ,
           who
           heareth
           and
           seeth
           him
           ,
           and
           can
           accept
           his
           service
           .
           Psal
           .
           42.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           I
           grant
           he
           fails
           of
           this
           many
           times
           ;
           yet
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           such
           worship
           he
           intendeth
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           overtaketh
           ,
           and
           doth
           not
           much
           reckon
           worship
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           so
           performed
           unto
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           
             iniquity
             of
             his
             holy
             things
          
           ,
           is
           not
           the
           least
           part
           of
           his
           burthen
           and
           exercise
           :
           Such
           a
           worship
           ,
           natural
           men
           are
           strargers
           unto
           ,
           whilst
           they
           babble
           out
           of
           their
           vain-glorious
           boastings
           ,
           Luke
           18.
           11
           ,
           12.
           to
           an
           unknown
           God.
           Acts
           17.
           23.
           3.
           
           The
           
             man
             that
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
             is
             renewed
             in
             the
             way
             of
             hit
             outward
             calling
             and
             imployment
             in
             the
             world
          
           ;
           he
           now
           resolveth
           to
           be
           about
           it
           ,
           because
           God
           hath
           commanded
           so
           ,
           Rom.
           12.
           11.
           and
           to
           eye
           God
           in
           it
           as
           his
           last
           end
           ,
           
             doing
             it
             to
             his
             glory
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           10.
           31.
           and
           studieth
           to
           keep
           some
           intercourse
           
           with
           God
           ,
           
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             his
             outward
             employments
             ,
          
           as
           Jacob
           doth
           in
           his
           latter
           Will
           ,
           Gen.
           49.
           18.
           and
           Nehemiah
           did
           ,
           Nehem.
           2.
           4.
           
           So
           as
           the
           man
           resolveth
           to
           walk
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           set
           him
           alwayes
           before
           him
           ,
           Psal
           .
           16.
           8.
           wherein
           I
           deny
           not
           he
           faileth
           often
           .
           4.
           
           
             He
             becometh
             new
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             relations
          
           ;
           he
           becometh
           a
           more
           dutiful
           Husband
           .
           Father
           ,
           Brother
           ,
           Master
           ,
           Servant
           ,
           Neighbour
           ,
           
             &c.
             
             Herein
             doth
             he
             exercise
             himself
             to
             keep
             a
             conscience
             void
             of
             offence
             towards
             men
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             towards
             God
             ,
             Acts
             24.
             16.
             1
             
             Cor.
             22.
             
             Becoming
             all
             things
             to
             all
             men
             .
             5.
             
             He
             becometh
             now
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             lawfull
             liberties
             ,
          
           he
           studieth
           to
           make
           use
           of
           meat
           ,
           drink
           ,
           sleep
           ,
           recreation
           ,
           apparel
           ,
           with
           an
           eye
           to
           God
           ,
           labouring
           not
           to
           come
           under
           the
           power
           of
           any
           lawful
           thing
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           6.
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           Nor
           to
           give
           offence
           to
           others
           in
           the
           use
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           Rom.
           14.
           20
           ,
           21.
           
           &
           15.
           2.
           nor
           
             using
             liberty
             as
             an
             occasion
             to
             the
             flesh
             ,
             Gal.
          
           5.
           13.
           
           Yea
           ,
           he
           laboureth
           to
           use
           all
           these
           things
           is
           a
           stranger
           on
           earth
           ,
           
             so
             as
             his
             moderations
             may
             appear
             ,
             Phil.
          
           4.
           5.
           
           And
           some
           way
           he
           doth
           eye
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           last
           end
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             10
             31.
             doing
             all
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             :
          
           So
           as
           we
           may
           say
           of
           that
           man
           ,
           
             old
             things
             are
             much
             past
             away
             ,
             all
             things
             are
             in
             some
             measure
             become
             ●ew
             ,
             2
             Cor.
          
           5.
           15.
           
           He
           that
           is
           so
           new
           a
           creature
           ,
           is
           ●ndoubtedly
           in
           Christ
           .
        
         
           This
           renovation
           of
           a
           man
           in
           all
           manner
           of
           conversa●ion
           ,
           and
           this
           being
           under
           law
           to
           God
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           
             is
             ●●at
             holiness
             without
             which
             none
             shall
             see
             God.
             Heb.
          
           12.
           
           ●●
           .
           Men
           may
           fancy
           things
           to
           themselves
           ,
           but
           unless
           they
           ●●●dy
           to
           approve
           themselves
           ,
           unto
           God
           in
           all
           well-plea●●ngs
           ,
           and
           reach
           some
           inward
           testimony
           of
           sincerity
           that
           ●ay
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           assure
           their
           hearts
           before
           him
           .
           The
           ●●stimony
           of
           mens
           conscience
           is
           their
           rejoycing
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           1.
           2.
           
           
             By
             this
             we
             know
             that
             we
             know
             him
             ,
             if
             we
             keep
             〈◊〉
             Commandments
             ,
             1
             John
             2.
             3.
             1
             
             John
          
           3.
           20
           ,
           21.
           
           No
           
           confidence
           if
           the
           heart
           condemn
           .
           This
           is
           the
           New
           Creature
           ,
           having
           a
           
             principle
             of
             new
             spiritual
             life
          
           infused
           by
           God
           into
           the
           heart
           ▪
           whereby
           it
           becometh
           new
           ,
           and
           puteth
           forth
           acts
           of
           new
           life
           throughout
           the
           whole
           man
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           said
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           pointeth
           towards
           the
           whole
           Law
           ,
           both
           the
           commands
           which
           forbid
           sin
           ;
           so
           he
           resolveth
           to
           set
           against
           secret
           sins
           ,
           not
           to
           lay
           a
           stumbling
           block
           before
           the
           blind
           ,
           Lev.
           19.
           14.
           little
           sins
           ,
           which
           are
           judged
           so
           by
           many
           ,
           the
           least
           things
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           
             Matth.
             5.
             19.
             spiritual
             sins
          
           ,
           filthiness
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           ●
           Cor.
           7.
           1.
           sins
           of
           omission
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           commission
           ,
           since
           men
           are
           to
           be
           judged
           by
           these
           ,
           Mat.
           25.
           42
           ,
           43
           ,
           44
           yea
           ,
           sins
           that
           are
           winded
           into
           his
           natural
           humor
           and
           constitution
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           as
           a
           right
           eye
           or
           hand
           to
           him
           ,
           Matth
           ,
           5.
           29.
           
           This
           new
           principle
           of
           life
           ,
           by
           the
           good
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           maketh
           the
           man
           set
           against
           every
           known
           sin
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           not
           to
           allow
           peaceable
           abode
           〈◊〉
           any
           known
           darkness
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           6.
           14.
           
           As
           also
           he
           poin●eth
           towards
           those
           commands
           which
           relate
           to
           duty
           ,
           an●
           the
           quickening
           of
           grace
           in
           man.
           It
           maketh
           a
           man
           respec●
           all
           known
           commands
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             110.
             6.
             to
             live
             godly
             ,
             righteously
             ,
             and
             soberly
             .
             T●t
             .
          
           2.
           12.
           yea
           ,
           and
           to
           study
           a
           righ●
           and
           sincere
           way
           and
           manner
           of
           doing
           things
           ,
           resolving
           not
           to
           give
           over
           the
           study
           of
           conformity
           to
           Gods
           Will
           whilst
           he
           lives
           on
           earth
           ,
           but
           still
           to
           
             bend
             forwardtoward
             the
             price
             of
             the
             high
             calling
             of
             God
             ,
             Phil.
          
           3.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           Th●
           is
           true
           holiness
           ,
           very
           becoming
           all
           those
           who
           pretend
           ●
           be
           heirs
           of
           that
           holy
           habitation
           in
           the
           immediate
           company
           and
           fellowship
           of
           a
           holy
           God
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           3.
           3.
           
        
         
           Some
           may
           think
           these
           things
           high
           attainments
           ,
           a●
           very
           hard
           to
           be
           attained
           to
           .
           I
           grant
           it
           is
           true
           .
           But
           fir●●
           Remember
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           very
           large
           allowance
           in
           th●
           Covenant
           promised
           to
           his
           people
           ,
           which
           maketh
           thing
           more
           easie
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           engaged
           
             to
             take
             away
             〈◊〉
             stong
             heart
             ,
             to
             give
             a
             heart
             of
             flesh
             ,
          
           a
           new
           heart
           ,
           a
           hea●
           
           to
           fear
           him
           for
           ever
           ;
           he
           hath
           engaged
           to
           
             put
             his
             law
             in
             mens
             heart
             ,
             to
             put
             his
             fear
             in
             their
             heart
             ,
             to
             make
             them
             keep
             that
             Law
             ;
             to
             put
             his
             Spirit
             within
             them
             to
             cause
             them
             to
             keep
             it
             :
          
           He
           hath
           promised
           to
           
             satisfie
             the
             Priests
             with
             fatness
             ,
             that
             the
             souls
             of
             the
             people
             may
             be
             satiated
             with
             goodness
             ,
          
           and
           to
           
             keep
             ,
             and
             water
             them
             continually
             every
             moment
             ,
             Ezek
             26.
             29.
             
             Jer.
          
           32.
           39
           ,
           49.
           and
           31.
           33.
           
           
             Ezek.
             36.
             27.
             
             Jer.
          
           31.
           14.
           and
           31.
           12.
           
           Isa
           .
           27.
           3.
           and
           if
           he
           must
           be
           enquired
           to
           do
           all
           these
           things
           unto
           men
           ,
           he
           engageth
           to
           
             pour
             out
             the
             Spirit
             of
             grace
             and
             supplication
             on
             them
             ,
          
           and
           so
           to
           learn
           them
           how
           to
           seek
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           how
           to
           put
           him
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           do
           all
           for
           them
           ,
           Zech.
           12.
           10.
           
           Secondly
           ,
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           the
           weaker
           ,
           I
           grant
           this
           new
           creature
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           circumscribed
           and
           inlarged
           it
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           found
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           degrees
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           every
           gracious
           person
           .
           But
           it
           is
           well
           ,
           if
           1.
           
           There
           be
           a
           new
           man
           ,
           we
           cannot
           grant
           less
           ;
           
             If
             any
             man
             be
             in
             Christ
             ,
             there
             must
             be
             a
             new
             creature
          
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           the
           new
           man
           ,
           Ephes
           .
           4.
           21
           ,
           22
           ,
           23
           ,
           24.
           which
           all
           must
           put
           on
           who
           are
           savingly
           taught
           of
           Christ
           ,
           There
           must
           be
           some
           renewing
           after
           the
           image
           of
           God
           in
           a
           mans
           soul
           and
           body
           ;
           There
           must
           be
           somewhat
           of
           every
           part
           of
           the
           man
           pointing
           towards
           God
           :
           although
           I
           grant
           every
           one
           cannot
           prove
           this
           to
           others
           ,
           neither
           discern
           it
           in
           himself
           ,
           because
           many
           know
           not
           the
           distinct
           parts
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           nor
           pieces
           of
           reformation
           competent
           to
           every
           part
           of
           soul
           and
           body
           .
           Yet
           it
           will
           be
           found
           there
           is
           some
           such
           thing
           in
           them
           ,
           yea
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           witness
           of
           it
           within
           them
           ,
           if
           you
           make
           the
           thing
           plain
           and
           clear
           to
           them
           what
           it
           is
           .
           2.
           
           There
           must
           be
           such
           a
           respect
           unto
           Gods
           known
           Commands
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           doth
           not
           allow
           peaceably
           any
           known
           iniquity
           to
           dwell
           in
           him
           ,
           for
           
             what
             concord
             is
             between
             light
             and
             darkness
             ?
             2
             Cor.
             6.
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16.
             
             Psal
             .
          
           119.
           and
           66.
           18.
           
             he
             must
             not
             regard
             iniquity
          
           .
           I
           grant
           men
           may
           be
           ignorant
           of
           many
           commands
           ,
           and
           many
           sins
           ,
           and
           
           may
           imagine
           in
           some
           cases
           ,
           that
           some
           sins
           are
           not
           hateful
           unto
           God.
           But
           supposing
           that
           they
           are
           instructed
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           agreement
           between
           righteousness
           and
           unrighteousness
           .
           3.
           
           Men
           must
           point
           towards
           all
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           their
           honest
           resolutions
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           nothing
           else
           ,
           than
           to
           give
           up
           the
           heart
           unto
           God
           ,
           to
           put
           his
           Law
           in
           it
           without
           exception
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           part
           of
           the
           Covenant
           we
           are
           to
           make
           with
           God
           ,
           Heb.
           8.
           10.
           
           I
           grant
           many
           know
           not
           how
           to
           point
           towards
           Gods
           Law
           in
           all
           their
           wayes
           ;
           but
           if
           it
           be
           made
           manifest
           unto
           them
           ,
           how
           that
           should
           be
           done
           ,
           they
           will
           point
           at
           it
           .
           And
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           they
           will
           many
           times
           fail
           of
           their
           resolutions
           in
           their
           practice
           ;
           yet
           when
           they
           have
           failed
           ,
           they
           can
           say
           ,
           They
           did
           resolve
           other-wayes
           ,
           and
           will
           yet
           honestly
           ,
           and
           without
           guile
           resolve
           to
           do
           other
           wayes
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           prove
           their
           affliction
           to
           have
           failed
           of
           their
           resolution
           ,
           when
           the
           Lord
           discovereth
           it
           to
           them
           ,
           which
           he
           will
           in
           due
           time
           .
           4.
           
           When
           we
           are
           to
           judge
           of
           our
           state
           by
           the
           new
           creature
           ,
           we
           must
           do
           it
           at
           a
           convenient
           time
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           in
           good
           case
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           not
           when
           we
           are
           in
           worst
           case
           ;
           for
           the
           flesh
           and
           spirit
           do
           Lust
           and
           Fight
           against
           other
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           and
           sometimes
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           the
           other
           doth
           prevail
           .
           Now
           I
           say
           ,
           we
           must
           chuse
           a
           convenient
           time
           ,
           when
           the
           spiritual
           part
           is
           not
           by
           some
           tentation
           worsted
           and
           over-powred
           by
           the
           flesh
           ;
           for
           in
           that
           case
           the
           new
           creature
           is
           recoyled
           back
           in
           its
           streams
           ,
           and
           much
           returned
           to
           the
           fountain
           and
           the
           habits
           ,
           except
           in
           some
           small
           things
           not
           easily
           discernable
           ,
           whereby
           it
           maketh
           opposition
           to
           the
           flesh
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           foresaid
           Scripture
           :
           for
           ,
           now
           it
           is
           time
           of
           winter
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           we
           may
           not
           expect
           fruit
           ,
           yea
           ,
           not
           leaves
           ,
           as
           in
           some
           other
           season
           ;
           only
           here
           ,
           lest
           profane
           Atheists
           should
           make
           advantage
           of
           this
           ,
           we
           will
           say
           ,
           
             That
             the
             Spirit
             doth
             often
             prevail
             over
             the
             flesh
             in
             a
             godly
             man
             ,
             and
             
             the
             scope
             ,
             aim
             ,
             tenour
             ,
             and
             drift
             of
             his
             way
             is
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           that
           is
           his
           walk
           .
           Psal
           .
           119.
           1.
           whereas
           the
           path-way
           ,
           and
           ordinary
           course
           of
           the
           wicked
           is
           sin
           ,
           as
           is
           oft-ten
           hinted
           in
           the
           book
           of
           the
           Proverbs
           of
           Solomon
           .
           And
           if
           it
           happen
           that
           a
           godly
           man
           be
           over-mastered
           by
           any
           transgression
           ,
           ordinarily
           it
           is
           his
           sad
           exercise
           ;
           and
           we
           suppose
           he
           keeps
           it
           still
           in
           dependency
           before
           God
           ,
           to
           have
           it
           rectified
           ,
           as
           David
           speaketh
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             56.
             13.
             
             Wilt
             thou
             not
             deliver
             my
             feet
             from
             falling
             ?
          
        
         
           Object
           .
           
             Athrists
             and
             Hypocrites
             may
             have
             great
             changes
             and
             renovation
             wrought
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             I
             fear
             mine
             be
             such
             .
          
        
         
           Answer
           .
           I
           grant
           that
           Atheists
           and
           hypocrites
           have
           many
           things
           in
           them
           which
           do
           look
           like
           the
           new
           Creature
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           regard
           of
           the
           parts
           of
           the
           man.
           They
           may
           (
           1.
           )
           Come
           to
           much
           knowledge
           ,
           as
           Heb.
           6.
           4
           
           ▪
           They
           are
           enlightned
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           There
           may
           be
           a
           zeal
           amongst
           their
           affections
           ,
           as
           they
           receive
           the
           word
           with
           joy
           ,
           Mat.
           13.
           20.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           They
           may
           reach
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           outward
           reformation
           in
           the
           outward
           man
           ,
           both
           about
           freedom
           from
           sin
           ,
           and
           engagement
           to
           positive
           duty
           ,
           as
           that
           Pharisee
           did
           ,
           Luk.
           18.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           Yea
           ,
           (
           4.
           )
           In
           regard
           of
           their
           practical
           understanding
           ,
           they
           may
           judge
           some
           things
           of
           God
           to
           be
           excellent
           .
           The
           people
           said
           that
           never
           man
           spake
           as
           Christ
           ,
           John
           7.
           46.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Hypocrites
           ,
           may
           have
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           profession
           (
           1
           )
           They
           may
           talk
           of
           the
           Law
           and
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           as
           the
           wicked
           do
           ,
           Psal
           .
           50.
           16.
           
           (
           2.
           )
           They
           may
           confess
           sin
           openly
           to
           their
           own
           shame
           ,
           as
           King
           Saul
           did
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           26.
           21.
           
           (
           3
           )
           They
           may
           humble
           themselves
           in
           sackcloth
           with
           
             Ahab
             ,
             1
             Kings
          
           21.
           27.
           
           (
           4.
           )
           They
           may
           enquire
           busily
           after
           duty
           ,
           and
           come
           chearfully
           to
           receive
           it
           ,
           Isa
           .
           58.
           2.
           
           (
           5
           )
           They
           may
           joyn
           with
           Gods
           interest
           in
           a
           hard
           and
           difficult
           time
           ,
           as
           Demas
           ,
           and
           other
           hypocrites
           in
           the
           book
           of
           the
           
             Acts
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ▪
          
           
           who
           afterwards
           fell
           off
           .
           (
           6.
           )
           They
           may
           give
           much
           of
           their
           goods
           to
           God
           and
           the
           Saints
           ,
           as
           Acts
           5.
           1
           ,
           2.
           if
           not
           all
           their
           goods
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           13.
           3.
           
           Yea
           ,
           (
           7.
           )
           It
           is
           not
           impossible
           for
           some
           such
           ,
           being
           straitly
           engaged
           in
           their
           credit
           ,
           to
           give
           their
           bodies
           to
           be
           burnt
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           forecited
           place
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Hypocrites
           may
           advance
           far
           in
           the
           common
           and
           ordinary
           steps
           of
           a
           Christian
           work
           ,
           such
           as
           the
           Elect
           have
           ,
           when
           God
           leads
           them
           captive
           .
           As
           ,
           (
           1
           )
           They
           may
           be
           under
           great
           convictions
           of
           sin
           ,
           as
           Judas
           was
           ,
           Mat.
           27.
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           So
           was
           King
           Saul
           often
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           They
           may
           tremble
           at
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           under
           much
           terror
           ,
           as
           Felix
           was
           ,
           Act.
           24.
           25.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           They
           may
           rejoyce
           in
           receiving
           of
           the
           Truth
           ,
           as
           Mat.
           13.
           20.
           
           (
           4.
           )
           They
           may
           be
           in
           some
           peace
           and
           quiet
           in
           expectation
           of
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           foolish
           Virgins
           were
           ,
           Mat.
           25.
           24.
           
           (
           5.
           )
           All
           this
           may
           be
           backed
           and
           followed
           with
           some
           good
           measure
           of
           reformation
           .
           The
           unclean
           spirit
           may
           go
           out
           of
           them
           ,
           
             Mat.
             22.
             43.
             
             Luke
          
           18.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           (
           6.
           )
           This
           work
           may
           seem
           to
           be
           confirmed
           by
           some
           special
           experiences
           and
           tastings
           of
           the
           good
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           4.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Hypocrites
           may
           have
           some
           things
           very
           like
           the
           saving
           graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           :
           As
           ,
           (
           1
           )
           They
           may
           have
           a
           sort
           of
           faith
           with
           
             Simon
             Magus
             ,
             Acts
          
           8.
           13.
           
           (
           2.
           )
           A
           sort
           of
           repentance
           ,
           and
           walk
           mournfully
           ,
           Mal.
           3.
           14.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           A
           great
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           such
           as
           Balaam
           ,
           who
           for
           a
           house
           full
           of
           gold
           would
           not
           go
           with
           the
           messenger
           of
           Balak
           ,
           without
           leave
           asked
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           given
           ,
           Num.
           22.
           18.
           
           (
           4.
           )
           They
           have
           a
           sort
           of
           hope
           ,
           Job
           13.
           13.
           
           (
           5.
           )
           They
           have
           some
           love
           :
           So
           had
           Herod
           to
           
             John
             ,
             Mar.
          
           6.
           26.
           
           I
           need
           not
           to
           insist
           ,
           it
           is
           out
           of
           all
           question
           they
           have
           counterfeits
           of
           all
           saving
           gr●ces
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           They
           have
           somewhat
           like
           the
           special
           communications
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           witnessing
           of
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           
           somewhat
           like
           the
           Powers
           of
           the
           World
           to
           come
           powerfully
           on
           them
           ,
           with
           some
           flashes
           of
           joy
           arising
           thence
           ,
           as
           Heb.
           6.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           Notwithstanding
           all
           which
           they
           are
           but
           almost
           perswaded
           with
           Agrippa
           to
           be
           Christians
           ,
           Acts
           26.
           28.
           
        
         
           It
           were
           tedious
           to
           speak
           particularly
           to
           each
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           to
           clear
           up
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           all
           but
           rotten
           ware
           :
           I
           shall
           condescend
           upon
           some
           few
           things
           ,
           wherein
           a
           truly
           renewed
           man
           ,
           who
           is
           in
           Christ
           ,
           doth
           differ
           from
           hypocrites
           and
           reprobates
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Whatsoever
           change
           be
           in
           Hypocrites
           yet
           their
           heart
           is
           not
           changed
           ,
           and
           made
           new
           .
           The
           new
           heart
           is
           only
           given
           to
           the
           Elect
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           converted
           ,
           and
           brought
           under
           the
           bond
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           
             J●r
             .
             32.
             39
             
             Ezek.
          
           36.
           26.
           
           Hypocrites
           did
           never
           apprehend
           Christ
           as
           the
           only
           satisfying
           good
           in
           all
           the
           world
           ,
           for
           which
           with
           joy
           ,
           they
           would
           quit
           all
           :
           for
           then
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           were
           entred
           in
           them
           ,
           Mat.
           13.
           44.
           
           The
           truly
           renewed
           man
           dare
           and
           can
           upon
           good
           ground
           say
           ,
           and
           hath
           a
           testimony
           of
           it
           from
           on
           high
           ,
           that
           his
           heart
           hath
           been
           changed
           in
           taking
           up
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           led
           out
           after
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           enriching
           Treasure
           ,
           in
           whom
           to
           be
           found
           ,
           he
           accounteth
           all
           things
           else
           loss
           and
           dung
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           8.
           9.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           Whatsoever
           reformation
           and
           profession
           Hypocrites
           do
           attain
           unto
           ,
           as
           it
           cometh
           not
           from
           a
           new
           heart
           ,
           and
           pure
           principle
           of
           zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           alwayes
           for
           some
           wicked
           and
           by-end
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           seen
           of
           men
           .
           Mat.
           6.
           5.
           or
           to
           evite
           and
           shun
           some
           outward
           strait
           ,
           to
           be
           free
           of
           Gods
           wrath
           ,
           and
           the
           trouble
           of
           their
           own
           conscience
           ,
           
             Isa
             .
             59.
             3.
             
             Mal.
          
           3.
           14.
           
           In
           testimony
           of
           this
           ,
           they
           never
           have
           respect
           to
           all
           known
           commands
           ,
           else
           they
           should
           never
           be
           ashamed
           ,
           Ps
           .
           119.
           6.
           nor
           do
           they
           without
           approved
           guile
           in
           their
           own
           heart
           ,
           resolve
           against
           a
           very
           known
           iniquity
           ;
           else
           they
           were
           freed
           of
           heart-condemnings
           ,
           and
           so
           might
           justly
           have
           confidence
           before
           God.
           
           1
           John
           3.
           20.
           
           If
           in
           never
           so
           mean
           a
           case
           ,
           they
           did
           from
           a
           principle
           of
           love
           unto
           ,
           and
           of
           zeal
           for
           Christ
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           right
           end
           ,
           confess
           and
           profess
           him
           ,
           Christ
           were
           obliged
           by
           his
           own
           word
           to
           confess
           them
           before
           his
           Father
           ,
           Mat.
           10.
           30.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           Whatsoever
           length
           Hypocrites
           advance
           in
           that
           work
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           people
           are
           led
           in
           unto
           Christ
           .
           yet
           they
           never
           seek
           ,
           First
           ,
           the
           kingdom
           of
           God
           and
           the
           righteousness
           thereof
           ,
           Mat.
           6.
           33.
           the
           one
           thing
           that
           is
           necessary
           ,
           (
           viz.
           )
           Christs
           friendship
           and
           fellowship
           ,
           is
           never
           their
           one
           thing
           ,
           and
           heart-satisfying
           choice
           ;
           else
           that
           better
           part
           would
           never
           be
           taken
           from
           them
           ,
           Luke
           10.
           42.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           Whatsoever
           counterfeits
           of
           grace
           are
           in
           hypocrites
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           all
           bred
           there
           ,
           without
           any
           saving
           work
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           enough
           to
           exclude
           them
           from
           the
           benefit
           of
           this
           mark
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           never
           denyed
           to
           those
           things
           ,
           nor
           emptied
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           still
           to
           rest
           on
           them
           as
           their
           Saviour
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           submit
           not
           unto
           the
           righteousness
           of
           God
           ,
           Rom.
           10.
           3.
           and
           that
           is
           enough
           to
           keep
           them
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           Christ
           ,
           who
           will
           never
           clout
           that
           old
           garment
           of
           hypocrites
           with
           his
           fine
           new
           Linnen
           ,
           nor
           put
           his
           new
           Wine
           in
           these
           old
           bottels
           ,
           Mat.
           9●
           .
           16
           ,
           17.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           We
           may
           say
           ,
           let
           Hypocrites
           ,
           Reprobates
           ,
           or
           Atheists
           have
           what
           they
           can
           ,
           they
           want
           the
           three
           great
           essentials
           of
           Religion
           and
           true
           Christianity
           .
           First
           ,
           They
           are
           not
           broken
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           emptied
           even
           of
           their
           righteousness
           ,
           the
           length
           of
           self-loathing
           ,
           yet
           lying
           open
           for
           relief
           .
           Such
           lost
           ones
           Christ
           came
           to
           seek
           and
           save
           ,
           Luke
           19.
           10.
           
           Secondly
           ,
           They
           never
           took
           up
           Christ
           Jesus
           as
           the
           only
           treasure
           and
           jewel
           that
           can
           only
           enrich
           ,
           and
           should
           satisfie
           ,
           and
           therefore
           have
           never
           cordially
           agreed
           unto
           Gods
           contrivement
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           not
           worthy
           of
           him
           ;
           neither
           hath
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           savingly
           entred
           into
           their
           heart
           ,
           Mat.
           13.
           44.
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           
           They
           never
           in
           earnest
           do
           close
           with
           Christs
           whole
           yoke
           without
           exception
           ,
           judging
           all
           his
           will
           just
           and
           good
           ,
           holy
           and
           spiritual
           ,
           as
           Rom.
           7.
           12.
           and
           therefore
           no
           rest
           allowed
           on
           them
           by
           Christ
           ,
           Mat.
           11.
           29.
           
           Therefore
           whosoever
           thou
           art
           who
           canst
           lay
           clear
           and
           just
           claim
           to
           these
           three
           foresaid
           things
           ,
           thou
           art
           beyond
           the
           reach
           of
           all
           atheists
           ,
           hypocrites
           and
           reprobates
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           as
           having
           answered
           the
           great
           ends
           and
           intents
           of
           Law
           and
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           
             I
             am
             clear
             sometimes
             ,
             I
             think
             to
             lay
             claim
             to
             that
             mark
             of
             the
             new
             creature
             ;
             yet
             at
             other
             times
             ,
             sin
             doth
             so
             prevail
             over
             me
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             made
             to
             question
             all
             the
             work
             within
             me
             .
          
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           much
           to
           be
           lamented
           ,
           that
           people
           professing
           his
           Name
           ,
           should
           be
           so
           slighted
           and
           enslaved
           by
           trangression
           as
           many
           are
           .
           Yet
           in
           answer
           to
           the
           objection
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           seriously
           propounded
           ,
           we
           say
           ,
           the
           Saints
           are
           found
           in
           Scripture
           justly
           laying
           claim
           unto
           God
           and
           his
           Covenant
           ,
           when
           iniquity
           did
           prevail
           over
           them
           ,
           as
           we
           find
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             65.
             3.
             
             Iniquities
             prevail
             against
             me
             ,
             as
             for
             our
             trangressions
             ,
             thus
             wilt
             do
             them
             away
             ,
          
           Rom.
           7.
           25.
           
           Paul
           thanks
           God
           through
           Christ
           ,
           when
           a
           law
           in
           his
           members
           leads
           him
           captive
           unto
           sin
           :
           But
           for
           the
           better
           understanding
           ,
           and
           safe
           application
           of
           such
           truths
           ,
           we
           must
           difference
           betwixt
           gross
           outbreakings
           and
           ordinary
           infirmities
           ,
           or
           sins
           that
           come
           unawares
           upon
           a
           man
           ,
           without
           fore-thought
           or
           any
           deliberation
           .
           As
           for
           the
           former
           sort
           it
           is
           hard
           for
           a
           man
           ,
           whilest
           he
           is
           under
           the
           power
           of
           them
           ,
           to
           see
           his
           gracious
           change
           ,
           although
           it
           be
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           very
           hard
           to
           draw
           any
           comfort
           from
           it
           ,
           until
           the
           man
           be
           in
           some
           measure
           recovered
           ,
           and
           beginning
           seriously
           to
           resent
           such
           sins
           ,
           and
           to
           resolve
           against
           them
           .
           We
           find
           David
           calling
           himself
           Gods
           servant
           ,
           quickly
           after
           his
           numbering
           of
           Gods
           people
           ,
           but
           he
           was
           then
           under
           the
           serious
           resentment
           of
           sin
           ,
           
             Sam.
             24.
             18.
             
             Jonah
          
           layeth
           claim
           to
           
           God
           as
           his
           Master
           under
           his
           rebellion
           ,
           but
           he
           is
           then
           repenting
           it
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           spirit
           of
           revenge
           against
           himself
           for
           his
           sin
           ,
           Jon
           1.
           9
           ,
           10
           ,
           12.
           
           Next
           ,
           as
           for
           these
           sins
           of
           infirmity
           ,
           and
           daily
           incursion
           ,
           and
           heart-ills
           ,
           such
           as
           these
           whereof
           Paul
           doth
           complain
           (
           it
           is
           like
           )
           were
           .
           We
           shall
           draw
           out
           some
           things
           from
           that
           seventh
           Chapter
           to
           the
           Romans
           ,
           whereupon
           Paul
           maintains
           his
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           if
           you
           can
           apply
           them
           it
           is
           well
           .
           (
           1.
           )
           When
           Paul
           findeth
           that
           he
           doth
           much
           fail
           ,
           and
           cannot
           reach
           conformity
           to
           Gods
           Law
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           blame
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           being
           too
           ●rict
           ,
           so
           as
           men
           cannot
           keep
           it
           ,
           as
           Hypocrites
           use
           to
           speak
           ,
           but
           he
           doth
           blame
           himself
           as
           being
           carnal
           ;
           and
           he
           saith
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           Good
           Holy
           and
           Spiritual
           ,
           Rev.
           7.
           12
           ,
           14.
           
           (
           2.
           )
           He
           can
           say
           ,
           he
           failed
           of
           a
           good
           which
           he
           intended
           and
           did
           out-shoot
           himself
           ,
           and
           he
           had
           often
           honestly
           resolved
           against
           the
           evil
           which
           he
           fell
           into
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           15
           ,
           18
           ,
           19.
           
           (
           3.
           )
           He
           saith
           that
           the
           prevailing
           of
           sin
           over
           him
           is
           his
           exercise
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           judgeth
           himself
           wretched
           ,
           because
           of
           such
           a
           body
           of
           death
           ,
           from
           which
           he
           longeth
           to
           be
           delivered
           ,
           Rom
           :
           7.
           24
           ,
           (
           4.
           )
           He
           saith
           ,
           that
           whilst
           he
           is
           under
           the
           power
           and
           law
           of
           sin
           ,
           There
           is
           somewhat
           in
           the
           bottom
           of
           his
           heart
           opposing
           it
           ,
           although
           over-mastered
           by
           it
           which
           would
           be
           another
           way
           ,
           and
           when
           that
           gets
           the
           upper
           hand
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           delight
           some
           thing
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           22
           ,
           25.
           upon
           these
           things
           he
           thanks
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           condemnation
           ,
           
             Rom.
             7.
             25.
             
             Rom.
          
           8.
           1.
           
           Now
           then
           look
           if
           ye
           can
           lay
           claim
           to
           these
           things
           (
           1.
           )
           If
           you
           do
           blame
           your self
           ,
           and
           approve
           the
           Law
           ,
           whilst
           you
           fail
           .
           (
           2.
           )
           If
           you
           can
           say
           that
           you
           do
           often
           resolve
           against
           sin
           honestly
           ,
           and
           without
           known
           guile
           ,
           and
           do
           so
           resolve
           the
           contrary
           good
           before
           the
           evil
           break
           in
           upon
           you
           .
           (
           3.
           )
           If
           you
           can
           say
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           so
           far
           exercised
           with
           your
           failings
           as
           to
           judge
           your self
           wretched
           ,
           because
           of
           such
           things
           ,
           and
           a
           body
           of
           death
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Root
           and
           Fountain
           
           of
           such
           things
           .
           (
           4.
           )
           If
           you
           can
           say
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           party
           within
           you
           opposing
           these
           evils
           ,
           which
           would
           be
           at
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           and
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           is
           in
           its
           Element
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           in
           Gods
           way
           ,
           it
           is
           well
           ;
           only
           be
           advised
           not
           to
           take
           rest
           until
           in
           some
           measure
           ,
           you
           be
           rid
           of
           the
           ground
           of
           this
           objection
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           ,
           until
           you
           can
           very
           clearly
           say
           ,
           you
           are
           waging
           war
           with
           these
           things
           :
           Now
           a
           good
           help
           against
           the
           prevailing
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           is
           ,
           to
           cleave
           close
           to
           Christ
           Jesus
           by
           Faith
           ,
           which
           as
           it
           is
           a
           desirable
           part
           of
           sanctification
           ,
           and
           a
           notable
           piece
           of
           Con●ormity
           to
           Gods
           will
           ,
           and
           most
           subservient
           unto
           his
           design
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           Gal.
           2
           ,
           20
           ,
           21.
           and
           so
           should
           be
           much
           endeavoured
           by
           people
           ,
           as
           a
           work
           pleasing
           to
           God
           ,
           Job
           .
           6.
           29.
           
           So
           it
           is
           the
           ready
           way
           to
           draw
           life
           and
           sap
           from
           Christ
           ,
           the
           blessed
           root
           for
           fruitfulness
           in
           all
           cases
           ,
           as
           John
           15.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
        
         
           Object
           .
           
             I
             do
             not
             partake
             of
             these
             special
             communicati●ns
             of
             God
             ,
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             actings
             and
             ●utgoing
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             whereof
             gracious
             people
             often
             are
             speak●●g
             ,
             and
             whereunto
             they
             attain
             ,
             the
             want
             of
             these
             things
             maketh
             me
             much
             suspect
             my
             state
             .
          
        
         
           Answ
           .
           I
           shall
           shortly
           hint
           some
           of
           these
           excellent
           comunications
           ,
           and
           I
           hope
           upon
           a
           right
           discovery
           of
           them
           ●here
           will
           be
           but
           small
           ground
           found
           for
           the
           jealous
           com●laints
           of
           many
           gracious
           people
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           (
           besides
           these
           convictions
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           use
           to
           usher
           Christs
           way
           unto
           the
           Souls
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           these
           also
           which
           afterwards
           do
           ordinarily
           attend
           them
           )
           ●●ere
           is
           a
           Seal
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           spoken
           of
           in
           Scrip●●re
           ,
           the
           principal
           thing
           whereof
           is
           the
           Sanctifying
           work
           ●f
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           imprinting
           the
           draughts
           and
           lineaments
           〈◊〉
           Gods
           Image
           ,
           and
           revealed
           will
           upon
           a
           man
           ,
           as
           a
           seal●
           〈◊〉
           signet
           doth
           leave
           an
           impression
           and
           stamp
           of
           its
           like●●ss
           upon
           the
           thing
           sealed
           :
           so
           it
           is
           2
           
             Tim.
             2.
             19.
             
             The
             ●●undation
             of
             God
             —
             having
             this
             seal
             ,
             The
             Lord
             knoweth
             
             them
             who
             are
             his
             .
             And
             let
             every
             one
             that
             nameth
             the
             〈◊〉
             of
             Christ
             depart
             from
             iniquity
             :
          
           And
           thus
           I
           conceive
           ,
           〈◊〉
           Seal
           to
           be
           called
           a
           Witness
           ,
           1
           
             John
             5.
             10.
             
             He
             that
             〈◊〉
             lieveth
             ,
             hath
             the
             witness
             in
             himself
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           grou●●
           upon
           which
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           is
           to
           be
           made
           out
           a●proved
           ,
           are
           in
           every
           believer
           ;
           for
           he
           hath
           somewh●●
           of
           the
           sanctifying
           work
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           in
           him
           ,
           which
           〈◊〉
           a
           sure
           (
           although
           not
           always
           a
           clear
           and
           manifest
           )
           w●●ness
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           there
           is
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           much
           tal●●ed
           of
           among
           Christians
           ,
           whereby
           they
           understand
           th●
           sensible
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           refreshing
           the
           soul
           exceedingly
           ,
           but
           if
           we
           speak
           properly
           ,
           communion
           with
           God
           ,
           is
           a
           mutual
           interest
           between
           God
           and
           Man
           ,
           who
           hath
           close●
           with
           him
           in
           Christ
           .
           It
           is
           a
           commonness
           ,
           or
           a
           commo●
           interest
           between
           God
           and
           a
           Man
           ;
           not
           only
           is
           a
           man
           interested
           in
           God
           himself
           ,
           but
           in
           all
           that
           is
           the
           Lords
           so
           the
           Lord
           hath
           a
           special
           interest
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           and
           also
           all
           that
           belongs
           to
           him
           .
           There
           is
           a
           communion
           between
           Husband
           and
           Wife
           ,
           whereby
           they
           have
           a
           specia●
           Interest
           in
           each
           others
           persons
           goods
           and
           concernments
           〈◊〉
           so
           is
           it
           here
           :
           there
           is
           such
           a
           Communion
           with
           God.
           He
           is
           our
           God
           ,
           and
           all
           things
           are
           ours
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           ours●
           this
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           all
           true
           believers
           have
           at
           a●times
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           shew
           afterwards
           :
           I
           grant
           there
           ,
           is
           a●
           actual
           improvement
           of
           that
           Communion
           ,
           whereby
           men
           d●
           boldly
           meddle
           with
           any
           thing
           that
           belongs
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           do
           meddle
           with
           himself
           as
           their
           own
           ,
           with
           much
           homeliness
           and
           familiarity
           ,
           especially
           in
           worship
           :
           when
           the
           soul
           doth
           converse
           with
           a
           living
           God
           ,
           partaking
           of
           the
           Divine
           Nature
           ,
           growing
           like
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           sweetly
           travelling
           through
           his
           Attributes
           ,
           and
           ,
           with
           some
           confidence
           of
           interest
           ,
           viewing
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           the
           mans
           ow●
           goods
           and
           gear
           ,
           this
           we
           call
           Communion
           with
           God
           i●
           ordinances
           .
           This
           indeed
           is
           not
           ordinarily
           nor
           frequent●y
           
           made
           out
           to
           men
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           people
           do
           not
           equally
           par●ake
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           what
           is
           in
           God
           ,
           goeth
           not
           out
           for
           the
           behoof
           of
           the
           man
           ,
           to
           his
           apprehension
           e●ually
           at
           all
           times
           :
           yet
           certainly
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           ●roperly
           so
           called
           ,
           (
           viz.
           )
           that
           commonness
           of
           interest
           ●etween
           God
           and
           a
           Man
           ,
           who
           is
           savingly
           in
           Covenant
           with
           him
           ,
           doth
           alwayes
           stand
           firm
           and
           sure
           :
           and
           so
           much
           of
           Communion
           with
           God
           in
           Ordinances
           ,
           have
           all
           Believers
           ,
           as
           that
           their
           heart
           converseth
           with
           a
           Living
           God
           there
           now
           ,
           and
           then
           ,
           and
           is
           in
           some
           measure
           chang●d
           into
           that
           same
           Image
           ,
           and
           there
           needeth
           be
           no
           doubt
           ●ny
           further
           about
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           thing
           which
           is
           called
           
           Fellowship
           ●ith
           God
           ,
           often
           mistaken
           also
           among
           believers
           .
           If
           by
           ●ellowship
           ,
           be
           meant
           the
           walking
           in
           our
           duty
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           ●ight
           of
           a
           living
           God
           ,
           who
           seeth
           and
           heareth
           us
           ,
           and
           is
           ●imess
           to
           all
           our
           carriage
           .
           It
           is
           a
           thing
           common
           unto
           ●ll
           gracious
           men
           ,
           they
           have
           it
           habitually
           ,
           and
           in
           design
           ,
           
             ●sal
             .
             16.
             8.
             
             I
             have
             set
             the
             Lord
             alwayes
             before
             me
             ,
          
           yea
           ,
           ●nd
           often
           they
           have
           it
           actually
           in
           exercise
           ,
           when
           their
           ●pirit
           is
           in
           any
           good
           frame
           ;
           they
           walk
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           saw
           God
           standing
           by
           them
           ,
           and
           have
           some
           thoughts
           of
           his
           fa●our
           through
           Christ
           ;
           
             Truly
             our
             fellowship
             is
             with
             the
             Fa●er
             ,
             and
             with
             his
             Son
             ,
          
           1
           John
           1.
           3.
           
           If
           we
           by
           Fellowship
           ,
           do
           mean
           a
           sweet
           ,
           refreshing
           ,
           familiar
           ,
           sensible
           con●ersing
           with
           God
           ,
           which
           doth
           delight
           and
           refresh
           the
           ●ul
           ,
           (
           beside
           what
           the
           conscience
           of
           duty
           doth
           ;
           )
           It
           is
           ●hen
           a
           walking
           in
           the
           light
           of
           his
           countenance
           ,
           and
           a
           ●ood
           part
           of
           sensible
           presence
           ;
           and
           although
           it
           seemeth
           ●och
           had
           much
           of
           it
           ,
           
             whilest
             it
             is
             said
             be
             walked
             with
             ●od
             ,
             Gen.
          
           5.
           24.
           
           Yet
           it
           is
           not
           so
           ordinary
           as
           the
           former
           ,
           ●or
           so
           common
           to
           all
           Christians
           ;
           for
           here
           the
           soul
           is
           fill●●as
           with
           marrow
           and
           fatness
           ,
           following
           hard
           after
           its
           ●ide
           ,
           and
           singularly
           upheld
           by
           his
           right
           hand
           ,
           Psal
           .
           3.
           5
           ,
           8.
           
        
         
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           thing
           which
           is
           called
           Access
           u●
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           this
           I
           take
           to
           be
           the
           removing
           of
           obstruct●ons
           out
           of
           the
           way
           between
           a
           Man
           and
           God
           ,
           so
           as
           the
           m●
           is
           admitted
           to
           come
           near
           .
           We
           are
           said
           to
           have
           acc●
           to
           a
           great
           person
           ,
           when
           doors
           are
           cast
           open
           ,
           guards
           r●moved
           from
           about
           him
           ,
           and
           we
           admitted
           to
           come
           clo●
           at
           him
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           here
           .
           Now
           this
           Access
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           〈◊〉
           sometimes
           taken
           for
           Christs
           preparing
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           the
           removing
           of
           enmity
           between
           God
           and
           Sinners
           ,
           
             so
             as
             m●now
             have
             a
             patent
             way
             to
             come
             unto
             God
             through
             Christ
             Ephes
             .
          
           2.
           18.
           
           Sometimes
           it
           is
           taken
           for
           the
           actual
           improvement
           of
           that
           access
           purchased
           by
           Christ
           ,
           when
           a
           m●
           finds
           all
           obstructions
           and
           differences
           ,
           which
           do
           ordina●●ly
           fall
           in
           between
           him
           and
           God
           ,
           removed
           ;
           God
           is
           nauncouth
           to
           him
           ,
           nor
           as
           a
           stranger
           ,
           keeping
           up
           himse●
           from
           him
           ,
           or
           frowning
           on
           him
           ,
           
             but
             the
             man
             is
             admitt●
             to
             come
             even
             unto
             his
             seat
             ,
             as
             Job
          
           23.
           3.
           
           Of
           the
           wante●
           this
           doth
           Job
           complain
           ,
           Job
           23.
           8
           ,
           9.
           whilst
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             go
             forward
             ,
             backward
             ,
             to
             the
             right
             and
             left
             hand
             ,
             and
             find
             him
             not
             .
          
           The
           first
           sort
           of
           access
           is
           common
           to
           all
           Believers
           ,
           they
           are
           brought
           near
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           are
           no
           more
           far
           off
           ,
           as
           the
           deadly
           enmity
           between
           God
           and
           them
           is
           removed
           .
           But
           access
           ,
           in
           the
           othe●
           sence
           is
           dispenced
           more
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Lords
           absolue●
           soveraignty
           and
           pleasure
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           left
           in
           the
           power
           〈◊〉
           Believers
           to
           obstruct
           it
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           until
           it
           pleas●
           the
           Lord
           mercifully
           and
           freely
           to
           grant
           it
           unto
           them
           against
           so
           it
           is
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           and
           there
           needs
           be
           no
           question
           (
           〈◊〉
           to
           mans
           state
           )
           about
           it
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           thing
           called
           Liberty
           before
           God
           and
           this
           properly
           is
           freedom
           ,
           or
           free
           speaking
           unto
           God
           many
           do
           much
           question
           their
           state
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           wa●
           of
           this
           now
           and
           then
           ,
           since
           the
           Scripture
           hath
           said
           ,
           
             Wha●
             the
             Spirit
             is
             ,
             there
             is
             liberty
          
           2
           Cor.
           3.
           17.
           but
           they
           〈◊〉
           justly
           confine
           that
           liberty
           ,
           spoken
           of
           there
           ,
           unto
           this
           fre●
           
           spaking
           before
           God.
           I
           grant
           where
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           doth
           savingly
           discover
           Gods
           will
           in
           the
           Scripture
           to
           a
           man
           ,
           There
           is
           liberty
           from
           any
           obligation
           to
           the
           Ceremonial
           Law
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           condemning
           power
           of
           the
           Moral
           Law
           ,
           and
           from
           much
           of
           that
           gross
           darkness
           and
           ignorance
           ,
           which
           is
           on
           natural
           hearts
           as
           a
           vail
           hiding
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           from
           them
           .
           I
           grant
           also
           ,
           that
           sometimes
           ,
           even
           this
           liberty
           which
           is
           a
           free
           communion
           with
           God
           ,
           
             and
             ordering
             of
             our
             case
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             filling
             of
             our
             mouths
             with
             Arguments
             ,
          
           Job
           .
           23.
           4.
           is
           granted
           to
           the
           godly
           ,
           but
           not
           as
           liberty
           taken
           in
           the
           former
           sences
           .
           Although
           
             the
             Lord
             hath
             obliged
             himself
             to
             pour
             out
             the
             Spirit
             of
             prayer
             upon
             all
             the
             house
             of
          
           David
           
             in
             some
             measure
          
           Zech.
           12.
           10.
           
           Yet
           this
           communication
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           we
           call
           liberty
           ,
           or
           free
           speaking
           unto
           God
           ,
           dependeth
           much
           on
           the
           Lords
           absolute
           pleasure
           ,
           when
           ,
           and
           what
           measure
           to
           allow
           it
           .
           This
           liberty
           which
           we
           call
           freedom
           ,
           or
           free
           speaking
           with
           God
           in
           prayer
           ,
           is
           sometimes
           much
           abstracted
           from
           any
           great
           confidence
           in
           the
           time
           of
           prayer
           ,
           (
           at
           least
           ,
           until
           it
           draw
           towards
           the
           close
           of
           it
           )
           it
           standeth
           much
           in
           a
           vivacity
           of
           the
           understanding
           to
           take
           up
           the
           case
           which
           a
           man
           is
           to
           speak
           before
           God
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           can
           order
           his
           case
           ;
           and
           next
           ,
           there
           be
           words
           or
           verbal
           expressions
           ,
           elegant
           ,
           suitable
           ,
           and
           very
           emphatical
           ,
           or
           powerful
           and
           pithy
           ;
           there
           is
           also
           joyned
           a
           fervency
           of
           spirit
           in
           prayer
           ,
           whereof
           the
           Scripture
           speaketh
           ;
           the
           soul
           is
           hot
           and
           bended
           ,
           and
           very
           intent
           :
           There
           is
           also
           ordinarily
           in
           this
           liberty
           ,
           a
           special
           melting
           of
           the
           heart
           (
           often
           joyned
           with
           a
           great
           measure
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           grace
           and
           supplication
           ,
           Zech.
           10.
           11.
           
           )
           for
           so
           the
           soul
           in
           poured
           out
           before
           God
           as
           for
           a
           first
           born
           :
           Such
           is
           the
           liberty
           ,
           which
           many
           Saints
           get
           before
           God
           ,
           whilst
           in
           much
           brekenness
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           fervency
           of
           spirit
           ,
           they
           are
           admitted
           to
           speak
           their
           mind
           fully
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           a
           Living
           God
           ,
           noticing
           (
           at
           least
           )
           their
           Prayer
           .
           Sometimes
           this
           liberty
           is
           joyned
           
           with
           confidence
           ,
           and
           then
           it
           is
           not
           only
           a
           free
           ,
           but
           also
           a
           bold
           speaking
           before
           God
           ;
           
             it
             is
             that
             boldness
             with
             confidence
             ,
             Ephes
             .
          
           3.
           12.
           this
           is
           more
           rarely
           imparted
           unto
           men
           than
           the
           former
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           ordinary
           .
           It
           hath
           in
           it
           beside
           what
           we
           spake
           before
           ,
           some
           influence
           of
           the
           Spirit
           upon
           faith
           ,
           making
           it
           put
           out
           some
           vigorous
           acting
           in
           Prayer
           ;
           there
           is
           a
           sweet
           mournful
           frame
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           which
           a
           man
           poureth
           out
           his
           heart
           in
           Gods
           bosome
           ,
           and
           with
           some
           confidence
           of
           his
           Favour
           and
           good
           will
           ,
           pleadeth
           his
           cause
           before
           him
           ,
           
             as
             a
             living
             God
          
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           all
           the
           sensible
           presence
           that
           many
           Saints
           do
           attain
           unto
           :
           there
           is
           no
           ground
           of
           doubt
           about
           a
           mans
           estate
           in
           point
           of
           liberty
           before
           God
           in
           this
           last
           sence
           ,
           because
           there
           is
           nothing
           essential
           to
           the
           making
           up
           of
           a
           gracious
           state
           here
           :
           some
           have
           it
           ,
           some
           want
           ;
           some
           have
           it
           at
           sometimes
           ,
           and
           not
           at
           other
           times
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           is
           much
           up
           and
           down
           ;
           yet
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           gracious
           men
           may
           do
           much
           (
           by
           a
           very
           ordinary
           influence
           )
           in
           contributing
           towards
           the
           attaining
           and
           retaining
           ,
           or
           keeping
           of
           such
           a
           frame
           of
           spirit
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           thing
           called
           Influence
           ,
           or
           
             breathing
             of
             the
             Spirit
          
           .
           This
           gracious
           influence
           (
           for
           of
           such
           only
           do
           I
           now
           speak
           )
           is
           either
           ordinary
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           operation
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           on
           the
           soul
           ;
           and
           the
           habits
           of
           grace
           there
           ,
           whereby
           they
           are
           still
           kept
           alive
           ,
           and
           in
           some
           exercise
           and
           acting
           ,
           although
           not
           very
           discernable
           .
           This
           influence
           (
           I
           conceive
           )
           doth
           alwayes
           attend
           Believers
           ,
           
             and
             is
             that
             keeping
             and
             watering
             night
             and
             day
             ,
             and
             every
             moment
             ,
          
           promised
           ,
           Isa
           .
           27.
           3.
           
           Or
           ,
           this
           influence
           is
           more
           singular
           and
           special
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           same
           to
           a
           gracious
           (
           although
           a
           withered
           )
           soul
           ,
           
             as
             the
             wind
             and
             breath
             to
             the
             dry
             bones
             ,
             putting
             them
             in
             good
             ease
             ,
             Ezek.
          
           37.
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           
             And
             as
             the
             dew
             or
             rain
             to
             the
             grass
             ,
             or
             newly
             mowen
             field
             and
             parched
             ground
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           72.
           6.
           
           Such
           influence
           is
           meant
           ,
           Cant.
           4.
           16.
           by
           the
           blowing
           of
           the
           
           
             South
             wind
             ,
             making
             the
             Spices
             to
             flow
             out
             .
          
           When
           the
           Spirit
           moveth
           thus
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           edge
           put
           upon
           the
           gra●es
           of
           God
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           mad
           to
           act
           more
           vi●orously
           .
           This
           
             is
             the
             inlarging
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             by
             which
             a
             〈◊〉
             doth
             run
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             God
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           119.
           32.
           
           This
           influence
           is
           more
           discernable
           than
           the
           former
           ,
           and
           not
           so
           ordinarily
           communicated
           .
           Also
           here
           ,
           sometimes
           the
           wind
           bloweth
           more
           upon
           one
           grace
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           more
           discernably
           upon
           another
           ,
           and
           often
           upon
           many
           of
           the
           graces
           together
           ;
           and
           according
           to
           the
           lesser
           ,
           or
           greater
           measure
           of
           this
           influence
           ,
           the
           soul
           acteth
           more
           or
           less
           vigorously
           towards
           God
           :
           and
           since
           faith
           is
           a
           created
           grace
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           this
           influence
           of
           the
           Spirit
           is
           upon
           it
           ,
           sometimes
           less
           ,
           sometimes
           more
           ,
           and
           accordingly
           is
           the
           assurance
           of
           faith
           ,
           small
           or
           great
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           There
           is
           the
           hearing
           of
           prayer
           often
           spoken
           of
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           many
           vex
           themselves
           about
           it
           ,
           alleadging
           that
           they
           know
           nothing
           of
           it
           experimentally
           .
           I
           grant
           there
           is
           a
           favourable
           hearing
           of
           prayer
           :
           But
           we
           must
           remember
           it
           is
           two
           fold
           .
        
         
           Either
           ,
           1.
           
           It
           is
           such
           as
           a
           man
           is
           simply
           to
           believe
           by
           way
           of
           argument
           on
           Scriptural
           grounds
           .
           As
           if
           I
           be
           fled
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           do
           approach
           unto
           God
           in
           him
           ,
           pray
           according
           to
           his
           will
           ,
           
             not
             regarding
             iniquity
             in
             my
             heart
             ,
          
           exercising
           faith
           about
           the
           thing
           I
           pray
           for
           ,
           absolutely
           or
           conditionally
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           thing
           and
           promises
           about
           it
           .
           I
           am
           obliged
           to
           believe
           that
           God
           heareth
           my
           prayer
           ,
           
             and
             will
             give
             what
             is
             good
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             Joh.
             14.
             13
             ,
             14.
             
             Whatsoever
             ye
             ask
             in
             my
             name
             ,
             I
             will
             do
             it
             ,
          
           1
           John
           5.
           14.
           
           
             This
             is
             our
             confidence
             ,
             that
             whatsoever
             we
             ask
             according
             to
             his
             will
             ,
             he
             heareth
             us
             ,
          
           Mark
           3.
           24.
           
           Believe
           that
           you
           receive
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           have
           what
           you
           desire
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             66.
             18.
             
             If
             I
             regard
             iniquity
             ,
             he
             will
             not
             hear
             .
          
           Then
           if
           I
           regard
           not
           iniquity
           ,
           I
           may
           believe
           that
           he
           doth
           hear
           me
           .
           
           Or
           ,
           2.
           
           A
           man
           doth
           sensibly
           perceive
           that
           God
           heareth
           his
           prayer
           ,
           It
           is
           made
           out
           to
           his
           heart
           without
           any
           syllogistical
           deduction
           .
           Such
           a
           hearing
           of
           prayer
           got
           
             Hannah
             ,
             1
             Sam.
             1.
             8.
             
             Her
             countenance
             was
             no
             more
             sad
             .
          
           Surely
           the
           Lord
           did
           breath
           upon
           her
           faith
           ,
           and
           made
           her
           believe
           that
           she
           was
           heard
           ,
           and
           she
           could
           not
           make
           it
           out
           by
           any
           argument
           ,
           for
           she
           had
           not
           grounds
           whereupon
           to
           build
           the
           premises
           of
           the
           argument
           according
           to
           Scripture
           in
           that
           particular
           .
           God
           did
           stamp
           it
           in
           some
           way
           upon
           her
           heart
           sensibly
           ,
           and
           so
           made
           her
           believe
           it
           .
           This
           is
           but
           rarely
           granted
           ,
           especially
           in
           cases
           clearly
           deducible
           in
           Scripture
           .
           And
           therefore
           people
           are
           much
           to
           be
           satisfied
           in
           exercising
           their
           faith
           about
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           let
           God
           give
           of
           this
           latter
           what
           he
           pleaseth
           .
           A
           mans
           gracious
           state
           should
           not
           be
           brought
           upon
           debate
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           such
           hearing
           of
           prayer
           .
        
         
           Eighthly
           ,
           There
           is
           Assureance
           of
           Gods
           favour
           by
           the
           witnessing
           of
           our
           own
           spirits
           ;
           which
           assurance
           ,
           is
           deduced
           by
           way
           of
           argument
           syllogistically
           ,
           Thus
           ,
           
             Whosoever
             believeth
             on
             Christ
             shall
             never
             perish
             ;
             But
             I
             do
             believe
             on
             Christ
             :
             Therefore
             I
             shall
             never
             perish
             .
             Whoso
             hath
             respect
             unto
             all
             Gods
             Commandments
             ,
             shall
             never
             be
             ashamed
             ;
             But
             I
             have
             respect
             unto
             all
             his
             Commands
             :
             Therefore
             ,
             I
             shall
             never
             be
             ashamed
             .
          
           I
           say
           ,
           by
           reasoning
           thus
           ,
           and
           comparing
           Spiritual
           things
           with
           spiritual
           things
           ,
           a
           man
           may
           attain
           unto
           a
           good
           certainty
           of
           his
           Gracious
           State.
           It
           is
           supposed
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           18
           ,
           19.
           
           That
           by
           loving
           the
           Brethren
           in
           deed
           and
           in
           truth
           ,
           we
           may
           assure
           our
           hearts
           before
           God
           ,
           and
           
             that
             a
             man
             may
             rejoyce
             upon
             the
             Testimony
             of
             a
             Good
             Conscience
             ,
             2
             Cor.
          
           1.
           12.
           
           A
           man
           may
           have
           confidence
           ,
           if
           his
           heart
           do
           not
           condemn
           him
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           21.
           
           We
           may
           then
           attain
           unto
           some
           assurance
           (
           although
           not
           full
           assurance
           )
           by
           the
           witness
           of
           our
           own
           spirit
           .
           I
           do
           not
           deny
           ,
           that
           in
           this
           witnessing
           of
           our
           Spirits
           towards
           Assurance
           ,
           there
           is
           some
           concurrence
           of
           the
           
           Spirit
           of
           God.
           But
           ,
           I
           conceive
           there
           needeth
           but
           a
           very
           ordinary
           influence
           ,
           without
           which
           we
           can
           do
           nothing
           .
           Now
           ,
           this
           assurance
           ,
           such
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           may
           be
           reached
           by
           intelligent
           Believers
           ,
           who
           keep
           a
           good
           conscience
           in
           their
           walk
           .
           So
           I
           hope
           ,
           there
           needs
           be
           no
           debate
           about
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           a
           mans
           gracious
           state
           ;
           for
           if
           a
           man
           will
           clear
           himself
           of
           heart
           condemnings
           ,
           he
           will
           speedily
           reach
           this
           assurance
           .
        
         
           Ninthly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           Witnessing
           of
           
             Gods
             Spirit
          
           mentioned
           ,
           
             Rom.
             8.
             16.
             
             A
             bearing
             witness
             with
             our
             Spirits
             that
             we
             are
             the
             Children
             of
             God.
          
           This
           operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           is
           best
           understood
           ,
           if
           we
           produce
           any
           syllogism
           by
           which
           our
           spirit
           doth
           witness
           our
           Sonship
           :
           as
           for
           example
           ,
           Whosoever
           loveth
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           
             is
             past
             from
             Death
          
           to
           Life
           ,
           and
           consequently
           is
           in
           Christ
           ,
           But
           I
           love
           the
           Brethern
           ;
           Therefore
           I
           am
           passed
           from
           Death
           to
           Life
           ,
           Here
           there
           is
           a
           threefold
           operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           or
           Three
           Operations
           rather
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           is
           a
           beam
           of
           
             Divine
             Light
          
           upon
           the
           first
           Proposition
           ,
           perswading
           the
           
             Divine
             Authority
          
           of
           it
           as
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           must
           witness
           the
           
             Divinity
             of
             the
             Scripture
          
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           the
           infallible
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           far
           beyond
           all
           other
           arguments
           can
           be
           used
           for
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           Operation
           is
           ,
           
             A
             Glorious
             beam
             of
             Light
             from
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             shining
             upon
             the
             second
             proposi●●n
             ,
          
           and
           so
           upon
           
             his
             own
             graces
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
          
           discovering
           them
           to
           be
           true
           graces
           ;
           and
           such
           as
           the
           Scripture
           calleth
           so
           .
           Thus
           are
           we
           said
           to
           know
           
             by
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             the
             things
             freely
             given
             to
             us
             of
             God
             ,
             1
             Cor.
          
           2.
           13.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           Operation
           is
           ,
           
             in
             order
             to
             the
             third
             proposition
             of
             the
             Argument
             ,
             or
             the
             Conclusion
          
           ;
           and
           this
           I
           conceive
           ,
           to
           be
           nothing
           else
           ,
           but
           
             an
             influence
             upon
             Faith
             ,
             strengthning
             it
             to
             draw
             a
             conclusion
             of
             full
             assurance
             upon
             the
             foresaid
             premises
             .
          
           Now
           (
           with
           submission
           unto
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           greater
           light
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           more
           experience
           of
           
           these
           precious
           communications
           )
           I
           do
           conceive
           the
           Witness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           or
           witness
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           mentioned
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           16.
           is
           not
           that
           first
           operation
           upon
           the
           first
           proposition
           ;
           for
           that
           operation
           is
           that
           testimony
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           beareth
           witness
           to
           the
           Divinity
           of
           the
           whole
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           asserteth
           the
           Divine
           authority
           of
           it
           unto
           the
           souls
           of
           gracious
           men
           ;
           and
           such
           an
           operation
           may
           be
           upon
           a
           truth
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           doth
           not
           relate
           to
           a
           mans
           sonship
           or
           interest
           in
           Christ
           at
           all
           .
           The
           Spirit
           may
           so
           shine
           upon
           any
           truth
           ,
           relating
           to
           duty
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           fundamental
           truth
           perswading
           the
           Divinity
           of
           it
           ,
           upon
           and
           unto
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           speaking
           nothing
           relating
           to
           a
           mans
           interest
           in
           Christ
           .
           Neither
           is
           the
           third
           operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           makes
           faith
           boldly
           draw
           the
           conclusion
           this
           witnessing
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           for
           that
           operation
           is
           nothing
           else
           but
           influence
           upon
           faith
           ,
           bringing
           it
           out
           to
           full
           assurance
           :
           but
           that
           whereupon
           this
           full
           assurance
           is
           drawn
           or
           put
           out
           ,
           is
           somewhat
           deponed
           and
           witnessed
           already
           .
           Therefore
           I
           conceive
           the
           second
           operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           upon
           the
           second
           proposition
           ,
           and
           so
           upon
           the
           graces
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           is
           that
           witness
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           ●ea●
           of
           divine
           light
           ,
           shining
           upon
           those
           graces
           ,
           whereby
           they
           are
           made
           very
           conspicuous
           to
           the
           understanding
           :
           That
           is
           the
           witness
           ,
           the
           shining
           so
           on
           them
           in
           his
           witnessing
           :
           For
           only
           here
           in
           this
           proposition
           and
           in
           this
           operation
           ,
           doth
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           prove
           a
           co-witness
           with
           our
           spirit
           :
           For
           ,
           the
           main
           thing
           wherein
           the
           witness
           of
           our
           spirit
           lyeth
           ,
           is
           the
           second
           proposition
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           witnessing
           with
           our
           spirits
           ,
           is
           also
           in
           that
           same
           proposition
           .
           So
           these
           two
           witnesses
           ,
           having
           deponed
           and
           witnessed
           one
           and
           the
           same
           thing
           ,
           viz.
           The
           truth
           and
           reality
           of
           such
           and
           such
           graces
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           which
           our
           own
           spirit
           or
           conscience
           doth
           depone
           ,
           according
           to
           its
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           doth
           certainly
           affirm
           and
           witness
           to
           be
           so
           .
           There
           is
           a
           sentence
           drawn
           forth
           ,
           
           and
           a
           conclusion
           of
           the
           mans
           sonship
           ,
           by
           the
           mans
           faith
           ,
           breathed
           upon
           by
           the
           spirit
           for
           that
           effect
           ,
           and
           this
           conclusion
           beareth
           the
           full
           assurance
           of
           a
           mans
           sonship
           .
           It
           may
           be
           presumed
           ,
           that
           some
           true
           Saints
           do
           not
           partake
           of
           this
           all
           their
           dayes
           ,
           as
           Heb.
           2.
           15.
           
        
         
           Tenthly
           ,
           (
           I
           speak
           with
           the
           experience
           of
           many
           〈◊〉
           and
           ,
           I
           hope
           ,
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ,
           )
           If
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           communication
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           which
           is
           let
           out
           to
           some
           of
           his
           people
           sometimes
           ;
           it
           is
           somewhat
           beside
           ,
           if
           not
           beyond
           that
           witnessing
           of
           a
           sonship
           ,
           spoken
           of
           before
           .
           It
           is
           a
           glorious
           divine
           manifestation
           of
           God
           unto
           the
           soul
           ,
           shedding
           abroad
           Gods
           love
           in
           the
           heart
           ;
           It
           is
           a
           thing
           better
           felt
           than
           spoken
           of
           ;
           It
           is
           no
           audible
           voice
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           a
           glance
           of
           glory
           ,
           filling
           the
           soul
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           life
           ,
           light
           ,
           love
           ,
           and
           liberty
           ,
           countervailing
           that
           audible
           voice
           ,
           
             O
             man
             greatly
             beloved
             ,
             Dan.
          
           9.
           22
           ,
           33.
           putting
           a
           man
           in
           a
           transport
           ,
           with
           this
           on
           his
           heart
           ,
           
             It
             is
             good
             to
             be
             here
             ,
          
           as
           Mat.
           17.
           4.
           
           It
           is
           that
           which
           went
           out
           from
           Christ
           to
           Mary
           ,
           when
           He
           but
           mentioned
           her
           name
           ,
           John
           20.
           16.
           he
           had
           spoken
           some
           words
           to
           her
           before
           ,
           and
           she
           understood
           not
           that
           it
           was
           he
           .
           But
           when
           he
           uttered
           this
           one
           word
           ,
           MARY
           ,
           there
           was
           some
           admirable
           divine
           conveyance
           and
           manifestation
           made
           out
           unto
           her
           heart
           ,
           by
           which
           she
           was
           so
           satisfyingly
           filled
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           no
           place
           for
           arguing
           and
           disputing
           ,
           whether
           or
           not
           ,
           that
           was
           Christ
           ,
           and
           if
           she
           had
           any
           interest
           in
           him
           .
           That
           manifestation
           made
           faith
           to
           it self
           ,
           and
           did
           purchase
           credit
           and
           trust
           to
           it self
           ,
           and
           was
           equivalent
           with
           ,
           
             T●us
             saith
             the
             Lord.
          
           This
           is
           such
           a
           glance
           of
           glory
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           in
           the
           highest
           sence
           ,
           be
           called
           the
           earnest
           ,
           or
           first
           fruits
           of
           the
           inheritance
           :
           For
           it
           is
           a
           felt
           armful
           of
           the
           Holy
           God
           ,
           almost
           wholly
           conforming
           the
           man
           unto
           his
           likeness
           ,
           so
           swallowing
           him
           up
           that
           he
           forgetteth
           all
           things
           ,
           except
           the
           present
           manifestation
           :
           O
           how
           glorious
           is
           this
           manifestation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ▪
           Faith
           here
           riseth
           to
           so
           full
           an
           assurance
           ,
           that
           it
           resolveth
           
           wholly
           into
           sensible
           embracements
           of
           God.
           This
           is
           the
           thing
           which
           doth
           best
           deserve
           the
           title
           of
           
             sensible
             presence
          
           .
           And
           ,
           it
           is
           like
           ,
           is
           not
           given
           unto
           all
           Believers
           ;
           some
           whereof
           are
           all
           their
           dayes
           under
           bondage
           ,
           and
           in
           fear
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           15.
           
           But
           here
           love
           ,
           almost
           perfect
           ,
           casteth
           out
           fear
           .
           This
           is
           so
           absolutely
           let
           out
           upon
           the
           Masters
           pleasure
           ,
           and
           so
           transient
           and
           passing
           ,
           or
           quickly
           gone
           when
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           no
           man
           may
           bring
           his
           gracious
           state
           upon
           debate
           for
           want
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Eleventhly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           thing
           we
           call
           Peace
           ,
           about
           which
           many
           do
           vex
           themselves
           .
           This
           Peace
           is
           either
           about
           a
           mans
           state
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           reconciled
           unto
           God
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           or
           it
           is
           about
           his
           present
           case
           and
           condition
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           walking
           so
           ,
           as
           approved
           of
           God
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           so
           far
           ,
           as
           there
           is
           no
           quarrel
           or
           controversie
           between
           God
           and
           him
           threatning
           a
           stroke
           :
           Both
           of
           these
           ,
           are
           either
           such
           in
           the
           court
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           consequently
           in
           Gods
           account
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           court
           of
           a
           mans
           own
           conscience
           .
           Peace
           ,
           about
           a
           mans
           state
           ,
           as
           being
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           sure
           in
           the
           court
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           when
           a
           man
           doth
           by
           Faith
           close
           with
           Christ
           and
           the
           New
           Covenant
           ,
           
             Rom.
             5.
             1.
             
             Being
             justified
             by
             faith
             ,
             we
             have
             peace
             with
             God.
          
           It
           Being
           sure
           and
           solid
           in
           the
           court
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           it
           should
           hold
           sure
           in
           the
           court
           of
           mans
           conscience
           ,
           it
           being
           rightly
           informed
           ;
           for
           in
           that
           case
           ,
           it
           still
           speaks
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ;
           but
           ,
           because
           often
           the
           conscience
           is
           misinformed
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           therefore
           there
           is
           often
           peace
           about
           a
           mans
           state
           according
           to
           Scripture
           ,
           whilst
           his
           conscience
           doth
           threaten
           the
           contrary
           ,
           and
           doth
           still
           condemn
           ,
           and
           refuseth
           to
           assoil
           the
           man
           ,
           as
           being
           reconciled
           unto
           God
           through
           Christ
           .
           In
           this
           case
           the
           conscience
           must
           be
           informed
           ,
           and
           the
           mans
           gracious
           state
           made
           out
           by
           the
           marks
           of
           grace
           ,
           as
           we
           shewed
           before
           ;
           and
           here
           the
           witness
           of
           my
           own
           spirit
           ,
           will
           do
           much
           to
           allay
           the
           cry
           of
           the
           conscience
           ;
           and
           if
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           joyn
           his
           
           witness
           and
           testimony
           ,
           the
           conscience
           is
           perfectly
           satisfied
           ,
           and
           proclaimeth
           peace
           to
           the
           man.
           The
           other
           peace
           ,
           about
           a
           mans
           present
           case
           or
           condition
           ,
           viz.
           That
           it
           is
           approved
           of
           God
           in
           a
           Gospel
           sense
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           wanting
           ,
           and
           justly
           wanting
           ,
           although
           the
           other
           peace
           about
           a
           mans
           state
           be
           sure
           .
           This
           peace
           about
           a
           mans
           case
           and
           condition
           ,
           it
           is
           either
           such
           in
           the
           court
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           when
           a
           a
           man
           is
           not
           regarding
           iniquity
           ,
           and
           expecting
           the
           Commands
           of
           God
           without
           exception
           ;
           then
           the
           Scripture
           saith
           ,
           he
           stands
           in
           an
           even
           place
           ,
           and
           he
           〈◊〉
           fear
           no
           stated
           quarrel
           between
           God
           and
           him
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           a
           temporary
           stroke
           ;
           and
           when
           it
           is
           thus
           ,
           his
           conscience
           should
           also
           assoil
           him
           that
           same
           way
           ;
           and
           would
           do
           so
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           rightly
           informed
           ;
           but
           because
           the
           conscience
           is
           often
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           therefore
           a
           man
           may
           be
           alarm'd
           with
           evil
           in
           the
           court
           of
           conscience
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           justly
           to
           expect
           a
           stroke
           from
           God
           because
           of
           his
           sin
           ,
           and
           some
           quarrel
           God
           hath
           at
           him
           ,
           although
           he
           intends
           salvation
           for
           him
           ;
           this
           is
           enough
           to
           keep
           a
           man
           in
           disquiet
           ,
           and
           to
           inhibit
           him
           ,
           the
           rejoycing
           allowed
           unto
           him
           ,
           whilst
           he
           is
           walking
           in
           his
           integrity
           :
           Therefore
           a
           man
           must
           here
           also
           inform
           his
           conscience
           ,
           and
           receive
           no
           accusations
           ,
           nor
           condemnings
           from
           it
           ,
           unless
           it
           make
           them
           clear
           by
           Scripture
           .
           At
           that
           Bar
           let
           every
           man
           stand
           ,
           both
           about
           his
           state
           ,
           and
           his
           condition
           or
           case
           ;
           and
           let
           him
           appeal
           from
           all
           other
           courts
           to
           that
           ,
           and
           not
           receive
           any
           indictment
           but
           conform
           to
           the
           truth
           ,
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           conscience
           is
           to
           proceed
           in
           all
           things
           :
           and
           if
           this
           were
           well
           lookt
           unto
           ,
           there
           would
           not
           be
           so
           many
           groundless
           suspicions
           ,
           amongst
           the
           Lords
           people
           ,
           either
           about
           their
           state
           ,
           or
           condition
           ,
           upon
           every
           thought
           which
           entereth
           their
           mind
           .
        
         
           Twelfthly
           ,
           There
           is
           the
           Joy
           of
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           when
           the
           spirit
           doth
           breath
           upon
           our
           rejoycing
           in
           God
           (
           which
           is
           a
           grace
           very
           little
           in
           exercise
           with
           many
           )
           and
           maketh
           it
           set
           out
           sensibly
           and
           vigorously
           ;
           and
           
           he
           exciteth
           and
           stirreth
           the
           passion
           of
           joy
           and
           delight
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           so
           as
           there
           is
           an
           unspeakable
           and
           glorious
           joy
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           in
           the
           apprehension
           of
           Gods
           friendship
           and
           nearness
           unto
           him
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           8.
           
           This
           joy
           followeth
           upon
           peace
           ,
           and
           peace
           followeth
           righteousness
           ,
           Rom.
           14.
           17.
           
           This
           joy
           readily
           will
           not
           fail
           to
           be
           according
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           assurance
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           1
           
             Pet.
             1.
             8.
             
             In
             whom
             believing
             ,
             ye
             rejoyee
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           So
           that
           the
           removal
           of
           mistakes
           about
           other
           things
           ,
           will
           allay
           doubts
           about
           this
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           because
           some
           of
           these
           excellent
           communications
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           after
           they
           are
           gone
           ,
           are
           brought
           in
           question
           ,
           as
           delusions
           of
           Satan
           .
           For
           vindication
           of
           them
           we
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           special
           operations
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           in
           any
           high
           degree
           ,
           usually
           are
           communicated
           to
           people
           after
           such
           brokenness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           Psal
           .
           51.
           8.
           after
           so
           singular
           pains
           in
           Religious
           duty
           ,
           Dan.
           9.
           3
           ,
           21.
           or
           in
           time
           of
           such
           suffering
           for
           righteousness
           ,
           1.
           
           Pet.
           4.
           14.
           or
           if
           they
           break
           in
           as
           the
           rain
           that
           waiteth
           not
           for
           man
           ,
           then
           they
           do
           so
           humble
           and
           abase
           the
           person
           ,
           Isa
           .
           6.
           5.
           and
           there
           are
           found
           so
           many
           evidences
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           16.
           or
           these
           things
           do
           so
           provoke
           unto
           holiness
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           every
           thing
           answerable
           ;
           and
           conform
           unto
           these
           manifestations
           of
           God
           ,
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.
           19.
           the
           person
           under
           them
           doth
           so
           loath
           all
           things
           beside
           Gods
           friendship
           and
           fellowship
           ,
           Mat.
           17.
           4.
           and
           these
           things
           do
           carry
           on
           them
           and
           with
           them
           so
           much
           authority
           ,
           and
           divine
           superscription
           ,
           whilst
           they
           are
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           that
           afterwards
           they
           may
           appear
           sufficiently
           to
           be
           special
           communications
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           singular
           gracious
           operations
           of
           his
           spirit
           ,
           and
           no
           delusions
           of
           Satan
           transforming
           himself
           unto
           an
           Angel
           of
           Light
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           11.
           14.
           nor
           such
           common
           flashes
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           as
           may
           admit
           afterwards
           irrecoverable
           Apostacy
           from
           God
           ,
           Heb
           ,
           6.
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           
        
         
           Now
           then
           ,
           to
           conclude
           this
           part
           of
           the
           work
           that
           relateth
           unto
           tryal
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           to
           all
           these
           who
           complain
           of
           the
           
           want
           of
           the
           precious
           out-lettings
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           1.
           
           Bless
           God
           if
           you
           want
           nothing
           essential
           for
           making
           out
           of
           a
           saving
           interest
           in
           Christ
           .
           God
           hath
           given
           unto
           you
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           greatest
           gift
           he
           had
           ,
           and
           since
           your
           heart
           is
           shapen
           out
           for
           him
           ,
           he
           will
           with
           him
           give
           you
           all
           things
           that
           are
           good
           for
           you
           in
           their
           seasons
           .
           2.
           
           I
           do
           believe
           ,
           upon
           a
           right
           search
           and
           tryal
           ,
           after
           you
           have
           understood
           the
           communications
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           you
           are
           not
           so
           great
           a
           stranger
           to
           many
           things
           ,
           as
           you
           did
           suspect
           your self
           to
           be
           .
           But
           3.
           
           Remember
           the
           promises
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           of
           peace
           with
           God
           ,
           are
           now
           here
           in
           Scripture
           made
           unto
           these
           special
           things
           whereof
           you
           alledge
           the
           want
           :
           The
           promises
           are
           made
           unto
           Faith
           ,
           followed
           with
           holiness
           :
           And
           it
           may
           be
           presumed
           ,
           that
           many
           heirs
           of
           glory
           not
           in
           this
           life
           partake
           of
           some
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           but
           are
           in
           bondage
           all
           their
           dayes
           through
           fear
           of
           death
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           15.
           so
           that
           there
           should
           be
           no
           mistake
           about
           these
           things
           we
           may
           seek
           after
           them
           ,
           but
           God
           is
           free
           to
           give
           or
           withhold
           them
           .
           4.
           
           Many
           do
           seek
           after
           such
           manifestations
           before
           they
           give
           credit
           by
           faith
           unto
           Gods
           word
           ;
           He
           hath
           born
           record
           that
           there
           is
           life
           enough
           for
           men
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           if
           men
           would
           by
           believing
           set
           to
           their
           seal
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           true
           ,
           they
           should
           partake
           of
           more
           of
           these
           
             excellent
             things
          
           .
           5.
           
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           many
           have
           not
           honourable
           apprehensions
           and
           thoughts
           of
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           whose
           proper
           work
           it
           is
           ,
           to
           put
           out
           the
           foresaid
           noble
           operations
           :
           they
           do
           not
           adore
           him
           as
           God
           ,
           but
           vex
           ,
           grieve
           ,
           quench
           ,
           and
           resist
           him
           ,
           and
           many
           people
           complaining
           of
           the
           want
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           are
           not
           at
           the
           pains
           to
           seek
           the
           spirit
           in
           his
           out-goings
           ,
           and
           few
           do
           set
           themselves
           apart
           for
           such
           precious
           receits
           :
           Therefore
           be
           at
           more
           pains
           in
           Religion
           ,
           give
           more
           credit
           to
           his
           Word
           ,
           and
           esteem
           more
           highly
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           you
           may
           find
           more
           of
           these
           excellent
           things
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           How
           to
           attain
           unto
           A
           Saving
           interest
           in
           CHRIST
           .
        
         
           HAving
           in
           the
           former
           part
           of
           this
           Treatise
           put
           every
           mans
           state
           to
           tryal
           ;
           It
           now
           remains
           ,
           th●●
           in
           this
           following
           part
           ,
           we
           give
           advice
           to
           those
           who
           neither
           can
           ,
           nor
           dare
           lay
           claim
           to
           the
           marks
           formerly
           mentioned
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           What
           shall
           they
           do
           who
           want
           the
           marks
           of
           a
           true
           and
           saving
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           already
           spoken
           of
           ,
           and
           neither
           can
           nor
           dare
           pretend
           unto
           them
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           If
           men
           miss
           in
           themselves
           the
           marks
           of
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           spoken
           of
           before
           :
           Then
           it
           is
           their
           duty
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           that
           hear
           this
           Gospel
           ,
           
             personally
             and
             heartily
             to
             close
             with
             Gods
             Contrivance
             of
             saving
             sinners
             by
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
          
           and
           this
           shall
           secure
           thy
           state
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           better
           understanding
           of
           this
           ,
           we
           shall
           pr●mise
           some
           things
           for
           information
           of
           those
           who
           are
           more
           ignorant
           and
           then
           speak
           more
           directly
           to
           the
           thing
           .
           As
           for
           the
           things
           to
           be
           premised
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           Lord
           did
           at
           the
           beginning
           ,
           out
           of
           his
           bounty
           ,
           make
           a
           Covenant
           with
           man
           in
           
             Adam
             ,
             Gen.
          
           2.
           17.
           and
           did
           enable
           man
           to
           abide
           in
           that
           Covenant
           ,
           Eccle.
           7.
           29.
           
           But
           man
           by
           eating
           of
           that
           forbidden
           fruit
           ,
           Gen.
           3.
           did
           break
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           Hos
           .
           6.
           7.
           and
           made
           it
           void
           for
           ever
           ,
           Rom.
           2.
           20.
           involved
           himself
           into
           all
           misery
           thereby
           ,
           Rom.
           5.
           12.
           
        
         
         
           2.
           
           The
           Lord
           did
           most
           freely
           ,
           from
           everlasting
           purpose
           and
           intend
           to
           save
           men
           another
           way
           ,
           viz.
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           the
           Covenant
           of
           grace
           ,
           in
           which
           he
           intended
           reconcilement
           with
           the
           Elect
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           (
           God
           and
           Man
           ,
           born
           of
           a
           woman
           in
           due
           time
           ,
           to
           make
           this
           agreement
           effectual
           .
           )
           And
           this
           device
           of
           satisfying
           his
           own
           justice
           ,
           and
           saving
           of
           the
           elect
           by
           Christ
           ,
           he
           did
           at
           first
           intimate
           to
           our
           parents
           in
           Paradice
           ,
           Gen.
           3.
           15.
           where
           he
           saith
           ,
           that
           
             the
             seed
             of
             the
             woman
             shall
             bruise
             the
             Serpents
             head
             :
          
           and
           the
           Lord
           hath
           in
           all
           Generations
           made
           this
           known
           to
           his
           Church
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Lord
           hath
           in
           all
           ages
           Covenanted
           to
           be
           the
           reconciled
           God
           of
           all
           these
           ;
           who
           by
           their
           subjection
           to
           his
           Ordinances
           ,
           did
           profess
           their
           satisfaction
           with
           this
           device
           ,
           and
           oblige
           themselves
           to
           acquiesce
           in
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           to
           seek
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           God
           doth
           offer
           him
           in
           the
           Gospel
           :
           so
           all
           the
           people
           of
           Israel
           are
           called
           the
           Lords
           People
           ,
           and
           are
           said
           to
           avouch
           him
           to
           be
           their
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           doth
           avouch
           them
           to
           be
           his
           People
           ,
           
             Exod.
             19.
             5.
             8
             ,
             Deut.
          
           26.
           17
           ,
           18.
           yea
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           also
           engage
           himself
           to
           be
           the
           God
           of
           the
           seed
           and
           children
           of
           these
           who
           do
           so
           subject
           to
           his
           Ordinances
           .
           The
           Covenant
           is
           said
           to
           be
           made
           between
           God
           and
           all
           the
           People
           ,
           young
           and
           old
           ,
           present
           and
           not
           present
           that
           day
           ,
           Deut.
           29.
           10
           ,
           11
           —
           15.
           and
           all
           are
           appointed
           to
           come
           under
           some
           seal
           of
           that
           Covenant
           ,
           as
           was
           en●oyned
           to
           
             Abrabam
             ,
             Gen.
          
           7.
           10.
           not
           only
           was
           it
           so
           in
           ●he
           Old
           Testament
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           so
           in
           the
           New
           Testament
           also
           .
           The
           Lord
           makes
           offer
           of
           himself
           ,
           to
           be
           our
           God
           〈◊〉
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           the
           people
           ,
           professing
           their
           satisfaction
           in
           that
           offer
           ,
           and
           in
           Testimony
           thereof
           ,
           subjecting
           themselves
           unto
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           they
           are
           reckoned
           a
           Covenanted
           people
           ,
           and
           are
           joyned
           unto
           his
           Church
           in
           Thousands
           ,
           receiving
           a
           seal
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           without
           a●y
           further
           particular
           previous
           tryal
           ,
           Acts.
           2.
           38.
           41.
           
           4.
           
           Many
           do
           deal
           treacherously
           with
           God
           in
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           Psal
           .
           78.
           36
           ,
           37.
           and
           although
           they
           do
           profes●
           their
           estimation
           of
           Christ
           the
           Saviour
           ,
           and
           heart-satisfaction
           with
           that
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           him
           ,
           an●
           having
           the
           Image
           of
           God
           restored
           by
           him
           ,
           in
           them
           ;
           ye●
           their
           heart
           is
           not
           right
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           they
           do
           conte●●
           themselves
           with
           an
           empty
           title
           ,
           of
           being
           in
           a
           sealed
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           
             John.
             8.
             39.
             
             Abraham
          
           is
           our
           Father
           (
           say
           they
           )
           For
           although
           the
           Lord
           obligeth
           ever●
           man
           who
           professeth
           his
           satisfaction
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           the
           devised
           ransom
           ,
           to
           be
           cordial
           and
           sincere
           herein
           ,
           an●
           only
           to
           these
           who
           are
           so
           ,
           doth
           he
           make
           out
           the
           Spiritua●
           Promises
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           (
           they
           only
           being
           priviledge●
           to
           be
           the
           Sons
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           do
           really
           receive
           Christ
           John
           1.
           12.
           yet
           the
           Lord
           doth
           permit
           many
           to
           profes●
           their
           closing
           with
           him
           in
           Christ
           ,
           both
           in
           the
           Old
           and
           New
           Testament
           ,
           whilest
           their
           heart
           is
           not
           engaged
           ;
           and
           he
           doth
           admit
           them
           to
           be
           members
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           granting
           unto
           them
           the
           use
           of
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           many
           other
           external
           mercies
           and
           Priviledges
           denyed
           unto
           the
           Heathen
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           in
           Covenant
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Although
           the
           great
           part
           of
           people
           do
           foolishly
           fancy
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           closed
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           sincerély
           and
           heartily
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           ,
           they
           do
           without
           any
           ground
           or
           warrant
           ,
           promise
           a
           new
           heart
           to
           themselves
           before
           they
           depart
           this
           life
           ;
           yet
           there
           be
           but
           very
           few
           ,
           who
           d●
           really
           and
           cordially
           close
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           offered
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           and
           so
           there
           be
           but
           very
           fe●
           saved
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           ,
           
             Mat.
             7.
             14.
             
             Strait
             is
             the
             gate
             ,
             an●
             narrow
             is
             the
             way
             which
             leadeth
             unto
             life
             ,
             and
             few
             ther●
             be
             who
             find
             it
             .
          
           Mat.
           20.
           16.
           
           
             Many
             are
             called
             ,
             but
             fe●
             are
             chosen
             .
          
           If
           people
           would
           believe
           this
           ,
           it
           might
           he●●
           to
           alarm
           them
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           Although
           none
           at
           all
           do
           cordially
           close
           with
           Go●
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           acquiesce
           in
           that
           ransom
           found
           〈◊〉
           
           by
           God
           ,
           except
           only
           such
           as
           are
           elected
           ,
           Rom.
           11.
           7.
           and
           whose
           hearts
           the
           Lord
           doth
           soveraignly
           determine
           to
           that
           blessed
           choice
           ,
           John
           6.
           44.
           yet
           the
           Lord
           hath
           left
           it
           as
           a
           duty
           upon
           people
           who
           hear
           this
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           close
           with
           his
           offer
           of
           Salvation
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           in
           their
           power
           to
           do
           it
           .
           And
           the
           Lord
           ,
           through
           these
           Commands
           and
           Exhortations
           (
           wherein
           he
           obligeth
           men
           to
           the
           thing
           )
           doth
           convey
           life
           and
           strength
           to
           the
           elect
           ,
           and
           doth
           therein
           convey
           the
           new
           heart
           unto
           them
           ,
           which
           pointeth
           kindly
           toward
           this
           new
           Contrivance
           of
           saving
           sinners
           ,
           and
           towards
           Christ
           in
           his
           Covenant
           relations
           ;
           or
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           Lords
           mind
           in
           these
           commands
           and
           invitations
           ,
           to
           put
           people
           on
           some
           duty
           ,
           with
           which
           he
           useth
           to
           concur
           ,
           for
           accomplishing
           ▪
           that
           business
           between
           him
           and
           them
           ;
           so
           then
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           coming
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           drawing
           on
           his
           part
           ,
           John
           6.
           44.
           it
           is
           a
           drawing
           on
           his
           part
           ,
           and
           running
           on
           our
           part
           .
           Cant.
           1.
           4.
           it
           is
           an
           approaching
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           chusing
           and
           causing
           to
           approach
           on
           his
           part
           ,
           Psal
           .
           65.
           4.
           it
           is
           a
           believing
           ,
           or
           receiving
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           John
           1.
           12.
           and
           yet
           it
           is
           given
           us
           to
           believe
           ,
           Phil.
           1.
           29.
           
        
         
           Having
           premised
           these
           things
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           if
           men
           miss
           in
           themselves
           the
           marks
           of
           a
           saving
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           spoken
           of
           in
           the
           former
           part
           of
           the
           Treatise
           ;
           then
           for
           securing
           their
           state
           ,
           they
           are
           obliged
           with
           all
           diligence
           personally
           and
           heartily
           to
           accept
           of
           and
           close
           with
           Gods
           design
           or
           contrivance
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           held
           out
           in
           the
           Gospel
           .
           In
           handling
           of
           this
           ,
           we
           shall
           1.
           
           Shew
           what
           it
           is
           to
           accept
           of
           ,
           and
           close
           with
           that
           noble
           invention
           .
           2.
           
           We
           shall
           shew
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           necessary
           duty
           of
           those
           who
           would
           be
           in
           favour
           with
           God
           and
           secure
           their
           Souls
           .
           3.
           
           What
           is
           previously
           required
           of
           those
           who
           perform
           this
           duty
           .
           4.
           
           What
           are
           the
           qualifications
           and
           properties
           of
           this
           Duty
           ,
           if
           rightly
           managed
           .
           5.
           
           What
           be
           the
           native
           consequents
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           performed
           aright
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           
             first
             ,
             What
             is
             it
             to
             close
             with
             Gods
             device
             
             
             
             
             
             of
             saving
             sinners
             by
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             held
             out
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ▪
          
           Here
           we
           must
           remember
           (
           as
           we
           shewed
           before
           )
           that
           a●
           first
           God
           willed
           man
           to
           abide
           in
           his
           favour
           ,
           by
           holding
           fast
           his
           first
           integrity
           in
           which
           he
           was
           Created
           ;
           but
           ma●
           by
           his
           transgression
           lost
           Gods
           favour
           ,
           made
           void
           tha●
           Covenant
           of
           Works
           ,
           and
           put
           himself
           in
           an
           utter
           incapacity
           to
           regain
           the
           Lords
           friendship
           ,
           which
           he
           had
           los●
           by
           his
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           rescue
           himself
           from
           the
           curse
           and
           wrath
           now
           due
           to
           him
           for
           the
           same
           ,
           or
           any
           way
           to
           procure
           his
           own
           salvation
           :
           But
           the
           Lord
           freely
           hath
           manifested
           another
           way
           of
           repairing
           mans
           lost
           estate
           ,
           viz.
           by
           sending
           his
           Son
           Christ
           Jesus
           in
           the
           flesh
           to
           satisfie
           his
           justice
           for
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           Elect
           ,
           and
           to
           restore
           in
           them
           his
           Image
           now
           defaced
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           them
           unto
           glory
           ;
           and
           he
           hath
           made
           open
           Proclamation
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           
             That
             whosoever
             will
             lay
             aside
             all
             thoughts
             of
             saving
             themselves
             by
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Works
             ,
             or
             inherent
             righteousness
             ,
             and
             will
             agree
             heartily
             to
             be
             saved
             by
             Christ
             Jesus
             ;
             they
             shall
             be
             restored
             to
             a
             better
             condition
             ,
             than
             formerly
             man
             was
             in
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             saved
             .
          
           So
           then
           ,
           to
           close
           with
           Gods
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           is
           ,
           to
           quit
           and
           forego
           all
           thoughts
           of
           help
           or
           salvation
           by
           our
           own
           Righteousness
           ,
           and
           to
           agree
           unto
           this
           way
           which
           God
           hath
           found
           out
           ;
           It
           is
           to
           value
           and
           highly
           esteem
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           the
           treasure
           sufficient
           to
           enrich
           poor
           man
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           heart
           to
           believe
           this
           record
           ,
           
             That
             there
             is
             life
             enough
             in
             him
             for
             men
             .
          
           It
           is
           to
           plead
           this
           invention
           ,
           and
           to
           acquiesce
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           way
           to
           true
           happiness
           :
           It
           is
           to
           point
           towards
           this
           Mediator
           ,
           as
           God
           holdeth
           him
           out
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           with
           desire
           to
           lay
           the
           stress
           of
           our
           whole
           estate
           on
           him
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           is
           called
           Faith
           or
           Believing
           ,
           the
           receiving
           of
           Christ
           ,
           or
           believing
           on
           his
           Name
           ,
           John
           1.
           12.
           
           This
           is
           that
           believing
           on
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           commanded
           unto
           the
           Jaylor
           for
           his
           safety
           ,
           Acts
           10.
           31.
           
           This
           agreeth
           to
           all
           the
           
           descriptions
           of
           justifying
           faith
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           this
           doth
           answer
           the
           type
           of
           
             looking
             to
             the
             Brazen
             Serpent
             lifted
             up
             in
             the
             Wilderness
             ,
             John
          
           3.
           14
           ,
           15.
           and
           this
           is
           supposed
           in
           all
           these
           ordinary
           actings
           of
           Faith
           ;
           to
           which
           ,
           promises
           are
           annexed
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           found
           in
           all
           who
           have
           got
           the
           new
           heart
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           found
           in
           none
           else
           .
        
         
           As
           to
           the
           Second
           thing
           ,
           
             viz.
             That
             this
             is
             the
             necessary
             duty
             of
             all
             such
             who
             would
             be
             in
             favour
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             secure
             their
             Souls
             .
          
           It
           appeareth
           thus
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           This
           closing
           with
           Gods
           contrivance
           ,
           or
           believing
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           commanded
           every
           where
           in
           Scripture
           by
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           new
           Covenant
           ,
           giving
           title
           and
           right
           unto
           all
           the
           spiritual
           blessings
           of
           the
           same
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           ,
           upon
           the
           matter
           ,
           the
           receiving
           of
           Christ
           :
           This
           is
           commanded
           ,
           whilst
           God
           bids
           men
           
             come
             and
             buy
          
           ;
           that
           is
           impropiate
           all
           ,
           by
           closing
           with
           that
           contrivement
           Isa
           .
           55.
           1.
           the
           weary
           are
           commanded
           to
           come
           uuto
           him
           thus
           for
           their
           rest
           ,
           
             Mat.
             11.
             28.
             
             This
             is
             his
             commandment
             ,
             that
             we
             believe
             on
             the
             name
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             1.
             
             John
          
           3.
           23.
           this
           is
           enough
           to
           prove
           it
           a
           duty
           incumbent
           .
           But
           further
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           a
           duty
           ,
           as
           only
           giveth
           title
           and
           right
           to
           a
           Sonship
           ;
           for
           ,
           only
           they
           who
           receive
           him
           ,
           are
           priviledged
           to
           be
           Sons
           ,
           
             John
             1.
             12.
             
             To
             as
             many
             as
             received
             him
             ,
             to
             them
             he
             gave
             power
             to
             be
             the
             sons
             of
             God
             ,
             even
             to
             such
             as
             believed
             on
             his
             name
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           appeareth
           to
           be
           the
           necessary
           duty
           of
           all
           ,
           thus
           :
           No
           less
           than
           this
           doth
           give
           a
           meeting
           unto
           God
           ,
           offering
           himself
           to
           be
           our
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           no
           less
           than
           this
           doth
           answer
           our
           profession
           ,
           as
           we
           are
           in
           Covenant
           with
           him
           ,
           as
           Members
           of
           his
           visible
           Church
           .
           The
           Lord
           offereth
           to
           be
           our
           God
           in
           Christ
           ;
           if
           we
           do
           not
           close
           with
           the
           offer
           ,
           in
           laying
           aside
           all
           thoughts
           of
           other
           ways
           ,
           by
           which
           we
           may
           attain
           to
           happiness
           ,
           we
           give
           no
           meeting
           to
           him
           ;
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             This
             is
             my
             beloved
             Son
             ,
             in
             whom
             I
             am
             
             well
             pleased
             ,
             hear
             ye
             him
             ,
             Mat.
          
           17.
           5.
           
           If
           we
           close
           not
           with
           the
           offer
           ,
           we
           give
           no
           answer
           unto
           God.
           Moreover
           ,
           
             we
             are
             all
             baptized
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             for
             the
             remission
             of
             Sins
             ,
             Acts
          
           2.
           38.
           
           Now
           unless
           we
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           ,
           we
           falsifie
           that
           profession
           ;
           therefore
           since
           this
           is
           the
           thing
           which
           doth
           answer
           Gods
           offer
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           make
           good
           our
           profession
           ,
           as
           members
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           necessary
           duty
           lying
           upon
           us
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Whatsoever
           a
           man
           hath
           else
           ,
           if
           he
           do
           not
           thus
           close
           with
           Gods
           Invention
           about
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           receive
           him
           ,
           it
           doth
           not
           avail
           ,
           either
           as
           to
           the
           accepting
           of
           his
           person
           ,
           or
           of
           his
           performances
           ,
           or
           as
           to
           the
           saving
           of
           his
           soul
           .
           Men
           are
           accepted
           only
           in
           Christ
           the
           beloved
           ,
           
             Eph.
             1.
             6.
             
             Abel
          
           and
           his
           offering
           are
           accepted
           by
           faith
           ,
           
             Heb.
             11.
             4.
             
             Without
             faith
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             Heb.
          
           11.
           6.
           and
           ,
           
             He
             that
             believeth
             not
             ,
             is
             condemned
             already
             ,
             and
             shall
             not
             see
             life
             ,
             but
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             abideth
             on
             him
             ,
             John
          
           3.
           18.
           36.
           for
           want
           of
           this
           ,
           no
           external
           title
           doth
           avail
           ;
           the
           Children
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           are
           cast
           out
           ,
           if
           this
           be
           wanting
           ,
           Mat.
           8.
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           The
           people
           of
           Israel
           are
           like
           other
           Heathens
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           a
           graceless
           state
           ,
           lying
           open
           to
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           Jer.
           9.
           25
           ,
           26.
           
           If
           men
           do
           not
           believe
           ,
           that
           he
           who
           was
           slain
           at
           Jerusalem
           ,
           who
           was
           called
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           witnessed
           unto
           by
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           and
           declared
           to
           be
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           by
           many
           mighty
           works
           :
           I
           say
           ,
           if
           men
           do
           not
           believe
           that
           he
           is
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           close
           not
           with
           him
           as
           the
           only
           way
           ,
           
             they
             shall
             dye
             in
             their
             sins
             ,
             John
          
           8.
           24.
           
        
         
           We
           say
           then
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           most
           necessary
           duty
           thus
           to
           close
           with
           
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           ,
           as
           the
           blessed
           relief
           appointed
           for
           sinners
           ;
           every
           one
           who
           is
           come
           to
           years
           of
           understanding
           ,
           and
           heareth
           this
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           obliged
           to
           take
           to
           heart
           his
           own
           lost
           condition
           ,
           and
           Gods
           gracious
           offer
           of
           peace
           and
           
           salvation
           ,
           throngh
           
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           ,
           and
           speedily
           to
           fly
           from
           the
           wrath
           to
           come
           ,
           by
           accepting
           and
           closing
           with
           this
           offer
           ,
           heartily
           acquiescing
           therein
           ,
           as
           a
           satisfying
           way
           for
           saving
           of
           poor
           Sinners
           :
           And
           that
           all
           may
           be
           the
           more
           encouraged
           to
           set
           about
           this
           duty
           ,
           when
           they
           hear
           him
           praying
           them
           to
           be
           reconciled
           unto
           them
           ,
           let
           them
           remember
           that
           peace
           and
           salvation
           is
           offered
           to
           the
           people
           in
           universal
           terms
           ,
           to
           all
           without
           exception
           :
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             ,
             he
             shall
             be
             welcome
             ,
          
           Rev.
           22.
           17.
           
           
             If
             any
             thirst
          
           ,
           (
           although
           after
           that
           which
           will
           never
           profit
           )
           yet
           
             they
             shall
             be
             welcome
             here
          
           ,
           on
           the
           condition
           aforesaid
           ,
           Isa
           .
           55.
           2
           ,
           3.
           all
           are
           commanded
           to
           believe
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           23.
           
           The
           promises
           are
           to
           all
           who
           are
           externally
           called
           by
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           God
           excludes
           none
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           not
           exclude
           themselves
           ,
           Acts
           2.
           39.
           so
           that
           if
           any
           have
           a
           mind
           for
           the
           thing
           ,
           
             they
             may
             come
             forward
             ,
             he
             will
             in
             no
             wise
             cast
             them
             out
             ,
             John
             6.
             37.
             being
             able
             to
             save
             to
             the
             utmost
             ,
             them
             who
             come
             to
             God
             through
             him
             ,
             Heb.
          
           7.
           25.
           
           And
           these
           who
           have
           long
           delayed
           to
           take
           this
           matter
           to
           heart
           ,
           had
           now
           the
           more
           need
           to
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           lest
           what
           belongs
           to
           their
           peace
           ,
           be
           hid
           from
           their
           Eyes
           :
           but
           all
           these
           words
           will
           not
           take
           effect
           with
           people
           ,
           
             until
             God
             pour
             out
             his
             Spirit
             from
             on
             high
             ,
          
           Isa
           .
           32.
           15.
           to
           cause
           
             men
             to
             approach
             unto
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
          
           yet
           we
           must
           still
           press
           mens
           duty
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           beseech
           and
           charge
           them
           ,
           
             by
             the
             appearing
             of
             the
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             their
             reckoning
             to
             him
             in
             that
             day
             ,
             that
             they
             give
             the
             Lord
             no
             rest
             ,
             until
             he
             send
             out
             that
             Spirit
             (
             which
             he
             will
             give
             to
             them
             who
             ask
             it
             ,
          
           Luke
           11.
           13.
           
           )
           
             and
             cause
             them
             to
             know
             what
             belongs
             unto
             their
             peace
             ,
             and
             bring
             them
             up
             to
             their
             duty
             .
          
        
         
           We
           come
           now
           to
           speak
           of
           the
           Third
           thing
           ,
           (
           viz.
           )
           
             What
             is
             previously
             required
             of
             these
             who
             are
             to
             perform
             this
             duty
             :
          
           Men
           must
           not
           rashly
           ,
           inconsiderately
           and
           ignorantly
           rush
           in
           upon
           this
           matter
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             They
             will
             plead
             
             that
             device
             of
             saving
             sinners
             by
             Christ
             ,
             and
             will
             acquiesce
             and
             rest
             on
             him
             for
             safety
             :
          
           Often
           men
           do
           deceive
           themselves
           here
           ,
           and
           do
           imagine
           that
           they
           have
           done
           the
           thing
           ;
           We
           shall
           therefore
           hold
           out
           some
           things
           pre-required
           in
           a
           person
           ,
           who
           is
           to
           close
           with
           
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           ,
           which
           although
           we
           offer
           not
           as
           positive
           qualifications
           ;
           fitting
           a
           man
           for
           Christ
           that
           way
           ,
           Isa
           .
           55.
           1.
           yet
           they
           are
           such
           things
           ,
           as
           without
           them
           a
           man
           cannot
           knowingly
           and
           cordially
           perform
           the
           duty
           of
           believing
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           Beside
           the
           common
           principles
           which
           are
           to
           be
           snpposed
           in
           these
           who
           live
           under
           Gospel-ordinances
           ,
           as
           ,
           
             The
             knowledge
             that
             men
             have
             immortal
             souls
             ;
             Soul
             and
             body
             will
             be
             united
             again
             at
             the
             last
             day
             ,
             There
             is
             a
             Heaven
             and
             Hell
             ,
             one
             of
             which
             will
             be
             the
             everlasting
             Lot
             of
             all
             men
             ;
             The
             Old
             and
             New
             Testament
             is
             the
             true
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             rule
             of
             faith
             and
             manners
             ;
             Every
             man
             is
             by
             nature
             void
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             an
             enemy
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             an
             heir
             of
             condemnation
             :
             Reconciliation
             is
             only
             by
             the
             Mediator
             Christ
             Jesus
             ;
             Faith
             unites
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             condition
             of
             the
             new
             Covenant
             ;
             Holiness
             is
             the
             fruit
             of
             true
             faith
             ,
             and
             is
             to
             be
             studied
             ,
             as
             that
             without
             which
             no
             man
             shall
             see
             God
             :
          
           I
           say
           ,
           beside
           these
           things
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           which
           is
           necessary
           ,
           it
           is
           required
           of
           him
           who
           would
           believe
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             That
             he
             take
             to
             heart
             his
             natural
             condition
             .
          
           And
           here
           he
           must
           know
           some
           things
           ,
           and
           also
           be
           very
           serious
           about
           them
           :
           I
           say
           ,
           he
           must
           know
           some
           things
           ;
           as
           (
           1.
           )
           That
           as
           he
           was
           born
           a
           Rebel
           and
           out-law
           unto
           God
           ,
           so
           he
           hath
           by
           many
           actual
           transgressions
           disoblig'd
           God
           ,
           and
           ratified
           the
           forfeiture
           of
           his
           favour
           ;
           yea
           ,
           a
           man
           should
           know
           many
           particular
           instances
           of
           his
           rebellion
           on
           all
           hands
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           is
           a
           liar
           ,
           sabbath-breaker
           ▪
           blasphemer
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           as
           Paul
           speaketh
           very
           particularly
           of
           himself
           afterward
           ,
           1.
           
           Tim.
           1.
           15.
           
           (
           2.
           )
           The
           ma●
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           denounced
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           
           is
           standing
           in
           force
           against
           these
           very
           sins
           whereof
           he
           is
           guilty
           ,
           and
           so
           consequently
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           party
           undoubtedly
           against
           whom
           God
           (
           who
           cannot
           lie
           )
           hath
           denounced
           war.
           A
           man
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           Scripture
           saith
           ,
           
             Cursed
             is
             he
             that
             offereth
             a
             corrupt
             thing
             unto
             God
             ,
             Mal.
          
           1.
           14.
           it
           speaketh
           against
           him
           for
           his
           superficial
           service
           performed
           unto
           God
           with
           the
           outward
           man
           ,
           when
           his
           heart
           was
           far
           off
           .
           When
           the
           word
           saith
           ,
           
             God
             will
             not
             hold
             him
             guiltless
             that
             taketh
             his
             name
             in
             vain
             ,
             Exod.
          
           20.
           7.
           the
           man
           must
           know
           it
           speaketh
           against
           himself
           ,
           who
           hath
           often
           carelesly
           profained
           that
           dreadful
           name
           before
           which
           all
           knees
           should
           bow
           ,
           Phil.
           2.
           10.
           and
           which
           his
           enemies
           do
           take
           in
           vain
           ,
           Psal
           139.
           20.
           
           When
           the
           Word
           saith
           ,
           
             Cursed
             is
             he
             that
             doth
             the
             Work
             of
             the
             L●rd
             negligently
             ,
             Jer.
          
           48.
           10.
           the
           man
           must
           know
           that
           it
           speaketh
           against
           himself
           ,
           who
           hath
           irreverently
           ,
           with
           much
           wandering
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           drowsiness
           ,
           heard
           the
           Word
           preached
           ;
           and
           without
           sense
           ,
           faith
           ,
           or
           understanding
           ,
           hath
           often
           prayed
           before
           him
           :
           When
           the
           Word
           saith
           ,
           
             Wo
             be
             unto
             him
             who
             giveth
             his
             neighbour
             drink
             ,
             and
             putteth
             his
             bottle
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             make
             him
             drink
             also
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             look
             on
             his
             nakedness
             ,
          
           Hab.
           2.
           15.
           16.
           the
           man
           must
           know
           that
           it
           is
           spoken
           against
           himself
           ,
           who
           hath
           gloried
           in
           making
           his
           neighbour
           drunk
           ,
           and
           that
           dreadful
           wrath
           is
           determined
           by
           the
           Lord
           against
           him
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           Scripture
           :
           When
           the
           Word
           saith
           ,
           
             God
             will
             judge
             unclean
             persons
             ,
             Heb.
             13.
             4.
             and
             will
             shut
             them
             out
             of
             the
             〈◊〉
             Jerusalem
             ,
             Rev
             ,
          
           21.
           8.
           the
           man
           must
           know
           that
           the
           Scripture
           speaketh
           these
           words
           against
           him
           ,
           he
           being
           an
           unclean
           person
           ,
           so
           that
           he
           is
           the
           person
           against
           whom
           the
           curses
           of
           the
           Law
           do
           directly
           strike
           .
           (
           3.
           )
           A
           man
           must
           know
           that
           he
           hath
           nothing
           of
           his
           own
           to
           procure
           his
           peace
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           him
           free
           of
           the
           hazzard
           under
           which
           he
           lieth
           ,
           because
           
             all
             his
             righteousness
             in
             an
             unclean
             ●●ing
             ,
             Isa
             .
          
           64.
           6.
           his
           prayers
           ,
           his
           other
           service
           done
           to
           
           God
           ,
           his
           alms-indeed
           ;
           &c.
           are
           not
           guiltless
           before
           God
           ,
           since
           they
           come
           not
           from
           a
           right
           principle
           in
           h●●
           heart
           ,
           and
           were
           not
           performed
           in
           a
           right
           way
           ,
           nor
           upon
           a
           right
           account
           ,
           nor
           for
           a
           right
           end
           ,
           
             his
             Sacrifice
             ▪
             have
             been
             an
             abomination
             unto
             God
             ,
             Prov.
          
           21.
           27.
           
           (
           4.
           )
           He
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           as
           he
           is
           void
           of
           all
           the
           saving
           graces
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           the
           true
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           true
           fear
           of
           his
           Name
           ,
           godly
           sorrow
           for
           sin
           ,
           &c.
           so
           particularly
           ,
           that
           he
           wants
           Faith
           in
           Christ
           ,
           who
           taketh
           burden
           for
           all
           them
           wbo
           believe
           on
           him
           :
           Until
           a
           man
           know
           this
           ,
           he
           will
           still
           leave
           all
           his
           debt
           and
           burden
           without
           care
           or
           regard
           ,
           at
           the
           door
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           common
           cautioner
           .
        
         
           Now
           not
           only
           must
           a
           man
           know
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           I
           sail
           before
           ,
           but
           must
           also
           very
           seriously
           take
           them
           to
           heart
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           say
           ,
           he
           must
           be
           affected
           with
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           sad
           earnest
           about
           them
           ,
           as
           he
           useth
           to
           be
           in
           other
           cases
           ,
           wherein
           he
           useth
           to
           be
           most
           serious
           ;
           yea
           ,
           he
           should
           be
           more
           in
           earnest
           here
           ,
           than
           in
           other
           cases
           ,
           because
           〈◊〉
           is
           of
           greater
           concernment
           unto
           him
           .
           This
           seriousness
           produceth
           ,
           (
           1.
           )
           A
           taking
           of
           Salvation
           to
           heart
           ,
           more
           than
           any
           thing
           else
           .
           Shall
           men
           be
           obliged
           
             to
             seek
             first
             t●●
             Kingdom
             ?
             Mat.
          
           6.
           33.
           
           Is
           there
           
             but
             one
             thing
             necessary
             ▪
             Luk.
          
           10.
           42.
           
           Shall
           
             Paul
             count
             all
             things
             loss
             and
             dung
             for
             this
             matter
             ?
          
           Phil.
           3.
           8.
           
           
             Is
             a
             Man
             a
             loser
             ,
             gaining
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             if
             he
             lose
             his
             soul
             ?
             Mark
          
           8.
           36.
           
           Shall
           this
           be
           the
           only
           ground
           of
           joy
           ,
           that
           
             mens
             names
             are
             written
             in
             the
             book
             of
             life
             ?
             Luk.
          
           10.
           26.
           and
           shall
           not
           men
           (
           who
           would
           be
           reckoned
           serious
           )
           take
           their
           soul
           and
           salvation
           more
           to
           heart
           than
           any
           thing
           else
           ?
           Surely
           it
           cannot
           fail
           .
           Let
           none
           deceive
           themselves
           .
           If
           the
           hazzard
           〈◊〉
           their
           soul
           ,
           and
           the
           salvation
           thereof
           ,
           and
           how
           to
           be
           i●
           favour
           with
           God
           ,
           hath
           not
           gone
           nearer
           to
           their
           heart
           tha●
           any
           thing
           in
           the
           world
           beside
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           presumed
           upon
           just
           grounds
           ,
           that
           they
           ever
           knew
           sin
           ,
           or
           the
           eve●
           lastingness
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           his
           wrath
           aright
           (
           2.
           )
           This
           seriousness
           
           breaketh
           the
           mans
           heart
           ,
           and
           fainteth
           the
           stoutness
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           leadeth
           it
           out
           to
           sorrow
           
             as
             one
             doth
             for
             her
             first
             born
             :
             Zech.
          
           12.
           10.
           
           I
           grant
           their
           sorrow
           will
           better
           suit
           that
           Scripture
           afterwards
           ,
           when
           they
           apprehend
           Christ
           pierced
           by
           their
           sins
           .
           (
           3.
           )
           It
           leadeth
           the
           man
           to
           self-loathing
           .
           A
           man
           taking
           up
           himself
           so
           ,
           cannot
           but
           loath
           himself
           for
           his
           abomination
           ,
           whereby
           he
           hath
           destroyed
           himself
           .
           There
           is
           somewhat
           of
           that
           spirit
           of
           revenge
           ,
           which
           is
           mentioned
           as
           a
           fruit
           of
           true
           repentance
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           7.
           11.
           
           (
           4.
           )
           this
           seriousness
           doth
           make
           the
           man
           peremptory
           to
           find
           relief
           ;
           since
           it
           is
           not
           in
           himself
           ,
           he
           dare
           not
           put
           off
           and
           delay
           his
           business
           ,
           as
           before
           :
           and
           this
           is
           indeed
           required
           that
           he
           finds
           himself
           ,
           so
           pursued
           and
           put
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           he
           flees
           for
           refuge
           somewhere
           .
           I
           grant
           some
           have
           a
           higher
           ,
           and
           some
           a
           lesser
           degree
           of
           this
           seriousness
           ,
           as
           we
           shew
           in
           the
           former
           part
           of
           this
           Treatise
           .
           But
           if
           we
           speak
           of
           the
           Lords
           ordinary
           way
           of
           working
           with
           those
           who
           are
           come
           to
           age
           ,
           we
           say
           ,
           they
           must
           very
           seriously
           take
           their
           souls
           estate
           to
           heart
           ,
           despairing
           of
           help
           in
           themselves
           ,
           Since
           the
           whole
           need
           no
           Physitian
           ,
           
             but
             those
             who
             are
             sick
          
           ,
           Mat.
           9.
           12.
           
           As
           for
           the
           measure
           ,
           we
           plead
           on
           that
           which
           probably
           doth
           suppose
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           will
           be
           induced
           thereby
           to
           transact
           cordially
           with
           Christ
           ,
           on
           any
           terms
           he
           doth
           offer
           himself
           to
           be
           closed
           with
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           thing
           pre-required
           of
           him
           who
           would
           believe
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           is
           ▪
           
             He
             must
             know
             and
             take
             to
             heart
             the
             way
             of
             escape
             from
             Gods
             wrath
          
           ;
           The
           Spirit
           must
           convince
           him
           of
           that
           righteousness
           .
           Here
           a
           man
           must
           understand
           somewhat
           distinctly
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           devised
           a
           way
           to
           save
           poor
           lost
           man
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           perfect
           righteousness
           hath
           satisfied
           offended
           justice
           ,
           and
           procured
           pardon
           and
           everlasting
           favour
           to
           all
           those
           whom
           he
           perswadeth
           by
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           accept
           of
           Gods
           offer
           .
           
             Acts
             13.
             38
             ,
             39.
             
             John.
          
           1.
           12.
           
           So
           that
           no
           person
           is
           excluded
           of
           whatsoever
           rank
           or
           condition
           ,
           whatsoever
           hath
           
           been
           his
           former
           way
           (
           unless
           he
           be
           guilty
           of
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           a
           malicious
           hatred
           and
           rejection
           of
           the
           remedy
           appointed
           for
           sinners
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           hear
           )
           for
           ,
           all
           manner
           of
           sin
           is
           given
           unto
           those
           who
           accept
           of
           the
           offer
           in
           Gods
           way
           ,
           
             Matth.
             12.
             13.
             
             He
             is
             able
             to
             save
             to
             the
             uttermost
             those
             that
             come
             unto
             God
             through
             him
             ,
          
           Heb.
           7.
           25.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           thing
           pre-required
           is
           ,
           
             A
             man
             must
             know
             that
             as
             God
             hath
             not
             excluded
             him
             ,
             from
             the
             relief
             appointed
             ;
             so
             he
             is
             willing
             to
             be
             reconciled
             unto
             men
             through
             Christ
             ,
             and
             hath
             obliged
             men
             to
             close
             with
             him
             through
             Christ
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             so
             to
             impropriate
             that
             salvation
             to
             themselves
             .
          
           He
           not
           only
           invites
           all
           to
           come
           ,
           Isa
           .
           55.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           And
           welcometh
           all
           that
           come
           ,
           as
           we
           find
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           commendeth
           those
           who
           come
           ,
           Matth.
           8.
           10.
           and
           15.
           28.
           and
           chideth
           for
           not
           coming
           and
           closing
           with
           him
           ,
           Joh.
           3.
           18.
           
           But
           also
           he
           commandeth
           all
           to
           believe
           on
           Christ
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           23.
           
           So
           as
           a
           man
           is
           not
           to
           question
           the
           Lords
           willingness
           to
           receive
           men
           ,
           who
           go
           to
           Christ
           honestly
           ,
           for
           God
           hath
           abundantly
           cleared
           that
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           unless
           that
           a
           man
           know
           so
           much
           ,
           he
           will
           scarcely
           dare
           to
           lay
           his
           heart
           open
           for
           that
           noble
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           ,
           or
           adventure
           his
           own
           weight
           and
           stress
           upon
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           thing
           pre-required
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             The
             man
             who
             would
             close
             with
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             must
             resolve
             to
             break
             all
             Covenants
             with
             Hell
             and
             death
             ,
          
           Isa
           .
           28.
           15.
           
           Whatsoever
           known
           evil
           men
           are
           engaged
           into
           ,
           they
           must
           resolve
           to
           forego
           it
           ;
           for
           
             there
             is
             no
             concord
             between
             Christ
             and
             Belial
             ,
          
           2
           Cor.
           6.
           14
           ,
           15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           The
           Lord
           requireth
           that
           they
           who
           would
           expect
           him
           to
           be
           for
           them
           ,
           should
           not
           be
           for
           another
           ,
           Hos
           .
           3.
           3.
           
           This
           is
           far
           from
           Evangelick
           repentance
           ,
           which
           (
           I
           grant
           )
           doth
           not
           precede
           a
           mans
           closing
           with
           Christ
           by
           faith
           ;
           there
           is
           little
           here
           beyond
           a
           mis-regard
           of
           these
           things
           unto
           which
           a
           man
           was
           formerly
           devoted
           ,
           and
           a
           slighting
           what
           he
           was
           mad
           upon
           ,
           
           because
           he
           seeth
           himself
           destroyed
           thereby
           ,
           and
           relief
           now
           offered
           ,
           whereupon
           his
           heart
           beginneth
           to
           be
           more
           intent
           than
           formerly
           it
           was
           .
           After
           this
           ,
           when
           Christ
           is
           lookt
           upon
           alone
           ,
           his
           worth
           and
           beauty
           doth
           appear
           ,
           so
           as
           among
           all
           the
           gods
           there
           is
           none
           like
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           looketh
           out
           as
           a
           sufficient
           covering
           of
           the
           eyes
           to
           all
           who
           get
           him
           .
           Upon
           which
           the
           heart
           loveth
           Gods
           device
           in
           the
           new
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           loveth
           to
           lay
           its
           weight
           upon
           Christ
           ,
           rather
           than
           any
           other
           way
           ,
           bending
           towards
           him
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           man
           becometh
           a
           believer
           .
           Now
           I
           will
           not
           say
           that
           all
           these
           things
           whereof
           we
           have
           spoken
           ,
           are
           formally
           ,
           orderly
           and
           distinctly
           found
           in
           every
           person
           before
           he
           close
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ;
           for
           the
           way
           of
           the
           heart
           with
           Christ
           ,
           may
           be
           added
           to
           the
           four
           wonderful
           things
           ,
           Prov.
           18.
           19.
           
           It
           is
           hard
           to
           trace
           the
           heart
           in
           its
           translation
           from
           darkness
           to
           light
           ;
           yet
           we
           hold
           out
           the
           most
           ordinary
           and
           likely
           way
           ,
           to
           him
           who
           doth
           ask
           the
           way
           ,
           debarring
           thereby
           ignorant
           and
           senseless
           persons
           from
           medling
           ,
           and
           discharging
           them
           to
           pretend
           to
           any
           interest
           in
           him
           whilst
           they
           remain
           such
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           thing
           we
           propose
           to
           speak
           to
           ,
           is
           ,
           
             The
             properties
             of
             this
             duty
             ,
             when
             rightly
             gone
             about
             .
          
           I
           shall
           only
           hint
           a
           few
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Believing
             in
             Christ
             mùst
             be
             Personal
          
           ;
           a
           man
           himself
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           own
           proper
           person
           must
           close
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           
             The
             just
             shall
             live
             by
             his
             faith
             ?
             Heb.
          
           2.
           4.
           
           This
           faith
           ,
           that
           it
           will
           not
           suffice
           ;
           for
           a
           mans
           safety
           and
           relief
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           a
           born
           member
           of
           the
           visible
           Church
           by
           vertue
           of
           the
           parents
           subjection
           to
           Christs
           Ordinances
           ,
           neither
           will
           it
           suffice
           that
           the
           person
           had
           the
           
             initiating
             seal
             of
             Baptism
          
           added
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           then
           vertually
           engag'd
           to
           seek
           salvation
           by
           Christs
           blood
           ,
           as
           all
           infants
           do
           .
           Neither
           doth
           it
           suffice
           
             that
             men
             are
             come
             of
             believing
             parents
          
           ;
           their
           faith
           will
           not
           instate
           their
           children
           into
           a
           right
           to
           the
           spiritual
           blessings
           of
           the
           
           Covenant
           .
           Neither
           will
           it
           suffice
           
             that
             parents
             did
             in
             some
             respect
             engage
             for
             their
             children
             ,
             and
             give
             them
             away
             unto
             God
          
           ;
           all
           these
           things
           do
           not
           avail
           .
           The
           children
           of
           the
           kingdom
           and
           of
           godly
           predecessors
           are
           cast
           out
           ;
           unless
           a
           man
           in
           his
           own
           person
           ,
           put
           out
           faith
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           with
           his
           own
           heart
           please
           and
           acquiesce
           in
           that
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           ,
           he
           cannot
           be
           saved
           .
           I
           grant
           this
           faith
           is
           given
           unto
           him
           by
           Christ
           :
           but
           certain
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           must
           be
           personal
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           duty
           must
           be
           cordial
           and
           hearty
           :
           
             with
             the
             heart
             man
             believeth
             unto
             righteousness
             ,
          
           Rom.
           10.
           10.
           
           A
           man
           must
           be
           sincere
           ,
           and
           without
           guile
           in
           closing
           with
           Christ
           ,
           judging
           him
           the
           only
           covering
           of
           the
           eyes
           ,
           not
           hankering
           after
           another
           way
           .
           The
           matter
           must
           not
           swim
           only
           in
           the
           head
           or
           understanding
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           be
           in
           the
           heart
           ;
           the
           man
           not
           only
           must
           be
           perswaded
           that
           Christ
           is
           the
           way
           ,
           but
           affectionately
           perswaded
           of
           it
           ,
           loving
           and
           liking
           the
           thing
           ,
           having
           complacency
           in
           it
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           is
           all
           a
           mans
           desire
           ,
           as
           David
           speaketh
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           23.
           5.
           
           If
           a
           man
           be
           cordial
           and
           affectionate
           ,
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           surely
           he
           must
           be
           so
           here
           ,
           in
           this
           one
           thing
           necessary
           :
           It
           must
           not
           be
           simply
           a
           fancy
           in
           the
           head
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           be
           a
           heart●
           business
           ,
           a
           soul-business
           ;
           yea
           ,
           not
           a
           business
           in
           the
           outer
           court
           of
           affections
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           flower
           of
           affections
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           innermost
           Cabinet
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           where
           Christ
           is
           forme●
           .
           Shall
           a
           man
           be
           cordial
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           and
           not
           in
           this
           ,
           which
           doth
           comprize
           all
           his
           chief
           interests
           ,
           and
           his
           everlasting
           state
           within
           it
           ?
           Shall
           the
           Lord
           be
           said
           to
           rejoyce
           over
           a
           man
           ,
           as
           a
           Bridegroom
           rejoyceth
           over
           his
           Bride
           ,
           Isa
           .
           62.
           and
           to
           rest
           in
           his
           love
           with
           joy
           ,
           Zeph.
           3.
           17.
           and
           shall
           not
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           go
           out
           and
           meet
           him
           here
           ?
           the
           heart
           or
           nothing
           ▪
           love
           ,
           or
           nothing
           :
           Marriage
           love
           ,
           which
           goeth
           from
           heart
           ,
           to
           heart
           ;
           love
           of
           espousals
           ,
           or
           nothing
           ▪
           Prov.
           23.
           26.
           1
           
           Cor.
           13.
           2.
           
           I
           will
           not
           say
           that
           there
           is
           in
           all
           as
           soon
           
           as
           they
           believe
           ,
           a
           prevailing
           sensible
           love
           ,
           which
           maketh
           sick
           ;
           but
           there
           must
           be
           in
           believing
           ,
           a
           rational
           and
           kindly
           love
           ,
           so
           well
           grounded
           ,
           and
           deeply
           engaging
           ,
           that
           many
           waters
           cannot
           quench
           it
           ;
           It
           is
           strong
           as
           death
           ,
           and
           jealousie
           in
           it
           ,
           burneth
           as
           ●ire
           ,
           Cant.
           8.
           6
           ,
           7.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           property
           ,
           or
           qualification
           of
           believing
           as
           it
           goeth
           out
           after
           Christ
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           rational
           .
        
         
           Hereby
           I
           mean
           ,
           that
           the
           man
           should
           move
           towards
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           in
           knowledge
           and
           understanding
           ,
           taking
           up
           Gods
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           hold
           it
           out
           ,
           no
           fancying
           a
           Christ
           to
           himself
           ,
           otherwayes
           than
           the
           Gospel
           speaketh
           of
           him
           ,
           nor
           another
           way
           of
           relief
           by
           him
           ,
           than
           the
           word
           of
           God
           holdeth
           out
           .
           Therefore
           we
           find
           knowledge
           joyned
           to
           the
           Covenant
           between
           God
           and
           man
           as
           a
           requisite
           ,
           
             Jer.
             24.
             7.
             
             &
          
           31.
           34.
           
           I
           mean
           here
           also
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           be
           in
           calmness
           of
           spirit
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           in
           his
           cold
           blood
           in
           closing
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           not
           in
           a
           simple
           fit
           of
           affection
           which
           soon
           vanisheth
           :
           Mat.
           13.
           20.
           nor
           in
           a
           distemper
           through
           some
           outward
           distress
           ,
           as
           the
           people
           were
           ,
           Psal
           .
           78.
           34.
           and
           proved
           not
           stedfast
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ;
           not
           under
           a
           tentation
           of
           some
           outward
           temporary
           interest
           ,
           as
           
             Simon
             Magus
          
           was
           when
           be
           believed
           ,
           Acts
           8.
           
           A
           man
           must
           act
           here
           rationally
           ,
           as
           being
           Master
           of
           himself
           ,
           in
           some
           measure
           able
           to
           judge
           of
           the
           good
           or
           evil
           of
           the
           thing
           as
           it
           stands
           before
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           is
           ,
           Faith
           as
           it
           goeth
           out
           rationally
           ,
           so
           it
           goeth
           out
           resolutely
           .
           The
           poor
           distrest
           people
           in
           the
           Gospel
           did
           most
           resolutely
           cast
           themselves
           upon
           Christ
           .
           This
           resoluteness
           of
           spirit
           ,
           is
           in
           order
           to
           all
           difficulties
           that
           lye
           in
           the
           way
           :
           Violence
           is
           offered
           to
           these
           .
           The
           man
           whose
           heart
           is
           a
           shaping
           out
           for
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           cannot
           say
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           Lion
           in
           the
           street
           ,
           Prov.
           26.
           13.
           
           If
           he
           cannot
           have
           access
           by
           the
           door
           he
           will
           break
           through
           the
           roof
           of
           the
           house
           ,
           with
           that
           man
           ,
           Luk
           5.
           19.
           
           He
           often
           
           doth
           not
           regard
           that
           which
           the
           World
           calleth
           discretion
           or
           prudence
           ,
           like
           Zacheus
           climbing
           upon
           a
           tre●
           to
           see
           Christ
           ,
           when
           faith
           was
           breeding
           in
           his
           bosome
           ▪
           Luke
           .
           19.
           
           This
           resoluteness
           of
           spirit
           looketh
           toward●
           what
           inconveniences
           may
           follow
           ,
           and
           waveth
           all
           these
           ▪
           at
           least
           resolving
           over
           all
           these
           ,
           like
           a
           wise
           builder
           who
           reckoneth
           the
           expence
           before-hand
           ,
           Luke
           14.
           28.
           
           This
           resoluteness
           is
           also
           in
           order
           to
           all
           a
           mans
           Idols
           ,
           and
           such
           weights
           as
           would
           easily
           beset
           him
           ,
           if
           he
           did
           not
           bend
           after
           Christ
           over
           them
           all
           ,
           like
           that
           blind
           man
           who
           did
           cast
           his
           garments
           from
           him
           when
           Christ
           called
           him
           ,
           Mark.
           10.
           50.
           
           This
           resoluteness
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           proceedeth
           from
           desperate
           self-necessity
           within
           the
           man
           ,
           Act●
           16.
           30.
           
           And
           from
           the
           soveraign
           command
           of
           God
           obliging
           the
           man
           to
           move
           towards
           Christ
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           23
           ▪
           and
           from
           the
           good
           report
           gone
           abroad
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           putteth
           none
           away
           that
           come
           unto
           him
           through
           Christ
           ,
           John
           6.
           37.
           but
           doth
           commend
           such
           as
           do
           adventure
           ▪
           over
           the
           greatest
           difficulties
           ,
           Mat.
           15.
           
           ●8
           ▪
           But
           above
           all
           ,
           this
           resoluteness
           doth
           proceed
           from
           the
           arm
           of
           Jehovah
           ,
           secretly
           and
           strongly
           drawing
           the
           sinner
           towards
           Christ
           ,
           Joh.
           6.
           44.
           
           I
           will
           not
           say
           that
           every
           one
           ,
           closing
           with
           Christ
           in
           the
           offers
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           hath
           all
           the
           foresaid
           thoughts
           formally
           in
           his
           mind
           ;
           yet
           ,
           upon
           search
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           found
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           put
           to
           it
           ,
           or
           put
           in
           mind
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           they
           are
           then
           aloft
           in
           the
           soul
           .
        
         
           By
           what
           is
           said
           ,
           it
           doth
           manifestly
           appear
           that
           many
           in
           the
           visible
           Church
           had
           need
           to
           do
           somewhat
           further
           for
           securing
           of
           their
           souls
           ,
           when
           they
           come
           to
           years
           of
           discretion
           ,
           than
           is
           found
           to
           have
           been
           done
           by
           them
           before
           ,
           in
           the
           Covenant
           between
           God
           and
           the
           Church
           ,
           sealed
           to
           them
           in
           Baptism
           .
           By
           what
           is
           said
           also
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           competent
           guard
           upon
           the
           free
           grace
           of
           God
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           held
           out
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           ;
           so
           as
           ignorant
           ,
           sensless
           ,
           profane
           men
           ,
           cannot
           with
           any
           shadow
           of
           reason
           pretend
           
           to
           an
           interest
           in
           it
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           believing
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           closing
           with
           him
           as
           a
           perfect
           Saviour
           ,
           seemeth
           easie
           ;
           and
           every
           godless
           man
           saith
           ,
           that
           he
           believeth
           on
           him
           :
           But
           they
           deceive
           themselves
           ,
           since
           their
           soul
           hath
           never
           cordially
           ,
           rationally
           ,
           and
           resolutely
           gone
           out
           after
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           said
           .
           It
           may
           be
           some
           wicked
           men
           have
           been
           enlightned
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           4.
           and
           have
           found
           some
           motion
           in
           their
           fear
           ,
           Act.
           24.
           25.
           or
           in
           their
           joy
           ;
           Mat.
           13.
           20.
           
           
             Ma●
             ▪
          
           6.
           20.
           
           But
           not
           having
           engaged
           their
           heart
           in
           approaching
           to
           God
           ,
           Jer.
           30.
           21.
           have
           either
           sitten
           down
           in
           that
           common
           work
           ,
           as
           their
           sanctuary
           ,
           until
           the
           tryal
           came
           ,
           Mat.
           13.
           20
           ,
           21.
           or
           they
           return
           back
           with
           the
           Dog
           to
           their
           vomit
           ,
           from
           which
           they
           had
           in
           some
           measure
           escaped
           by
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           20
           ,
           21
           ,
           22.
           or
           they
           utterly
           fall
           away
           to
           the
           hatred
           and
           malicious
           despising
           and
           persecuting
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           interests
           ;
           from
           whence
           hardly
           can
           they
           be
           recovered
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           and
           10.
           26
           ,
           29.
           which
           thing
           should
           provoke
           men
           to
           be
           serious
           ,
           in
           this
           great
           business
           .
        
         
           We
           come
           now
           to
           speak
           to
           the
           fifth
           thing
           proposed
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           
             What
             be
             the
             native
             consequents
             of
             true
             believing
             ,
          
           I
           shall
           reduce
           what
           I
           will
           speak
           of
           them
           to
           these
           two
           ,
           viz.
           
             Vnion
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             Communion
             with
             him
             .
          
        
         
           First
           then
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           when
           a
           sinner
           closeth
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           ,
           
             there
             is
             presently
             an
             admirable
             union
             ,
             〈◊〉
             strange
             oneness
             ,
             between
             God
             and
             the
             man.
          
           As
           the
           Husband
           and
           wife
           ,
           head
           and
           body
           ,
           root
           and
           branches
           ,
           are
           not
           to
           be
           reckoned
           two
           ,
           but
           one
           ;
           So
           Christ
           ,
           or
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           sinner
           closing
           with
           him
           by
           faith
           ,
           are
           one
           ,
           Eph.
           5.
           30
           ,
           32.
           
           He
           that
           is
           so
           joyned
           unto
           the
           Lord
           
             is
             one
             Spirit
          
           ,
           1.
           
           Cor.
           6.
           17.
           
           
             As
             the
             Father
             is
             in
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             Christ
             in
             the
             Father
             ;
             so
             believers
             are
             one
             in
             the
             Father
             and
             the
             Son.
          
           They
           are
           one
           ,
           as
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Son
           are
           one
           :
           the
           Father
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Christ
           in
           believers
           ,
           
           that
           they
           may
           be
           made
           perfect
           in
           one
           .
           O
           what
           a
           strange
           inter-weaving
           ,
           and
           indissoluble
           knot
           is
           there
           !
           Joh.
           17.
           21
           ,
           22
           ,
           23
           ,
           26.
           
           Because
           of
           this
           union
           between
           God
           and
           the
           believer
           ,
           1.
           
           They
           can
           never
           hate
           one
           another
           ,
           henceforth
           the
           Lord
           will
           never
           hate
           the
           believer
           :
           
             As
             no●
             man
             hateth
             his
             own
             flesh
             at
             any
             time
             ,
             but
             cherisheth
             it
             and
             nourisheth
             it
             ,
             so
             doth
             Christ
             his
             people
             ,
          
           Eph.
           5.
           29.
           
           He
           may
           be
           angry
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           correct
           and
           chastise
           the
           man
           that
           is
           a
           believer
           ,
           but
           all
           he
           doth
           to
           him
           ,
           is
           for
           his
           good
           and
           advantage
           ;
           
             all
             the
             Lords
             paths
             must
             be
             mercy
             and
             trust
             to
             him
             ,
          
           Psal
           .
           35.
           10.
           
           
             All
             things
             must
             work
             together
             for
             good
             to
             him
             ,
          
           Rom.
           8.
           28.
           
           On
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           the
           believer
           can
           never
           hate
           God
           maliciously
           ;
           for
           ,
           
             he
             that
             is
             born
             of
             God
             sinneth
             not
             ,
          
           1
           Joh.
           3.
           9.
           
           For
           the
           Lord
           hath
           resolved
           and
           ordained
           things
           so
           ,
           that
           his
           hand
           shall
           undoubtedly
           so
           be
           upon
           all
           believers
           for
           good
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           never
           get
           leave
           to
           hate
           him
           ,
           and
           be
           so
           pluckt
           out
           of
           his
           hands
           .
           2.
           
           Because
           of
           this
           union
           ,
           there
           is
           as
           a
           strange
           sympathy
           and
           fellow-feeling
           between
           God
           and
           the
           believer
           :
           The
           Lord
           is
           afflicted
           with
           the
           mans
           afflictions
           ;
           he
           doth
           tenderly
           ,
           carefully
           ,
           and
           seasonably
           resent
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           afflicted
           with
           it
           ,
           Isa
           .
           63.
           9.
           
           He
           who
           toucheth
           the
           believer
           ,
           toucheth
           the
           apple
           of
           the
           Lords
           eye
           ,
           Zech.
           2.
           8
           
           ▪
           
             He
             is
             touched
             with
             the
             feeling
             of
             their
             infirmities
             ,
          
           Heb.
           4.
           15.
           
           
             And
             precious
             in
             his
             sight
             is
             their
             blood
             ,
          
           Psal
           .
           116.
           15.
           
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           what
           is
           done
           to
           them
           ,
           is
           done
           unto
           him
           ;
           and
           what
           is
           done
           unto
           them
           ,
           is
           not
           done
           unto
           him
           ,
           Mat.
           10.
           40.
           
           &
           25.
           40
           ,
           45.
           
           On
           the
           other
           part
           ,
           the
           zeal
           of
           his
           house
           sitteth
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           the
           believer
           ,
           Psal
           .
           69.
           9.
           
           The
           Lords
           reproach
           lighteth
           on
           the
           believer
           ,
           if
           it
           go
           well
           with
           his
           affairs
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           business
           of
           his
           people
           .
           So
           there
           is
           a
           strange
           sympathy
           between
           God
           and
           believers
           ,
           all
           by
           vertue
           of
           the
           union
           between
           them
           ;
           because
           of
           which
           ,
           men
           should
           hate
           every
           thing
           which
           would
           compete
           with
           him
           in
           their
           love
           ,
           or
           affections
           ;
           and
           should
           disdain
           to
           be
           
           slaves
           to
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           since
           these
           are
           the
           servants
           of
           their
           Lord
           and
           Husband
           ,
           and
           their
           servants
           through
           him
           .
           What
           a
           hateful
           thing
           is
           it
           for
           a
           Queen
           to
           whore
           with
           the
           servants
           of
           her
           Prince
           and
           Husband
           ?
           It
           is
           also
           a
           shame
           for
           a
           Believer
           to
           be
           afraid
           of
           evil
           tidings
           ,
           since
           the
           Lord
           ,
           with
           whom
           he
           is
           one
           ,
           alone
           ruleth
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           doth
           whatsoever
           pleaseth
           him
           in
           Heaven
           and
           in
           Earth
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           3.
           21
           ,
           23.
           
           Psal
           .
           112.
           6
           ,
           7.
           and
           115.
           3.
           
        
         
           The
           other
           great
           consequent
           of
           believing
           ,
           is
           an
           admirable
           unpararell'd
           communion
           :
           by
           vertue
           whereof
           ,
           1.
           
           The
           parties
           themselves
           do
           belong
           each
           to
           other
           :
           The
           Lord
           is
           the
           God
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           he
           himself
           ,
           Father
           ,
           Son
           ,
           and
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           is
           their
           God
           ,
           in
           all
           his
           glorious
           Attributes
           :
           his
           justice
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           his
           mercy
           ;
           his
           wisdom
           ,
           power
           ,
           holiness
           ,
           &c.
           for
           
             He
             becometh
             the
             God
             of
             his
             people
             ,
          
           as
           he
           often
           speaketh
           in
           the
           Covenant
           On
           the
           other
           part
           ,
           the
           Believers
           are
           his
           people
           :
           in
           their
           very
           persons
           they
           are
           his
           ,
           as
           the
           Covenant
           doth
           speak
           ;
           
             They
             shall
             be
             his
             people
          
           ;
           their
           head
           ,
           their
           heart
           ,
           their
           hand
           ,
           &c.
           whatsoever
           they
           are
           ,
           they
           are
           his
           .
           2.
           
           By
           vertue
           of
           this
           communion
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           mutual
           interest
           in
           one
           anothers
           whole
           goods
           and
           geer
           ,
           in
           as
           far
           as
           can
           be
           useful
           .
           All
           the
           Lords
           Word
           doth
           belong
           to
           the
           Believer
           :
           Threatnings
           as
           well
           as
           Promises
           ,
           for
           their
           good
           ;
           all
           his
           wayes
           ,
           all
           his
           works
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           special
           communications
           ,
           death
           ,
           devils
           ,
           even
           all
           things
           ,
           in
           so
           far
           as
           can
           be
           useful
           1.
           
           Cor
           ,
           3.
           21
           ,
           22
           ,
           23.
           
           On
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           all
           which
           belongeth
           to
           the
           Believer
           ,
           is
           the
           Lords
           ;
           heritage
           ,
           children
           ,
           life
           ,
           wife
           ,
           credit
           ,
           all
           is
           at
           his
           disposing
           ;
           if
           any
           of
           these
           can
           be
           useful
           to
           him
           ,
           the
           Believer
           is
           to
           forego
           them
           ,
           else
           he
           falsifieth
           that
           communion
           ,
           and
           declareth
           himself
           in
           so
           far
           ,
           unworthy
           of
           Christ
           ,
           Luke
           14.
           26.
           3.
           
           By
           vertue
           of
           this
           communion
           ,
           there
           should
           be
           much
           familiarity
           between
           God
           and
           the
           Believer
           .
           The
           Lord
           may
           meddle
           with
           any
           thing
           which
           doth
           belong
           to
           the
           believer
           ,
           and
           do
           to
           him
           
           what
           seemeth
           good
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           man
           is
           not
           to
           mistake
           ,
           or
           say
           unto
           God
           ,
           What
           dost
           thou
           ?
           (
           but
           in
           so
           far
           as
           concerneth
           his
           duty
           )
           yes
           ,
           he
           is
           still
           to
           say
           in
           every
           case
           ,
           Good
           is
           the
           Word
           and
           Will
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Isa
           .
           38.
           8.
           2.
           
           Kings
           .
           4.
           23
           ,
           26.
           
           On
           the
           other
           part
           ,
           the
           believer
           may
           in
           an
           humble
           way
           ,
           be
           free
           and
           familiar
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ;
           he
           may
           
             come
             with
             boldness
             to
             the
             throne
             of
             Grace
             ,
          
           and
           not
           use
           a
           number
           of
           complements
           in
           his
           addresses
           unto
           God
           ,
           
             Heb.
             4.
             16.
             
             For
             he
             is
             no
             more
             a
             stranger
             unto
             God
             ,
          
           Eph.
           2.
           19.
           so
           as
           that
           he
           needs
           not
           speak
           unto
           God
           ,
           as
           one
           that
           hath
           acquaintance
           to
           make
           every
           hour
           ,
           as
           many
           professors
           do
           ,
           and
           it
           maketh
           a
           huge
           inconsistency
           in
           their
           Religion
           .
           The
           believer
           also
           may
           lay
           open
           all
           his
           heart
           unto
           God
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           1.
           15.
           and
           impart
           all
           his
           secrets
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           tentations
           without
           fear
           of
           a
           mistake
           .
           The
           believer
           also
           may
           enquire
           into
           what
           God
           doth
           ,
           in
           so
           far
           as
           may
           concern
           his
           own
           duty
           ,
           or
           in
           so
           far
           as
           may
           ward
           off
           mistakes
           of
           the
           Lords
           way
           ,
           and
           reconcile
           it
           with
           his
           Word
           ,
           John
           13.
           15.
           
           The
           believer
           is
           a
           friend
           in
           this
           respect
           ,
           as
           knowing
           what
           the
           Master
           doth
           ,
           see
           Gen.
           18.
           23.
           
           
             &c.
             Jer.
             12.
             1.
             
             Isa
             .
          
           63.
           17.
           
           The
           believer
           also
           may
           be
           free
           with
           God
           ,
           to
           go
           in
           daily
           with
           his
           fallings
           ,
           and
           seek
           repentance
           ,
           pardon
           and
           peace
           through
           Christs
           Advocateship
           ,
           
             Acts.
             5.
             31.
             1
             
             John
          
           2.
           1.
           
           O
           how
           often
           in
           one
           day
           may
           the
           believer
           plead
           pardon
           ,
           if
           he
           intend
           not
           to
           mock
           God
           ,
           or
           to
           turn
           grace
           into
           wantonness
           !
           The
           Lord
           hath
           commanded
           men
           to
           forgive
           seventy
           times
           seven
           in
           one
           day
           ,
           and
           hath
           hinted
           therein
           a
           parable
           ,
           how
           much
           more
           the
           Master
           will
           forgive
           ,
           Mat.
           18.
           22
           ,
           28.
           
           The
           believer
           also
           may
           be
           free
           to
           entrust
           God
           with
           all
           his
           ovtward
           concernments
           ,
           for
           he
           doth
           care
           for
           these
           things
           ,
           
             Mat.
             6.
             30
             ,
             32.
             1
             
             Pet.
          
           5.
           7.
           
           Yea
           ,
           the
           believer
           may
           humbly
           put
           God
           to
           it
           ,
           to
           make
           him
           forth-coming
           for
           him
           ,
           in
           all
           cases
           ,
           as
           beseemeth
           ,
           and
           to
           help
           him
           to
           suitable
           fruit
           in
           every
           season
           ,
           even
           grace
           in
           time
           of
           need
           .
           
           Heb.
           4.
           16.
           
           Yea
           ,
           how
           great
           things
           may
           believers
           seek
           from
           him
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           both
           for
           themselves
           and
           others
           ,
           1
           
             John
             5.
             14
             ,
             15.
             
             John
             14.
             13.
             
             Isa
             .
          
           45.
           11.
           
           It
           is
           the
           shame
           and
           great
           prejudice
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           not
           improve
           that
           communion
           with
           God
           more
           than
           they
           do
           ;
           Christ
           may
           justly
           upbraid
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           ask
           nothing
           in
           his
           Name
           ,
           John
           ,
           16.
           24.
           
        
         
           By
           what
           is
           said
           ,
           it
           doth
           appear
           of
           how
           great
           consequence
           this
           duty
           of
           believing
           is
           ,
           by
           which
           a
           man
           closeth
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           whom
           the
           Father
           hath
           sealed
           ,
           and
           given
           for
           a
           Covenant
           to
           the
           people
           .
           It
           is
           so
           honourable
           for
           God
           ,
           answering
           his
           very
           design
           ,
           and
           serving
           his
           interest
           in
           the
           whole
           contrivment
           and
           manifestation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           And
           it
           is
           so
           advantagious
           to
           men
           ,
           that
           Satan
           and
           an
           evil
           heart
           of
           unbelief
           ,
           do
           mightily
           oppose
           it
           ,
           by
           moving
           objections
           against
           it
           .
           I
           shall
           hint
           some
           most
           ordinary
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           am
           so
           base
           ,
           worthless
           and
           faithless
           of
           my self
           ,
           that
           I
           think
           it
           were
           high
           presumption
           for
           me
           to
           meddle
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           or
           the
           salvation
           purchased
           at
           the
           rate
           of
           his
           blood
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           all
           the
           Children
           of
           Adam
           are
           base
           and
           vile
           before
           him
           
             who
             chargeth
             his
             Angels
             with
             folly
             ,
          
           Job
           .
           4.
           18.
           
           All
           Nations
           are
           less
           than
           nothing
           and
           vanity
           before
           him
           ,
           Isa
           .
           40.
           17.
           
           There
           is
           such
           a
           disproportion
           between
           God
           and
           men
           ,
           that
           unless
           he
           himself
           had
           devised
           that
           Covenant
           ▪
           and
           of
           his
           own
           free
           will
           had
           offered
           so
           to
           transact
           with
           men
           ,
           it
           had
           been
           high
           treason
           for
           men
           or
           Angels
           to
           have
           imagined
           ,
           that
           God
           should
           have
           humbled
           himself
           ,
           and
           become
           a
           servant
           ,
           and
           have
           taken
           on
           our
           nature
           ,
           and
           have
           united
           it
           by
           a
           personal
           union
           to
           ●e
           the
           blessed
           God-head
           :
           and
           that
           he
           should
           have
           sub●●cted
           himself
           to
           the
           shameful
           death
           of
           the
           Cross
           ;
           and
           ●●del
           this
           ,
           that
           men
           ,
           who
           were
           rebels
           ,
           should
           be
           reconciled
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           made
           eternally
           happy
           ,
           by
           being
           in
           his
           holy
           company
           for
           ever
           .
           But
           I
           say
           ,
           all
           that
           was
           his
           
           own
           device
           and
           free
           choice
           :
           Yea
           ,
           moreover
           ,
           if
           God
           had
           not
           soveraignly
           commanded
           men
           so
           to
           close
           with
           him
           in
           and
           through
           Christ
           ,
           
             Isa
             .
             55.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             Mat.
          
           11.
           28.
           1
           
           
             Joh.
             3.
             23.
             2
             
             Cor.
          
           5.
           10.
           no
           man
           durst
           have
           made
           use
           of
           that
           device
           of
           his
           .
           So
           then
           ,
           although
           with
           
           Abigale
           ●
           may
           say
           ,
           let
           me
           be
           but
           a
           servant
           to
           wash
           the
           feet
           of
           the
           servants
           of
           my
           Lord
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           25.
           41.
           
           Yet
           since
           he
           hath
           in
           his
           holy
           wisdom
           devised
           that
           way
           ,
           and
           knoweth
           how
           to
           be
           richly
           glorified
           in
           it
           ,
           
             Ephes
             .
             1.
             18.
             
             John
          
           17.
           10.
           and
           hath
           commanded
           me
           ,
           as
           I
           shall
           be
           answerable
           ,
           in
           the
           great
           day
           ,
           to
           close
           with
           him
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           :
           I
           dare
           not
           disobey
           ,
           nor
           enquire
           into
           the
           reasons
           of
           his
           contrivements
           and
           commands
           ,
           but
           must
           adventure
           on
           the
           business
           ,
           as
           I
           would
           not
           be
           found
           to
           frustrate
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           manner
           disappoint
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           Gal.
           2.
           21.
           and
           falsifie
           the
           record
           which
           God
           hath
           born
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           Life
           enough
           in
           him
           for
           Men
           1
           John
           5.
           10.
           11.
           and
           so
           make
           God
           a
           lyar
           ,
           and
           add
           that
           rebellion
           to
           all
           my
           former
           transgressions
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           am
           a
           person
           singularly
           sinful
           ,
           beyond
           any
           I
           know
           ;
           Therefore
           I
           dare
           not
           presume
           to
           go
           near
           unto
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           or
           look
           after
           that
           salvation
           which
           is
           through
           his
           rightousness
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Is
           your
           sin
           beyond
           the
           drunkenness
           and
           incest
           of
           Lot
           ?
           adultery
           ,
           covered
           with
           Murder
           ,
           in
           David
           ?
           Idolatry
           ,
           and
           horrid
           Apostacy
           in
           Solomon
           ?
           Idolatry
           ,
           Murder
           ,
           and
           Witchcraft
           in
           Manasseh
           ?
           anger
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           way
           in
           Jonah
           ?
           forswearing
           of
           Christ
           in
           Peter
           ,
           after
           he
           was
           forewarned
           ,
           and
           had
           vowed
           the
           contrary
           ;
           bloody
           persecution
           in
           Paul
           ,
           making
           the
           Saints
           to
           blaspheme
           ?
           &c.
           (
           now
           wo
           ●o
           him
           who
           is
           imboldned
           to
           si●
           by
           these
           instances
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           adduce●
           here
           to
           the
           commendation
           of
           the
           free
           and
           rich
           grace●●
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           encourage
           poor
           penitent
           sinners
           to
           fly
           un●●
           Christ
           )
           I
           say
           ,
           are
           your
           sins
           beyond
           these
           ?
           Yet
           all
           the●
           
           obtained
           pardon
           through
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           shew
           .
           Know
           therefore
           ,
           that
           all
           sins
           do
           lye
           alike
           level
           before
           the
           free
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           loveth
           freely
           ,
           Hos.
           14.
           4.
           and
           looketh
           not
           to
           less
           or
           more
           sin
           :
           If
           the
           person
           have
           a
           heart
           to
           come
           unto
           him
           through
           Christ
           ,
           then
           he
           is
           able
           to
           save
           to
           the
           utmost
           ,
           Heb
           7.
           25.
           
           Yea
           ,
           it
           is
           more
           provoking
           before
           God
           ,
           not
           to
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           when
           the
           offer
           cometh
           to
           a
           man
           ,
           than
           all
           the
           rest
           of
           his
           transgressions
           are
           :
           for
           ,
           
             He
             that
             believeth
             not
             ,
             hath
             made
             God
             a
             lyar
             ,
             in
             that
             record
             he
             hath
             born
             of
             life
             in
             the
             Son
             :
             and
             he
             who
             doth
             not
             believe
             ,
             shall
             be
             condemned
             for
             not
             believing
             on
             the
             Son
             of
             God
          
           ;
           that
           shall
           be
           the
           main
           thing
           in
           his
           indictment
           ,
           John
           3.
           18.
           
           So
           that
           much
           sin
           cannot
           excuse
           a
           man
           ,
           if
           he
           scare
           at
           Christ
           ,
           and
           shift
           his
           offer
           ,
           since
           God
           hath
           openly
           declared
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           a
           faithful
           saying
           ,
           and
           worthy
           of
           all
           acceptation
           ,
           
             Christ
             came
             to
             save
             sinners
             whereof
             I
             am
             chief
             .
          
           Even
           he
           who
           is
           chief
           of
           sinners
           in
           his
           own
           apprehension
           ,
           is
           bound
           to
           believe
           and
           accept
           this
           saying
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           15.
           
        
         
           Object
           .
           My
           sins
           have
           some
           aggravating
           circumstances
           beyond
           the
           same
           sins
           in
           other
           persons
           ,
           which
           do
           much
           terrifie
           me
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           What
           can
           the
           aggravations
           of
           thy
           sins
           be
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           parllell'd
           in
           the
           fore-cited
           examples
           ▪
           Is
           thy
           sin
           against
           Great
           Light
           ?
           So
           behooved
           many
           of
           these
           we
           spake
           of
           before
           .
           Was
           it
           against
           singular
           mercies
           and
           deliverances
           ?
           So
           was
           that
           of
           Lot
           and
           
           Noah's
           drunkenness
           .
           Was
           thy
           sin
           done
           with
           much
           ●eliberation
           ?
           So
           was
           Davids
           whilst
           he
           wrote
           the
           letter
           against
           Vriah
           .
           Was
           it
           against
           ,
           or
           after
           any
           singular
           manifestation
           of
           God
           ?
           So
           was
           Solomons
           .
           Was
           it
           by
           a
           small
           and
           despicable
           tentation
           ?
           So
           was
           that
           of
           Jonah
           ,
           and
           of
           Peter
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           the
           hainousness
           of
           their
           transgression
           .
           Hast
           thou
           rei●rated
           the
           sin
           ,
           and
           committed
           it
           over
           again
           ?
           So
           did
           Lot
           ,
           so
           did
           Peter
           ,
           so
           did
           Jehosaphat
           in
           joyning
           with
           Ahab
           
           and
           
             Jehoram
             ;
             1
             Kings
             22.
             2
             
             Kings
          
           3.
           
           Are
           there
           many
           gross
           sins
           concurring
           together
           in
           thee
           ?
           So
           were
           there
           in
           Manasseh
           .
           Hast
           thou
           stood
           long
           out
           in
           Rebellion
           ?
           (
           that
           ,
           as
           all
           the
           former
           ,
           is
           thy
           shame
           :
           but
           )
           so
           did
           the
           thief
           on
           the
           Cross
           ,
           he
           stood
           it
           out
           to
           the
           last
           gasp
           ,
           Luke
           23.
           42.
           
           
             If
             yet
             thou
             hast
             an
             ear
             to
             hear
             ,
             thou
             art
             commanded
             to
             hear
             ,
             Mat.
          
           13.
           19.
           
           Although
           thou
           hast
           long
           spent
           thy
           money
           for
           that
           which
           is
           not
           bread
           ;
           Isa
           .
           55.
           1.
           2.
           
           Thou
           hast
           the
           greater
           need
           now
           to
           haste
           ,
           and
           to
           flee
           for
           refuge
           ;
           and
           if
           thou
           do
           so
           ,
           he
           shall
           welcome
           thee
           ,
           and
           in
           no
           wayes
           cast
           thee
           out
           ,
           John
           6.
           37.
           especially
           ,
           since
           he
           hath
           used
           no
           prescription
           of
           time
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           So
           that
           all
           those
           aggravations
           of
           thy
           sin
           will
           not
           excuse
           thy
           shifting
           off
           the
           Lords
           offer
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           In
           all
           these
           instances
           given
           ,
           you
           have
           not
           named
           the
           particulars
           whereof
           I
           am
           guilty
           :
           Nor
           know
           I
           any
           who
           ever
           obtained
           mercy
           before
           God
           ,
           being
           guilty
           of
           such
           things
           as
           are
           in
           me
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           hard
           to
           condescend
           upon
           every
           particular
           transgression
           which
           may
           vex
           the
           conscience
           ;
           yea
           ,
           lesser
           sins
           than
           some
           of
           those
           I
           have
           mentioned
           ,
           may
           hugely
           disquiet
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           blow
           the
           fire
           .
           But
           ,
           for
           thy
           satisfaction
           ,
           I
           shall
           condescend
           upon
           some
           truths
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           do
           reach
           sins
           and
           cases
           more
           universally
           ,
           than
           any
           man
           can
           do
           particularly
           .
           See
           Exod.
           34.
           7.
           
           God
           pardoneth
           iniquity
           ,
           transgression
           and
           sin
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           all
           manner
           of
           sin
           ,
           Ezek.
           18.
           21
           ,
           22
           ,
           30.
           
           If
           a
           man
           turn
           from
           all
           his
           wickedness
           ,
           it
           shall
           no
           more
           be
           remembred
           ,
           or
           prove
           his
           ruine
           ,
           Job
           .
           6.
           37.
           
           Him
           that
           cometh
           ,
           he
           will
           in
           〈◊〉
           wayes
           cast
           out
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           whatsoever
           be
           his
           sins
           ,
           or
           aggravations
           of
           them
           ,
           
             John
             3.
             16.
             
             Whosoever
             believe●
             shall
             be
             saved
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           without
           exception
           of
           any
           sin
           ,
           〈◊〉
           any
           case
           ,
           
             Heb.
             7.
             25.
             
             He
             is
             able
             to
             save
             to
             the
             utmost
             the●●
             who
             come
             to
             God
             through
             him
             :
          
           no
           man
           can
           sufficiently
           declare
           what
           is
           Gods
           
             uttermost
             ,
             Mat.
             12.
             31.
             
             〈◊〉
             
             manner
             of
             sin
             and
             blasphemy
             shall
             be
             forgiven
             unto
             men
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           sort
           of
           sin
           ,
           whereof
           one
           instance
           shall
           not
           be
           forgiven
           in
           one
           person
           or
           other
           ,
           except
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           .
           These
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           Scriptures
           ,
           do
           carry
           all
           sorts
           of
           sin
           before
           them
           ;
           so
           that
           ,
           let
           thy
           sins
           be
           what
           they
           will
           ,
           or
           can
           be
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           sunk
           in
           one
           of
           these
           two
           truths
           ,
           so
           as
           thy
           sin
           can
           be
           no
           excuse
           to
           thee
           for
           shifting
           the
           offer
           of
           peace
           and
           salvation
           through
           Christ
           ,
           since
           any
           man
           who
           will
           ,
           is
           allowed
           to
           come
           and
           take
           ,
           Rev.
           22.
           17.
           we
           will
           not
           multiply
           words
           .
           The
           great
           God
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           hath
           soveraignly
           commanded
           all
           who
           see
           their
           need
           of
           relief
           ,
           to
           betake
           themselves
           unto
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           to
           close
           cordially
           with
           Gods
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           him
           ,
           laying
           aside
           all
           objections
           and
           excuses
           ,
           as
           they
           shall
           be
           answerable
           unto
           him
           in
           the
           day
           he
           shall
           judge
           the
           quick
           and
           the
           dead
           ,
           and
           shall
           drive
           away
           out
           of
           his
           presence
           all
           these
           who
           would
           dare
           to
           say
           ,
           their
           sins
           and
           condition
           were
           such
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           durst
           not
           adventure
           upon
           Christs
           perfect
           Righteousness
           for
           their
           relief
           ,
           notwithstanding
           of
           the
           Lords
           own
           command
           often
           interposed
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           manner
           ,
           his
           credit
           engaged
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           suspect
           I
           am
           guilty
           of
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           so
           am
           incapable
           of
           pardon
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           need
           not
           think
           of
           believing
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           for
           saving
           of
           my
           Soul.
           
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Although
           none
           should
           charge
           this
           sin
           on
           themselves
           ,
           or
           on
           others
           ,
           unless
           they
           can
           prove
           the
           charge
           according
           to
           Christs
           example
           ,
           Matth.
           12.
           25
           ,
           26
           ,
           32.
           yet
           for
           satisfying
           of
           the
           doubt
           ,
           I
           shall
           ,
           1.
           
           Shew
           what
           is
           not
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           properly
           so
           called
           ,
           because
           there
           be
           some
           gross
           sins
           which
           people
           do
           unwarrantly
           judge
           to
           be
           this
           unpardonable
           sin
           .
           2.
           
           I
           shall
           shew
           what
           is
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           .
           3.
           
           I
           shall
           draw
           some
           conclusions
           in
           answer
           directly
           to
           the
           objection
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           First
           ,
           There
           be
           many
           gross
           sins
           ,
           which
           although
           (
           as
           all
           other
           sins
           )
           may
           be
           sins
           against
           the
           Holy
           
           Ghost
           ,
           who
           is
           Gods
           equal
           and
           one
           with
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Son
           ,
           and
           are
           done
           against
           some
           of
           his
           operations
           and
           motions
           ,
           yet
           are
           they
           not
           the
           
             sin
             against
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ▪
          
           which
           is
           the
           unpardonable
           sin
           .
           As
           ,
           first
           ,
           blasphemin●
           of
           God
           ,
           under
           bodily
           tortures
           ,
           is
           not
           that
           sin
           ,
           for
           som●
           Saints
           fell
           into
           this
           ,
           Acts
           26.
           11.
           much
           less
           ,
           blaspheming
           of
           God
           in
           a
           fit
           of
           distraction
           ,
           or
           frenzy
           ,
           for
           a
           man
           is
           not
           a
           free
           rational
           agent
           at
           that
           time
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           spareth
           his
           people
           as
           a
           Father
           doth
           the
           Son
           that
           serveth
           him
           ,
           and
           doth
           pity
           ,
           so
           
             Mal.
             3.
             17.
             
             Psal
          
           .
           103.
           13.
           doth
           he
           spare
           and
           pity
           in
           these
           rovings
           ;
           For
           so
           would
           our
           Fathers
           according
           to
           flesh
           do
           ,
           if
           we
           blasphemed
           the●
           in
           a
           fit
           of
           distraction
           ;
           much
           less
           are
           horrid
           blasphemies
           against
           God
           ,
           darted
           in
           upon
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           not
           allowed
           there
           ,
           this
           unpardonable
           sin
           ;
           for
           such
           things
           were
           offered
           to
           Christ
           ,
           Mat.
           4.
           and
           are
           often
           cast
           in
           upon
           the
           Saints
           .
           2.
           
           The
           hating
           of
           good
           in
           others
           ,
           whilst
           I
           am
           not
           convinced
           that
           it
           is
           good
           ,
           but
           in
           my
           light
           do
           judge
           it
           to
           be
           evil
           ;
           yea
           ,
           the
           speaking
           against
           it
           ,
           yea
           ,
           the
           persecuting
           〈◊〉
           it
           in
           that
           case
           ,
           is
           not
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ;
           for
           all
           these
           will
           be
           found
           in
           Paul
           before
           he
           was
           converted
           ▪
           and
           
             he
             obtained
             Mercy
             ,
             because
             he
             did
             these
             things
             ignorantly
             .
          
           3.
           
           Heart-rising
           at
           the
           thriving
           of
           others
           in
           the
           work
           and
           way
           of
           God
           ,
           whilest
           I
           love
           it
           in
           my self
           ;
           yea
           ,
           the
           rising
           of
           heart
           against
           providence
           ,
           which
           often
           expresseth
           it self
           against
           the
           creatures
           nearest
           our
           hand
           ;
           yea
           ▪
           this
           rising
           of
           heart
           entertained
           ,
           and
           maintained
           (
           although
           they
           be
           horrid
           things
           ,
           leading
           towards
           that
           unpardonable
           sin
           ,
           yet
           )
           are
           not
           that
           sin
           ;
           for
           these
           may
           be
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           self-love
           ,
           which
           canno●
           endure
           to
           be
           darkned
           by
           another
           ,
           and
           proceeding
           fro●
           some
           cross
           in
           their
           Idol
           under
           a
           fit
           of
           tentation
           ;
           th●
           most
           part
           of
           all
           this
           was
           in
           Jonah
           ,
           Jonah
           4.
           4.
           
           N●●
           only
           are
           not
           decayes
           in
           what
           was
           once
           in
           the
           man
           ,
           an●
           falling
           into
           gross
           sins
           against
           Light
           ,
           after
           the
           receiving
           〈◊〉
           
           the
           truth
           ,
           this
           unpardonable
           sin
           (
           for
           then
           many
           of
           all
           the
           Saints
           in
           Scripture
           were
           undone
           )
           but
           further
           ,
           Apostacy
           from
           much
           of
           the
           truth
           is
           not
           that
           sin
           ;
           for
           that
           was
           in
           Solomon
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           Corinth
           and
           Galatia
           ;
           yea
           ,
           denying
           ,
           yea
           ,
           forswearing
           of
           the
           most
           fundamental
           truth
           under
           a
           great
           tentation
           ,
           is
           not
           this
           sin
           ▪
           for
           then
           Peter
           had
           been
           undone
           .
           5.
           
           As
           resisting
           ,
           quenching
           ,
           grieving
           and
           vexing
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           by
           many
           sinful
           wayes
           ,
           are
           not
           this
           unpardonable
           sin
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           charged
           with
           these
           who
           are
           called
           to
           repentance
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           not
           shut
           out
           ,
           as
           guilty
           of
           this
           sin
           :
           So
           neither
           reiterating
           sin
           against
           light
           ,
           is
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           although
           it
           leadeth
           towards
           it
           ,
           for
           such
           was
           Peters
           sin
           in
           denying
           Christ
           ;
           so
           was
           Jehosaphats
           sin
           in
           joyning
           with
           Ahab
           and
           Jehoram
           .
           6.
           
           Purposes
           and
           essays
           of
           self-murther
           ,
           and
           even
           purposes
           of
           murthering
           godly
           men
           ,
           (
           the
           party
           being
           under
           a
           sad
           fit
           of
           tentation
           )
           yea
           ,
           actual
           self-murther
           ,
           (
           although
           probably
           it
           often
           joyneth
           in
           the
           issue
           with
           this
           unpardonable
           sin
           ,
           which
           ought
           to
           make
           every
           soul
           look
           upon
           the
           very
           tentation
           to
           it
           with
           horrour
           and
           abhorrency
           ,
           yet
           )
           is
           not
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ;
           The
           Jaylor
           intended
           to
           kill
           himself
           upon
           a
           worse
           account
           than
           many
           poor
           people
           do
           in
           the
           sight
           and
           sense
           of
           Gods
           wrath
           ,
           and
           of
           their
           own
           Sin
           and
           Corruption
           ;
           yet
           that
           Jaylor
           obtained
           pardon
           Acts.
           16.
           27.
           34.
           
           And
           Paul
           before
           his
           effectual
           calling
           ,
           was
           accessory
           unto
           the
           murther
           of
           many
           Saints
           ,
           and
           intended
           to
           kill
           more
           ,
           as
           himself
           granteth
           ,
           
             Acts
             26.
             9.
             to
          
           13.
           
           Athough
           all
           these
           are
           dreadful
           sins
           ,
           each
           of
           them
           deserving
           wrath
           ever
           lasting
           ,
           and
           not
           being
           repented
           of
           ,
           bringeth
           endless
           vengeance
           ,
           especially
           the
           last
           cuts
           off
           hope
           of
           relief
           ,
           for
           ought
           can
           be
           expecting
           in
           an
           ordinary
           way
           ,
           yet
           none
           of
           these
           is
           the
           unpardonable
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ;
           and
           so
           under
           any
           of
           these
           ,
           
             There
             is
             hope
             to
             him
             that
             hath
             an
             ear
             to
             hear
             the
             joyful
             sound
             of
             the
             Covenant
          
           ;
           All
           manner
           of
           
           such
           sin
           and
           blasphemy
           may
           be
           forgiven
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           where
           these
           things
           are
           mentioned
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           second
           thing
           .
           Let
           us
           see
           what
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           is
           .
           It
           is
           not
           a
           simple
           act
           of
           transgression
           ,
           but
           a
           complex
           ,
           of
           many
           mischievous
           things
           ,
           involving
           Soul
           and
           Body
           ordinarily
           in
           guilt
           .
           We
           thus
           describe
           it
           ;
           
             It
             is
             a
             rejecting
             and
             opposing
             of
             the
             Chief
             Gospel
             Truth
             ,
             and
             way
             of
             salvation
             ,
             made
             out
             singularly
             to
             a
             man
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             in
             the
             truth
             and
             good
             thereof
             ,
             and
             that
             avowedly
             ,
             freely
             ,
             wilfully
             ,
             maliciously
             and
             despightfully
             ,
             breeding
             hopeless
             fear
             .
          
           There
           be
           three
           places
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           do
           speak
           most
           of
           this
           sin
           ,
           and
           thence
           we
           will
           prove
           every
           part
           of
           this
           description
           ,
           in
           so
           far
           as
           may
           be
           useful
           to
           our
           present
           purpose
           ,
           by
           which
           it
           will
           appear
           that
           none
           who
           have
           a
           mind
           for
           Christ
           ,
           need
           stumble
           at
           what
           is
           spoken
           of
           this
           sin
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           See
           Mat.
           12.
           24.
           
           —
           32.
           
           
             Heb.
             6.
             4
             ,
             5.
             6.
             and
          
           10.
           25
           ,
           —
           29.
           
           First
           then
           ,
           let
           us
           consider
           the
           Object
           about
           which
           this
           sin
           ,
           or
           sinful
           acting
           of
           the
           man
           guilty
           thereof
           ,
           is
           conversant
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           the
           chief
           Gospel-truth
           ,
           and
           way
           of
           Salvation
           :
           both
           which
           run
           to
           one
           thing
           .
           It
           is
           the
           way
           which
           God
           hath
           contrived
           for
           saving
           of
           sinners
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           the
           promissed
           Messiah
           and
           Saviour
           ;
           by
           whose
           death
           and
           righteousness
           men
           are
           to
           be
           saved
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           held
           forth
           in
           the
           Ordinances
           ;
           confirming
           the
           same
           by
           many
           mighty
           works
           in
           Scripture
           tending
           thereto
           .
           This
           way
           of
           salvation
           is
           the
           Object
           .
           The
           Pharisees
           oppose
           this
           ,
           that
           Christ
           was
           the
           Messiah
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           23
           ,
           24.
           
           The
           wrong
           is
           done
           against
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           6
           ,
           and
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           the
           Spirit
           graciously
           offering
           to
           apply
           these
           things
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           29.
           
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           the
           description
           ,
           consider
           the
           qualification
           of
           this
           object
           .
           It
           is
           singularly
           made
           out
           to
           the
           party
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           both
           in
           the
           truth
           and
           good
           thereof
           .
           This
           saith
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           there
           must
           be
           knowledge
           of
           the
           truth
           and
           way
           of
           Salvation
           .
           The
           
           Pharisees
           knew
           that
           Christ
           was
           the
           heir
           ,
           Mat.
           21.
           38.
           
           The
           party
           hath
           knowledge
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           26.
           2.
           
           That
           knowledge
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           must
           not
           swim
           only
           in
           the
           head
           ,
           but
           there
           must
           be
           some
           half
           heart-perswasion
           of
           it
           .
           Christ
           knew
           the
           Pharisees
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           so
           did
           judge
           them
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           25.
           and
           that
           the
           contrary
           of
           what
           they
           spake
           was
           made
           out
           upon
           their
           heart
           :
           There
           is
           a
           tasting
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           4
           ,
           5.
           which
           is
           beyond
           simple
           enlightning
           ;
           yea
           ,
           there
           is
           such
           a
           perswasion
           ordinarily
           as
           leadeth
           to
           a
           deal
           of
           outward
           sanctification
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           29.
           3.
           
           This
           perswasion
           must
           not
           only
           be
           of
           the
           verity
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           good
           of
           it
           .
           The
           party
           tasteth
           the
           good
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           apprehendeth
           the
           thing
           as
           eligible
           ▪
           Heb.
           6.
           5.
           4.
           
           This
           perswasion
           is
           not
           made
           out
           only
           by
           strength
           of
           Argument
           ,
           but
           also
           by
           an
           enlightning
           work
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           shining
           on
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           making
           it
           conspicuous
           .
           Therefore
           is
           that
           sin
           called
           
             the
             sin
             against
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
          
           Mat.
           12.
           
           Mark
           3.
           
           The
           persons
           are
           said
           to
           have
           received
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           4.
           and
           to
           do
           despight
           unto
           the
           spirit
           of
           grace
           ,
           who
           was
           in
           the
           nearest
           step
           of
           a
           gracious
           operation
           with
           them
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           29.
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           In
           this
           description
           ,
           consider
           the
           acting
           of
           the
           party
           against
           the
           object
           so
           qualified
           ,
           It
           is
           a
           rejecting
           and
           opposing
           of
           it
           :
           which
           importeth
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           men
           have
           once
           ,
           some
           way
           at
           least
           been
           in
           hands
           with
           it
           ,
           or
           had
           the
           offer
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           is
           true
           of
           the
           Pharisees
           .
           2.
           
           That
           they
           do
           reject
           ,
           even
           with
           contempt
           ,
           what
           they
           had
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           offer
           .
           The
           Pharisees
           deny
           it
           ,
           and
           speak
           disdainfully
           of
           Christ
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           24.
           
           They
           fall
           away
           ,
           intending
           to
           shame
           Christ
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           5
           ,
           6.
           3.
           
           The
           men
           set
           themselves
           against
           it
           by
           the
           spirit
           of
           persecution
           ,
           as
           the
           Pharisees
           did
           still
           .
           They
           rail
           against
           it
           :
           Therefore
           it
           is
           called
           
             Blasphemy
             against
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             Mat.
          
           12.
           24.
           31.
           
           They
           would
           Crucifie
           Christ
           again
           ,
           if
           they
           could
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           6.
           
           They
           are
           Adversaries
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           27.
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           consider
           the
           properties
           
           of
           this
           acting
           .
           1.
           
           It
           is
           avouched
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           seeking
           to
           shelter
           or
           hide
           it self
           .
           The
           Pharisees
           speak
           against
           Christ
           publickly
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           24.
           
           They
           would
           have
           Christ
           brought
           to
           an
           
             open
             shame
             ,
             Heb.
          
           6.
           6.
           
           They
           forsake
           the
           Ordinances
           which
           savour
           that
           way
           ,
           and
           10.
           25.
           and
           despise
           the
           danger
           .
           For
           ,
           looking
           for
           indignation
           ,
           they
           trample
           that
           blood
           still
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           27
           ,
           29.
           2.
           
           The
           party
           acteth
           freely
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           from
           unadvisedness
           ,
           nor
           from
           force
           or
           constraint
           ,
           but
           an
           acting
           of
           free
           choice
           ;
           nothing
           doth
           force
           the
           Pharisees
           to
           speak
           against
           and
           persecute
           Christ
           .
           They
           Crucifie
           to
           themselves
           ,
           they
           re-act
           the
           murder
           of
           their
           own
           free
           accord
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           own
           bosome
           ,
           none
           constraining
           them
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           6.
           
           They
           sin
           of
           free
           choice
           ,
           as
           the
           word
           is
           ,
           
             spontaneously
             ,
             Heb.
          
           10.
           27.
           3.
           
           It
           is
           acted
           willfully
           .
           They
           are
           so
           resolute
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           be
           disswaded
           by
           any
           offer
           ,
           or
           the
           most
           precious
           means
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           in
           the
           aforesaid
           Scriptures
           .
           4.
           
           It
           is
           done
           maliciously
           ,
           so
           as
           it
           proceeds
           not
           so
           much
           ,
           if
           at
           all
           ,
           from
           a
           tentation
           to
           pleasure
           ,
           profit
           ,
           or
           honour
           ;
           It
           proceedeth
           not
           from
           fear
           ,
           or
           force
           ,
           or
           from
           any
           good
           end
           proposed
           ;
           but
           out
           of
           heart-malice
           ,
           against
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Advancement
           of
           his
           Glory
           and
           Kingdom
           .
           So
           that
           it
           is
           the
           very
           nature
           of
           Satans
           sin
           ,
           who
           hath
           an
           irreconcileable
           hatred
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           remedy
           of
           sin
           ,
           because
           his
           glory
           is
           thereby
           advanced
           .
           This
           is
           a
           special
           ingredient
           in
           this
           sin
           .
           The
           Pharisees
           are
           found
           guilty
           of
           heart-malice
           against
           Christ
           ,
           since
           they
           spake
           so
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           not
           against
           their
           own
           children
           casting
           out
           Devils
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           force
           of
           Christs
           Argument
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           27.
           
           They
           do
           their
           utmost
           to
           Crucifie
           Christ
           again
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           him
           to
           an
           open
           shame
           .
           Heb.
           6.
           6.
           
           They
           are
           adversaries
           like
           the
           Devil
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           27.
           5.
           
           It
           is
           done
           despightfully
           .
           The
           malice
           must
           bewray
           it self
           .
           The
           Pharisees
           must
           proclaim
           that
           Christ
           hath
           correspondence
           with
           Devils
           ,
           Met.
           ●2
           .
           He
           must
           be
           put
           to
           an
           open
           shame
           ,
           and
           crucified
           
           again
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           they
           must
           tread
           under
           foot
           that
           blood
           ,
           and
           do
           despite
           to
           the
           Spirit
           ;
           Heb.
           10.
           29.
           so
           that
           the
           party
           had
           rather
           perish
           a
           thousand
           times
           ,
           than
           be
           in
           Christs
           debt
           for
           salvation
           .
           The
           last
           thing
           in
           the
           description
           ,
           is
           ,
           the
           ordinary
           attendant
           or
           consequence
           of
           this
           sin
           ,
           it
           breedeth
           
             Desperate
             and
             Hopeless
             fear
          
           .
           They
           fear
           him
           ,
           whom
           they
           hate
           ,
           with
           a
           slavish
           ,
           hopeless
           fear
           ,
           such
           as
           Devils
           have
           ,
           Heb.
           10.
           27.
           
           They
           know
           that
           God
           will
           put
           out
           his
           power
           against
           them
           ;
           they
           tremble
           in
           the
           remembrance
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           could
           be
           above
           him
           ,
           and
           destroy
           him
           ,
           they
           covet
           it
           ;
           and
           since
           they
           cannot
           reach
           that
           ,
           they
           hate
           with
           the
           utmost
           of
           heart-malice
           ,
           and
           do
           persecute
           him
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           is
           his
           with
           despite
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           third
           thing
           proposed
           .
           (
           viz.
           )
           The
           Conclusions
           to
           be
           drawn
           from
           what
           is
           said
           ,
           whereby
           we
           will
           speak
           directly
           to
           the
           Objection
           ,
           1.
           
           As
           I
           hinted
           before
           ,
           since
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           is
           so
           remarkable
           ,
           and
           may
           be
           well
           known
           where
           it
           is
           ,
           none
           should
           charge
           themselves
           with
           it
           ,
           unless
           they
           can
           prove
           and
           make
           good
           the
           charge
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           a
           great
           wrong
           done
           unto
           God
           ,
           to
           labour
           to
           perswade
           my
           soul
           that
           he
           will
           never
           pardon
           me
           ;
           It
           is
           the
           very
           way
           to
           make
           me
           desperate
           ,
           and
           to
           lead
           me
           unto
           the
           unpardonable
           sin
           ;
           Therefore
           unless
           thou
           canst
           and
           darest
           say
           ,
           that
           thou
           dost
           hate
           the
           way
           which
           God
           hath
           devised
           for
           saving
           of
           sinners
           ,
           and
           dost
           resolve
           to
           oppose
           the
           thriving
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           both
           with
           thy self
           and
           others
           ,
           out
           of
           malice
           and
           despite
           against
           God
           ,
           thou
           oughtest
           not
           to
           suspect
           thy self
           guilty
           of
           this
           sin
           .
           2.
           
           Whatsoever
           thou
           hast
           done
           against
           God
           ,
           if
           thou
           dost
           repent
           it
           ,
           and
           wish
           it
           were
           undone
           ,
           thou
           canst
           not
           be
           guilty
           of
           this
           sin
           ;
           for
           in
           it
           ,
           heart-malice
           and
           despight
           against
           God
           do
           still
           prevail
           .
           3.
           
           If
           thou
           art
           content
           to
           be
           his
           debtor
           for
           pardon
           ,
           and
           wouldest
           be
           infinitely
           obliged
           unto
           him
           for
           it
           ,
           then
           thou
           canst
           not
           in
           
           that
           case
           be
           guilty
           of
           the
           sin
           against
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ;
           for
           ,
           as
           we
           shewed
           before
           ,
           they
           who
           are
           guilty
           of
           it
           ,
           do
           so
           despite
           God
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           not
           be
           his
           debtors
           for
           salvation
           .
           4.
           
           Whatsoever
           thou
           hast
           done
           ,
           if
           thou
           hast
           a
           desire
           after
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           dost
           look
           with
           a
           desiring
           after
           him
           ,
           and
           canst
           not
           think
           of
           parting
           with
           his
           Blessed
           Company
           for
           ever
           :
           Or
           if
           thou
           must
           part
           with
           him
           ,
           yet
           dost
           wish
           well
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           ,
           thou
           needest
           not
           suspect
           thy self
           to
           be
           guilty
           of
           this
           unpardonable
           sin
           ;
           For
           there
           can
           be
           no
           such
           hatred
           of
           him
           in
           thy
           bosome
           ,
           as
           is
           necessarily
           required
           to
           make
           up
           that
           sin
           .
           5.
           
           If
           thou
           wouldest
           be
           above
           the
           reach
           of
           that
           sin
           ,
           and
           secure
           against
           it
           for
           ever
           ,
           then
           go
           work
           upon
           thy
           heart
           to
           plead
           salvation
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           to
           close
           with
           God
           in
           him
           ,
           acquiescing
           in
           him
           as
           the
           sufficient
           ransome
           and
           rest
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           been
           pressing
           before
           ,
           and
           yield
           to
           him
           to
           be
           saved
           in
           his
           way
           :
           Do
           this
           in
           good
           earnest
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           be
           for
           ever
           put
           out
           of
           the
           reach
           of
           that
           ugly
           thing
           wherewith
           Satan
           doth
           affright
           so
           many
           poor
           seekers
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Object
           .
           Although
           I
           be
           not
           excluded
           from
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           New
           Covenant
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           in
           my
           power
           to
           believe
           on
           Christ
           ;
           For
           Faith
           is
           the
           gift
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           above
           the
           strength
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           saving
           Faith
           ,
           by
           which
           alone
           a
           man
           can
           heartily
           close
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           is
           above
           our
           power
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           gift
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           we
           said
           before
           in
           the
           premises
           :
           Yet
           remember
           ,
           1.
           
           The
           Lord
           hath
           left
           it
           as
           a
           Duty
           upon
           all
           who
           hear
           this
           Gospel
           ,
           cordially
           by
           faith
           to
           close
           with
           his
           offer
           of
           salvation
           through
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           clear
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ;
           And
           you
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           although
           it
           be
           not
           in
           our
           power
           to
           perform
           that
           duty
           of
           our selves
           ,
           yet
           the
           Lord
           may
           justly
           condemn
           for
           not
           performing
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           inexcusable
           ,
           because
           at
           first
           he
           made
           men
           perfectly
           able
           to
           do
           whatsoever
           he
           should
           command
           .
           2.
           
           The
           Lord
           commanding
           this
           thing
           ,
           which
           is
           above
           our
           power
           ,
           
           willeth
           us
           to
           be
           sensible
           of
           our
           inability
           to
           do
           the
           thing
           ,
           and
           would
           have
           us
           putting
           on
           him
           to
           work
           it
           in
           us
           .
           He
           hath
           promised
           to
           give
           the
           new
           heart
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           not
           excluded
           any
           from
           the
           benefit
           of
           that
           promise
           .
           3.
           
           The
           Lord
           useth
           by
           these
           Commands
           and
           Invitations
           ,
           and
           mens
           meditation
           on
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           their
           supplication
           about
           the
           thing
           ,
           to
           convey
           power
           unto
           the
           soul
           to
           perform
           the
           duty
           :
           Therefore
           ,
           for
           answer
           to
           the
           objection
           ,
           I
           do
           beseech
           thee
           in
           the
           Lords
           Name
           ,
           to
           lay
           to
           heart
           these
           his
           Commandments
           and
           Promises
           ;
           and
           meditate
           on
           them
           ,
           and
           upon
           that
           blessed
           business
           of
           the
           New
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           pray
           unto
           God
           as
           you
           can
           ,
           over
           them
           ,
           (
           for
           he
           will
           be
           enquired
           to
           do
           these
           things
           ,
           Ezek.
           36.
           37.
           
           )
           and
           lay
           thy
           cold
           heart
           to
           that
           device
           of
           God
           exprest
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           unto
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           is
           given
           for
           a
           Covenant
           to
           the
           People
           ,
           and
           look
           to
           him
           for
           life
           and
           quickening
           ;
           Go
           and
           essay
           to
           plead
           that
           salvation
           in
           the
           way
           God
           doth
           offer
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           close
           with
           ,
           and
           rest
           on
           Christ
           for
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           all
           were
           in
           thy
           power
           ,
           yet
           looking
           to
           him
           for
           the
           thing
           ,
           as
           knowing
           that
           it
           must
           come
           from
           him
           ;
           And
           if
           thou
           do
           so
           ,
           he
           who
           meets
           these
           who
           remember
           him
           in
           his
           wayes
           ,
           Isa
           .
           65.
           5.
           will
           not
           be
           wanting
           on
           his
           part
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           not
           have
           ground
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           thou
           moved
           towards
           the
           thing
           until
           thou
           could
           do
           no
           more
           for
           want
           of
           strength
           ,
           and
           so
           left
           it
           at
           Gods
           door
           :
           It
           shall
           not
           fail
           on
           his
           part
           ,
           if
           thou
           have
           a
           mind
           for
           the
           business
           .
           Yea
           ,
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           if
           by
           all
           thou
           hast
           ever
           heard
           of
           that
           matter
           ,
           thy
           heat
           loveth
           it
           ,
           and
           desireth
           to
           be
           in
           hands
           with
           it
           ,
           thou
           hast
           it
           already
           performed
           within
           thee
           ,
           so
           that
           difficulty
           is
           past
           ,
           before
           thou
           wast
           aware
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           Many
           who
           have
           closed
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           ,
           are
           still
           complaining
           of
           their
           leanness
           and
           fruitlesness
           ,
           which
           maketh
           my
           heart
           lay
           the
           less
           weight
           on
           that
           duty
           of
           believing
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           If
           you
           be
           convinced
           that
           it
           is
           a
           duty
           to
           believe
           
           on
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           ,
           yo
           may
           not
           shift
           it
           under
           any
           pretence
           .
           As
           for
           these
           complaints
           of
           some
           who
           have
           looked
           after
           him
           ,
           not
           admitting
           every
           one
           to
           be
           judge
           of
           his
           own
           fruit
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           1.
           
           Many
           by
           their
           jealousies
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           and
           by
           their
           mis-belief
           (
           after
           they
           have
           so
           closed
           with
           God
           )
           do
           obstruct
           many
           precious
           communications
           ,
           which
           otherwise
           would
           be
           let
           out
           to
           them
           ,
           Mat.
           13.
           58.
           2.
           
           It
           cannot
           be
           ,
           that
           any
           whose
           heart
           is
           gone
           out
           after
           Christ
           ,
           have
           found
           him
           a
           wilderness
           2.
           31.
           surely
           they
           find
           somewhat
           in
           their
           spirit
           ,
           swaying
           them
           towards
           God
           in
           these
           two
           great
           things
           ,
           (
           viz.
           )
           how
           to
           be
           found
           in
           him
           in
           that
           day
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           8
           ,
           9.
           and
           how
           to
           be
           forth-coming
           to
           his
           praise
           in
           the
           Land
           of
           the
           Living
           ,
           Psal
           .
           119.
           17.
           and
           56.
           13.
           they
           find
           these
           two
           things
           aloft
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           much
           ;
           Moreover
           ,
           they
           shall
           after
           search
           ,
           if
           they
           judge
           aright
           ,
           find
           ever
           since
           an
           emptiness
           in
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           which
           abundance
           of
           the
           Creature
           cannot
           fill
           up
           ,
           all
           is
           vanity
           ;
           Only
           God
           can
           fill
           the
           empty
           room
           in
           their
           heart
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           but
           breatheth
           a
           little
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           room
           for
           additional
           comfort
           from
           creatures
           ;
           This
           saith
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           captivated
           the
           man
           ,
           and
           hath
           fixed
           that
           saving
           principle
           in
           the
           understanding
           and
           heart
           ,
           who
           is
           God
           but
           the
           Lord
           ?
           
             Worship
             him
             all
             ye
             Gods
          
           ,
           Psal
           .
           97.
           7.
           
           Yea
           ,
           further
           ,
           these
           whose
           heart
           hath
           closed
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           ,
           will
           not
           deny
           that
           there
           have
           been
           seasonable
           preventings
           and
           quickenings
           now
           and
           then
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           was
           like
           to
           fail
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             21.
             3.
             
             &
          
           94.
           18
           ,
           19.
           therefore
           ,
           let
           none
           say
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           fruit
           following
           ,
           and
           let
           none
           shift
           their
           duty
           upon
           the
           unjust
           and
           groundless
           complaints
           of
           others
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           Although
           I
           judge
           it
           my
           duty
           to
           close
           with
           Gods
           device
           in
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           I
           am
           in
           the
           dark
           how
           to
           manage
           that
           duty
           ,
           for
           sometimes
           God
           doth
           offer
           to
           be
           our
           God
           without
           any
           mention
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           saith
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           betruth
           us
           unto
           him
           ;
           And
           in
           other
           places
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           we
           
           are
           called
           to
           come
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           the
           Bridegroom
           .
           Again
           ,
           God
           sometimes
           speaketh
           of
           himself
           as
           a
           Father
           to
           men
           ,
           sometimes
           as
           a
           Husband
           ;
           Christ
           is
           sometimes
           called
           the
           Husband
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           a
           Brother
           ,
           which
           relations
           seem
           inconsistent
           ,
           and
           do
           much
           put
           me
           in
           the
           dark
           how
           to
           apprehend
           God
           when
           my
           heart
           would
           agree
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           close
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           may
           be
           very
           well
           said
           ,
           that
           men
           do
           come
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           close
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           come
           to
           Christ
           and
           close
           with
           him
           .
           They
           may
           be
           said
           to
           come
           under
           a
           marriage
           relation
           unto
           God
           ;
           and
           unto
           Christ
           also
           ,
           who
           is
           Husband
           ,
           Father
           ,
           Brother
           ,
           &c.
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           such
           mystery
           here
           as
           some
           do
           conceive
           .
           For
           the
           better
           understanding
           of
           it
           ,
           consider
           these
           few
           things
           ,
           1.
           
           Although
           God
           made
           man
           perfect
           at
           the
           beginning
           ,
           and
           put
           him
           in
           some
           capacity
           of
           transacting
           with
           him
           immediately
           ,
           
             Eccles
             .
             7.
             29.
             
             Gen.
          
           2.
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           Yet
           man
           ,
           by
           his
           fall
           ,
           did
           put
           himself
           at
           a
           perfect
           distance
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           an
           utter
           incapacity
           to
           bargain
           or
           deal
           any
           more
           with
           him
           immediately
           .
           2.
           
           The
           Lord
           did
           ,
           after
           Adams
           fall
           ,
           make
           manifest
           the
           new
           covenant
           ,
           in
           which
           he
           did
           signifie
           that
           he
           was
           content
           to
           transact
           with
           man
           again
           ,
           in
           and
           through
           a
           Mediatour
           ;
           and
           so
           did
           appoint
           men
           to
           come
           to
           him
           through
           Christ
           .
           Heb.
           7.
           25.
           and
           to
           look
           for
           acceptation
           only
           in
           him
           ,
           Ephes
           .
           1.
           6.
           ordaining
           men
           to
           hear
           Christ
           ,
           He
           being
           the
           only
           party
           ,
           in
           whom
           God
           was
           well
           pleased
           ,
           Mat.
           17.
           5.
           3.
           
           This
           matter
           is
           so
           clear
           ,
           and
           supposed
           to
           be
           so
           notorious
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           so
           manifest
           to
           all
           who
           are
           under
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           often
           speak
           of
           transacting
           with
           himself
           ,
           not
           making
           mention
           of
           the
           Mediator
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           supposed
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           in
           the
           Church
           knoweth
           that
           now
           there
           is
           no
           dealing
           with
           God
           ,
           except
           by
           and
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           the
           Mediator
           .
           4.
           
           Consider
           ,
           that
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           God-man
           ,
           is
           not
           only
           a
           fit
           meeting-place
           for
           God
           and
           men
           to
           meet
           into
           ,
           and
           a
           fit
           spokes-man
           to
           treat
           between
           the
           parties
           now
           at
           variance
           ,
           
           2
           ,
           Cor.
           5.
           19.
           
           But
           we
           may
           say
           also
           he
           is
           ,
           the
           immediate
           Bridegroom
           ,
           and
           so
           our
           closing
           or
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           may
           be
           justly
           called
           the
           marriage
           of
           the
           Kings
           Son
           ;
           and
           the
           elect
           may
           be
           called
           the
           
             Lambs
             Wife
          
           ,
           Christ
           Jesus
           being
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           the
           hand
           which
           God
           holdeth
           out
           unto
           men
           ,
           and
           on
           which
           they
           lay
           hold
           when
           they
           deal
           with
           God.
           And
           so
           through
           and
           by
           Christ
           ,
           we
           close
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           our
           God
           ,
           on
           whom
           our
           soul
           doth
           terminate
           lastly
           and
           ultimately
           through
           Christ
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           1.
           21.
           5.
           
           Consider
           that
           the
           diverse
           relations
           mentioned
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           are
           set
           down
           ,
           to
           signifie
           the
           sure
           and
           indissoluble
           union
           and
           communion
           between
           God
           and
           his
           people
           :
           whatsoever
           nearness
           is
           between
           head
           and
           members
           ,
           root
           and
           branches
           ,
           King
           and
           Subject
           ,
           shepherd
           and
           flock
           ,
           father
           and
           children
           ,
           brother
           and
           sister
           ,
           Husband
           and
           Wife
           ,
           &c.
           all
           is
           here
           ,
           John
           17.
           21.
           to
           27.
           
           So
           that
           whatsoever
           be
           spoken
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           people
           may
           be
           clear
           ,
           that
           God
           calleth
           them
           to
           be
           reconciled
           unto
           him
           through
           Christ
           ,
           and
           doth
           offer
           himself
           to
           be
           their
           God
           and
           Husband
           in
           him
           alone
           ,
           and
           men
           are
           to
           accept
           God
           to
           be
           their
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           pleasing
           that
           way
           of
           relief
           for
           poor
           man
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           up
           themselves
           unto
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           in
           whom
           alone
           they
           can
           be
           accepted
           .
           And
           they
           who
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           they
           do
           close
           with
           God
           in
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           in
           Christ
           reconciling
           the
           world
           to
           himself
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
             5.
             19.
             
             Joh.
          
           14.
           9.
           to
           12.
           
           And
           we
           are
           not
           to
           dip
           further
           into
           the
           diverse
           relations
           mentioned
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           between
           God
           or
           Christ
           ,
           and
           men
           ,
           then
           as
           they
           may
           point
           out
           union
           and
           communion
           ,
           or
           nearness
           with
           God
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           our
           advantage
           thereby
           .
        
         
           These
           things
           being
           clear
           we
           will
           not
           multiply
           words
           :
           But
           since
           to
           believe
           on
           Christ
           is
           the
           great
           duty
           ,
           required
           of
           all
           that
           hear
           this
           Gospel
           ,
           we
           beseech
           every
           one
           ,
           in
           the
           Lords
           Name
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           report
           of
           this
           shall
           come
           ,
           that
           without
           delay
           they
           take
           to
           heart
           their
           lost
           condition
           in
           
           themselves
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           lay
           to
           heart
           relief
           which
           God
           hath
           provided
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whereof
           he
           hath
           made
           a
           free
           offer
           unto
           all
           who
           will
           be
           content
           of
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           saved
           that
           way
           .
           And
           that
           they
           lay
           to
           heart
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           other
           way
           of
           escape
           from
           the
           wrath
           that
           is
           to
           come
           (
           because
           of
           which
           men
           would
           be
           glad
           at
           the
           last
           day
           ;
           to
           run
           into
           a
           lake
           of
           melted
           Lead
           to
           be-hid
           from
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           whom
           they
           do
           here
           despise
           )
           we
           say
           ,
           we
           beseech
           all
           in
           the
           consideration
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           to
           work
           up
           their
           hearts
           to
           this
           business
           ,
           and
           to
           lay
           themselves
           open
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           receive
           him
           through
           Christ
           in
           the
           offers
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           acquiescing
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           desirable
           and
           satisfying
           good
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           secure
           themselves
           ;
           go
           speedily
           and
           search
           for
           his
           offers
           of
           peace
           and
           salvation
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           work
           up
           your
           heart
           and
           soul
           to
           close
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           Christ
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           :
           And
           do
           it
           so
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           have
           this
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           you
           were
           serious
           ,
           and
           in
           earnest
           ,
           and
           cordial
           here
           ,
           as
           ever
           you
           were
           in
           any
           thing
           to
           your
           apprehension
           ,
           and
           for
           ought
           you
           know
           ,
           Christ
           is
           the
           choice
           of
           your
           heart
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           you
           neither
           know
           nor
           allow
           any
           thing
           to
           the
           contrary
           :
           Whereupon
           your
           heart
           doth
           appeal
           unto
           God
           to
           search
           and
           try
           if
           there
           be
           ought
           amiss
           ,
           to
           rectifie
           it
           ,
           and
           lead
           unto
           the
           right
           way
           .
           Now
           this
           cleaving
           of
           the
           heart
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           casting
           it self
           upon
           him
           ,
           to
           be
           saved
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           is
           believing
           ,
           which
           doth
           indeed
           secure
           a
           man
           from
           the
           wrath
           that
           is
           to
           come
           ,
           because
           now
           he
           hath
           received
           Christ
           ,
           and
           believeth
           on
           him
           ,
           and
           so
           shall
           not
           enter
           into
           condemnation
           ,
           as
           saith
           the
           Scripture
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           When
           I
           hear
           what
           it
           is
           to
           believe
           on
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           I
           think
           sometimes
           I
           have
           faith
           :
           For
           I
           dare
           say
           ,
           to
           my
           apprehension
           ,
           the
           invention
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           pleaseth
           me
           ,
           my
           heart
           goeth
           out
           after
           him
           ,
           and
           doth
           determinate
           upon
           him
           as
           a
           satisfying
           treasure
           ;
           and
           I
           am
           glad
           to
           accept
           God
           to
           be
           my
           God
           in
           him
           .
           But
           I
           often
           do
           
           question
           if
           ever
           I
           have
           done
           so
           ,
           and
           so
           am
           for
           most
           part
           kept
           hesitating
           and
           doubting
           if
           I
           do
           believe
           ,
           or
           be
           savingly
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           ordinary
           for
           many
           whose
           hearts
           are
           gone
           out
           after
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           and
           have
           received
           him
           ,
           to
           bring
           the
           same
           in
           question
           again
           .
           Therefore
           I
           shall
           advise
           one
           thing
           as
           a
           notable
           help
           to
           fix
           the
           soul
           ,
           in
           the
           maintaining
           faith
           and
           an
           interest
           in
           God
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           men
           not
           only
           close
           heartily
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           is
           said
           ,
           but
           also
           ,
           they
           
             expresly
             ,
             explicitely
             ,
             by
             word
             of
             mouth
             and
             viva
             voce
             ;
             And
             formally
             close
             with
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             accept
             Gods
             offer
             of
             salvation
             through
             him
             ,
             and
             so
             make
             a
             Covenant
             with
             God.
          
           And
           this
           ,
           by
           Gods
           blessing
           may
           contribute
           not
           a
           little
           for
           establishing
           them
           about
           their
           saving
           interest
           in
           God.
           
        
         
           Before
           I
           speak
           directly
           to
           this
           express
           Covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           I
           premise
           these
           few
           things
           .
           1.
           
           I
           do
           not
           here
           intend
           a
           covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           essentially
           differing
           from
           the
           Covenant
           between
           God
           and
           the
           visible
           Church
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           doth
           hold
           it
           out
           in
           his
           revealed
           Will.
           Neither
           do
           I
           intend
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           differing
           essentially
           from
           that
           transacting
           of
           the
           heart
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           formerly
           spoken
           unto
           :
           It
           is
           that
           same
           Covenant
           ,
           only
           it
           differeth
           by
           a
           singular
           circumstance
           ,
           viz.
           the
           
             formal
             expression
          
           of
           the
           thing
           which
           the
           heart
           did
           before
           practise
           .
           2.
           
           I
           grant
           this
           express
           covenanting
           and
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           absolutely
           necessary
           for
           a
           mans
           salvation
           :
           For
           ,
           if
           any
           person
           close
           heartily
           and
           sincerely
           with
           God
           ,
           offering
           himself
           in
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           his
           soul
           and
           state
           is
           thereby
           secured
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           although
           he
           utter
           not
           words
           with
           his
           mouth
           :
           But
           this
           express
           verbal
           covenanting
           with
           God
           is
           very
           expedient
           ,
           for
           the
           better
           being
           of
           a
           mans
           state
           ,
           and
           his
           more
           comfortable
           maintaining
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           3.
           
           This
           express
           covenanting
           
           with
           God
           is
           very
           expedient
           ,
           for
           the
           better
           being
           of
           a
           mans
           state
           ,
           and
           his
           more
           comfortable
           maintaining
           of
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           3.
           
           This
           express
           covenanting
           with
           God
           by
           word
           of
           mouth
           ,
           is
           of
           no
           worth
           ,
           without
           sincere
           heart-closing
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           joyned
           with
           it
           :
           For
           ,
           without
           that
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           a
           prophaning
           of
           the
           Lords
           Name
           ,
           and
           a
           mocking
           of
           him
           to
           his
           face
           ,
           so
           to
           draw
           near
           unto
           him
           with
           the
           lips
           ,
           whilst
           the
           heart
           is
           far
           away
           from
           him
           .
           5.
           
           I
           grant
           ,
           both
           cordial
           and
           verbal
           transacting
           with
           God
           will
           not
           make
           out
           a
           mans
           gracious
           estate
           unto
           him
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           put
           and
           keep
           it
           above
           controversie
           ,
           without
           joynt
           witness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           which
           we
           know
           what
           is
           freely
           given
           unto
           us
           of
           God
           ;
           yet
           this
           explicite
           way
           of
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           joyned
           with
           that
           heart-closing
           with
           him
           in
           Christ
           ,
           contributes
           much
           for
           clearing
           up
           unto
           a
           man
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           fixed
           bargain
           between
           God
           and
           him
           ,
           and
           will
           do
           much
           to
           ward
           off
           him
           many
           groundless
           jealousies
           and
           objections
           of
           an
           unstable
           mind
           and
           heart
           ,
           which
           useth
           affrontedly
           to
           deny
           this
           hour
           ,
           what
           it
           did
           really
           act
           and
           perform
           the
           former
           hour
           .
           This
           explicite
           covenanting
           ,
           is
           an
           Instrument
           taken
           of
           what
           past
           between
           God
           and
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           so
           hath
           its
           own
           vantage
           for
           strengthening
           of
           Faith.
           
        
         
           As
           for
           this
           express
           covenant
           ,
           we
           shall
           1.
           
           Shew
           that
           is
           a
           very
           warrantable
           practice
           .
           2.
           
           We
           shall
           shew
           shortly
           what
           is
           preparatorily
           required
           of
           those
           who
           do
           so
           transact
           with
           God
           ,
           3.
           
           How
           men
           shall
           go
           about
           that
           duty
           .
           4.
           
           What
           should
           follow
           thereupon
           .
        
         
           As
           to
           the
           first
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           warrantable
           practice
           ,
           and
           in
           incumbent
           duty
           ,
           exp●●●ly
           and
           by
           word
           to
           covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           which
           appeareth
           thus
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           many
           places
           of
           Scripture
           (
           if
           we
           look
           to
           what
           they
           may
           bear
           according
           to
           their
           scope
           and
           the
           analogy
           of
           Faith
           )
           
             God
             hath
             commanded
             it
          
           ,
           and
           left
           it
           on
           people
           as
           a
           duty
           ,
           
             Isa
             .
             44.
             5.
             
             One
             shall
             say
             ,
             I
             am
             the
             Lords
             ,
          
           
           Isa
           .
           45.
           24.
           
           
             Surely
             ,
             shall
             one
             say
             ,
             In
             the
             Lord
             have
             I
             righteousness
             and
             strength
             ,
          
           Jer.
           31.
           4.
           
           
             Wilt
             thou
             cry
             unto
             me
             ,
             My
             father
             ,
             thou
             art
             the
             guide
             of
             my
             youth
             ,
          
           Zech.
           13.
           9.
           
           
             They
             shall
             say
             ,
             The
             Lord
             is
             my
             God
             ,
          
           Hos
           .
           2.
           16.
           
           
             Thou
             shalt
             call
             me
             Ishi
          
           ,
           and
           in
           many
           places
           elsewhere
           .
           Now
           since
           God
           hath
           so
           clearly
           left
           it
           on
           men
           in
           the
           matter
           of
           the
           word
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           practice
           warranted
           and
           allowed
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           well-pleasing
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Arg.
             It
             is
             the
             approved
             practice
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             Scripture
             ,
          
           thus
           expresly
           to
           covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           they
           have
           found
           much
           quiet
           in
           that
           duty
           afterwards
           .
           David
           did
           often
           expresly
           say
           unto
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           his
           God
           ,
           his
           portion
           ,
           and
           that
           himself
           was
           his
           servant
           .
           Thomas
           will
           put
           his
           interest
           out
           of
           question
           with
           it
           ,
           Joh.
           20.
           28.
           
           Yea
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           the
           Saints
           are
           much
           quieted
           in
           remembrance
           of
           what
           hath
           past
           that
           way
           between
           God
           and
           them
           ,
           Psal
           .
           73.
           25.
           
           Psal
           .
           142.
           5.
           we
           find
           it
           often
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           the
           Canticles
           .
           Now
           shall
           the
           chief
           Worthies
           of
           God
           be
           so
           much
           in
           a
           duty
           ,
           breeding
           so
           much
           quiet
           and
           satisfaction
           to
           them
           in
           many
           cases
           ,
           and
           shall
           we
           be
           under
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           unto
           whom
           access
           is
           ministred
           abundantly
           and
           who
           partake
           of
           the
           sap
           of
           the
           Olive
           ;
           shall
           we
           (
           I
           say
           )
           lie
           behind
           in
           this
           approved
           piece
           of
           freedom
           with
           God
           ?
           Since
           we
           study
           to
           imitate
           that
           cloud
           of
           witnesses
           in
           other
           things
           (
           as
           faith
           ,
           zeal
           ,
           patience
           ,
           &c.
           )
           let
           us
           all
           imitate
           them
           in
           this
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Arg.
           The
           thing
           about
           which
           we
           move
           here
           
             is
             a
             matter
             of
             the
             greatest
             concernmen
             〈◊〉
             all
             the
             World
             :
          
           It
           is
           the
           life
           of
           our
           Soul
           ,
           Deut.
           32.
           47.
           
           Oh
           shall
           men
           study
           to
           be
           express
           ,
           explicite
           ,
           plain
           and
           peremptory
           in
           all
           their
           other
           great
           businesses
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           such
           ,
           and
           shall
           they
           not
           much
           more
           be
           peremptory
           and
           express
           in
           this
           ,
           which
           doth
           most
           concern
           them
           ?
           I
           wonder
           that
           many
           not
           only
           do
           not
           speak
           it
           with
           their
           mouth
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           
           do
           not
           swear
           ,
           and
           subcribe
           it
           with
           their
           hand
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           every
           thing
           for
           securing
           of
           God
           to
           themselves
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           themselves
           unto
           God
           ,
           which
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           warrant
           ,
           Isa
           .
           44.
           5.
           
        
         
           This
           also
           may
           have
           its
           own
           weight
           ,
           as
           an
           argument
           to
           press
           this
           way
           of
           covenanting
           with
           God.
           
             The
             business
             of
             interest
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             of
             real
             and
             honest
             transacting
             with
             him
             ,
             is
             a
             thing
             ,
             which
             in
             experience
             of
             Saints
             ,
             is
             most
             frequently
             brought
             upon
             debate
             ,
             and
             in
             question
             .
          
           Therefore
           men
           had
           need
           ,
           all
           the
           ways
           they
           can
           ,
           even
           by
           thought
           ,
           word
           ,
           and
           deed
           ,
           to
           put
           it
           to
           a
           point
           .
        
         
           This
           also
           may
           have
           place
           here
           for
           pressing
           this
           as
           a
           duty
           ,
           
             that
             God
             is
             so
             formal
             ,
             express
             ,
             distinct
             and
             legal
             ,
             (
             to
             say
             so
             )
             in
             all
             the
             business
             of
             mans
             salvation
             ,
             viz.
          
           Christ
           must
           be
           a
           near
           kinsman
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           right
           of
           redemption
           doth
           belong
           ;
           he
           must
           be
           chosen
           ,
           called
           ,
           authorized
           and
           sent
           ,
           Covenants
           formally
           draw
           between
           the
           Father
           and
           him
           ,
           the
           Father
           accepting
           payment
           and
           satisfaction
           ,
           giving
           formal
           discharges
           ,
           all
           done
           clearly
           and
           expresly
           .
           Shall
           the
           Lord
           be
           so
           express
           ,
           plain
           and
           peremptory
           in
           every
           part
           of
           the
           business
           ,
           and
           shall
           our
           part
           of
           it
           rest
           in
           a
           
             confused
             thought
          
           ,
           and
           we
           be
           as
           dumb
           beasts
           before
           him
           ?
           If
           it
           were
           a
           marriage
           between
           man
           and
           wife
           ,
           it
           would
           not
           be
           judged
           enough
           ,
           although
           there
           were
           consent
           in
           heart
           given
           by
           the
           woman
           ,
           and
           known
           to
           the
           man
           ,
           if
           she
           did
           never
           express
           so
           much
           by
           word
           ,
           being
           in
           a
           capacity
           to
           do
           so
           .
           Now
           this
           Covenant
           between
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           is
           held
           out
           in
           Scripture
           as
           a
           marriage
           between
           man
           and
           wife
           ,
           
             Hos.
             19.
             20.
             2
             
             Cor.
          
           2.
           
           The
           whole
           Song
           of
           Soloman
           speaketh
           it
           .
           The
           Lord
           useth
           similitudes
           ,
           to
           signifie
           unto
           us
           what
           he
           intends
           ,
           and
           surely
           this
           is
           a
           special
           requisite
           in
           Marriage
           ,
           that
           the
           wife
           give
           an
           express
           and
           explicite
           consent
           unto
           the
           business
           :
           The
           man
           saith
           so
           ,
           
             I
             take
             thee
             to
             be
             my
             lawful
             wife
             ,
             and
             do
             oblige
             my self
             to
             be
             a
             dutiful
             husband
             :
          
           The
           woman
           is
           obliged
           on
           the
           other
           
           Part
           ,
           to
           express
           her
           consent
           ,
           and
           to
           say
           ,
           
             Even
             so
             I
             take
             thee
             to
             be
             my
             lawful
             husband
             ,
             and
             do
             promise
             duty
             and
             subjection
             :
          
           It
           is
           so
           here
           ;
           The
           Lord
           saith
           ,
           
             I
             betroth
             thee
             unto
             me
             in
             faithfulness
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             call
             me
          
           Ishi
           ,
           
             my
             husband
          
           ,
           Hosea
           2.
           
           
             I
             will
             be
             for
             thee
             as
             a
             head
             and
             husband
             if
             thou
             wilt
             not
             be
             for
             another
             ,
          
           Hosea
           3.
           the
           man
           ought
           to
           answer
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             Amen
             ,
             So
             be
             it
             ,
             Thou
             shalt
             be
             my
             God
             ,
             my
             head
             ,
             and
             Lord
             ,
             and
             I
             shall
             and
             will
             be
             thine
             ,
             and
             not
             for
             another
             ,
             Cant.
          
           6.
           3.
           
           And
           so
           this
           making
           of
           this
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           is
           called
           ,
           
             a
             giving
             of
             the
             hand
             to
             him
             ,
          
           as
           the
           word
           is
           ,
           2
           Chron.
           30.
           8.
           which
           doth
           hint
           a
           very
           express
           ,
           formal
           ,
           explicite
           and
           positive
           bargaining
           with
           God.
           So
           then
           ,
           we
           conclude
           it
           to
           be
           an
           incumbent
           duty
           ,
           and
           a
           very
           approved
           practice
           ,
           necessary
           for
           the
           quieting
           of
           a
           mans
           mind
           ,
           and
           his
           more
           comfortable
           being
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           more
           fully
           answering
           Gods
           condescendence
           and
           offer
           in
           that
           great
           and
           primary
           promise
           .
           
             I
             will
             be
             your
             God
             ,
             and
             ye
             shall
             be
             my
             people
             .
          
        
         
           Not
           only
           may
           ,
           and
           should
           ,
           people
           thus
           expresly
           close
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           for
           fixing
           their
           heart
           ;
           but
           they
           may
           ,
           upon
           some
           occasions
           ,
           renew
           this
           verbal
           transacting
           with
           God
           ;
           especially
           ,
           when
           through
           tentations
           they
           are
           made
           to
           question
           if
           ever
           they
           have
           really
           and
           sincerely
           closed
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           to
           put
           out
           new
           acts
           of
           faith
           ,
           embracing
           Christ
           as
           the
           desirable
           portion
           and
           measure
           ,
           and
           also
           upon
           other
           occasions
           ,
           so
           were
           it
           expedient
           ,
           especially
           if
           there
           remain
           any
           doubt
           about
           the
           thing
           ,
           that
           by
           
             viva
             voce
          
           and
           express
           word
           ,
           they
           determine
           that
           controversie
           ,
           and
           say
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           their
           refuge
           and
           portion
           ,
           
             Psalm
             91.
             2.
             
             Psalm
          
           142.
           
           We
           find
           the
           Saints
           doing
           so
           ;
           and
           we
           may
           imitate
           them
           ,
           especially
           ,
           1.
           
           In
           the
           time
           of
           great
           back-sliding
           ,
           people
           were
           wont
           to
           renew
           the
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           we
           should
           do
           so
           also
           ;
           Our
           heart
           should
           go
           after
           Christ
           ,
           in
           the
           promises
           of
           reconciliation
           with
           God
           ,
           for
           he
           is
           our
           peace
           
           upon
           all
           occasions
           ,
           and
           our
           Advocate
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           apprehend
           him
           so
           when
           we
           transgress
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           2.
           1.
           and
           to
           express
           so
           much
           by
           word
           as
           Saints
           did
           in
           their
           formal
           renewing
           of
           the
           Covenant
           .
           2.
           
           When
           people
           are
           in
           hazzard
           ,
           then
           it
           were
           good
           that
           they
           should
           send
           out
           their
           heart
           after
           him
           ,
           and
           express
           their
           adhering
           unto
           him
           ,
           for
           securing
           their
           own
           heart
           ;
           We
           find
           Joshua
           doing
           so
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           to
           settle
           in
           the
           land
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           snares
           ,
           Joshua
           24.
           so
           David
           doth
           in
           his
           straits
           ,
           Psal
           .
           57.
           1.
           3.
           
           When
           men
           apprehend
           God
           to
           be
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           their
           Soul
           be
           under
           withering
           and
           decay
           ,
           then
           it
           is
           safest
           heartily
           to
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           embrace
           him
           by
           faith
           for
           securing
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           it
           were
           good
           to
           put
           it
           out
           of
           question
           ,
           by
           the
           expressing
           of
           the
           thing
           ;
           This
           is
           the
           ready
           way
           to
           draw
           sap
           from
           Christ
           the
           root
           ,
           for
           recovering
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           for
           establishing
           the
           heart
           before
           him
           .
           The
           Spouse
           in
           the
           Song
           of
           Soloman
           doth
           so
           ,
           thus
           asserting
           her
           interest
           in
           him
           ,
           when
           in
           such
           a
           condition
           ;
           Professing
           and
           avouching
           him
           to
           be
           hér
           beloved
           ,
           Cant.
           5.
           4.
           
           At
           the
           celebration
           of
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           men
           should
           thus
           cordially
           close
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           speak
           and
           express
           so
           much
           ;
           For
           ,
           that
           is
           a
           feast
           of
           Love
           ;
           And
           then
           ,
           and
           there
           we
           come
           under
           a
           solemn
           profession
           of
           closing
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           personally
           and
           openly
           ,
           and
           do
           receive
           the
           seal
           of
           it
           :
           it
           is
           therefore
           beseeming
           ,
           at
           that
           time
           ,
           to
           bring
           up
           both
           heart
           and
           tongue
           to
           second
           and
           answer
           our
           profession
           ,
           apprehending
           God
           to
           be
           our
           God
           ,
           and
           resigning
           over
           our selves
           to
           be
           his
           ,
           and
           at
           his
           disposing
           .
           We
           shall
           not
           confine
           the
           Lords
           people
           to
           times
           and
           season
           of
           this
           duty
           ;
           The
           Lord
           may
           bind
           it
           upon
           them
           at
           his
           pleasure
           ;
           Only
           there
           is
           hazzard
           ,
           that
           by
           too
           frequent
           express
           covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           men
           turn
           too
           formal
           in
           it
           ;
           Therefore
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           so
           fit
           that
           people
           should
           cordially
           at
           full
           length
           renew
           that
           explicite
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           but
           rather
           to
           declare
           unto
           God
           ,
           that
           
           they
           adhere
           unto
           the
           Covenant
           made
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           do
           maintain
           and
           will
           never
           revoke
           nor
           recal
           the
           same
           ;
           and
           withal
           ,
           they
           may
           hint
           the
           sum
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           laying
           claim
           unto
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           their
           own
           God
           ;
           and
           this
           they
           may
           do
           often
           ,
           even
           in
           all
           their
           addresses
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           probably
           this
           is
           the
           thing
           designed
           by
           the
           Saints
           in
           their
           so
           ordinary
           practice
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           whilst
           they
           assert
           their
           interest
           in
           God
           ,
           as
           their
           God
           and
           portion
           ;
           And
           it
           is
           fit
           that
           men
           in
           all
           their
           walk
           ,
           hold
           their
           heart
           at
           the
           business
           ,
           by
           heart-cleaving
           to
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           
             The
             life
             we
             live
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             should
             be
             by
             faith
             in
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             Gal.
          
           2.
           20.
           
        
         
           As
           to
           the
           second
           thing
           ,
           viz.
           what
           is
           preparatorily
           required
           of
           him
           who
           is
           expresly
           to
           transact
           with
           God
           :
           Here
           besides
           what
           we
           spake
           before
           as
           previous
           to
           a
           mans
           closing
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           we
           only
           add
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           he
           that
           would
           explicitly
           bargain
           with
           God
           ,
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           to
           do
           so
           ,
           is
           warranted
           and
           allowed
           by
           God
           ,
           as
           we
           shewed
           before
           :
           If
           this
           be
           wanting
           ,
           a
           man
           cannot
           do
           it
           in
           faith
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           will
           be
           sin
           unto
           him
           ,
           Rom.
           14.
           23.
           2.
           
           The
           man
           must
           labour
           to
           bring
           up
           his
           heart
           to
           the
           thing
           ,
           that
           it
           do
           not
           belye
           the
           tongue
           ;
           It
           will
           be
           a
           great
           mocking
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           to
           draw
           near
           him
           with
           the
           lips
           ,
           whilst
           the
           heart
           is
           far
           off
           from
           him
           ,
           Isa
           .
           29.
           13.
           
        
         
           The
           third
           thing
           to
           be
           considered
           in
           this
           express
           verbal
           covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           is
           the
           way
           how
           it
           is
           to
           be
           performed
           and
           managed
           ;
           And
           beside
           what
           was
           said
           before
           in
           heart-closing
           with
           Christ
           ;
           I
           add
           here
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           man
           should
           do
           it
           confidently
           ,
           not
           only
           believing
           that
           he
           is
           about
           his
           duty
           when
           he
           doth
           it
           ;
           But
           also
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           will
           accept
           his
           poor
           imperfect
           way
           of
           doing
           this
           duty
           ,
           he
           do
           accept
           a
           man
           according
           to
           what
           he
           hath
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           a
           willing
           mind
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           8.
           12.
           
           a
           mite
           is
           accepted
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           all
           the
           poor
           womans
           substance
           ,
           Mat.
           12.
           44.
           yea
           if
           it
           can
           be
           attained
           ,
           the
           man
           
           should
           believe
           that
           the
           issue
           and
           consequence
           of
           this
           transacting
           shall
           prove
           comfortable
           ,
           and
           all
           shall
           be
           well
           ,
           and
           that
           God
           ,
           who
           engageth
           for
           all
           in
           the
           Covenant
           (
           since
           he
           hath
           determined
           the
           man
           to
           this
           happy
           choice
           )
           will
           in
           some
           measure
           make
           him
           forth-coming
           ,
           and
           will
           perfect
           what
           concerns
           him
           ;
           
             Faithful
             is
             he
             who
             hath
             promised
             ,
             who
             will
             also
             do
             it
             ,
             1.
             
             Thess
             .
          
           5.
           24.
           
           If
           this
           confidence
           be
           wanting
           ,
           the
           matter
           will
           be
           done
           with
           much
           fear
           and
           jealousie
           ,
           if
           not
           worse
           ,
           and
           will
           still
           prove
           a
           disquieting
           business
           to
           the
           man.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           should
           be
           done
           holily
           :
           It
           is
           called
           the
           
             Holy
             Covenant
          
           ,
           Luke
           1.
           72.
           
           
             The
             holy
             things
             of
             David
          
           ,
           Acts
           13.
           34.
           
           Here
           it
           were
           fitting
           ,
           that
           what
           is
           done
           in
           this
           express
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           should
           not
           be
           done
           passingly
           ,
           and
           on
           the
           by
           ,
           but
           in
           some
           special
           addresses
           unto
           God
           :
           the
           thing
           should
           be
           spoken
           
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Psal
          
           .
           142
           ,
           5.
           
           It
           is
           beseeming
           in
           so
           great
           a
           business
           that
           a
           piece
           of
           time
           were
           set
           apart
           for
           confessing
           and
           supplication
           before
           God
           :
           yea
           ,
           also
           the
           person
           so
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           should
           labour
           to
           have
           high
           apprehensions
           of
           Gods
           greatness
           and
           soveraignty
           ,
           2.
           
           Sam.
           7.
           22.
           although
           he
           thus
           humble
           himself
           to
           behold
           things
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           and
           these
           high
           and
           holy
           thoughts
           of
           him
           ,
           will
           and
           should
           be
           attended
           with
           debasing
           and
           humbling
           thoughts
           of
           self
           ,
           although
           admitted
           to
           this
           high
           dignity
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           7.
           18.
           
           It
           is
           no
           small
           thing
           to
           be
           allyed
           unto
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           great
           God
           of
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           his
           Son
           Christ
           ,
           as
           David
           speaketh
           when
           King
           Saul
           did
           offer
           his
           Daughter
           unto
           him
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           18.
           22.
           
           Yea
           ,
           further
           ,
           there
           should
           be
           special
           guarding
           and
           watching
           ,
           that
           the
           heart
           keep
           spiritual
           transacting
           with
           God
           ;
           there
           is
           great
           reason
           for
           this
           holy
           way
           of
           performing
           the
           duty
           ;
           For
           ,
           men
           are
           ready
           to
           forget
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           shape
           the
           Lord
           according
           to
           their
           own
           fancy
           ,
           and
           to
           turn
           carnal
           in
           the
           business
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           a
           marriage
           transaction
           held
           out
           in
           all
           the
           ordinary
           expressions
           of
           love
           ,
           
           as
           in
           the
           Song
           of
           
             Soloman
             ,
             Isa
             .
             62.
             5.
             
             Zeph.
          
           3.
           17.
           
        
         
           The
           fourth
           thing
           we
           shall
           speak
           a
           word
           unto
           ,
           is
           ,
           what
           should
           follow
           upon
           this
           express
           verbal
           Covenanting
           with
           God
           ;
           I
           say
           ,
           beside
           that
           union
           and
           communion
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           following
           upon
           believing
           ,
           if
           a
           man
           explicitly
           by
           word
           transact
           with
           God
           ,
           1.
           
           He
           should
           thenceforth
           be
           singularly
           careful
           to
           abide
           close
           by
           God
           in
           all
           manner
           of
           conversations
           ;
           For
           if
           a
           man
           thenceforth
           do
           any
           thing
           unsuitable
           ,
           he
           doth
           falsifie
           his
           word
           before
           God
           ,
           which
           will
           stick
           much
           in
           his
           Conscience
           ,
           and
           prove
           a
           snare
           ;
           If
           a
           man
           henceforth
           forget
           God
           ,
           and
           take
           on
           him
           to
           dispose
           of
           himself
           ,
           since
           he
           is
           not
           his
           own
           ,
           and
           hath
           opened
           his
           mouth
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           he
           makes
           enquiry
           after
           vows
           ,
           and
           devoureth
           that
           which
           is
           holy
           ,
           Prov.
           20.
           25.
           2.
           
           He
           who
           transacteth
           with
           God
           ,
           should
           hold
           stedfast
           that
           determination
           and
           conclusion
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           shame
           for
           a
           man
           ,
           whose
           heart
           hath
           closed
           with
           God
           ;
           and
           whose
           mouth
           hath
           ratified
           and
           confirmed
           it
           solemnly
           before
           him
           ,
           to
           contradict
           himself
           again
           ,
           and
           to
           admit
           any
           thing
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           he
           ought
           boldly
           to
           maintain
           the
           thing
           against
           all
           deadly
           .
        
         
           Then
           let
           me
           beseech
           you
           who
           desire
           to
           be
           established
           in
           the
           matter
           of
           your
           interest
           in
           God
           ,
           that
           with
           all
           conveniency
           you
           set
           apart
           a
           piece
           of
           time
           for
           Prayer
           before
           God
           ,
           and
           labouring
           to
           work
           up
           your
           heart
           to
           seriousness
           ,
           affection
           ,
           and
           the
           faith
           of
           the
           duty
           ,
           to
           make
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           to
           transact
           with
           God
           by
           express
           words
           after
           this
           manner
           :
        
         
           O
           Lord
           ,
           I
           am
           a
           lost
           and
           broken
           Creature
           by
           Nature
           ,
           and
           by
           innumerable
           actual
           transgressions
           which
           I
           do
           confess
           particularly
           before
           thee
           this
           day
           ;
           And
           although
           ,
           being
           born
           within
           the
           visible
           Christ
           ,
           I
           was
           from
           the
           womb
           in
           Covenant
           with
           thee
           ,
           and
           had
           the
           same
           sealed
           unto
           me
           in
           bapsïsin
           ;
           Yet
           for
           a
           long
           time
           I
           have
           lived
           without
           God
           in
           the
           
           world
           ,
           senseless
           and
           ignorant
           of
           my
           Obligation
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           that
           Covenant
           .
           Thou
           hast
           (
           at
           length
           )
           discovered
           unto
           me
           ,
           and
           bound
           upon
           my
           heart
           ,
           my
           miserable
           state
           in
           my self
           ,
           and
           hast
           made
           manifest
           unto
           my
           heart
           the
           satisfying
           relief
           thou
           hast
           provided
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           offering
           the
           same
           freely
           unto
           me
           ,
           upon
           condition
           that
           I
           would
           accept
           of
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           would
           close
           with
           thee
           as
           my
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           warranting
           and
           commanding
           me
           upon
           my
           utmost
           peril
           ,
           to
           accept
           of
           this
           offer
           ,
           and
           to
           flee
           unto
           Christ
           Jesus
           :
           Yea
           ,
           to
           my
           apprehension
           ,
           now
           thou
           hast
           Soveraignly
           determined
           my
           heart
           ,
           and
           shaped
           it
           for
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           leading
           it
           out
           after
           him
           in
           the
           offer
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           causing
           me
           to
           approach
           unto
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           to
           close
           so
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           acquiesce
           in
           his
           offer
           ,
           without
           any
           known
           guile
           ;
           And
           that
           I
           may
           come
           up
           to
           that
           establishment
           of
           Spirit
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           which
           should
           be
           to
           my
           comfort
           ,
           and
           the
           praise
           of
           thy
           glorious
           Grace
           ;
           Therefore
           ,
           I
           am
           here
           this
           day
           to
           put
           this
           matter
           out
           of
           question
           ,
           by
           express
           words
           before
           thee
           ,
           according
           to
           thy
           will
           :
           And
           now
           I
           ,
           unworthy
           as
           I
           am
           ,
           do
           declare
           ,
           that
           I
           believe
           ,
           that
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           was
           slain
           at
           Jerusalem
           ,
           was
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Saviour
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           I
           do
           believe
           that
           record
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           life
           eternal
           for
           men
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           in
           him
           only
           ;
           I
           do
           this
           day
           in
           my
           heart
           ,
           plead
           and
           acquiesce
           in
           that
           device
           of
           saving
           sinners
           by
           him
           ,
           and
           do
           interest
           my
           soul
           unto
           him
           ;
           I
           do
           accept
           of
           reconciliation
           with
           God
           through
           him
           ,
           and
           do
           close
           with
           thee
           as
           my
           God
           in
           him
           ;
           I
           chuse
           him
           in
           all
           that
           he
           is
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           may
           follow
           him
           ,
           and
           do
           resign
           up
           my self
           ,
           and
           what
           I
           am
           ,
           or
           have
           ,
           unto
           thee
           ,
           desiring
           to
           be
           divorced
           from
           every
           thing
           hateful
           unto
           thee
           ,
           and
           that
           without
           exception
           ,
           or
           reservation
           of
           any
           thing
           (
           consistent
           with
           my
           knowledge
           )
           or
           intended
           reversion
           ;
           Here
           I
           give
           the
           hand
           to
           thee
           ,
           and
           do
           take
           all
           things
           about
           me
           witnesses
           ,
           that
           I
           ,
           whatever
           I
           be
           ,
           or
           have
           hitherto
           been
           ,
           do
           accept
           so
           Gods
           offer
           of
           peace
           through
           Christ
           ,
           and
           do
           make
           a
           sure
           Covenant
           with
           thee
           this
           day
           never
           to
           be
           reversed
           ,
           
           hoping
           that
           thou
           wilt
           make
           all
           things
           forth-coming
           ,
           both
           on
           thy
           part
           and
           mine
           ,
           seriously
           begging
           (
           as
           I
           desire
           to
           be
           saved
           )
           that
           my
           corruptions
           may
           be
           subdued
           ,
           and
           my
           Neck
           brought
           unto
           thy
           sweet
           yoke
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           my
           heart
           made
           chearfully
           to
           acquiesce
           in
           whatsoever
           thou
           dost
           unto
           me
           ,
           or
           with
           me
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           these
           ends
           .
           Now
           ,
           glory
           be
           unto
           thee
           ,
           O
           Father
           ,
           who
           devised
           such
           a
           Salvation
           ,
           and
           gave
           the
           Son
           to
           accomplish
           it
           ;
           Glory
           be
           to
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           at
           so
           dear
           a
           rate
           ,
           did
           purchase
           the
           out-letting
           of
           that
           love
           from
           the
           Fathers
           bosome
           ,
           and
           through
           whom
           alone
           this
           access
           is
           granted
           ,
           and
           in
           whom
           I
           am
           reconciled
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           honourably
           united
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           am
           no
           more
           an
           Enemy
           or
           Stranger
           :
           Glory
           be
           to
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ,
           who
           did
           alarm
           me
           when
           I
           was
           destroying
           my self
           :
           and
           who
           did
           not
           only
           convince
           me
           of
           my
           hazzard
           ,
           but
           did
           also
           open
           my
           eyes
           to
           behold
           the
           relief
           provided
           in
           Christ
           ;
           yea
           ,
           and
           did
           perswade
           and
           determine
           my
           wild
           heart
           to
           fall
           in
           love
           with
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           enriching
           treasure
           ;
           and
           this
           day
           doth
           teach
           me
           how
           to
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           how
           to
           impropriate
           to
           my self
           all
           the
           sure
           Mercies
           of
           David
           ,
           and
           blessings
           of
           Abraham
           ,
           and
           to
           secure
           to
           my self
           the
           favour
           and
           friendship
           of
           God
           for
           ever
           .
           Now
           with
           my
           soul
           ,
           heart
           ,
           head
           ,
           and
           whole
           man
           ;
           as
           I
           can
           ,
           I
           do
           acquiesce
           in
           my
           choice
           this
           day
           ,
           henceforth
           resolving
           not
           to
           be
           my
           own
           ,
           but
           thine
           ;
           And
           that
           the
           care
           of
           whatsoever
           concerns
           me
           shall
           be
           on
           thee
           ,
           as
           my
           Head
           and
           Lord
           ,
           protesting
           humbly
           that
           failings
           on
           my
           part
           ,
           (
           against
           which
           I
           resolve
           thou
           knowest
           )
           shall
           not
           make
           void
           this
           Covenant
           ;
           for
           so
           hast
           thou
           said
           ,
           which
           I
           intend
           not
           to
           abuse
           ,
           but
           so
           much
           the
           more
           to
           cleave
           close
           unto
           thee
           ,
           and
           I
           must
           have
           liberty
           to
           renew
           ,
           ratifie
           ,
           and
           draw
           extracts
           of
           this
           transaction
           ,
           as
           often
           as
           shall
           be
           found
           needful
           .
           Now
           I
           know
           thy
           consent
           to
           this
           bargain
           ,
           stands
           recorded
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           so
           as
           I
           need
           no
           new
           signification
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           I
           ,
           having
           accepted
           of
           thy
           offer
           upon
           thy
           own
           terms
           ,
           will
           henceforth
           wait
           for
           what
           is
           good
           ,
           and
           for
           thy
           salvation
           in
           the
           
           end
           ;
           As
           thou
           art
           faithful
           ,
           pardon
           what
           is
           amiss
           in
           my
           way
           of
           doing
           the
           thing
           ,
           and
           aceept
           me
           in
           my
           sweet
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           in
           whom
           I
           only
           desire
           pardon
           :
           And
           in
           testimony
           hereof
           ,
           I
           set
           to
           my
           Seal
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           True
           ,
           and
           in
           declaring
           him
           a
           competent
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           Let
           People
           Covenant
           with
           God
           in
           fewer
           or
           more
           words
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           shall
           dispose
           them
           ;
           for
           we
           intend
           no
           Platform
           of
           words
           for
           any
           person
           ;
           Only
           it
           were
           fitting
           that
           men
           should
           ,
           before
           the
           Lord
           acknowledge
           their
           lost
           state
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           the
           relief
           that
           is
           by
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           do
           declare
           that
           they
           accept
           of
           the
           same
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           offered
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           do
           thankfully
           rest
           satisfied
           with
           it
           ,
           intrusting
           themselves
           henceforth
           wholly
           unto
           God
           to
           be
           saved
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           for
           which
           they
           according
           to
           his
           faithfulness
           .
           If
           men
           would
           heartily
           and
           sincerely
           do
           this
           ,
           it
           might
           heartily
           through
           the
           Lords
           blessing
           ,
           help
           to
           establish
           them
           against
           many
           fears
           and
           jealousies
           ;
           And
           they
           might
           date
           some
           good
           thing
           from
           this
           day
           and
           hour
           ,
           which
           might
           prove
           comfortable
           unto
           them
           when
           they
           fall
           in
           the
           dark
           afterwards
           ,
           and
           even
           when
           many
           failings
           do
           stare
           them
           in
           the
           face
           perhaps
           at
           the
           hour
           of
           death
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           23.
           5.
           
           It
           is
           much
           if
           a
           man
           can
           appeal
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Thou
           knowest
           there
           was
           a
           day
           and
           an
           hour
           ,
           when
           in
           such
           a
           place
           ,
           I
           did
           accept
           of
           peace
           through
           Christ
           ,
           and
           did
           deliver
           up
           my
           heart
           to
           thee
           ,
           to
           write
           on
           it
           thy
           whole
           Law
           without
           exception
           ;
           heaven
           and
           earth
           are
           witnesses
           of
           it
           :
           Remember
           thy
           word
           unto
           thy
           Servant
           ,
           on
           which
           thou
           causedst
           me
           to
           hope
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           dare
           not
           adventure
           to
           speak
           such
           words
           unto
           God
           ,
           because
           I
           find
           not
           my
           heart
           coming
           up
           full
           length
           in
           Affection
           and
           Seriousness
           :
           So
           ,
           I
           should
           but
           lye
           unto
           God
           ,
           in
           transacting
           so
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           It
           is
           to
           be
           regreted
           that
           mens
           heart
           doth
           not
           with
           much
           bended
           sail
           of
           Desire
           and
           Affection
           embrace
           
           and
           welcome
           that
           blessed
           offer
           and
           portion
           :
           Yet
           for
           answer
           to
           the
           objection
           ,
           remember
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           those
           to
           whom
           the
           Lord
           giveth
           the
           new
           heart
           ,
           forming
           Christ
           in
           them
           ,
           the
           whole
           heart
           is
           not
           renewed
           ;
           There
           is
           Flesh
           and
           Spirit
           lusting
           against
           each
           other
           ,
           the
           one
           contrary
           unto
           the
           other
           ,
           so
           as
           a
           man
           can
           neither
           do
           the
           good
           or
           evil
           he
           would
           do
           with
           full
           bended
           sail
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           
           It
           is
           well
           if
           there
           be
           a
           good
           part
           of
           the
           heart
           going
           out
           after
           Christ
           ,
           desiring
           to
           close
           with
           him
           on
           his
           own
           terms
           ,
           2.
           
           That
           there
           is
           often
           a
           rational
           love
           in
           the
           heart
           unto
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           expressing
           it self
           by
           a
           respect
           to
           his
           Commandments
           .
           1.
           
           John
           5.
           3.
           when
           there
           is
           not
           a
           sensible
           prevailing
           love
           which
           maketh
           the
           soul
           sick
           ,
           Cant.
           2.
           5.
           
           Men
           must
           not
           alwayes
           expect
           to
           find
           this
           .
           I
           say
           then
           ,
           although
           some
           ▪
           what
           in
           your
           heart
           draw
           back
           ,
           yet
           if
           you
           can
           say
           ,
           you
           are
           convinced
           of
           your
           broken
           state
           without
           him
           ,
           you
           want
           a
           righteousness
           to
           cover
           your
           guilt
           ,
           and
           you
           want
           strength
           to
           stand
           out
           against
           sin
           ,
           or
           to
           do
           what
           is
           pleasing
           before
           God
           :
           You
           also
           see
           fulness
           in
           him
           in
           both
           these
           respects
           :
           You
           dare
           say
           somewhat
           ,
           within
           your
           heart
           ,
           would
           be
           fain
           at
           him
           upon
           his
           own
           terms
           ,
           and
           would
           have
           both
           Righteousness
           for
           Justification
           ,
           and
           strength
           in
           order
           to
           Sanctification
           ;
           and
           what
           is
           within
           you
           contradicting
           this
           ;
           is
           your
           burden
           in
           some
           measure
           ,
           and
           your
           bondage
           .
           If
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           your
           heart
           is
           brought
           up
           to
           a
           tolerable
           length
           ;
           Go
           on
           to
           the
           business
           ,
           and
           determine
           the
           matter
           by
           covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           say
           with
           your
           mouth
           ,
           
             that
             you
             have
             both
             Righteousness
             and
             Strength
             in
             God
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             sworn
             you
             shall
             do
             ,
             Isa
             .
          
           45.
           24.
           
           It
           is
           approved
           Divinity
           to
           say
           unto
           God
           ,
           
             I
             believe
          
           ,
           when
           much
           mis-belief
           is
           in
           me
           ,
           and
           the
           heart
           divided
           in
           the
           case
           ,
           Mark
           9.
           24.
           
           Withal
           ,
           shew
           unto
           God
           ,
           how
           matters
           are
           in
           your
           heart
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           be
           without
           guile
           before
           him
           ;
           concealing
           nothing
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           put
           your
           heart
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           his
           hand
           to
           write
           his
           Law
           on
           it
           according
           to
           the
           Covenant
           ;
           
           For
           that
           is
           the
           thing
           he
           seeketh
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           they
           deliver
           up
           their
           heart
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           stamp
           it
           with
           his
           whole
           Will
           ,
           without
           exception
           ;
           And
           if
           you
           can
           heartily
           consent
           unto
           that
           ,
           judging
           Christs
           blood
           a
           sufficient
           ransome
           and
           satisfaction
           for
           Mans
           Trangression
           ;
           You
           may
           go
           and
           expresly
           strike
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ;
           for
           your
           Heart
           and
           Affection
           is
           ready
           engaged
           .
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           dare
           not
           so
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           lest
           I
           break
           to
           him
           ;
           Yea
           ,
           I
           perswade
           my self
           ,
           if
           such
           a
           tentation
           did
           offer
           so
           and
           so
           circumstantiate
           ,
           I
           should
           fall
           before
           it
           ,
           and
           succumb
           .
           Therefore
           to
           transact
           so
           with
           God
           ,
           whilse
           I
           foresee
           such
           a
           thing
           were
           but
           to
           aggvedge
           my
           condemnation
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           1.
           
           You
           have
           already
           entred
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           you
           are
           a
           member
           of
           his
           visible
           Church
           ;
           And
           what
           is
           now
           prest
           upon
           you
           ,
           is
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           more
           heartily
           ,
           sincerely
           ,
           particularly
           ,
           and
           more
           expresly
           covenant
           and
           transact
           with
           him
           ;
           You
           are
           already
           obliged
           heartily
           to
           close
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ;
           And
           ,
           if
           you
           do
           it
           in
           heart
           ,
           I
           hope
           the
           hazzard
           is
           no
           greater
           by
           saying
           that
           you
           do
           so
           ,
           or
           have
           done
           so
           .
           2.
           
           What
           will
           you
           do
           if
           you
           shift
           hearty
           transacting
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           accept
           his
           peace
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           offered
           ?
           You
           have
           not
           a
           second
           of
           it
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           Either
           you
           must
           do
           this
           ,
           or
           perish
           for
           ever
           :
           And
           if
           you
           do
           it
           with
           your
           heart
           ,
           you
           may
           also
           say
           it
           with
           your
           tongue
           .
           3.
           
           If
           people
           may
           scare
           at
           Covenanting
           with
           God
           ,
           because
           they
           will
           afterwards
           Transgress
           ,
           then
           not
           one
           man
           should
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ;
           for
           surely
           every
           one
           will
           transgress
           afterwards
           ,
           if
           they
           live
           any
           length
           of
           time
           after
           the
           transaction
           ;
           And
           we
           know
           no
           way
           like
           this
           ,
           to
           secure
           men
           from
           falling
           :
           For
           if
           you
           Covenant
           honestly
           with
           him
           ,
           engageth
           ,
           beside
           
             the
             new
             heart
          
           ,
           to
           put
           his
           
             fear
             and
             Law
             therein
             ;
             To
             give
             his
             Spirit
             to
             cause
             you
             to
             walk
             in
             his
             way
             :
          
           And
           when
           you
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           you
           deliver
           up
           your self
           unto
           him
           ,
           to
           be
           sanctified
           and
           made
           conform
           to
           his
           will
           ;
           It
           is
           rather
           
           a
           giving
           up
           of
           your self
           to
           be
           led
           in
           his
           way
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           kept
           from
           every
           evil
           way
           ,
           than
           any
           formal
           engagement
           on
           your
           part
           ,
           to
           keep
           his
           way
           ,
           and
           to
           hold
           off
           from
           evil
           .
           So
           that
           you
           need
           not
           scare
           at
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           the
           Language
           whereof
           is
           ,
           
             Wilt
             thou
             not
             be
             made
             clean
             ?
             Jer.
          
           13.
           27.
           
           And
           all
           that
           shun
           to
           strike
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           do
           thereby
           declare
           ,
           that
           they
           desire
           not
           to
           be
           made
           clean
           .
           4.
           
           As
           it
           is
           hard
           for
           any
           to
           say
           confidently
           ,
           they
           will
           transgress
           ,
           if
           such
           a
           tentation
           did
           offer
           so
           and
           so
           circumstantiate
           ;
           because
           men
           may
           think
           ,
           that
           either
           God
           will
           keep
           a
           tentation
           out
           of
           their
           way
           ,
           or
           not
           
             suffer
             them
             to
             be
             tempted
             above
             what
             they
             are
             able
             to
             bear
             ,
          
           or
           give
           to
           them
           a
           way
           of
           escape
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
             46.
             1.
             1
             
             Cor.
          
           10.
           13.
           
           So
           the
           question
           is
           not
           ,
           What
           I
           may
           do
           afterwards
           ,
           but
           ,
           what
           I
           now
           resolve
           to
           do
           .
           If
           my
           heart
           charge
           me
           presently
           with
           any
           deceit
           or
           resolution
           to
           transgress
           ,
           I
           must
           lay
           aside
           that
           deceit
           before
           I
           transact
           with
           God
           :
           But
           if
           my
           heart
           charge
           me
           with
           no
           such
           purpose
           ▪
           yea
           ,
           I
           dare
           say
           ,
           I
           resolve
           against
           every
           transgression
           ;
           And
           although
           I
           think
           I
           shall
           fall
           before
           such
           and
           such
           a
           tentation
           ,
           yet
           that
           thought
           floweth
           not
           from
           any
           allowed
           ,
           and
           approved
           resolution
           to
           do
           so
           ;
           But
           from
           knowledge
           of
           my
           own
           corruption
           ,
           and
           of
           what
           I
           have
           done
           to
           provoke
           God
           to
           desert
           me
           .
           But
           the
           Lord
           knows
           ,
           I
           resolve
           not
           to
           Transgress
           ,
           nor
           do
           I
           approve
           any
           secret
           inclination
           of
           my
           heart
           to
           such
           a
           sin
           ,
           but
           would
           reckon
           it
           my
           singular
           mercy
           to
           be
           kept
           from
           sin
           in
           such
           a
           case
           ;
           And
           I
           judge
           my self
           a
           wretched
           man
           ,
           because
           of
           such
           a
           boby
           of
           death
           within
           me
           ,
           which
           doth
           threaten
           to
           make
           me
           transgress
           .
           In
           that
           case
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           my
           heart
           doth
           not
           condemn
           me
           ,
           
             therefore
             I
             may
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             have
             confidence
             before
             God
             ,
             1
             Joh.
          
           3.
           21.
           
           If
           this
           be
           the
           case
           ,
           I
           say
           to
           thee
           ,
           although
           thou
           shouldest
           afterwards
           fail
           many
           wayes
           ,
           and
           so
           perhaps
           draw
           upon
           thy self
           sad
           temporal
           strokes
           thereby
           ,
           
             And
             lose
             for
             a
             season
             many
             expressions
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             
             yet
             there
             is
             an
             Advocate
             with
             the
             Father
             to
             plead
             thy
             pardon
             ,
          
           1
           
             John
             2.
             1.
             
             Who
             hath
             satisfied
             for
             our
             breaches
             ,
             Isa
             .
          
           53.
           5
           ,
           6.
           and
           for
           his
           sake
           ,
           God
           resolveth
           to
           hold
           fast
           the
           Covenant
           with
           men
           after
           their
           transgression
           ,
           Psal
           .
           89.
           30.
           37.
           else
           how
           could
           he
           be
           said
           to
           
             betroth
             us
             to
             himself
             for
             ever
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           2.
           19
           ,
           20.
           and
           how
           could
           the
           Covenant
           be
           called
           
             Everlasting
             ,
             ordered
             in
             all
             things
             and
             sure
             ,
          
           if
           there
           were
           not
           ground
           of
           comfort
           in
           it
           ,
           even
           when
           our
           house
           is
           not
           so
           and
           so
           with
           God
           ;
           2
           Sam.
           23.
           25.
           
           Yea
           ,
           it
           were
           no
           better
           than
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Works
           ,
           if
           those
           who
           enter
           it
           with
           God
           ,
           could
           so
           depart
           from
           him
           again
           ,
           as
           to
           make
           it
           void
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           themselves
           into
           a
           worse
           condition
           than
           they
           were
           in
           before
           they
           made
           it
           ,
           Jer.
           32.
           40.
           compared
           with
           Heb.
           8.
           6.
           
           The
           Lord
           hateth
           putting
           away
           ,
           Mal.
           2.
           16.
           
           No
           honest
           heart
           will
           stumble
           on
           this
           ,
           but
           will
           rather
           be
           strengthned
           thereby
           in
           duty
           ,
           Hos
           .
           14.
           9.
           
           For
           other
           ties
           and
           bonds
           ,
           beside
           divorce
           ,
           and
           punishment
           by
           death
           ,
           do
           oblige
           the
           ingenuous
           wife
           unto
           duty
           .
           So
           here
           men
           will
           
             fear
             the
             Lord
             and
             his
             Goodness
             ,
          
           Hos
           .
           3.
           5.
           
        
         
           Object
           .
           I
           have
           at
           the
           celebration
           of
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           and
           at
           some
           other
           occasions
           ,
           covenanted
           expresly
           and
           verbally
           with
           God
           ,
           but
           my
           barrenness
           in
           his
           ways
           ,
           and
           the
           renewed
           jealousies
           of
           my
           gracious
           state
           ,
           maketh
           me
           question
           if
           ever
           I
           transacted
           with
           God
           in
           sincerity
           ,
           and
           I
           think
           I
           can
           do
           it
           no
           other
           wayes
           than
           I
           have
           done
           it
           .
        
         
           Answ
           .
           1.
           
           Men
           are
           not
           to
           expect
           fruitfulness
           according
           to
           their
           desire
           ,
           nor
           full
           assurance
           of
           Gods
           Favour
           ,
           immediately
           after
           they
           have
           fled
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           expresly
           transacted
           with
           God
           in
           him
           .
           These
           things
           will
           keep
           a
           man
           on
           work
           all
           his
           dayes
           .
           The
           Saints
           had
           their
           failings
           and
           short-comings
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           back-slidings
           ,
           with
           many
           fits
           of
           dangerous
           mis-belief
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           very
           seriously
           ,
           and
           sincerely
           ,
           and
           expresly
           closed
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           their
           God
           in
           Christ
           .
           2.
           
           Many
           do
           look
           for
           faithfulness
           in
           
           their
           walk
           and
           establishment
           of
           faith
           ,
           from
           their
           own
           sincerity
           in
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           rather
           than
           from
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           .
           They
           fix
           their
           heart
           in
           their
           own
           honesty
           and
           resolutions
           ,
           and
           not
           in
           the
           Blessed
           Root
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           without
           whom
           we
           can
           do
           nothing
           ,
           and
           are
           vanity
           altogether
           in
           our
           best
           estate
           .
           Men
           should
           remember
           ,
           that
           one
           piece
           of
           grace
           cannot
           produce
           any
           degree
           of
           grace
           ;
           Further
           ,
           nothing
           can
           work
           grace
           but
           the
           arm
           of
           Jehovah
           :
           And
           if
           men
           would
           lean
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           covenant
           with
           him
           as
           their
           duty
           absolutely
           ,
           whatsoever
           may
           be
           the
           consequence
           ,
           at
           least
           ,
           looking
           only
           to
           him
           for
           the
           suitable
           fruit
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           far
           better
           with
           them
           :
           God
           pleaseth
           not
           that
           men
           should
           betake
           themselves
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           covenant
           with
           him
           for
           a
           season
           until
           they
           see
           if
           such
           and
           such
           fruit
           and
           establishment
           shall
           follow
           ,
           purposing
           to
           disclaim
           their
           interest
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           if
           such
           and
           such
           fruit
           doth
           not
           appear
           within
           such
           a
           length
           of
           time
           .
           This
           is
           to
           put
           the
           wayes
           of
           God
           to
           tryal
           ,
           and
           is
           very
           displeasing
           unto
           him
           .
           Men
           must
           absolutely
           close
           with
           Christ
           ,
           and
           covenant
           with
           him
           ,
           resolving
           to
           maintain
           these
           things
           as
           their
           duty
           ,
           and
           a
           ready
           way
           to
           reach
           fruit
           ,
           whatsoever
           shall
           follow
           thereupon
           ,
           they
           having
           a
           testimony
           within
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           seriously
           design
           conformity
           to
           his
           revealed
           will
           in
           all
           things
           ;
           And
           they
           that
           have
           closed
           Covenant
           with
           him
           for
           the
           same
           end
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           be
           saved
           thereby
           .
           3.
           
           Men
           should
           be
           sparing
           to
           bring
           in
           question
           their
           sincerity
           in
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           unless
           they
           can
           prove
           the
           same
           ,
           or
           have
           great
           presumptions
           for
           it
           .
           if
           you
           can
           prove
           any
           deceit
           or
           guile
           in
           your
           transacting
           with
           him
           ,
           you
           are
           obliged
           to
           disclaim
           and
           rectifie
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           transact
           with
           God
           honestly
           ,
           and
           without
           guile
           :
           But
           if
           you
           know
           nothing
           of
           your
           deceit
           or
           guile
           ,
           in
           the
           day
           you
           did
           transact
           with
           him
           ;
           Yea
           ,
           you
           can
           say
           ,
           that
           you
           did
           appeal
           unto
           God
           in
           that
           day
           ,
           that
           you
           dealt
           honestly
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           intended
           not
           
           to
           deceive
           :
           and
           ,
           did
           obtest
           him
           according
           to
           his
           faithfulness
           ,
           to
           search
           and
           try
           if
           there
           was
           any
           crookedness
           in
           your
           way
           ,
           and
           to
           discover
           it
           unto
           you
           ,
           and
           heal
           it
           ,
           Psal
           .
           139.
           23
           ,
           24.
           and
           afterwards
           you
           came
           to
           the
           Light
           ▪
           that
           your
           deeds
           might
           be
           manifest
           ,
           John
           3.
           20
           ,
           21.
           and
           you
           can
           say
           ,
           that
           Gods
           answers
           from
           his
           Word
           to
           you
           ,
           in
           so
           far
           as
           you
           could
           understand
           ,
           were
           answers
           of
           peace
           ,
           and
           confirmations
           of
           your
           sincerity
           ;
           Yea
           ,
           further
           ,
           you
           dare
           say
           ,
           that
           if
           upon
           life
           and
           death
           ,
           you
           were
           again
           to
           transact
           with
           him
           ,
           you
           can
           do
           it
           no
           other
           way
           ,
           nor
           intending
           more
           sincerity
           and
           seriousness
           than
           before
           :
           Then
           I
           dare
           say
           unto
           thee
           in
           the
           Lords
           name
           ,
           thou
           oughtest
           not
           to
           question
           thy
           sincerity
           in
           transacting
           with
           God
           ,
           but
           to
           have
           confidence
           before
           God
           ,
           since
           thy
           heart
           doth
           not
           condemn
           thee
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           21.
           and
           thou
           art
           bound
           to
           believe
           that
           God
           dealeth
           uprightly
           with
           the
           upright
           man
           ,
           
             and
             with
             the
             pure
             doth
             shew
             himself
             pure
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           18.
           25
           ,
           26.
           
           If
           a
           man
           intend
           honestly
           ,
           God
           will
           not
           suffer
           him
           to
           beguile
           himself
           ,
           yea
           ,
           the
           Lord
           suffereth
           no
           man
           to
           deceive
           himself
           ,
           unless
           the
           man
           intend
           to
           deceive
           both
           God
           and
           Men.
           4.
           
           Therefore
           ,
           impute
           your
           unfruitfulness
           to
           your
           unwatchfulness
           ,
           and
           your
           mis-belief
           ;
           And
           impute
           your
           want
           of
           full
           assurance
           ,
           unto
           an
           evil
           heart
           of
           unbelief
           ,
           helped
           by
           Satan
           to
           act
           against
           the
           glorious
           free
           grace
           of
           God
           ;
           And
           charge
           not
           these
           things
           upon
           want
           of
           sincerity
           in
           your
           closing
           with
           Christ
           ;
           And
           resolve
           henceforth
           to
           abide
           close
           by
           the
           root
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           bring
           forth
           more
           Fruit
           ;
           And
           by
           much
           Fruit
           you
           lay
           your self
           open
           to
           the
           witness
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           will
           testifie
           with
           your
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           you
           have
           sincerely
           and
           honestly
           closed
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           rest
           of
           your
           works
           are
           wrought
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           approved
           of
           him
           ;
           and
           so
           the
           witness
           of
           the
           Spirit
           and
           the
           Water
           ,
           joyning
           with
           the
           blood
           ,
           whereupon
           you
           are
           to
           lay
           the
           weight
           of
           your
           Soul
           and
           Conscience
           ;
           And
           where
           alone
           you
           are
           to
           sink
           the
           curses
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           due
           
           unto
           you
           for
           all
           your
           sins
           and
           failings
           in
           your
           best
           things
           .
           These
           three
           do
           agree
           in
           one
           ;
           viz.
           That
           this
           is
           the
           way
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           peace
           ,
           and
           that
           you
           have
           interest
           therein
           ,
           and
           so
           you
           come
           to
           quietness
           and
           full
           assurance
           ,
           John
           15.
           4
           ,
           5.
           and
           14.
           21
           ,
           23.
           
           
             Rom.
             8.
             16.
             1
             
             John
          
           5.
           1.
           
        
         
           O
           blessed
           bargain
           of
           the
           New
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           thrice
           blessed
           Mediator
           of
           the
           same
           !
           Let
           him
           ride
           prosperously
           ,
           and
           subdue
           Nations
           and
           Languages
           ,
           and
           gather
           in
           all
           his
           Jewels
           ,
           that
           honourable
           company
           of
           the
           first-born
           ,
           and
           stately
           troop
           of
           Kings
           and
           Priests
           ,
           whose
           glory
           it
           shall
           be
           to
           have
           washed
           their
           garments
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           that
           spotless
           Lamb
           ;
           and
           whose
           happiness
           shall
           continually
           flourish
           in
           following
           him
           whithersoever
           he
           goeth
           ;
           And
           in
           being
           in
           the
           immediate
           company
           of
           the
           Ancient
           of
           dayes
           ,
           one
           sight
           of
           whose
           face
           shall
           make
           them
           in
           a
           manner
           forget
           that
           ever
           they
           were
           on
           the
           Earth
           .
           O
           if
           I
           could
           perswade
           men
           to
           believe
           ,
           that
           these
           things
           are
           not
           yea
           and
           nay
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           haste
           towards
           him
           ,
           who
           hasteth
           to
           judge
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           men
           to
           an
           account
           ,
           especially
           about
           the
           improvement
           of
           this
           Gospel
           !
           
             Even
             so
             ,
             come
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           whole
           Treatise
           resumed
           in
           a
           few
           Questions
           and
           Answers
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
        
         
           WHat
           is
           the
           great
           business
           a
           man
           hath
           to
           do
           in
           the
           World
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           To
           make
           sure
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           to
           walk
           suitably
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           2.
           
           Have
           not
           all
           the
           members
           of
           the
           visible
           Church
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           No
           verily
           ;
           yea
           ,
           but
           a
           very
           few
           of
           them
           have
           it
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           3.
           
           How
           shall
           I
           know
           ,
           if
           I
           have
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           him
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Ordinarily
           the
           Lord
           prepareth
           his
           own
           way
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           by
           a
           work
           of
           Humiliation
           ,
           and
           discovereth
           a
           mans
           sin
           and
           misery
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           exerciseth
           him
           so
           therewith
           ,
           that
           he
           longs
           for
           the
           Physitian
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           4.
           
           How
           shall
           I
           know
           ,
           if
           I
           have
           got
           a
           competent
           discovery
           of
           my
           sin
           and
           misery
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           A
           competent
           sight
           of
           it
           ,
           maketh
           a
           man
           take
           Salvation
           to
           heart
           above
           any
           thing
           in
           this
           World
           :
           It
           maketh
           him
           disclaim
           all
           relief
           in
           himself
           ,
           even
           in
           his
           best
           things
           :
           It
           maketh
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           Redeemer
           ,
           very
           precious
           to
           the
           soul
           :
           It
           maketh
           a
           man
           stand
           in
           awe
           to
           sin
           afterwards
           ;
           Maketh
           him
           content
           to
           be
           saved
           upon
           any
           terms
           God
           pleaseth
           .
        
         
         
         
         
         
         
           Quest
           .
           5.
           
           What
           other
           way
           may
           I
           disc●rn
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           him
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           By
           the
           going
           out
           of
           my
           heart
           seriously
           and
           affectionately
           towards
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           held
           out
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           And
           this
           is
           faith
           ,
           or
           believing
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           6.
           
           How
           shall
           I
           know
           if
           my
           heart
           goeth
           out
           after
           him
           aright
           ,
           and
           that
           my
           faith
           is
           true
           Saving
           Faith
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Whère
           the
           heart
           goeth
           out
           aright
           after
           him
           ,
           in
           true
           and
           saving
           Faith
           ,
           the
           soul
           pleaseth
           Christ
           alone
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           pleaseth
           him
           in
           all
           his
           three
           Offices
           ,
           to
           rule
           and
           instruct
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           save
           ;
           And
           is
           content
           to
           cleave
           unto
           him
           ,
           whatsoever
           inconvenience
           may
           follow
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           7.
           
           What
           other
           mark
           of
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           can
           you
           give
           to
           me
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           He
           that
           is
           in
           Christ
           savingly
           ,
           is
           a
           new
           Creature
           ,
           he
           is
           graciously
           changed
           and
           renewed
           in
           some
           measure
           ,
           in
           the
           whole
           man
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           his
           wayes
           ;
           pointing
           towards
           all
           the
           known
           commands
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Quest
           .
           8.
           
           What
           if
           I
           find
           sin
           now
           and
           then
           prevailing
           over
           me
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Although
           every
           sin
           deserveth
           everlasting
           vengeance
           ;
           Yet
           if
           you
           be
           afflicted
           for
           your
           failings
           ,
           confess
           them
           with
           shame
           of
           face
           unto
           God
           ,
           resolving
           to
           strive
           against
           them
           honestly
           henceforth
           ,
           and
           flee
           unto
           Christ
           for
           pardon
           ,
           you
           obtain
           mercy
           ,
           and
           your
           interest
           stands
           sure
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           9.
           
           What
           shall
           the
           man
           do
           who
           cannot
           lay
           claim
           to
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           nor
           any
           of
           these
           marks
           spoken
           of
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Let
           him
           not
           take
           rest
           ,
           until
           he
           make
           sure
           unto
           himself
           a
           Saving
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           10.
           
           What
           way
           can
           a
           man
           make
           sure
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           who
           never
           had
           a
           saving
           interest
           in
           him
           hitherto
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           He
           must
           take
           his
           sins
           to
           heart
           ,
           and
           his
           great
           hazzard
           thereby
           ,
           and
           he
           must
           take
           to
           heart
           Gods
           offer
           of
           pardon
           ,
           and
           peace
           through
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           hear●ily
           close
           with
           Gods
           offer
           ,
           by
           betaking
           himself
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           
           the
           blessed
           refuge
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           11.
           
           What
           if
           my
           sins
           be
           singularly
           heinous
           ,
           and
           great
           ,
           beyond
           ordinary
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Whatsoever
           thy
           sins
           be
           ,
           if
           thou
           wilt
           close
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           by
           faith
           ,
           thou
           shalt
           never
           enter
           into
           condemnation
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           12.
           
           Is
           faith
           in
           Christ
           only
           required
           of
           me
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Faith
           is
           the
           only
           condition
           ,
           upon
           which
           God
           doth
           offer
           peace
           and
           pardon
           unto
           men
           :
           But
           be
           assured
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           true
           and
           saving
           ,
           will
           not
           be
           alone
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           but
           will
           be
           attended
           with
           true
           repentance
           ,
           and
           a
           thankful
           study
           of
           conformity
           to
           Gods
           Image
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           13.
           
           How
           shall
           I
           be
           sure
           that
           my
           heart
           doth
           accept
           of
           Gods
           Offer
           ,
           and
           doth
           close
           with
           Christ
           Jesus
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Go
           make
           a
           Covenant
           expresly
           ,
           and
           by
           word
           speak
           the
           thing
           unto
           God.
           
        
         
           Quest
           .
           14.
           
           What
           way
           shall
           I
           do
           that
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Set
           apart
           some
           bit
           of
           time
           ,
           and
           having
           considered
           your
           own
           lost
           estate
           ,
           and
           the
           relief
           offered
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           work
           up
           your
           heart
           to
           please
           and
           close
           with
           that
           offer
           ,
           and
           say
           unto
           God
           expresly
           ,
           that
           you
           do
           accept
           of
           that
           offer
           ,
           and
           of
           him
           to
           be
           your
           God
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           do
           give
           up
           your self
           to
           him
           to
           be
           saved
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           without
           reservation
           or
           exception
           in
           any
           case
           ▪
           and
           that
           you
           henceforth
           will
           wait
           for
           salvation
           in
           the
           way
           he
           hath
           appointed
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           15.
           
           What
           if
           I
           break
           unto
           G●d
           afterwards
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           You
           must
           resolve
           on
           his
           strength
           not
           to
           break
           ,
           and
           watch
           over
           your
           own
           way
           ,
           and
           put
           your
           heart
           in
           his
           hands
           to
           keep
           it
           :
           And
           if
           you
           break
           ,
           you
           must
           confess
           it
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           judge
           your self
           for
           it
           ,
           and
           flee
           to
           the
           Advocate
           for
           pardon
           ,
           and
           resolve
           to
           do
           no
           more
           so
           :
           and
           this
           you
           must
           do
           as
           often
           as
           you
           fail
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           16.
           
           How
           shall
           I
           come
           to
           full
           assurance
           of
           my
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           so
           as
           it
           may
           be
           above
           controversie
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Learn
           to
           lay
           your
           weight
           upon
           the
           blood
           of
           
           Christ
           ,
           and
           study
           purity
           and
           holiness
           in
           all
           manner
           of
           conversation
           ,
           and
           pray
           for
           the
           witness
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           to
           joyn
           with
           the
           blood
           and
           the
           water
           ;
           and
           his
           Testimony
           added
           unto
           these
           ,
           will
           establish
           you
           in
           the
           faith
           of
           ,
           and
           Interest
           in
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           17.
           
           What
           is
           the
           consequence
           of
           such
           closing
           with
           God
           in
           Christ
           by
           heart
           and
           mouth
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           Union
           and
           communion
           with
           God
           ;
           All
           good
           here
           and
           his
           blessed
           fellowship
           in
           Heaven
           for
           ever
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           Quest
           .
           18.
           
           What
           if
           I
           slight
           all
           these
           things
           and
           not
           lay
           them
           to
           heart
           to
           put
           them
           in
           practice
           ?
        
         
           Answ
           .
           The
           Lord
           cometh
           with
           his
           Angels
           in
           flaming
           fire
           ;
           to
           render
           vengeance
           to
           them
           who
           obey
           not
           this
           Gospel
           ;
           And
           thy
           judgment
           shall
           be
           greater
           than
           the
           judgment
           of
           Sodom
           and
           Gomorrah
           ;
           and
           so
           much
           the
           greater
           that
           thou
           hast
           read
           this
           Treatise
           :
           for
           ,
           it
           shall
           be
           a
           witness
           against
           thee
           in
           that
           day
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
           A
           Catalogue
           of
           Books
           Printed
           for
           and
           sold
           by
           Dorman
           Newman
           ,
           at
           the
           Sign
           of
           the
           Kings
           Arms
           in
           the
           Poultry
           .
        
         
           CHoice
           and
           Practical
           Expositions
           on
           the
           Ten
           Commandments
           preached
           by
           
             James
             Durham
          
           late
           Minister
           in
           Glasgow
           .
        
         
           A
           Golden
           Key
           to
           open
           hidden
           Treasure
           ,
           or
           several
           great
           points
           ,
           which
           refer
           to
           the
           Saints
           present
           blessedness
           ,
           and
           their
           future
           happiness
           ;
           With
           the
           resolution
           of
           several
           Important
           questions
           ,
           the
           Active
           ,
           and
           Passive
           obedience
           
           of
           Christ
           ,
           Vindicated
           and
           Improved
           ;
           two
           serious
           ,
           and
           singular
           pleas
           which
           all
           sincere
           Christians
           may
           safely
           make
           to
           all
           those
           ten
           Scriptures
           which
           speak
           of
           the
           General
           ,
           and
           particular
           Judgment
           that
           must
           certainly
           pass
           on
           all
           &c.
           The
           1st
           .
           and
           2d
           .
           part
           by
           
             Tho.
             Brooks
          
           late
           preacher
           of
           the
           Gospel
           at
           St.
           
             Margaret
             new
             Fish-street
          
           .
        
         
           A
           Collection
           of
           Sermons
           preached
           at
           the
           Morning
           Lecture
           in
           Southwark
           and
           else-where
           ,
           By
           
             Nicholas
             Blakie
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Morning
           seeker
           ,
           shewing
           the
           benefit
           of
           being
           good
           betimes
           ,
           with
           directions
           to
           make
           sure
           work
           about
           early
           Religion
           ,
           by
           
             John
             Ryther
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Interest
           of
           Reason
           in
           Religion
           with
           the
           Import
           and
           use
           of
           Scripture
           Metaphors
           and
           the
           matter
           of
           union
           ,
           between
           Christ
           and
           believers
           with
           reflections
           on
           several
           late
           writings
           ,
           especially
           ,
           Mr.
           Sherlocks
           discourse
           ,
           concerning
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           modestly
           enquired
           into
           and
           stated
           ,
           by
           
             James
             Ferguson
          
           .
        
         
           The
           Works
           of
           Mr.
           
             James
             Janeway
          
           containing
           these
           six
           following
           Treatises
           ,
           Heaven
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           or
           the
           best
           friend
           in
           the
           worst
           of
           times
           ;
           Death
           unstung
           ,
           A
           Sermon
           preached
           at
           the
           Funeral
           of
           
             Tho.
             Mosely
          
           an
           Apothecary
           ,
           with
           a
           Narrative
           of
           his
           life
           and
           death
           ,
           also
           the
           manner
           of
           Gods
           dealing
           with
           him
           before
           and
           after
           his
           conversion
           ;
           A
           Sermon
           preached
           at
           the
           Funeral
           of
           
             Tho.
             Savage
          
           :
           Invisible
           realities
           demonstrated
           in
           the
           Holy
           life
           and
           Triumphant
           death
           of
           Mr.
           
             John
             Janeway
          
           ;
           His
           Legacy
           to
           his
           friends
           containing
           27
           famous
           Instances
           of
           Gods
           providences
           in
           ,
           and
           about
           Sea
           dangers
           and
           deliverances
           ,
           with
           a
           Sermon
           on
           that
           subject
           .
        
         
           Life
           in
           Gods
           favour
           ,
           a
           seasonable
           discourse
           in
           Death-threatning
           times
           ,
           being
           the
           substance
           of
           Sundry
           Sermons
           ,
           on
           
             Psalm
             .
             30.
             5.
             
             In
             his
             favour
             is
             life
             ,
          
           By
           
             O.
             Haywood
          
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           A
           call
           to
           prayer
           in
           two
           Sermons
           on
           that
           subject
           lately
           preached
           to
           a
           Country
           Auditory
           ,
           with
           an
           account
           of
           the
           
           Principles
           and
           Practices
           of
           the
           Quakers
           in
           matter
           of
           prayer
           subjoyned
           ,
           wherein
           is
           shewed
           that
           the
           Quaker's
           religion
           is
           much
           wanting
           in
           prayer
           ,
           and
           they
           themselves
           grosly
           guilty
           in
           not
           calling
           upon
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           Fathering
           much
           impiety
           on
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           alleadging
           him
           in
           defence
           of
           their
           prayer-less
           cause
           .
        
         
           Quakerism
           Subverted
           being
           a
           further
           discovery
           and
           confutation
           of
           the
           Gross
           Errours
           of
           the
           Quakers
           ,
           Published
           and
           maintained
           by
           
             Will.
             Penn
          
           and
           others
           of
           that
           sect
           .
        
         
           A
           warning
           to
           Souls
           to
           beware
           of
           Quakers
           and
           Quakerism
           ,
           by
           occasion
           of
           a
           late
           dispute
           at
           Early
           in
           Cheshire
           ,
           all
           three
           written
           by
           
             John
             Cheyney
          
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           Gospel
           remission
           ,
           or
           a
           Treatise
           shewing
           that
           true
           blessedness
           consists
           in
           Pardon
           of
           sin
           ,
           wherein
           is
           discovered
           the
           many
           gospel-Mysteries
           therein
           contained
           ,
           the
           glorious
           effects
           proceeding
           from
           it
           ,
           great
           mistakes
           made
           about
           it
           ,
           the
           true
           Signs
           and
           Symptoms
           of
           it
           ;
           Way
           and
           means
           to
           obtain
           it
           ;
           by
           
             Jeremiah
             Burrough
          
           .
        
         
           A
           Protestants
           resolution
           ,
           shewing
           his
           reasons
           why
           he
           will
           not
           be
           a
           Papist
           ,
           digested
           into
           so
           plain
           a
           method
           ,
           of
           Question
           and
           answer
           ,
           that
           an
           ordinaay
           Capacity
           may
           be
           able
           to
           defend
           the
           Protestant
           Religion
           ;
           against
           the
           most
           Cunning
           Jesuite
           or
           popish
           Priest
           .
        
         
           Mr.
           
           Wadsworth's
           Legacy
           ,
           being
           his
           serious
           exhortation
           to
           an
           holy
           Life
           ;
           Or
           a
           plea
           for
           the
           absolute
           necessity
           of
           Inherent
           righteousness
           ,
           in
           those
           that
           hope
           to
           be
           saved
           .
        
         
           The
           triumphs
           of
           Gods
           revenge
           against
           the
           crying
           and
           Execrable
           sin
           of
           murther
           ,
           expressed
           in
           30.
           several
           Tragical
           Histories
           ,
           to
           which
           is
           added
           ,
           Gods
           revenge
           against
           the
           abominable
           sin
           of
           Adultery
           .
        
         
           A
           Token
           for
           children
           ,
           being
           an
           exact
           account
           of
           the
           Conversion
           ;
           Holy
           and
           exemplary
           lives
           and
           joyful
           deaths
           of
           several
           young
           Children
           in
           2
           parts
           ;
           by
           
             James
             Janeway
          
           minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A42363-e8590
           
             Express
             transacting
             with
             God.